BROOKE WIMER, MOT, OTR/L, is an occupational therapist with over 11 years of clinical experience providing Animal-Assisted Interventions (AAI) with a variety of populations. She is the co-owner of Integrated Occupational Therapy Solutions, a private practice offering AAI and occupational therapy services. Brooke specializes in providing AAI for people with mental health needs focusing on cognitive retraining, social skill development and self-regulation. She has implemented five AAI programs for physical, cognitive and psychosocial needs, and developed effective strategies for both group and one-to-one interventions for clients of all ages. Brooke worked alongside AAI expert Melissa Winkle, OTR/L, FAOTA, and contributed to Professional Applications of Animal Assisted Interventions: Blue Dog Book Second Edition. A member of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), she is co-developing an AOTA Animal Assisted Intervention Fact Sheet set to publish in 2018. Brooke presented on disability awareness and AAI application considerations at the 2015 Animal Assisted Intervention International Conference. She received her Master of Occupational Therapy at Cleveland State University, studying the effects of AAI on long-term care residents with depression and anxiety.

Speaker Disclosure:

Financial: Brooke Wimer is the director of occupational therapy and animal assisted intervention manager at Colorado Mental Health Institute at Pueblo. She receives a speaking honorarium from PESI, Inc.

Nonfinancial: Brooke Wimer is a member of the American Occupational Therapy Association.