ROOTS at Evergreen Grove

05/28/2026

Meet Rosemary—a potbelly pig with a job most people wouldn't expect a pig to have.

She's training at a therapeutic farm community that serves people in recovery, where her calm, social presence helps residents learn patience, build responsibility, and find footing as they process complex emotions and trauma. For someone rebuilding a life, caring for another living being can be one of the most grounding things in the world.

But here's what makes her story matter: not every animal is meant for this work. And taking that seriously—really seriously—is the heart of ethical farm Animal-Assisted Services (AAS).

In the Summer 2026 HAI Newsletter, we take a closer look at animal fit, welfare, and the often-overlooked question of choice. Whose well-being are we serving when we bring an animal into therapeutic work? The answer, it turns out, has to include the animal.

📅 The full story drops June 17:
🔗 https://www.human-animal-interaction.org/newsletters-resources/

When you picture a "therapy animal," what comes to mind—and does Rosemary changed the picture? 👇

05/06/2026

We are all feeling inspired after attending the 2026 Human–Animal Interaction Conference co-hosted by Green Chimneys and the University of Denver's The Institute for Human-Animal Connection!

We’re grateful for the opportunity to learn, connect, and engage meaningfully with mentors and colleagues in this work. Being together in person was a powerful reminder of how relational this field truly is.

Spending time on the Green Chimneys campus was a highlight~ we loved meeting their animal partners and experiencing such an intentional, welfare centered space.

We've headed home with new ideas and lots of excitement to incorporate what we’ve learned into our practice. 🌱

GAAMHA, Inc. Carl E. Dahl House

04/28/2026

03/30/2026

Please join us in celebrating Cathy’s 4-year anniversary at ROOTS! 🎉🌱🐐

Cathy has been part of ROOTS since the very beginning— joining on March 29, 2022 and helping shape the program before our doors even opened. Her visionary leadership laid the foundation for everything we’ve grown into today.

As Program Director and Clinical Supervisor, Cathy fosters a team culture where both staff and participants feel a genuine sense of belonging. Her deep understanding of the human–animal bond creates space for meaningful, mutually beneficial connections—the heart of the work we do at ROOTS.

Thank you so much Cathy, for all you’ve done and continue to bring to ROOTS and GAAMHA, Inc. !🙌✨

03/12/2026

Join us in welcoming Holly back home to Evergreen Grove!

Welcome home, Miss Holly! 🌾🐴 We're thrilled to welcome this gentle Newfoundland Pony mare back into our Farm Family. Her journey took her away for a time, but she's made her way back, reminding us how life’s winding paths often lead us to where we truly belong. Here's to new beginnings and the joy of being reunited. 💫

02/23/2026

ROOTS thrives because of our steadfast, deeply caring farm team. Simply put, the ROOTS program would not function as it does today without you. Our incredible farm staff and Carl E. Dahl House residents show up in every season, to ensure our animal partners and the land are happy, healthy, and flourishing.

With major appreciation—thank you, thank you, thank you. We are so fortunate to work alongside you at Evergreen Grove!

GAAMHA, Inc.

Erik the Newfoundland Pony is living his best life, completely unbothered by the frosty chaos of a sideways blizzard! ❄️ Despite the swirling snow and icy gusts, all our farm animals have been fed, sheltered, and cared for on schedule this morning. Here at the farm, snow days simply aren't an option—our dedicated team ensures that every creature is safe and sound, come what may. This steadfast commitment instills in our residents the values of dependability, responsibility, and the resilience to persevere through any challenge that drifts our way! 🌨️💪

02/17/2026

Today we are excited to celebrate Alyssa for reaching an important professional milestone and for the positive impact she continues to have within the R.O.O.T.S. program. 🎉
Alyssa’s creativity, passion, and uplifting energy are felt throughout her work. Like strong roots that support healthy growth, her presence helps R.O.O.T.S. remain grounded, expressive, and deeply connected. 🌱
Through thoughtful and creative art therapy approaches, Alyssa fosters space for reflection, expression, and healing — strengthening connections between individuals, animals, and the environment. Her compassion for animals and her ability to connect authentically with others add depth and meaning to the program. 🎨🐾
Alyssa’s commitment to safe, mutually beneficial, and therapeutic human-animal interactions supports the mission of R.O.O.T.S. and helps create impactful experiences that nurture growth and well-being. 💛
We proudly recognize Alyssa for recently passing her LMHC exam, a significant step forward on her path toward full licensure. This milestone reflects her dedication, perseverance, and heart for this work. 🍀
Congratulations, Alyssa, and thank you for all that you bring to R.O.O.T.S. as you continue this journey! 🎉

02/06/2026

Today we are excited to celebrate Corinne Cooke for an incredible impact on the R.O.O.T.S. program — and for reaching a major professional milestone. 🎉

Corinne Cooke’s steady dedication and uplifting energy have helped R.O.O.T.S. grow stronger and deeper. Like healthy roots that support lasting growth, this care, leadership, and thoughtfulness nourish every part of the program. 🌱

Corinne's dedication across R.O.O.T.S., has helped to strengthen connections between people, animals, and the land, helping the program take hold and flourish. From warm morning check-ins to fostering trusted farm partnerships, this collaborative approach supports continued growth across the entire community.

Corinne's commitment to safe, respectful, and healing human-animal interactions enriches lives and advances the mission. 🫏

Contributions to counseling practices have also deepened the clinical foundation of R.O.O.T.S., creating stronger roots for future growth. 🍀

R.O.O.T.S. is proud to recognize the achievement of earning an LICSW credential — a well-deserved reflection of expertise, perseverance, and heart. 💞

Gratitude and congratulations on this milestone, Corinne Cooke! 🎉

01/07/2026

Last year's Christmas trees, today's joy 🐐🌲

Who knew a tree could be so entertaining? Enrichment invites our goats to do what comes naturally, like browsing, foraging, investigating, and engaging in social play. Thoughtful enrichment is essential to animal welfare and supports a calm, regulated environment across the farm.

Watch how our goats interact in the video below then tell us, what funny or surprising behavior do you spot? ❄️

GAAMHA, Inc. Carl E. Dahl House

12/30/2025

Human–animal bonding time builds on the strengths our clinical staff already bring—deepening regulation, attunement, and relationship-building skills central to human–animal interaction work. These grounding moments support our clinicians while strengthening their practice.

Share an impactful moment where you felt your bond with an animal deepening in the comments below🐄🌿