Keynote Speaker: Oh, the Places I’ve Seen, and We Will Go: Room A

“Oh, the places I’ve seen, and we will go.” Who would have imagined the words of Dr. Seuss becoming the inspiration for this lecture on the evolution and the possible future trajectory of animal-assisted interventions (AAIs)/human-animal interactions (HAI)? The future of our field, a future filled with promise and potential, rests not in the past, but in the hands of a new generation of scholars and practitioners. You, the future leaders, will be responsible for guiding us into uncharted territories. Thanks to a growing body of scientific evidence, I have witnessed the field transform from a misunderstood therapy to a respected complementary approach. This transformation is further fueled by a new generation of social workers and other multidisciplinary professionals, injecting their unique perspectives and knowledge, sparking a new wave of excitement. Within the session, we will discuss some of the changes witnessed and today’s need to pass the torch to our new generation of professionals. Some of the topics that will be integrated are as follows: A discussion of some of the accomplishments and most significant roadblocks that have infused and stagnated the field’s growth. A conversation about suggestions for future researchers and clinicians passionate about AAI/HAI and what they can do to support its growth (topics will include research directions, evidence-based practice funding, and public policy). Finally, what do I envision the state of AAI/HAI in the remote future (10-20 years)? What would be the roadmap for all of us to get there?