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Conference Schedule & Presentations: Conference will be held in the Auditorium and Room 4. APHE registration table will be located in the Oakland Asian Cultural Center Lobby. *Please note that Wednesday's Learning Labs are offered at an additional cost of $50 at time of registration. Cost includes both sessions, as well as lunch. Wednesday, April 29 Learning Labs: Concurrent Sessions - LLa & LLb Ink & Inquiry: Teaching Humane Perspectives with Comics 10:45 A.M. - 12:15 P.M. This session explores how comics and graphic novels can serve as tools of inquiry in K–12 social studies classrooms. I will present several case studies that examine animal histories—such as the association between cats and witches, dogs in early America, and the roles of vivisection and zoos (including the Tower Menagerie in London)—to show how these narratives can foster compassion and empathy for animals. The session will feature comics of my own creation as well as recommendations for using existing comics and graphic novels. While literacy studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of comics and graphic novels in promoting literacy, this session extends that research by examining how these mediums can also support inquiry-based humane education using a learner-centered framework focused on the social studies classroom. Presenter: Lucy Monette, University of South Florida Location: Oakland Asian Cultural Center, Auditorium Let's Get Physical: Energizing Student Engagement Through Movement and Active Learning 10:45 A.M. - 12:15 P.M. How can the design of a classroom and the movement within it help students take ownership of their learning? This session explores how intentional physical environments and movement-based activities create opportunities for students to think, collaborate, and lead. Participants will examine practical strategies—like purposeful room layouts, station rotations, and active check-for-understanding routines—that increase engagement and autonomy. Through hands-on interaction, discussion, and reflection, educators will walk away ready to transform traditional classroom spaces into dynamic learning environments where students don’t just participate—they take control of their learning journey. Presenter: D'Juan Hych, YES Prep Public Schools Location: Oakland Asian Cultural Center, Room 4
Lunch, Exhibitors, & Marketplace *Please Note: Lunch is only available for those who have purchased the Learning Lab add-on Location: Oakland Asian Cultural Center, Auditorium
Panel: Gaining Leadership Buy-In for Humane Education Programs Join us for this year's panel featuring organization leaders and decision makers who regularly champion humane education. Panelists will share their thoughts and experiences building support, overcoming challenges and aligning humane education with organizational priorities. We'll also include an Q/A portion so that attendees can ask their own questions and gain strategies to bring back to their own teams. Panelists: TBA Location: Oakland Asian Cultural Center, Auditorium 
Networking Mixer 3:30 - 5:00 P.M. Join your APHE Board Members for a networking happy hour to unwind and socialize! Hosted at our event conference venue (OACC), this mixer will be a casual space to meet other members, reconnect with old friends, and build lasting connections with fellow humane educators. There will be games, door prizes, and more, designed to engage attendees but also keep you within your comfort zone. Don’t miss this opportunity to vibe with your hive! Light hors d'oeuvres and drinks will be provided. Hosted by APHE Board of Directors Location: Oakland Asian Cultural Center, Auditorium
Thursday, April 30 Registration 9:00 - 9:30 A.M. Location: Oakland Asian Cultural Center, Lobby
Opening Remarks and Keynote Speaker Introduction 9:30 - 9:45 A.M.
Location: Oakland Asian Cultural Center, Auditorium
Keynote: Humane Educators as Catalysts for Change: Leading the Integration of Social Work and Animal Welfare 9:20 - 10:20 A.M. Humane educators are uniquely positioned to bridge the critical gap between animal welfare and human services—but only if we actively champion this integration. With 164 million pets in the US and 95% of pet owners viewing animals as family, the intersection is undeniable. Yet 900+ social work programs largely ignore this connection, leaving vulnerable populations underserved. This session makes the compelling case for why humane educators must step forward as leaders in transforming how helping professions address interconnected human-animal needs. Discover your unique qualifications: animal behavior expertise, crisis intervention skills, community trust, and systems thinking. Learn concrete strategies for partnering with social work programs, developing dual-focus curricula, creating innovative field placements, and overcoming institutional resistance. Leave with a clear action plan for positioning yourself as an essential partner in comprehensive community care. Presenter: Jedidiah Bragg, New Mexico Highlands University- Facundo Valdez School of Social Work Location: Oakland Asian Cultural Center, Auditorium
Concurrent Sessions - 1a & 1b Teach the Teacher: Roots of Compassion in the Classroom 10:20 - 11:05 A.M. Even when the motivation is strong, there is only so much we can achieve as one person or small team. After hearing “I wish we could clone you” so many times, the only way to expand my reach was teaching teachers. By working and collaborating side by side with teachers and staff from the public school system in PR, I've seen their obstacles and heard their needs and wants. With their feedback and the need to expand humane education's reach in schools, this presentation provides strategies that fit into any classroom. From short basic presentations to full month-long classes and teacher networks, Teach the Teacher will help you find the right way to reach and branch out humane education through teachers. I will share my recipe towards success in facilitating tools, knowledge, experiences, and inspiration that support teachers without adding extra workload. Teachers have enough on their plates as it is. Acknowledging this allows us to become allies, not burdens. Presenter: Adora R. Negrón Gómez, Colegio de Médicos Veterinarios de Puerto Rico Location: Oakland Asian Cultural Center, Auditorium Getting Your Humane Education Programs into Elementary Schools 10:20 - 11:05 A.M. Learn how to open doors to your local school districts and bring humane education directly to students. In this session, Cathy M. Rosenthal, CHES, shares the proven strategies and pathways that helped Spay Neuter Network reach more than 36,000 elementary students in just three years in Fort Worth, Texas—and how those lessons are shaping the launch of a new program with the San Antonio Independent School District. You’ll discover how to collaborate with city council members, animal advisory boards, and district administrators to gain access, build trust, and create lasting impact. Presenter: Cathy M. Rosenthal, CHES, Spay Neuter Network Location: Oakland Asian Cultural Center, Room 4
Concurrent Sessions - 2a & 2b From Tigers to Tabby Cats: Empathy Practices for Every Animal Advocate 11:10 - 11:55 A.M. Together, we’ll explore how empathy-based education practices used in a Zoo setting can be adapted for use with all animal advocates. Rooted in research from the Advancing Conservation Through Empathy for Wildlife (ACE) Network, these tools are a great opportunity to create consistent practices across departments for communicating and caring for animals in our care. Participants will learn how the Four Elements of Humane Education (Knowledge, Skill, Will, and Tools) support caring and conservation behaviors across species. We'll explore the Empathy Bridge framework, share practical tools, and collaborate on applying these strategies to domestic and farm animal contexts. Attendees will be invited to join the ACE Network to access ongoing resources and community support. Presenters: Eric Andary, Detroit Zoological Society & Sharon Spencer, Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens Location: Oakland Asian Cultural Center, Auditorium Community Engagement Programming: How to Responsibly Design Programs that Involve Volunteers or Students 11:10 - 11:55 A.M. Do you want to create authentic learning experiences for your students or take your volunteers into the communities that need them the most? How do we create a positive experience and maximize learning while also protecting our animal and human partners? This session will present the basics of community engagement learning, evaluation, and ethics, using a recent example of qualitative analysis during a clinical veterinary student rotation where students journaled about their experiences with a community outreach organization. We will facilitate discussions on changing perceptions, difficult discussions, and resource needs. Other themes will include the complexity of perceptions of communities, owners, and animals, transformation of views of the community, and transformation of views of participants themselves. We will also discuss how to establish pre/post training and evaluation tools, including the pros and cons of qualitative research. Presenters: Dr. Brittany Watson & Dr. Lauren Powell, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine Location: Oakland Asian Cultural Center, Room 4
Lunch, Exhibitors, and Marketplace 11:55 A.M. - 12:55 P.M. Location: Oakland Asian Cultural Center, Auditorium
Membership Meeting 12:55 - 1:35 P.M. Hosted by the APHE Board of Directors Location: Oakland Asian Cultural Center, Auditorium
Concurrent Sessions - 3a & 3b Supporting Youth, Improving the World: The Win-Win of Humane Education 1:40 - 2:25 P.M. Young people care deeply about issues affecting people, animals, and the planet—but too often, their learning stops at awareness. This session explores how educators can help students move beyond awareness to take meaningful, student-led action that builds empathy, agency, and real-world impact. We’ll share stories showing how youth-led changemaking fosters social-emotional growth, strengthens community, and empowers students to see themselves as capable of creating change. Co-presented by Rachel Friend, a teacher who successfully helped pilot one of HEART's new initiatives called Youth Changemaker Clubs, this session offers practical strategies and inspiring “wins” to help participants nurture changemaking in their own classrooms.Presenters: Kristina Hulvershorn, HEART & Rachel Friend, Elementary Educator Location: Oakland Asian Cultural Center, Auditorium HEART Program: Building Hope for People and Pets in Need 1:40 - 2:25 P.M. This session highlights the HEART Program, a unique partnership between El Paso Animal Services and a local shelter that provided critical resources to both the unhoused community and their pets. Attendees will learn how bridging human and animal services fosters compassion, strengthens trust, and breaks down barriers to care. Through real stories and lessons learned, this presentation will showcase how innovative, community-driven programs can create meaningful change for vulnerable people and the animals who depend on them. Presenter: Jessica Navarro, El Paso Animal Services Location: Oakland Asian Cultural Center, Room 4
Concurrent Sessions - 4a & 4b Navigating the Topic of Death 2:40 - 3:25 P.M. Humane educators have a responsibility to hold conversations surrounding the topic of animal death. Whether at a zoo, a veterinary clinic, or an animal shelter, American society tends to associate the death of animals with a variety of negative emotions. The topic of animal deaths can create feelings of fear, despair, and anger. These intense feelings can cause people to shut down or become unresponsive to our educational initiatives. Thankfully, there is a way to discuss this sensitive topic in a way that preserves positivity and open-mindedness to education. Together, we will explore the importance of trauma-informed education and learn strategies for implementing trauma-informed practices in our work as humane educators. Location: Oakland Asian Cultural Center, Auditorium Making the Case: Building Support and Funding for Humane Education Through Animal Control Partnerships 2:40 - 3:25 P.M. This session offers practical strategies for positioning humane education as a public safety and community wellbeing initiative. Learn how to gather data, tell powerful stories, and collaborate with field services teams to secure grants, sponsorships, and leadership buy-in. Attendees will leave with a messaging toolkit that links humane education outcomes to measurable community impact. Presenter: Jerrica Owen, NACA Location: Oakland Asian Cultural Center, Room 4
Closing Remarks 3:25 - 3:40 P.M. Location: Oakland Asian Cultural Center, Auditorium
Exhibitors & Marketplace 3:40 - 4:40 P.M. Location: Oakland Asian Cultural Center, Auditorium
Dinner and Nathania Gartman Heroes Award Presentation 6:00 - 9:00 P.M. Location: The Fat Lady - 201 Washington Street, Oakland, CA
Friday, May 1 Welcome Back to Day Two 9:30 - 9:35 A.M. Location: Oakland Asian Cultural Center, Auditorium
Concurrent Sessions - 5a & 5b Brains, Behavior, and Belonging 9:35 - 10:20 A.M. This session explores the intersection of humane education, neurodiversity, and trauma-informed teaching. Drawing from classroom experiences and advocacy work, this presentation challenges traditional behavior management systems (like token economies and PBIS) that rely on control or compliance. Instead, it introduces empathy-driven approaches that honor each learner’s emotional and neurological differences — creating environments that nurture compassion for both humans and animals.Educators will learn how to: Use co-regulation and emotional literacy to support struggling students Integrate animal stories, sensory tools, and storytelling to teach empathy Foster community partnerships that reinforce humane education values Shift from “fixing behavior” to “understanding brain states” Grounded in neuroscience, lived experience, and humane principles, this talk demonstrates how embracing neurodiversity strengthens the core mission of humane education compassion toward all living beings. Presenter: Rebecca Engle, Stitches and Stanzas Location: Oakland Asian Cultural Center, Auditorium A Sanctuary for All 9:35 - 10:20 A.M. Presenter: Era MacDonald, Merrymac Farm Sanctuary Location: Oakland Asian Cultural Center, Room 4
Roundtables: Topics TBA 10:25 - 11:25 A.M. Network, brainstorm, share ideas, discuss challenges, and more with fellow humane educators!Hosted by the APHE Board of Directors Location: Oakland Asian Cultural Center, Auditorium
Lunch Break, Exhibitors and Marketplace 11:25 A.M. - 12:25 P.M. Location: Oakland Asian Cultural Center, Auditorium
Concurrent Sessions - 6a & 6b Building Empathy Through Stories 12:25 P.M. - 1:10 P.M. Join Maryellen Mullin Fong, LMFT, author and psychotherapist, for an engaging session on the power of story to build empathy in children. Using her own books — Madigan and Menina Find Their “Furever” Family and Puppy and Kitten Find a Family — Maryellen will introduce the connection between Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and humane education. Through discussion, reflection, and hands-on practice, participants will learn how to use storybooks to foster empathy for both humans and animals. Please bring your favorite children’s storybook that features an animal (or the title of one you would use with your program). Together, we will explore how to design a simple, adaptable lesson plan that weaves SEL skills with humane education to support compassion for two- and four-legged friends alike. Books available at messyparenting.com. Presenter: Maryellen Mullin, San Francisco Family Therapy Location: Oakland Asian Cultural Center, Auditorium Beyond the Plate: What Veganism Can Teach Us About Creating Inclusive, Compassionate Educational Spaces 12:25 P.M. - 1:10 P.M. This welcoming, interactive session invites participants to explore veganism not as a lifestyle or dietary choice, but as an ethical and educational framework that aligns with the values of humane education, including cultivating empathy and critical thinking, and creating solutions that do the most good and least harm for people, fellow animals, and the planet. Together, we’ll consider how vegan principles can inform inclusive menu policies, foster compassionate learning environments, and deepen awareness of the impact our educational practices have on all beings. Presenters: Emily Tronetti, Ed. D., Institute for Humane Education, & Jesika Keener, Independent Activist & Scholar Location: Oakland Asian Cultural Center, Room 4
Closing Keynote: Humane Educators as Catalysts for Change: Leading the Integration of Social Work and Animal Welfare 1:15 - 1:45 P.M. Presenter: Phil Arkow, The National Link Coalition Location: Oakland Asian Cultural Center, Auditorium
Closing Remarks 1:45 - 2:00 P.M. Location: Oakland Asian Cultural Center, Auditorium
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