CAIS Graduate Thrives at HAI Program in Brazil

Emi Parente graduated from the Institute for Human-Animal Connection’s Canine-Assisted Intervention Specialist (CAIS) certificate program in early 2024. Emi is the founder and current CEO of Programa Alice Terapia Assistida Educacional in Brazil, where she often utilizes her knowledge gained from CAIS. Her organization focuses on expanding education and the understanding of health and wellness as it relates to the human-animal bond.

The CAIS program emphasizes ethical practice, comprehensive knowledge, and practical skills. Our curriculum is constantly evolving to remain up to date with current best practices and emerging research in the field – one of the many reasons students like Emi choose to learn with us. “I chose IHAC for my professional development primarily because of its reputation for excellence in the field. The institute's curriculum was renowned for its relevance to current industry trends and its emphasis on practical skills that are directly applicable in the workplace.” In addition, she also shared that our supportive and collaborative learning environment and opportunity for hands-on practice with her canine partner, Alice, equipped her with the necessary knowledge and skills to excel as a professional in human-animal interactions.

Another important element of the CAIS program that Emi valued was the instructor-led model. Across all IHACPro offerings, instructors are hands-on and available for students to facilitate a supportive learning environment. CAIS co-instructors, Philip Tedeschi and Jen Pearson, bring an expert level of experience and understanding for both therapeutic interventions integrating dogs and animal science. Emi shared, “The mentorship provided by faculty members was instrumental in my professional development. Their guidance and advice helped me navigate challenges and make informed decisions about my career path.”

As IHACPro grows, we are proud to have human service professionals like Emi from around the globe join us to learn about human-animal interactions. All IHAC’s professional development offerings are designed for working professionals located anywhere in the world. As of Spring 2024, almost 100 students from 5 continents have completed our Canine-Assisted Intervention Specialist certificate program since it was created in 2018.

“Overall, the program at IHAC played a pivotal role in shaping my career trajectory and has significantly contributed to my success in achieving my professional goals,” shared Emi.