 2004 Conference Proceedings
Below are files related to the proceedings of the 2004 HABI Conference. Please note that some of
the presentations are extremely large and might take a while to download.
Conference Agenda
Conference Purpose
HABI Background
Keynotes
The benefits of human-animal interaction: Research and Practice
Rebecca Johnson, PhD, RN is the Millsap Professor of Gerontological Nursing and
Public Policy and Associate Director for Research of the MU Center ofExcellence on Aging at the University of Missouri Sinclair School of Nursing. Dr. Johnson also
holds an adjunct appointment with the MU College of Veterinary Medicine and is Associate Director for Research of their Center for the Study of Animal Wellness. A
widely respected researcher, Dr. Johnson's interest areas are in the study of the human-animal bond, relocation of older adults, sense of coherence in older adults'
life transitions and human companion animal interaction and wellness. In 2000, she was invited to meet with the U.S. Surgeon General to acquaint him with research on
the role of animals in promoting human health and well-being. Dr. Johnson has authored numerous publications and is a sought-after speaker at national and
international conferences. A supporter of this conference since its inception, she returns in 2004 as the Keynote speaker. AAT in a Geriatric Center in Vienna/Austria
Eva Fuchswans, MD is head of a 150-patientnGeriatrics Department in The
Geriatric Center, "Am Wienerwald" in Vienna, Austria. Am Wienerwald is the largest geriatric center in Europe with over 2,600 patients. Dr. Fuchswans earned her
medical degree at the University of Vienna. From the beginning of her career, she has been interested in animal-assisted therapy. In 1988, she started an animal
visiting program and in 1992 introduced a program of animal-assisted therapy at Am Wienerwald. She lives in a small town near Vienna with her husband, a physician and physiologist, and 13 cats. Podium Presentations Attitudes toward food animal welfare
Camie Heleski, PhD was raised on a horse farm and was extensively involved in 4-H programs during her youth. She earned her MS in Animal Science from Michigan
State University in 1991, and began teaching in the Horse Management program at MSU. She earned her PhD in Animal Behavior and Welfare at MSU in 2004. Her
interests in this area are diverse, ranging from attitudes toward farm animal welfare, horse welfare and behavior, the relationship between humans and animals. She is
an active member of the Human-Animal Bond Initiative at MSU and was instrumental in the development of the Animal Welfare Judging Team.
TheThe Yerkes-Dodson Law and Social Facilitation: A Predictive Model for Animal-Assisted Therapy Effects
Kathy Gerbasi, PhD is a Social Psychologist and faculty member at Niagara County
Community College, in Sanborn, NY, Resource Coordinator for the Society and Animals Forum and the Director of Research and Education for People, Animals
and Nature, Inc. a nonprofit organization in association with DePaul University in Chicago, IL. Dr. Gerbasi earned her PhD from the University of Rochester, Rochester, NY.
Therapeutic Riding — Is It Good for the Horse? Is It Good for the Rider? Is It Good for the Researcher?
Lana Kaiser, MD, DVM is a Professor in the Colleges of Human Medicine and Nursing at MSU. She received a BA in English and a BS in Nursing from the
University of Buffalo, and MD and DVM from Michigan State. She is a founding member and coordinator of the Human-Animal Bond Initiative. Trained in
cardiovascular pathophysiology and parasitology, Dr. Kaiser has recently focused her research on the relationship between humans and animals, including the effect of
therapeutic riding on both the rider and the horse. Dr. Kaiser breeds and raises Maine-Anjou cattle, and in addition to cows, shares her life with 3 dogs, 3 barn cats and a horse.
Therapy Horses — Our Horses, Our Patients
Bonnie DePue, OTR is President of CHUM Therapeutic Riding. She is a therapeutic riding instructor, member of a hippotherapy team, 4H leader and riding instructor.
She has participated in multidisciplinary research projects involving the relationship between horses and humans, both as a therapeutic riding instructor and an
occupational therapist. Because of her desire to document the effect of therapeutic riding after 20 years as a therapeutic riding instructor, she returned to school and
received a bachelor's degree in Occupational Therapy from Baker College. Bonnie is a lifelong companion to horses. |
