HHRF Ambassadors

Dr. Allan J. Hamilton, Neurosurgeon, Author

Dr. Hamilton has been the Chief of Neurosurgery and the Chairman of the Department of Surgery at the University of Arizona Health Sciences Center and holds professorships in Neurosurgery, Psychology, Radiation Oncology, and Computer and Electrical Engineering at the University of Arizona. He has been chosen by his peers as "One of America's Best Doctors" for fourteen consecutive years.  Dr. Hamilton and his wife, Jane, run Rancho Bosque, an equine-assisted learning and therapeutic program in Tucson, AZ.  Dr. Hamilton is also an author whose second book, "Zen Mind, Zen Horse: The Spiritual Lessons Horses Bring to Life" won the Nautilus Gold Award in 2012 for works of non-fiction "that change the world one book at a time." 

Philip Tedeschi, MSSW, LCSW

Philip Tedeschi is an Animal-Assisted Social Work and Experiential Therapy Specialist and co-founder of the Institute for Human –Animal Connection programs at the University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work (GSSW). Tedeschi is the Executive Director of The Institute for Human-Animal Connection and coordinates the school's Animal-Assisted Social Work Certificate program for Master of Social Work (MSW) students, as well as the Animals and Human Health online professional development certificate program. He also teaches MSW courses in forensic social work and experiential therapy approaches, with emphasis on conservation and environmental social work in areas such as East Africa and the inclusion of animals in therapeutic settings.

A certified Master Therapeutic Riding Instructor, former course director and instructor with Outward Bound, wilderness medical technician, he has many years of experience in non-traditional therapeutic approaches with children, adults and families, as well as program development and intervention in interpersonal violence including, assessment and intervention with animal abuse, attachment, trauma disordered and sexually abusive youth and adults. He has worked extensively in the treatment of male victims of abuse.

Some of Philip Tedeschi’s best friends are animals. He has studied and teaches about the intricate relationship between people, domestic and wild animals and the natural world.

"It is a rewarding opportunity to work with animals, often our most reliable and uncomplicated relationships. They teach us so much about ourselves and are such patient teachers.”