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Maureen Fredrickson, MSW is founder
and CEO of Animal Systems, a research and teaching organization with a mission
of making contact with animals and nature a standard intervention in human
development, education and wellness. She is a specialist in the use of animal-assisted
therapy in the treatment of trauma and disruptive disorders. Maureen is recipient of the Delta Society Distinguished Service Award and the ASPCA Trooper Award. She is recognized internationally as an expert on the human-animal bond and in the selection and evaluation of animals involved with a variety of client populations. Maureen has developed animal handling standards including training and handling protocols for horses and dogs in mental health programs. She teaches methods of incorporating horses, livestock and companion animals in mental health and educational settings. An experienced equestrian, livestock manager, TTOUCH(tm) practitioner and animal trainer, Maureen has presented workshops and seminars throughout Europe and North America in human-animal interactions, applied animal behavior and development of animal-assisted therapy programs. Through the early 1980’s Maureen Fredrickson was director of the Orange County B.O.C.E.S. Standardbred Grooms Course working with at-risk adolescents to improve social skills and job readiness. Throughout her career as a social worker, Maureen has incorporated animals in the treatment of behavior disorders in adults with developmental disabilities, and survivors of sexual, physical and emotional abuse. Maureen developed a pet bereavement support group for the King County Humane Society and S.P.C.A. (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), providing counseling to individuals and training volunteer group facilitators. Maureen has been a consultant on the development of animal-assisted therapy programs for Swedish Medical Center, New York Downtown Hospital, Wallkill Correctional Facility, and others. Formerly Vice President of Programs at the Delta Society,
Ms. Fredrickson is the brainchild behind the Society's award-winning Pet
Partners Program (Points Of Light Award, 1994). Maureen provided direction
and focus for national program services and curriculum development in
all areas including National Service Dog Center, Animal-Assisted Therapy
Services, Pet Partners Program and People and Pets Program. Maureen has
presented papers on human/animal interactions and animal-assisted therapy
at conferences and meetings for such diverse groups as Delta Society,
the American Veterinary Society for Animal Behavior, North American Riding
for the Handicapped Association, Institute Zooprofilattico Sperimentale,
Tufts Pet Expo, National Association of Child Abuse Prevention, National
Association of Social Workers and the International Association of Human-Animal
Interaction Organizations. |
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