Poster Presentations | October 11, 2025 | 11:45 AM - 12:45 PM
Presenters:
The Impact of Horticultural Therapy on Student Well-being
Presented By
Dr. Paul Shing-fong Chan
Dr. Paul Shing-fong Chan is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at The Education University of Hong Kong. His research focuses on behavioral health, mental health, and health promotion. He has published over 50 papers in international peer-reviewed journals and actively contributes to editorial work as an academic editor, editorial board member, guest editor, and peer reviewer. Currently, one of his research areas explores the application of horticultural therapy to enhance well-being across various populations, including students and older adults. He also serves as Co-Chairman of the Research Committee of the Hong Kong Association of Therapeutic Horticulture.
Horticultural Therapy and Cognitive Function in Dementia: A Meta-Analysis
Presented By
Phasakorn Fungfoo, Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, National Chung Hsing University, Taiwan (R.O.C))
Phasakorn Fungfoo is a Ph.D. student in the Department of Horticulture at National Chung Hsing University in Taiwan, focusing his research on horticultural therapy. He has experience as a horticultural therapist's assistant. Additionally, he is a lecturer in the Department of Horticulture at Kasetsart University in Thailand, where he teaches landscape design and horticultural therapy. After graduating, he aims to become one of the leading horticultural therapy specialists in Thailand.
Impact of Horticultural Therapy on Cancer Patients: A Pilot Study
Presented By
Virginia Cioncoloni
I am a PhD student in Agricultural, Environmental, and Food Science and Technology at the University of Bologna, funded by the GreenME project (funded by Horizon Europe grant n. 101084198). I hold a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Sciences from the University of Pisa (2020) and a master’s in Ecosystem Design and Management from the University of Bologna (2023). My research focuses on therapeutic horticulture and nature-based therapies, particularly their integration into healthcare systems to support mental health and well-being. With experience in designing therapeutic green spaces and community-based projects, I aim to bridge academic research and practical applications, promoting sustainable and equitable healthcare solutions.
Walk & Talk Therapy: Cultivating Mental Health in Rural Colleges
Presented By
Avery Wageman, M.A., LPC
Avery Wageman is a CCTP-trained clinician with three years of practice in college and rural mental health care. As a budding ecotherapist, Avery is passionate about connecting at-need communities to mental healthcare and innovating exciting new techniques to meet the demands for counseling in both college settings and private practice.
The Gardener-Garden Mutuality: A Dance of Growth and Well-being
Presented By
Queshaun Svante Sudbury, DNP, CCM, PMHNP
I am a licensed, bonded psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner, graduating from LSUHSC in May 2020 with a doctor of nursing practice focus on the garden as an environment of care and therapeutic milieu. My research focused on the dual benefits of resilience and nutrition for individuals experiencing homelessness.
Portable/Temporary Vertical Gardens
Presented By
Annette Hatala, OTL/OTD
Former homeschooler and occupational therapist since 2006. She has worked with various populations from adolescents to adults in mental health, physical disabilities and community settings specializing therapeutic gardening and aquatic modalities. In 2016, she founded the nonprofit, Life’s Toolbox, whose motto is building community through gardening and crafting. Educating others is her passion and shares her knowledge through teaching occupational therapy as a professor at Stanbridge University and offers presentations for professionals seeking to gain skills utilizing therapeutic gardening and crafting, for more information to go Annettehatala.com or Lifestoolbox.org.
Nature-Based Programs as Part of Normalization Reforms in Correctional Institutions
Presented By
Julia Kuzokina
A professor of horticulture in the Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture at the University of Connecticut. Her areas of expertise include ecological restoration, plant taxonomy and plant selection.
Jill Desimini
A Director & Associate Professor of Landscape Architecture in the Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture at the University of Connecticut. Her research looks at the critical intersection of social and climatic threats over time, to identify potentials for land reform to spread wealth and enable reciprocal human and non-human relationships.
Sohyn Park
An Associate Professor of Landscape Architecture in the Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture at the University of Connecticut. Her research focuses on innovation, and public engagement to advance urban sustainability and community resilience through a socio-ecological systems perspective.
Laura Urban
A master’s student in the Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture at the University of Connecticut. She is developing a GIS model for the establishment of Pollinator Corridor in New England. Her research focuses on environmental horticulture, with a particular emphasis on the ecological restoration and design.
John Campanelli
A PhD student in the Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture at the University of Connecticut. His research focuses on ecological restoration and horticultural therapy.
Nature-Based Approach to Living Beyond Cancer
Presented By
Stacey LaFave, MS
Stacey LaFave, MS is a mental health counselor who has worked in oncology for over 30 years. Besides the everyday tasks of case management and supportive care to individuals and families with cancer, she has created and facilitated many support groups and educational programs as well participation in hospital wide initiatives such as palliative, spiritual, employee wellness, and integrative care. She is a certified Forest Therapy Guide through the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy, a certification in horticultural therapy through the Horticultural Therapy Institute, and she is certified in Critical Incident Stress Management.
School-Based Groups: Integrating CBT and Horticulture Interventions
Presented By
Christopher Banke, HTR
Christopher Banke is a licensed marriage and family therapist who has been working in outpatient pediatric mental health settings for over 10 years. He specializes in supporting children and teens who’ve experienced trauma, anxiety and depression, including suicidality, as well as various sensory processing and neurodevelopmental disorders. He has worked in multiple middle schools throughout the SW Washington area over the past 4 years. He recently became an HTR, and completed part of his internship at the Portland Memory Garden.
Medicinal Plant Horticultural Therapy Program
Presented By
Jina You
My name is Jina You. I earned a bachelor’s degree in Biology in South Korea and completed a master’s degree in Floral Design. During my studies, I worked as a florist in hotels, gaining experience in retail, weddings, and private garden management. I also completed a horticultural therapy certification and began practical training in nursing homes and senior care facilities. However, the COVID-19 pandemic interrupted my training. After immigrating to the United States, I became eager to explore new opportunities in horticultural therapy. I am passionate about further studying and gaining hands-on experience in this field to deepen my expertise in horticultural therapy and wellness.
Therapeutic Horticulture and Grief Healing: A Holistic Approach for Children
Presented By
Elizabeth D. Eubanks, M.Ed
Elizabeth D. Eubanks, M.Ed. With 28 years of experience in science/STEAM education and over ten years as a community garden steward, Elizabeth Eubanks is dedicated to fostering growth and healing through hands-on learning and horticultural therapy. Her work spans a wide range of educational and community-focused initiatives, from mentoring individuals in therapeutic gardening practices to connecting them with experts in the field. An award-winning, Master’s level educator, she creates authentic, empowering experiences that promote emotional well-being and resilience, helping people discover their passion in STEAM. Elizabeth’s passion for community building and sustainable practices drives her commitment to creating spaces where individuals of all ages can learn, grow, and heal together. Master of Education, ESOL, Palm Beach Atlantic University, West Palm Beach Florida May 2004 Bachelor of Science Zoology, Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama May 1997 Certificate in Horticultural Therapy, University of Florida, Virtual May 2025
Pulses in Horticultural Therapy: Growing Wellness through Legumes
Presented By
Rohini Y. Deshpande, Phd (Hort), HTR
I am a certified horticultural therapist and artist with a doctorate in horticulture. I was recognized by the Congress, State Assembly of California, California Senate, Santa Clara county board of supervisors and City of Santa Clara for serving the seniors at Priya Living with horticultural therapy sessions during COVID-19 pandemic. I have worked with adults with intellectual disabilities, seniors with Alzheimer's and dementia, seniors, and mental health patients. I also teach art classes for all age groups. I am also an author of the book “Garden to Table: Simple Recipes with Herbs and Edible Flowers”. The book is based on the HT sessions with my clients.
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