Connecting to Nature: Missouri Botanical Garden's Therapeutic Horticulture Programs

Join Jennifer Smith-Simms, HTR, and learn about the myriad of ways the Missouri Botanical Garden provides TH programming to the St Louis Community. Through long-term partnerships in the community, the TH team makes its mission to provide opportunities to deepen an individual's connection to the natural world. From kids and adults impacted by cancer to seniors living in memory care, the TH team has diversified its reach over the last 22 years to engage those in healthcare, senior living, social service agencies, and, most recently, the corporate world. 

Jennifer Smith-Simms brings over 30 years of experience in horticulture, with 22 years dedicated to the Missouri Botanical Garden as the Public Programs Manager. In this role, she oversees Adult and Youth & Family Education, Scout Programs, and Therapeutic Horticulture within the Education Division. Jennifer began her journey at the Garden by teaching nature-based classes to low-income seniors and residents of senior living communities.

Her work in Therapeutic Horticulture has expanded to serve a wide range of audiences, including children in long-term rehabilitation, cancer patients, individuals with visual impairments, and seniors in care facilities. She actively consults on developing Therapeutic Horticulture programs and creating inclusive gardens for diverse populations.

With a B.S. in Plant and Soil Science specializing in Landscape Design, Jennifer has been a registered horticultural therapist since 2004, driven by her passion for making the Garden and its programs accessible to all.

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