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
Description
This presentation explores the profound impact of horticultural therapy in Ukraine, focusing on rehabilitation gardens for children, veterans, and healthcare professionals. Through case studies from OHMATDYT Hospital, mental health centers, and the Memorial Alley for Fallen Heroes, attendees will learn how therapeutic gardens aid physical, emotional, and psychological recovery. Participants will gain insights into innovative approaches, community engagement, and strategies for implementing horticultural therapy in post-war rehabilitation and healthcare settings.
Speaker
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
Description
This session explores how we can foster inclusivity in therapeutic horticulture by creating safe learning environments, breaking down barriers to entry, and telling a more representative story about the origins of healing relationships with the land. Co-presented by horticultural therapist and educator, Sarah Tanke, and Dr. Emily Boehm from UNC’s Equity in Teaching Institute, this interactive session is open to educators, practitioners, and anyone invested in increasing representation and equity in the field.
Speakers
Sarah Tanke, HTR
Sarah Tanke, HTR, is the Interim Therapeutic Horticulture Program Manager 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 Center for Faculty Excellence, 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
Description
The presentation explores how horticultural therapy fosters improved motor skills and emotional intelligence among adolescents in Kerala, including those who are differently abled. A success story from the College of Agriculture, Vellayani, will highlight how a wheelchair-bound individual gained independence in walking after a year of horticultural therapy. Participants will learn techniques such as tree hugging, plant meditation, and using rotating pots, which promote physical and emotional well-being, reduce stress, and enhance social skills.
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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