Growing Through Nature
and Connection:
Integrating Therapy, Play,
and Animal Interactions
Kristen Gurzi, CCC-SLP
Sophia Skolnick, OTR/L
Katie Diamond, Director of
Strategic Initiatives
Katy Schermann, Executive Director
New Canaan Library
151 Main Street
New Canaan
Tuesday
June 2, 2026
10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Learn how appropriate therapies—Occupational, Physical, Speech-Language, Mental Health and Hippotherapy—integrated into natural environments can make a meaningful difference in your child’s life.
Spending time in nature and engaging with animals play powerful roles in improving regulation, supporting sensory integration, strengthening communication skills, and reducing stress.
Join our expert panel of Ridgebury Farm and Stables staff to gain a fresh perspective on child development and explore how pairing therapies with real world experiences guide children’s abilities to learn, grow, and connect.
View the Presentation Slides (PDF format)
RESOURCE LIST (PDF format)
More About Kristen Gurzi
More About Sophia Skolnick
Presented by SPED*NET in partnership with
New Canaan Library, Wilton Public Schools, Easton CT SEPTA and Newtown Sped PTA
SPED*NET does not provide medical or
psychological advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
The material in this presentation is
provided for educational purposes only.
Growing Through Nature
and Connection:
Integrating Therapy, Play,
and Animal Interactions
Kristen Gurzi, CCC-SLP
Sophia Skolnick, OTR/L
Katie Diamond, Director of
Strategic Initiatives
Katy Schermann, Executive Director
New Canaan Library
151 Main Street
New Canaan
Tuesday
June 2, 2026
10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Learn how appropriate therapies—Occupational, Physical, Speech-Language, Mental Health and Hippotherapy—integrated into natural environments can make a meaningful difference in your child’s life.
Spending time in nature and engaging with animals play powerful roles in improving regulation, supporting sensory integration, strengthening communication skills, and reducing stress.
Join our expert panel of Ridgebury Farm and Stables staff to gain a fresh perspective on child development and explore how pairing therapies with real world experiences guide children’s abilities to learn, grow, and connect.
View the Presentation Slides (PDF format)
RESOURCE LIST (PDF format)
More About Kristen Gurzi
More About Sophia Skolnick
Presented by SPED*NET in partnership with
New Canaan Library, Wilton Public Schools, Easton CT SEPTA and Newtown Sped PTA
SPED*NET does not provide medical or psychological advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
The material in this presentation is provided for educational purposes only.
Growing Through Nature
and Connection:
Integrating Therapy, Play,
and Animal Interactions
Tuesday, June 2, 2026
10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
New Canaan Library
151 Main Street
New Canaan
Kristen Gurzi, CCC-SLP
Sophia Skolnick, OTR/L
Katie Diamond, Director of
Strategic Initiatives
Katy Schermann, Executive Director
Learn how appropriate therapies—Occupational, Physical, Speech-Language, Mental Health and Hippotherapy—integrated into natural environments can make a meaningful difference in your child’s life.
Spending time in nature and engaging with animals play powerful roles in improving regulation, supporting sensory integration, strengthening communication skills, and reducing stress.
Join our expert panel of Ridgebury Farm and Stables staff to gain a fresh perspective on child development and explore how pairing therapies with real world experiences guide children’s abilities to learn, grow, and connect.
View the Presentation Slides
(PDF format)
RESOURCE LIST (PDF format)
More About Kristen Gurzi
More About Sophia Skolnick
Presented by SPED*NET in partnership with
New Canaan Library, Wilton Public Schools,
Easton CT SEPTA and Newtown Sped PTA
SPED*NET does not provide medical or psychological advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The material in this presentation is provided for educational purposes only.