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KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

THA IS THRILLED TO HAVE TWO OUTSTANDING KEYNOTE SPEAKERS FOR THE CONFERENCE


Anna Baker Cresswell

In-person


Founder & Executive Director HighGround

Horticultural Therapy – a personal journey from projects for veterans, to a rehab intervention for injured serving personnel.

Anna Baker Cresswell started the charity HighGround in 2013 to bring Horticultural Therapy to injured soldiers, sailors and airmen as it had not previously been used by the military in the UK. The Army Benevolent Fund supported HighGround to run a pilot at Headley Court to test the benefits of Horticultural Therapy for this cohort and 10 years later the service is going strong! Anna was honoured to speak at the Cultivate 2016 conference and she returns to Australia to update Conference about HighGround's progress, how we managed during the Covid 19 pandemic and plans for the future.

ABOUT SPEAKER

Anna is a proud Northumbrian. Her Mother was a very keen gardener who started the Yellow Book (National Garden Scheme) in Northumberland. When her Mother died in 2004 Anna wanted to do something in her memory so she started a charity Gardening Leave, which combined her love of walled gardens with a desire to help those who have served and are struggling both mentally and physically. Away from her work which is also her passion, Anna enjoys watching cricket and horseracing.


Amy Wagenfeld

Zooming in from USA


Affiliate Associate Professor

Nature’s Prescription for Health

Everyone deserves to experience nature wherever they work, learn, play, recreate, socialize, and live as evidence-based research supports the benefits of connections with nature throughout life. In this presentation, theories, and research connecting life-course development with nature experiences and exemplar outdoor space design projects and programs will be explored

ABOUT SPEAKER

Dr. Amy Wagenfeld, a distinguished occupational therapist, educator, and researcher, holds various roles as a therapeutic and universal design consultant. As a faculty member in the Boston University Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctoral program and Principal of Amy Wagenfeld | Design, she merges her expertise to bridge occupational therapy and design. Recognized as a Fellow of the American Occupational Therapy Association, Amy holds certifications in evidence-based design (EDAC) and environmental modifications (SCEM). She is also certified in Healthcare Garden Design by the Chicago Botanical Garden. Honored with the American Occupational Therapy Association Recognition of Achievement and the American Society of Landscape Architects Outstanding Service Award, Amy is renowned for her innovative projects. Passionate about universal design, she focuses on creating inclusive environments across diverse settings, emphasizing mental health and resilience. Amy's collaborative ventures span sensory gardens for autism, therapeutic recreation centers, and award-winning healthcare landscapes. Co-author of the acclaimed book, "Therapeutic Gardens: Design for Healing Spaces," Amy's commitment to inclusive access to nature is evident in her extensive publications and presentations.




THA

Therapeutic Horticulture Australia

Level 11, 456 Lonsdale Street
Melbourne

Telephone

THA Secretariat

+61 3 8669 1661 



Email

conference@tha.org.au

Conference Administration
FineHaus

THA Website

www.tha.org.au

Delivered on the lands of the Kabi Kabi

THA acknowledges the Kabi Kabi as the traditional owners of the land