MCC offers theory, hands-on learning of animal-assisted therapy

Submitted by McHenry County College

McHenry County College has partnered with The Light Center to offer a two-day Animal-Assisted Therapy and Learning course from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, June 14 and Friday, June 15, at the Light Center’s adapted barn, 17421 Marengo Road, Union.

This class is designed to introduce human service professionals and teachers to the theory and practice of animal-assisted therapy and animal-assisted learning with a focus on at-risk and challenged youth. Light Center staff will facilitate the training.

Professionals will acquire a set of valuable tools which may be utilized in and adapted for educational, counseling or other human service settings. In addition to lecture and discussion, attendees will become familiar with this content through hands-on activities with farm animals that promote development of social skills, coping skills, conflict resolution, team building, problem-solving and leadership. This class will be approved for one Continuing Education Unit and 10 Continuing Professional Development Units; students must attend both days.

Cost is $180. For information, call Ruth Kormanak at (815) 479-7879 or email rkormanak@mchenry.edu. To register, call (815) 455-8588 and use the course ID UMH U22-001.