California Horticultural Therapy Network
Catalyzing collaborations to advance the profession of Horticultural Therapy in California
Horticulture as Therapy
Meet a Practioner
Practitioners of Horticultural Therapy & Therapeutic Horticulture
Some CHTN members are experienced professionals in the fields of horticultural therapy (HT) and therapeutic horticulture (TH), applying their expertise across diverse settings and populations. Each practitioner brings a unique perspective and skill set to their work, supporting individuals through the healing power of plants and nature-based activities. Below are CHTN members who actively practice HT or TH. Please reach out directly If you have a specific question or want to connect.
 | April Ellis, LCSW, HTR Professional Roles: Medical social worker, geriatric psychiatric social worker, outpatient therapist, clinic director Populations: Elders, adults, and teens. People struggling with anxiety, depression, dementia and psychosis. Psychiatric hospital inpatients. Outpatient therapy clients. Education: Recreation Administration B.S., Masters in Social Work, Horticultural Therapy Certificate, Horticulture classes at SFCC Member: CHTN, American Horticultural Therapy Assn (AHTA), National Assn of Social Workers (NASW) Favorite HT Activity: Anything with Mint, lemon verbena or nasturtiums |
| Karen Haney, M.A., HTR Professional Roles: Horticultural Therapist (HTR), Instructor with UCLA Extension, Garden Educator, Certified Massage Therapist (CMT) Populations: Special education, children and youth, physical rehabilitation, therapeutic rehabilitation, general health and wellness. Education: Master’s degree in clinical psychology. Certified in permaculture design. Master gardener. Member: CHTN, American Horticultural Therapy Assn (AHTA), American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTM) Favorite HT Activity: Nature mandalas! Contact: knhaney@verizon.net |
| Faryn Hart, ASW HTR
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| Trish Hildinger, HTR Professional Roles: Therapeutic Horticulture classes with students at the Stroke and Disability Learning Center, Founder CHTN, lead team Therapeutic Horticulture Activity Database (THAD). Populations: Elders, adults Education: Horticulture B.S., Horticultural Therapy Certificate, Horticultural Therapist Registered Member: CHTN, American Horticultural Therapy Association (AHTA) Contact: www.horticulturaltherapysc.com horticulturaltherapysc@gmail.com |
