Concurrent Sessions 7 | October 10, 2025 | 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM (PST)
Healing Through Greenery: The Role of Horticultural Therapy in the Revival of Ukraine
Speakers
Yuliia Rashkovska
Yuliia Rashkovska – Visionary in Horticultural Therapy and Rehabilitation Gardens in Ukraine Yuliia Rashkovska is not just a landscape architect and researcher; she is a passionate advocate of horticultural therapy, weaving the healing power of nature into spaces where it is needed most. As a specialist and researcher, she has dedicated her career to creating therapeutic gardens that provide peace, restoration, and hope. Her work touches the lives of children, veterans, and medical professionals, making her a driving force in horticultural therapy in Ukraine.
Cultivating Inclusivity: Creating Safe, Equitable, and Honest Teaching Spaces in Horticultural Therapy
Speakers
Sarah Tanke, HTR
Sarah Tanke, HTR, is the Therapeutic Horticulture Community Engagement Specialist at the North Carolina Botanical Garden (NCBG) and an adjunct instructor in the University of Florida’s Certificate in Horticultural Therapy program. She works directly with individuals with severe and persistent mental illness, as well as students at UNC, using therapeutic horticulture to foster connection and well-being. She is also leading the redesign of the Introduction to Therapeutic Horticulture course within NCBG’s Online Certificate in Therapeutic Horticulture, ensuring a more inclusive and accessible learning experience. Her work prioritizes equity, accessibility, and expanding opportunities for underrepresented communities in the field.
Dr. Emily Boehm
Dr. Emily Boehm is a faculty member at the University of North Carolina’s Equity in Teaching Institute, specializing in inclusive pedagogy and curriculum design. She works with educators and professionals across disciplines to create equitable learning and practice environments, integrating anti-racist and trauma-informed strategies.
Horticultural Therapy: Enhancing Motor Skills & Emotional Intelligence in Adolescents of Kerala
Speaker
Dr. Beela G.K
Dr. Beela G.K. is a Professor and Head of the Department of Community Science at the College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Kerala Agricultural University. With over 28 years of experience in horticultural therapy, she specializes in nature-based interventions that enhance emotional and developmental growth in adolescents. Dr. Beela has developed unique programs incorporating plant care, mindfulness, and physical activities. With a background in Child Development and Human Development, she works closely with schools and therapy centers across Kerala to implement therapeutic programs that address the needs of adolescents, including those who are differently abled.
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