Nature Connected Wellness:

A New Frontier for Promoting Health & Well-Being

Christine Tappan, Suzanna Fletcher, Charmaine Brittain, & Siobhan Connelly

This program has been approved for 3.0 Continuing Education hours for licensure. NASW NH Authorization Number 4266.

In this interactive forum, participants will have the opportunity to learn about and explore the concepts and practices of nature connected wellness and its impact on health, well-being, and resiliency. Around the world, a rapidly growing body of research is demonstrating that deepening connections with the natural world is therapeutic and restorative for people of all ages, not only by reducing stress, but also at boosting general well-being. Additionally, nature connected practices can be applied to organizational settings to promote team effectiveness, cohesion, and resiliency. In order to deepen understanding, participants will learn about the research and evidence and engage in a variety of sensory based experiential activities geared toward expanding nature connectedness. Participants will also have the opportunity to explore which therapies and practices may be applicable to the work they do and opportunities for advancing their skills and knowledge. The workshop will include a “light” virtual forest bathing/therapy, guided breathwork, nature-based mindfulness, and sharing circles. By the end of the workshop, participants will not only understand the science behind nature’s healing effects, but also feel its transformative power.

Learning Objectives

1. Develop an understanding of the research and evidence supporting the positive health benefits of nature connected practices.

2. Describe and experience a range of evidence-based nature connected practices and assess how they may apply to personal health, clinical and community interventions.

3. Explore connections between nature and personal, client, team, team and organizational well-being and resiliency.

About the Presenters

Christine Tappan Christine lives in New Hampshire and is the founder and lead guide for BirchWalking, a social impact organization that “brings beings together in nature and creates safe spaces to deepen connections that promote resiliency and capacity for all to thrive and live well”. She’s also the Chief of Community Based Services & Advancement at Ascentria Care Alliance, a New England based non-profit where she oversees an array of services that promote community, individual, and family well-being. She was previously the Associate Commissioner of Human Services and Behavioral Health at the NH DHHS. Christine has a BSW from the University of New Hampshire, an MSW from the University of Michigan and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in Educational Leadership from Plymouth State University. She is also a certified Forest Therapy Trail Consultant and Certified Workplace Mindfulness Facilitator.

Suzanna Fletcher Suzanna has lived in Fayetteville N.C. for the past 15; however, she is a native of New England. She grew up in West Hartford, Connecticut and raised her children in Northwood, New Hampshire. Suzanna is the Chief of Clinical Practices for BirchWalking . She’s a licensed Clinical Psychologist who evaluates and serves veteran’s with posttraumatic stress and/or chronic pain from military service connected injuries. She has worked in the mental health field for 25 plus years with very diverse populations and environments including: supporting children and families as an in-home family therapist; owner and operator of an outdoor adventure-based company that worked with youth and corporate teams on team building, creative problem solving, realizing strengths, and others; Director of the Autism Clinic for the Haymount Institute, Fayetteville, NC which involved completing neurodevelopmental evaluations and recommendations, connecting clients and families with resources, and training Doctoral Interns, Post-Doctoral Level Candidates, and Masters Interns in the evaluation process; and currently evaluating veterans. Suzanna earned a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Psychology from Weaton College, a Master’s of Education in Counseling from the University of New Hampshire, a Master’s of Science degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University, and a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University.

Charmaine Brittain lives in the shadows of the glorious Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Charmaine’s career has been dedicated to improving people’s work experiences as an expert in workforce and organizational development in the human services sector. Over the years, she’s implemented large change projects and transformed training systems in child and family-serving agencies in more than 30 states across the United States. She specializes in developing engaging training and learning experiences to ready the human services workforce to build knowledge and skills so they can serve their clients more effectively. Charmaine is the Chief of Organizational Development and Charmaine earned an MSW from the University of Denver and a Ph.D. from the University of Colorado.

Siobhan Connelly has been a diligent family advocate since 2015, currently serving her community as the Adverse Childhood Experiences Response Team Coordinator at Lakes Region Community Services in Laconia, New Hampshire. She was the recipient of the National Healthy Families America Outstanding Supervisor Award in September 2019. Siobhán a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology (B.A.) from Lesley University. Much of her study area focused particularly on trauma and its effect on human relationships. She is an artist and has practiced Yoga-asana since her very early teens and spent many years sharing her practice both in the studio and privately. Her spare time is spent with her children and out among the beings, land, and waters around her home.