People who cultivate the profession

The AHTA work teams are the lifeblood of the AHTA initiatives. Each work team is led by a member of the Board of Directors and is comprised of energetic and involved members of the profession. Work teams are an ideal way to collaborate with colleagues and participate in making a tangible contribution to the profession.

New members are welcome! If you see an area that interests you, get in touch with the respective work team lead below or contact the AHTA at martha@ahta.org.

AHTA News Magazine

The News Magazine Work Team is the editorial board which solicits, writes, evaluates, and edits articles for the quarterly AHTA News Magazine. Team Lead: Lesley Fleming, HTR, lesleyfleminghtr@gmail.com

Awards

The Awards Work Team solicits and evaluates submissions for the annual AHTA awards which are presented at the annual AHTA Conference. Team Lead: Kelly Conrad, HTR, kconrad@abcmcorp.com

Conference Development & Planning

The Conference Work Team assists in the planning and execution of the AHTA Annual Conference. Work team members assess submissions, review programs, and assist onsite at each conference. Team Lead: MaryAnne McMillan, HTR, mamht01@gmail.com

Credentialing

The AHTA Credentialing Work Team is responsible for researching and identifying the necessary steps to pursue the professional credentialing of horticultural therapists. Team Lead, Leigh Anne Starling, MS, CRC, HTR, lastarling@peoplepc.com

HT Certificate Program

Applications for accreditation by the AHTA for Certificate Programs are reviewed and evaluated by the HT Certificate Work Team according to established criteria. Team Lead: Gabriela Harvey, HTR, gharvey_02661@yahoo.com

Journal of Therapeutic Horticulture (JTH)

The JTH Work Team is comprised of the JTH editorial board members who review manuscripts and work with the editor-in-chief on matters concerning the publication and policies of the JTH, which is currently published bi-annually. Team Lead: Steve Mitrione, MD, smitrione@iphouse.com

Marketing

The AHTA’s Marketing Work Team engages in a wide range of activities to expand acceptance of horticultural therapy as a therapeutic practice, gain recognition for member professionals, and encourage employment opportunities. Team Lead: Gerrie Schmidt, gerriehope@gmail.com

Membership

The Membership Work Team continually works to improve the benefits available to AHTA members and to encourage the growth of the Association. Team Lead: Patty Cassidy, HTR, cassidypg@comcast.net

Online Communications

The Online Communications Work Team helps support AHTA marketing goals by leveraging a variety of social media channels, and www.ahta.org, to stimulate member engagement, attract and recruit new followers (prospective members, Growing Partners and influencers), nurture a sense of community, and implement calls-to-action (events, polls, etc.). Team Lead: Gerrie Schmidt, gerriehope@gmail.com

Research

The Research Work Team maintains an extensive bibliography of research sources relevant to practice and promotion of horticultural therapy and collaborates in research projects undertaken by scientists from across the globe. Team Lead: Matt Wichrowski, MSW, HTR,