Meet 2026 AHTA Conference Speakers & Presenters

Credentialing the Profession Horticultural Therapy

“Credentialing the Profession of Horticultural Therapy” will introduce the Horticultural Therapist-Board Certified (HT-BC) credential. Launching Fall 2026, the HT-BC sets a new benchmark for clinical excellence, professional accountability, and industry credibility. This presentation will review these main points: What is certification, The difference between certification and certificates, Why certification matters, AHTAs history of resilience with certification, How AHTA is thriving today in the process of certification, The 6 domains of the exam, Who should get certified, Eligibility pathways and FAQ.

THAD Global: Using the Therapeutic Horticulture Activities Database to Support Culturally Responsive Programming

As therapeutic horticulture expands worldwide, practitioners require adaptable, culturally responsive resources that translate across diverse communities and environments. This workshop introduces the Therapeutic Horticulture Activities Database (THAD), a structured, evidence‑informed tool for designing nature‑based activities rooted in horticultural therapy principles. Presenters will highlight THAD’s international relevance through applications in the United States, Taiwan, and Singapore, followed by a hands‑on cultural adaptation exercise that equips participants to tailor activities for varied populations, traditions, and global practice settings.