Dr. Paula Diane Relf
Professor and Extension Specialist
Virginia Tech University

Dr. Paula Diane Relf grew up in East Texas, an avid gardener since childhood. She is currently Professor Emeritus after a distinguished career as a Professor and Extension Specialist at Virginia Tech University. She was a founding member of what is now the American Horticultural Therapy Association and established the International People Plant Council. She will present the research evidence pertinent to the actual act of gardening and its impact on human health and well-being. She will discuss the implications of the physical involvement with the care and nurturing of plants as compared to the experiencing of near-by nature from both a programming and marketing perspective. The tremendous increase in active gardeners during the COVID-19 crisis will be considered.

Dr. Sin-Ae Park
Faculty
Konkuk University, Seoul, South Korea

Dr. Sin-Ae Park is on faculty in the Department of Bio & Healing Convergence, Graduate School, Konkuk University, Seoul, South Korea. Dr. Park is the current chair of the International People Plant Council, a vice-president of the Korean Horticultural therapy and Well-Being Association, and certified as the Korean Horticultural Therapist Level 1. Her teaching responsibilities are in human issues in horticulture and horticultural therapy. Dr. Park's research investigates the therapeutic physical, psychological and cognitive mechanisms of horticultural activity. Also, she develops research-based horticulture interventions and investigates the health benefits in various populations. She will present on the use of horticulture as a treatment tool and how the research evidence informs how to make it a more effective tool.

Dr. Candice Shoemaker
Professor of Horticulture and Human Health
Kansas State University

Dr. Candice Shoemaker is a professor of horticulture and human health and special assistant to the Dean, College of Agriculture, at Kansas State University. She has been an active member of the American Horticultural Therapy association, including serving on the Board of Directors; and is past Chair of the International People Plant Council. Her research expertise is in the use of gardening for healthy living with youth and older adults and the role of urban agriculture in public/community health and well-being. She will moderate the session and conclude the session with what the practitioner can do to promote the use of horticulture as a treatment tool and for human well-being and social development using research evidence.