Opening Keynote Speaker

Dr. Jedediah Bragg, New Mexico Highlands University - Facundo Valdez School of Social Work

Dr. Jedediah Bragg is Associate Professor of Social Work at New Mexico Highlands University with dual expertise as a licensed social worker and certified animal-assisted intervention specialist.

His research focuses on service dog training, human-animal bonds, and integrating animal welfare into social work practice. He has published extensively in various topics, including animal-assisted interventions and developed innovative field placement programs bridging human and animal welfare services, positioning humane educators as essential community leaders.

When: Thursday, April 30th, 9:45 - 10:15 a.m.

Closing Keynote Speaker

Phil Arkow, The National Link Coalition

Phil Arkow, Hon. Dipl., was 1 of the first 6 full-time humane educators. He is President/Secretary of the National LINK Coalition – the Global Resource Center on The LINK between Animal Abuse and Human Violence – and edits the LINK-Letter. He teaches at the University of Florida. He has presented 400 times in 17 countries and authored 100 works on human-animal interactions. He co-founded the National Link Coalition, NACA, and Colorado and New Jersey’s humane federations. He has served with a dozen human-animal bond organizations. He has earned numerous awards.

When: Friday, May 1st, 1:15 - 1:45 p.m.

Lucy Monette, University of South Florida

Lucy Monette is a doctoral student at the University of South Florida studying interdisciplinary education. She is interested in exploring how humane education can be incorporated into social studies classrooms using comics and graphic novels as tools of inquiry. Once Lucy graduates, she endeavors to bring humane education to mainstream higher education with the goal of teaching pre-service teachers how to incorporate humane education into their classroom.

When: Wednesday, April 29th, 10:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

Learning Lab: Ink and Inquiry: Teaching Humane Perspectives with Comics

D'Juan Hych, YES Prep Public Schools

D’Juan Hych is an instructional leader and educator with over a decade of experience driving student achievement and developing teachers at scale. A proud father of two and a native of East St. Louis, Illinois, he brings creativity, engagement, and data-informed practice to every learning space. A Teach For America alumnus, D’Juan currently serves as a Dean of Instruction in Houston, Texas, where he coaches teachers, facilitates high-impact professional learning, and leads systems that increase engagement and academic growth. His work centers equity, community, and the belief that every space can be left better than it was found.

When: Wednesday, April 29th, 10:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

Learning Lab: Let’s Get Physical: Energizing Student Engagement Through Movement and Active Learning

Adora R. Negrón Gómez, Colegio de Médicos Veterinarios de Puerto Rico

After 15 years working in education and animal welfare through local organizations and independent projects, in 2019 The Colegio de Médicos Veterinarios de Puerto Rico shared Adora's vision of inspiring humane values and prosocial behavior through education. What began with 2 schools have now reached 4, providing bi-weekly humane education lessons from preschool to 8th grade. Other school and private activities, and camps have reached thousands. Agreements with the Department of Education of Puerto Rico are providing humane education training and classroom resources. Currently, Adora has launched a pilot 4-month humane education teacher training reaching over 40 teachers to create a network across Puerto Rico.

When: Thursday, April 30th, at 10:20 a.m.   

Teach the Teacher, Roots of Compassion in the Classroom

Cathy M. Rosenthal, CHES - Spay Neuter Network

Cathy M. Rosenthal, CHES, brings 35 years of experience in animal welfare, working with local humane societies and national organizations in humane education, program development, communications, and grant writing. She oversees Spay Neuter Network's humane education program, which has reached more than 36,000 students in just three years. As a consultant and trainer, Cathy leads customer service and compassion fatigue workshops for animal welfare professionals and presents regularly at Best Friends and Texas Unites conferences. She is also a syndicated pet columnist and author of bilingual books on pet care.

When: Thursday, April 30th, at 10:20 a.m.

Getting Your Humane Education Program into Elementary Schools

Eric Andary, Detroit Zoological Society

Eric Andary is the Curator of Humane Education at the Detroit Zoo, where he designs programs that foster empathy, compassion, and action for animals and the natural world.

With a background in education and a passion for connecting people to animals through meaningful experiences, Eric integrates research-based practices from networks like ACE for Wildlife into the Zoo settings. His work bridges the gap between conservation and care, helping learners of all ages build the knowledge, skills, will, and tools to make a difference.

Sharon Spencer, Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens

Sharon Spencer is an adult education specialist at Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens and a doctoral candidate in Humane Education at Antioch University. With a background in biological sciences and social systems, Sharon brings a passion for empathy-driven conservation and community building. She integrates diverse perspectives into her work, helping learners connect with animals and nature through storytelling, curiosity, and collaboration. Sharon is also an instructor and facilitator with Project Dragonfly at Miami University and is dedicated to exploring empathy as a framework for conservation education.

When: Thursday, April 30th, at 11:10 a.m.

From Tigers to Tabby Cats: Empathy Practices for Every Animal Advocate

Dr. Brittany Watson, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine

Dr. Brittany Watson is the Director of Shelter Medicine and Community Engagement and an Associate Professor in Shelter Medicine and Community Engagement (CE) at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Watson is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, BS in Biology and MS in Education at Duquesne University and her PhD in Educational Leadership at the University of South Carolina. Interests include humane education, program evaluation, One Health approaches to problem solving, interprofessional collaboration, and community engagement.

Dr. Lauren Powell, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine

Dr. Lauren Powell is a lecturer of animal welfare and behavior at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. She received a bachelor's degree with First Class Honours in Animal and Veterinary Bioscience and a PhD in Public Health (Human-Animal Interactions) from the University of Sydney. Lauren has published more than 30 scientific articles and initiated a number of research projects investigating human-animal interactions, animal behavior and animal welfare in shelters and the community. She also led the development of the Penn Vet Quality of Life Tool app.

Jessica Navarro, El Paso Animal Services

Jessica Navarro holds a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and is currently pursuing her Master's in Humane Education. She is a lifelong activist for all, with over seven years in animal welfare and four in humane education she is committed to building a more compassionate and just world. At home, Jessica is surrounded by five beloved dogs and her husband and daughter, who remind her daily of the joy, resilience, and unconditional love that animals/humans bring and why they are worth fighting for. River, inspired by our Indigenous/Hispanic culture as "leader," is her greatest inspiration, motivating her every day to build a kinder world and to empower the next generation.

Kristina Hulvershorn, HEART

Kristina Hulvershorn is Program Director at HEART. She designs and leads a variety of humane education programs and initiatives, grounded in years of experience as a teacher and leader in public schools. She created Be the Change at Peace Learning Center, co-founded Climate Camp, and authored Secret of the Troublemakers. An experienced teacher, restorative justice trainer, and M.Ed. in Humane Education, Kristina is passionate about empowering children to act with kindness, creativity, and courage, fostering empathy, agency, and meaningful change in their communities.  

Olivia Yokas, Lindsay Wildlife Experience

Olivia is a NAI certified interpretive guide working at the Lindsay Wildlife Experience in Walnut Creek, CA. She received a Bachelor's of Science in Environmental Science in 2021 and recently acquired a Master's in Special Education from Grand Canyon University.

In her position as Wildlife Outreach Specialist, she combines her love of environmental conservation and inclusive education. She is passionate about cultivating accessibility, equity, and compassion in educational settings.

Her background in theater, mental health awareness, and environmental education allows her to engage audiences through charismatic and optimistic dialogue.

Jerrica Owen, National Animal Care & Control Association

Jerrica Owen is the CEO of the National Animal Care & Control Association (NACA), leading national efforts to elevate the animal care and control profession through training, standards, and advocacy. With a background in nonprofit leadership and community engagement, she focuses on strengthening partnerships, building state association networks, and advancing humane, data-driven solutions that improve outcomes for pets, people, and the officers who serve them.

Rebecca Engle, Stitches and Stanzas

Rebecca Engle, M.Ed., is an autistic educator, author, and founder of Stitches and Stanzas, blending creativity, compassion, and advocacy to transform learning spaces. A special education teacher, she designs neuro-affirming and trauma-informed programs that replace behavior charts with empathy-driven connection. Her work bridges humane education and neurodiversity, empowering educators to nurture kindness toward people, animals, and the environment.

When: Friday, May 1st, at 9:35 a.m.

Brains, Behavior, and Belonging

Era McDonald, The Merrymac Farm Sanctuary

Emily Tronetti, Ed.D., Institute for Humane Education

Emily Tronetti is the Community Connection Specialist for the Humane Education Graduate Programs at the Institute for Humane Education. She earned her Ed.D. in Educational and Professional Practice with a specialization in Humane Education from Antioch University and IHE. She also has her M.S. in Anthrozoology from Canisius University. Now an adjunct professor at Canisius, Emily teaches courses on animal welfare and animal nonprofits. Her transdisciplinary work focuses on cultivating more equitable and compassionate relationships between humans, other animals, and the land we share.

Jesika Keener, Ed.D., Independent Activist and Scholar

Grounded in a commitment to total liberation, Jesika Keener, Ed.D. sees education as a catalyst for cultivating compassion and interconnectedness with all beings. Her work focuses on fostering spaces that reflect these values and empower others to pursue meaningful change. Jesika advances humane education through leadership and scholarship, serving on the Solutionary Business Leadership Advisory Council for the Institute for Humane Education, the Executive Board of Directors for the Institute for Critical Animal Studies, and the Board of Directors for APHE. To learn more about her work, visit jesikakeener.academia.edu.