CHEP Graduate Applies Humane Education to Personal and Professional Pursuits

Laurie Albright, a 2023 graduate of IHAC’s Humane Education Practitioner Certificate (CHEP) program, wears many hats in her professional life. She is a part-time hospice social worker, a teacher-in-training, and a volunteer adoption guide at the Denver Animal Shelter. In all these roles and more, Laurie incorporates elements of humane education.

Laurie received a Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Denver’s Graduate School of Social Work, alongside a Master of Arts (MA) from the Communications Department. Laurie shared, “I have always been interested and involved in the human-animal bond. I wish IHAC was around when I was a GSSW student in 1991-1993.” When the CHEP program was created, Laurie was ready to jump on board!

CHEP is an online certificate for professionals seeking to develop their own humane education program addressing societal issues through the encouragement of empathy and compassion and recognition of the connection between humans, other species, and the environment. It is designed to give students comprehensive training in humane education and to support practical implementation of high-quality, humane education programs and interventions in their own lives. When reflecting on the program, Laurie stated, “I have more tools to incorporate humane education into my work. The [Humane Education] program allowed me to consider my own philosophy or pedagogy and how I can impact the world around me.”

Connect with Laurie on LinkedIn and check out the work she is doing as a teacher-in-training with Diamond Heart Colorado.