About this course

Learning Objectives

• Understand the benefits of Animal Assisted Therapy with children
• Consider the animal’s character and skill set in terms of their appropriateness for work with clients in different settings.
• Understand some of the ethical and welfare issues for children and animals in various settings
• Understand how AAT can be integrated into different types of play therapy
• Explore how AAT can help with different common childhood mental health issues

Learning Levels

• Intermediate

Course Instructor(s)

• 

  Ellen Winston

  Co-Founder and Training Director

  Ellen received her Master’s Degree in Counseling and a Certificate in Animals and Human Health from the University of Denver. Inspired by her dog Sasha and Sasha’s incredible ability to connect with and soothe people, Ellen founded AATPC with Linda. Sasha has since passed away, but her legacy and calming spirit continue at AATPC.

  As a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a National Certified Counselor (NCC), Ellen has been working in the counseling field for 15 years. She has experience in a variety of settings, including residential treatment for adolescents, substance abuse treatment for adults, K-8 schools, Head Start Centers, home-based individual and family therapy settings, and community mental health. Working with Sasha and the other Ranch animals, Ellen provided Animal Assisted Psychotherapy to children and families who were struggling with attachment issues, grief and loss, abuse and neglect, mood disorders, social/emotional issues, and behavioral concerns. She was also instrumental in gaining non-profit status for Animal Assisted Therapy Programs of Colorado.

  Ellen is the Training Director, managing the Certificate program remotely from Portland, Oregon. Ellen strongly believes in the healing power of nature, physical activity, and animals. She has two young children and a rescue dog named Luna, who take up most of her free time, but she also enjoys exploring Oregon, going to the beach and mountains, working out, skiing, reading, and spending time in nature.

• 

  Linda Chassman Craddock

  Linda Chassman is a licensed Marriage, Family Therapist in Colorado and California and has been working with clients since 1986. Before starting AATPC, she had a successful private practice for over 20 years as well as directing several agencies treating severe trauma and chemical addiction.

  Dr. Chassman (Dr. Linda) is also an educator, having taught at California State University at Fullerton and CU Denver for 14 years, and consulted to residential treatment programs throughout the U.S. She and her first animal partner, Norman, provided animal assisted therapy for more than 15 years with a variety of clients, including children, adolescents, adults and couples. Dr. Chassman opened Animal Assisted Therapy Programs of Colorado with the inspiration and assistance of Mazey, her former feral kitten that she raised after Mazey and her siblings were found outside in freezing weather. Sadly, Mazey passed away at only 17 months, but made a strong impact on those she helped.

  In addition to holding a Doctoral degree in Counseling, and a Master's Degree in Clinical/Community Psychology, Dr. Chassman has advanced certificates in: Animal Assisted Psychotherapy, Animals and Human Health: Animal Assisted Therapy Activities & Learning, Treatment of Child Abuse, & Treatment of Adult Children of Alcoholics. She and Rupert have been Certified as a therapy team from Professional Therapy Dogs of Colorado since 2011. She has lectured around the world and has several professional publications to her credit.

  In her private life Dr. Chassman is married with two children and several adopted animals.