Michele Thames
Humane education has been a part of my life for the past few years, and I really did not even know it! I began my career working at a Child Advocacy Center, a place where abused and neglected children receive the services they need to begin the healing process. Part of my job was to find community resources to help families help heal from the trauma of abuse. After a long day at work, there was nothing better than coming home to my dog, Lady. She offered unconditional love no matter how I was feeling and she always managed to lift my spirits.
I began to wonder if she could work her magic with my kids at work. After speaking with my director, Lady began to accompany me to work each day. The smiles she would bring to scared children’s faces and the laughter she brought to the work environment was amazing. Working with different types of people seemed to be Lady’s forte in life, and I hoped that I could continue to watch her bring people joy.
After witnessing her effect on children and adults, I began to focus on the human-animal bond. I volunteered at local animal shelters and became familiar with the plight of homeless animals. The cruelty that some of the animals endured reminded me of the cruelty that some of my kids at work endured. That was the catalyst that started my search for a graduate program that could help me focus on the link between violence towards human and non-human animals.
Taking the step of applying to the Master of Education in Humane Education program was huge for me. I had been searching high and low for a program that would facilitate different learning styles as well as nurture my interest in the human-animal bond. I want to find a way to teach people that kindness and compassion will change the world. Easing the pain of those who cannot help themselves is my passion, and having completed the M.Ed. program has helped me feel more equipped to handle this challenge.
Focusing on the link between violence towards human and non-human animals is especially important to me. I recently became the handler of Pecos, a Canine Companions for Independence Facility Dog that accompanies me to work each day. Pecos is utilized in forensic interviews, therapy sessions, and medical exams and in the courtroom helping maltreated children. Each day, Pecos and I work to help children who are victims of abuse and neglect feel comfortable as they move through the criminal justice process.
Watch and share IHE President, Zoe Weil's TEDx talk -- an inspiring vision of how to create a just, compassionate, healthy world for all through solutionary education.
July 14, 2012 - 8:30 am to July 14, 2012 - 5:00 pm | Location: Institute for Humane Education
Live your values. Change the world. Choose MOGO! Our MOGO (most good) workshop is part retreat, part personal development, part educational experience, and 100% invaluable to anyone who wishes to make their lives a manifestation of their greatest vision for a more pea...
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