Announcements

As a dynamic education and research component of the Green Chimneys organization, The Sam and Myra Ross Institute offers a meaningful introduction to the theoretical and practical principles of incorporating animals, plants and the natural world in the re-education, socialization and treatment of deeply impacted children who have experienced crisis and a lack of success in their lives.
The Sam and Myra Ross Institute seeks to create an ambitious research agenda in the wider field of nature-based interactions through partnerships with academic institutions and professionals that includes basic research as well as sophisticated clinical studies that will ultimately impact the physical and mental health and quality of life for children with special needs who are involved in our program.
The strength and promise of The Institute is to facilitate understanding, education and medical recognition of the significant influence of nature-based therapies, education and interactions. By facilitating and inviting scientific research that explores the impact of our nature-based work, we seek to set benchmarks for effective intervention methods and encourage data-driven practices that can be replicated.
If you are interested in exploring a research project partnership, please contact Green Chimneys Clinical Director Steven Klee Ph.D. at sklee@greenchimneys.org and Institute Director Michael Kaufmann at mkaufmann@greenchimneys.org
A school that partners children with animals for educational and therapeutic activities is an ideal home for Nutmeg, a Nubian goat donated by a family who kept her as a therapy animal for a child with special needs. Nutmeg arrived at Green Chimneys as an energetic one-year-old. Although she had lived solely with people, she immediately adapted to her new goat peers at the farm. At the same time, she presents a challenge to students: goats possess a strong will so taking a walk is not always a simple task.