Human – Animal Interconnectedness Institute

HAII was born out of two women passionate and dedicated to the welfare and wellbeing of animals. The journey began in 2013, as clinicians, Effie Heotis and Dr. Jenenne Valentino-Bottaro recognized how their love for animals and companionship can begin to transform the lives of both humans and animals; at the same time recognizing the implications of welfare among the animals within this therapeutic process. As Jenenne and Effie collaborated and shared experiences, both women quickly identified their unique role in the emerging field of Human-Animal Interconnectedness. Effie and Jenenne set out to form HAII to show the deeper connections formed among humans and animals; to educate and bring awareness on animal welfare; and to build strong, resilient communities through the healing power of nature, animals, and creative expression.

Our Founders

Jenenne Valentino-Bottaro

Dr. Jenenne R. Valentino-Bottaro, PhD, co-founder of Human-Animal Interconnectedness Institute, have over 18 years’ experience as an educator, clinician, artist-in-residence, community resiliency consultant, and the founder/creator of Vai’datha Expressive Arts and Animal Interventions. Jenenne is a Certified Play Therapist, Level I trained in Dr. Rise Vanfleet’s Animal Assisted Play Therapy™, and in the process of completing the AutPlay Therapy Certification. Jenenne has written and facilitated programs for residential facilities, behavioral health programs, and assisted living facilities in topics ranging from arts-in-medicine integration, culture, trauma, and gender sensitive treatment approaches. Jenenne specializes in human-animal welfare programs, trainings, and building community resiliency. Dr. Valentino-Bottaro’s Expressive Arts, mindfulness and Animal Assisted Interventions activities and programs are facilitated to anchor the connection between child, family, relationship with animals to community. Jenenne specializes in Infant Child Mental Health, Women’s Mental Health, Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s and Dementia. Jenenne’s techniques provides a continuum of interrelated approaches and strategies to achieve natural and communal harmony and balance by establishing a sense of belonging, building a social network, promoting family and community bonds.

Effie Heotis

Effie Heotis, co-founder of the Human-Animal Interconnectedness Institute, has over 18 years of experience in research and consulting for public and private organizations. She is instrumental in educating communities on animal welfare and integrating animal assisted interventions in the fields of Criminal Justice, Human Services, Psychology and Social Work. Since 2014, she serves as an ongoing guest speaker on this specific topic for St. Leo’s Human Services BA courses. Effie is a published author in various academic journals and is highly active in building community awareness in animal welfare practices and human-animal welfare integration across disciplines. In addition, Effie was a consultant and assisted in writing over 90 summaries for the Animals and Society Institute. Effie is receiving her PhD in Cognitive Psychology. In her endeavors to encourage and promote community connection, self-care and well-being, her research dissertation is a qualitative exploration on the well-being of dog owners in adulthood.