L&L: Native Plants in Horticultural Therapy with Alexa Heilman

This Lunch and Learn will be a review of the history, practice and applications of Horticultural Therapy and guidance for how native plants can be used in an Horticultural Therapy practice from a practical, metaphorical and therapeutic/clinical perspective.

About the Presenter: I grew up in Jacksonville Beach, FL with parents that worked in environmental science and engineering. I graduated from UF with a degree in Behavioral Cognitive Neuroscience in 2020, and later received a certificate from UF in Horticultural Therapy. I went on to become a professionally registered Horticultural Therapist (HTR) with the American Horticultural Therapy Association (AHTA) after completing an internship at GROW HUB - where I continue to work today, helping to connect individuals with disabilities to meaningful work through horticulture. GROW HUB's Native Plant Program was created around the time I began working there in 2021, and was made possible with the direction of Cherice Smithers, and the wonderful support of volunteers like Kathy Paterson. I have been able to see the positive impact working with native plants has brought to our staff, business and community, and hope to share that experience and knowledge so that others may find it useful.