Meet the Team
Dr. Rebecca Calisi Rodríguez
Director of the Green Care Lab
(she/her/ella)
Associate Professor, Department of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior, College of Biological Sciences

Dr. Calisi Rodríguez has dedicated decades to unraveling the intricate effects of stress on animal biology. Her lab’s research has yielded groundbreaking findings touching on a wide spectrum of stress-related consequences, encompassing behavioral, reproductive, genomic, and proteomic dimensions. However, the COVID-19 pandemic brought new layers of stress to society, compounding a pre-existing mental health epidemic. It was then that Dr. Calisi Rodríguez decided to shift her research program’s focus from understanding how stress can harm the body to exploring how individuals can recover and heal from stress. In 2022, she created The Green Care Lab to leverage her expertise in animal behavior, stress physiology, and behavioral neuroendocrinology to explore the science behind recovery and healing processes. Situated at Pine Trails Ranch, a 22-acre animal sanctuary in West Davis, the lab blends therapy and natural settings, acknowledging the profound link between nature and human wellness.

"I grew up in Texas, surrounded by cattle and horses, living for the summers I would get to spend at my family's ranch on the Texas-Mexico border. In the tough times I've experienced over the last few years, especially during the pandemic, I once again was able to bear witness to the healing effect of horses, and ranch work in general. What's more, so have my children! Upon seeing how human-horse interactions continue to profoundly and positively impact the ability of so many to overcome a multitude of challenges, the animal behaviorist and stress biologist in me went down a rabbit hole to eventually discover the emerging field of “Green Care” research. Fascinated and inspired, I am excited to collaborate with researchers at UC Davis' #1 ranked veterinary program, including our Center for Equine Health, as well as our Office for Public Scholarship and Engagement, to extend a significant portion of my research program offsite to a 22 acre ranch in west Davis - Pine Trails Ranch."​
Alyssa Contreras
Social Media Innovator
(she/her)
Undergraduate Researcher | Major: Sustainable Environmental Design, Environmental Policy, and Communications

Alyssa has been gaining research and hands-on experience in science communication. Her work centers on disseminating scientifically-validated knowledge behind the therapeutic practices centered around nature and animals.She develops content such as educational videos and infographics and assists with the design and execution of all social media strategies and campaigns for the Green Care Lab. Her desire to craft compelling narratives, push strong social media campaigns, and foster strong relationships has allowed her to thrive in this role and further push the boundaries of how social media can increase the understanding of complex concepts.
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"As a first-generation college student, studying something that I knew would keep me motivated to work was always a priority. Finding myself interested in both videography and environmental science at high school age, I found a wonderful intersection when it came to pursuing a degree in Sustainable Environmental Design as it continued to allow me to practice my critical thinking skills and creativity, which was something I deeply enjoyed about each discipline. Finding inspiration from various mentors, I began to experiment within the field of marketing, bringing a breadth of knowledge from the film industry and environmental studies. I immediately found it to be something I continued to push myself to work hard in. Being part of the Green Care Lab is one of many ways I continue to develop these skills while also learning more from my peers and their disciplines."
Eden Hamming 
Animal Wellness and Therapeutic Garden Specialist
(she/her)
 Undergraduate Researcher | Major: Managerial Economics

Eden has been conducting research focused on the therapeutic aspects of various gardening-related activities. Her work aims to not only support mental health but also promote nutritional awareness and education among the general public. One of her specific interests lies in exploring how Green Care Practices can play a role in reducing financial stress by empowering individuals to become more self-sufficient through food cultivation and preservation. She has been actively involved in crafting workshop proposals tailored to her research, and she consistently presents them during our lab meetings. Eden values the feedback she receives and uses it to enhance and refine her proposals.
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"I grew up near rural Elk Grove, so nature and agriculture have been a constant factor throughout my life. I have extensive experience working with large animals such as cattle, sheep, and hogs, as well as smaller animals like chickens and rabbits. I have spent the past four years working with these animals and have experienced first-hand the effects that training and spending time with them can have on one’s mental health. Alongside my love for animals is a passion for plants, specifically ornamental horticulture and floriculture. The planning, designing, and execution of an ornamental project has proven to be a very therapeutic and calming process for me. Knowing the effects that working with plants and animals has on me and my emotions, I am excited to learn the psychology behind it through the research done here at Pine Trails Ranch."
Beatriz Parker
Therapeutic Garden Specialist
(she/her)
Undergraduate Researcher | Major: Environmental Science and Management

Beatriz joined the Green Care Lab with a keen interest in understanding how gardening activities could be structured to offer therapeutic benefits. She has been working to understand the utilization of natural elements for partitioning gardening plots, alongside the establishment and evaluation of different irrigation methods to identify the most efficient and cost-effective approaches for maintaining our gardens, especially during extreme weather conditions.  Beatriz took the initiative to delve into the scientific aspects of large-scale composting and subsequently designed a sizable composter tailored for our agricultural gardens.

"My summer position as one of the main gardeners here at the Green Care Lab offers me a fun opportunity to engage in my favorite hobby while also nurturing the local ecosystem. In the month that I’ve been here, I have noticed a huge influx of local pollinators, such as bees, wasps, beetles, and moths, which the spiders and birds have been loving. As a kid, I helped my grandmother in her garden, and that’s where my love for the activity began. Being able to do this every day reminds me of the time I got to share with her. It’s kind of a full circle moment where gardening is therapeutic for me, and the gardens I maintain will provide a therapeutic environment for those who participate in the studies. Getting to do something that brings me joy on a large scale while knowing my work is benefiting not only the local ecology but also the mental health of my community is a gratifying feeling."
Elysiah Boldridge
Animal Wellness Specialist
(she/her)
Undergraduate Researcher | Major: Animal Science

Elysiah is entrusted with the care and welfare of our three miniature pigs, as well as our pairs of miniature horses, donkeys, and goats. These animals hold a vital role in our research on the therapeutic advantages of human-animal interactions. Notably, Elysiah has embarked on a research project aimed at exploring existing literature on methods to manage summer fly population surges. Her objective is to contribute to the maintenance of a balanced ecosystem that benefits both our animals and our team.

"I found my passion for animals when I started High School and started to participate in Future Farmers of America, where I worked with all kinds of livestock. Working with livestock taught me so many tangible skills that I have utilized in my own home with my animals, and while working with Dr. Calisi! I had never heard of Green Care, or what that had to do with taking care of animals, but as I read more on Dr. Calisi's work, I was completely blown away. Now, working for the Green Care Lab, I have learned so much more about animal behaviors. I am thrilled to be a part of the Green Care Lab, and cannot wait to learn new ways to implement Green Care into the well-being and welfare of animals."
Joel Sandoval Valdez
Social Media Innovator and Therapeutic Garden Specialist
(he/him)
Undergraduate Researcher | Major: Psychology and Communications

Joel joined our team with a strong desire to enhance his science communication skills across various online platforms. As he delved into creating content that communicated the therapeutic advantages of horticulture, he discovered a newfound passion for gardening. Specifically, he became deeply interested in exploring how gardening could serve as a means to promote the mental health and overall well-being of the Latino/a/x community. Taking the initiative, Joel initiated his own project, centered around the development of a succulent garden that pays homage to his Mexican American heritage. This endeavor involved extensive research into therapeutic and culturally relevant garden design and implementation. His contributions have positioned us for future research aimed at understanding how various demographic factors influence the neurobiological, physiological, and behavioral aspects related to Green Care practices.

"I am a first-generation Latino college student. Being the child of immigrants, the importance of perseverance was taught and demonstrated to me from early on. That spirit of determination and willingness to learn despite the odds being against me is what brought me here to The Green Care Lab.  I had no prior experience taking care of gardens or working the land before coming here, but what better way to learn than by getting your hands dirty?  I have always had a fascination with everything relating to Mother Nature, from plants and our environment to a deep romanticism for humanity and my peers. My perspective on life has been cultivated from my cultural background, my friends, and my lived experiences, this perspective being that every issue in life has a solution and that the things we want are worth fighting for. I hope to learn as much as possible from my peers as well as share my creative optimism with them and the endeavors here at the Green Care Lab."
Claire Short
Lab Manager
(she/her)
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Photo by Jacqueline Villalobos
Lab Manager | UC Davis graduate, Spring 2022 | Major: Wildlife, Fish & Conservation Biology

Claire initially joined our team as an undergraduate student and has since continued her valuable contribution as our lab manager post-graduation. Her role is pivotal in ensuring the smooth operation of our laboratory, including the guidance and support she provides to our undergraduate student interns. In addition to her managerial responsibilities, Claire has been actively engaged in a research project focused on investigating the impact of interactions with miniature pigs on human anxiety and depression.
 
"I’ve always been passionate about animals, and I first discovered my love for animal training at 12 years old when I got my Bichon puppy, who I eventually competed with nationally in Dog Agility. When I was 14, I started volunteering at Sonoma County Wildlife Rescue, where I later began clicker training the resident wildlife. I also volunteered doing photography at the Sonoma County animal shelter. When I moved from Santa Rosa to Davis, my animal activities focused more on research. I conducted a study on goldfish behavior and I worked at the UC Davis Road Ecology Center, investigating how roads affect the behavior of wildlife. At the Green Care Lab, I get to combine my interest in studying animal behavior with my passion for animal training and photography. I’m also learning more about the power of human-animal interactions, which have always played a central role in my life."
Nina Spaccarelli
Animal Wellness and Cognition Specialist
(she/her)
Undergraduate Researcher | Major: Animal Science

Nina's research primarily revolves around animal behavior, cognition, and enrichment. Her role involves identifying, evaluating, and applying the most impactful enrichment activities for our laboratory animals. A significant contribution of hers has been the development of the "Green Care Lab Enrichment Playbook," a resource that has significantly improved the overall health and welfare of our animals. In addition to her research responsibilities, Nina also actively participates in the essential daily care routines for our three miniature pigs, as well as our pairs of miniature horses, donkeys, and goats.

"I grew up in the vibrant city of Los Angeles, California, where our home was a haven for a diverse array of animals. Our household was more than just a residence; it was a miniature zoo that accommodated not only dogs and cats but also unique creatures like opossums, ferrets, and even ducklings. The experience of nurturing and rehabilitating these orphaned animals fostered my growing desire to work in the animal field. My upbringing sparked a strong interest in animal behavior, pushing me to uncover the motivations and intricate emotions of our beloved companions. My understanding truly blossomed during my time at UC Davis through various enlightening courses. My background with animals and my current studies have vividly shown me the profound impact of "green care." Looking ahead, I eagerly anticipate a career aligned with my passion, excited to share the knowledge gained from my time here at the lab. My goal is to promote the positive psychological effects of green care."
Jacqueline Villalobos
Assistant Curriculum Developer
(she/ella)
Undergraduate Researcher | Major: B.S Psychology

​Jackie has been working in collaboration with Dr. Calisi-Rodríguez on the creation of college course materials. These materials serve a dual purpose: to empower students to manage college-related stress by fostering a connection with nature, and to provide students with the skills necessary for conducting scientific research. Jackie's significant contribution has played a crucial role in the research and development of the course titled "The Science of Happiness" at UC Davis.

"Adjusting to UC Davis as a transfer student presented its challenges; however, I found comfort in the transformative power of nature and community, whether by walking my puppy at nearby parks or hosting dinner parties with friends. The opportunity to work at the Green Care lab has been an incredible experience. I co-design college courses aimed at empowering students to combat college stress through the therapeutic connection with nature while teaching them how to conduct scientific research. This experience has solidified my desire to pursue grad school in the near future, where I aim to investigate interventions that impact the lives of individuals struggling with mental health challenges, particularly those exacerbated by health disparities."

Alumni
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Top, L-R: Dalia Carbajal-Robles, Ashley Contreras, Rebecca Calisi Rodríguez, Eden Hamming, Zora Lou Hartley; Bottom L-R: April Booth, Elizabeth Shin, Nora Bahr, Claire Short, Jessie Ostrove, Tubbs
Nora Bahr
Animal Wellness Specialist
(she/they)
Undergraduate Researcher | Major: Wildlife, Fish & Conservation Biology

Nora's research focus centered on investigating the literature on the therapeutic potential of farm animals, with a specific interest in pigs. She was also instrumental in helping us care for all of the animals of the Green Care Lab.

​"​​I grew up in Los Angeles, which isn't exactly a city teeming with wildlife opportunities. However, I always found a way to integrate animal interaction into my life. I have worked professionally with horses at a therapeutic disabled children's horse ranch and with chimpanzees, goats, sheep, and pigs at the Los Angeles Zoo, so I have experience in both animal behavior and training across a wide range of animals. These opportunities taught me about the tangible differences that working with animals can make on a person's mental and physical health. Being around animals never fails to make me feel calm, comfortable, and safe. Learning about the concept of "Green Care" and the project that Dr. Calisi plans to focus on immediately caught my attention. This is what I want to pursue in life and I hope to one day work in animal behavior or rehabilitation. This internship will provide my colleagues and I with explanations for our own passions for animal behavior, animal care, nature, and the many therapeutic effects these things can have."
 Dalia Carbajal-Robles 
Therapeutic Garden Specialist
(she/her)
Undergraduate Researcher | Major: Landscape Architecture​
Dalia has a keen interest in creating culturally-responsive, inviting, sustainable public spaces. She took the initiative to establish the Green Care Lab's Tending Garden, a space that offers numerous interactive opportunities for both students and community members to engage in horticultural therapy. Dalia's efforts went beyond gardening; she actively collaborated with local tribe members and conducted research to incorporate elements into the garden that pay tribute to the native Patwin tribe. This included strategic planting of medicinal yarrow and designing pathways that wind reminiscent of Putah Creek. As a result of her dedication, the Tending Garden has become a permanent and integral feature of the Green Care Lab.

"I am a first-generation Latina college student majoring in Landscape Architecture! I am interested in designing attractive, enjoyable, and sustainable public spaces. That includes gardens, playgrounds, functional public parks, and much more! One of my main goals is to travel the world, support eradicating global poverty and one day have my Landscape Architecture firm. When I heard about the Whisper Garden project at Pine Trails Ranch, I thought it would be a grand opportunity to put my design skills to the test, as well as experiencing hands-on work! I am super excited to be part of this team and I look forward to learning and growing at Pine Trails Ranch!"
Ashley Contreras
Therapeutic Garden Specialist
(any/all)
Undergraduate Researcher | Major: Ecology, Evolution. and Biodiversity

Ashley brings with them a rich knowledge of traditional Mexican remedies for various health issues, which includes the use of self-grown medicinal herbs to create teas and treat conditions like ear infections. Ashley delved into the literature to explore the scientific validity of properties of native plants that have been traditionally regarded as having medicinal benefits. 

"I was born and raised on the Southside of Los Angeles, where I was familiar with traditional Mexican remedies to cure any sort of malfunction in our bodies, from using hierbas medicinales we grew ourselves to make tea to utilizing those same hierbas to cure an ear infection. I grew to love the beauty of nature after many years working with my father as jardineros; lawn and landscape service as one would refer to it as. I understood the importance of planting and maintaining the overall health of trees, shrubs, flowers and different types of grasses. It has led me to have a connection with the common things we see when we are not stuck indoors. A reminder to acknowledge the natural forms of healing, and avoid neglecting the fundamental elements that create us. Being a part of the Green Care Lab has allowed me to expand my knowledge, share it with a community, and conduct research that integrates further understanding about natural experiences that are found to be therapeutic." 

Amelia Fletes
Animal Wellness Specialist
(she/her)
Undergraduate Researcher | Major: Animal Science

Amelia was driven to join our lab by her aspiration to accumulate more hands-on experience with equines in preparation for her applications to veterinary programs. Her focus is primarily on our lab's four equines, and she actively engages in several aspects of their care. She has become proficient in conducting daily wellness checks and providing treatment for minor wounds, catering to both our horses and donkeys.

"Growing up disabled, being around animals has always been a therapeutic experience for me, even if I didn't realize it at the time. As such, I have found myself wanting to be surrounded by animals whether that be through horseback riding, volunteering at ranches, or even just taking my dogs out for a walk. My appreciation for the therapeutic benefits of animals has motivated me to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. As a UC Davis student and an undergraduate researcher with the Green Care Lab, I would like to apply my passion and experience to understanding how green care influences communities and how it can be applied to a future in veterinary medicine."
Zora Lou Hartley
Therapeutic Garden and Animal Wellness Specialist
(they/them)
Undergraduate Researcher | Major: Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems

Zora Lou joined the Green Care Lab with a keen interest in exploring how gardens can contribute to supporting neurodiversity.  Zora Lou played an essential role in advancing our gardens to facilitate various therapeutic activities. In addition to their work with the gardens, Zora Lou gained practical experience by actively participating in the care and welfare of our animals.

"When I was quite young, I moved from Switzerland to my dad’s family farm in Sonoma County. I’ve spent most of my life in Sonoma and Oakland (moving back and forth from Switzerland as well). The contrast of all my living situations made me appreciate the various experiences I had with nature. When I was living in the East Bay, I wanted to see more nature and wildlife and yearned to integrate the life I had on my farm with the life I had there. In every empty space, whether it be a sidewalk or under a freeway overpass, I see the possibly for it to be filled with plants that can give back to the community. My experience with livestock and working with my dad inspired me to keep learning about what we can do better for the planet. I look forward to having more hands-on experience and learning from all of my coworkers with their different perspectives and backgrounds." 
Jessie Ostrove
Animal Wellness Specialist
(she/her)
Undergraduate Researcher | Major: Environmental Science & Management​

Jessie took the initiative to conceive, execute, and analyze an independent research project investigating the potential benefits of using equine parent-offspring dyads to improve human parent-child relationships. The preliminary data she collected played a pivotal role in advancing the lab's research goals, which seek evidence-based alternatives to traditional mental health interventions for families. Jessie presented her outstanding work as her Honors Thesis at UC Davis' annual Undergraduate Research Conference. While her primary career goal is in the field of public health law, particularly within the scope of maternal and reproductive legislation, her involvement in researching the neurobiological and psychological effects of equine therapy on parent-child relationships underscores her ongoing commitment to enhancing her skills and deepening her dedication to driving meaningful and empirically-supported changes in public health policy and its accessibility.

"Growing up in the beautiful state of California, I have been lucky enough to experience firsthand the impact nature has on one’s emotional and mental state. Though my corner of Cali was the mega-urban city of Los Angeles, I hiked, camped, and backpacked my way around the golden state to find the natural spaces I grew to love. On top of this, I rode and competed alongside equine partners for more than half of my life, and found that animal-human relationship to be more impactful than I could ever put into words. Now, studying Green Care, I am able to facilitate that experience of therapeutic animal-human interaction and help to create an environment where individuals can experience the vulnerability and awareness of the present that comes with these wonderful equine creatures. Though I know for my own self the very real impact my relationship with horses has had on me, I look forward to putting that to work in this research, and finding the words and psychological phenomena that make up this experience for so many."
Elizabeth Shin
Therapeutic Garden Specialist
(she/her)
Undergraduate Researcher | Major: Landscape Architecture​
Elizabeth's focus centered on the design of outdoor environments with the aim of achieving aesthetic, environmental, social, and economic outcomes. Within the Green Care Lab, she specifically investigated ways to incorporate natural elements into children's play areas. Her research involved a review of empirical neurobiological and physiological studies to inform the creation of an urban garden design that not only promotes physical growth but also nurtures social, emotional, and cognitive development.

"I entered college as a Mathematics major, but switched to Landscape Architecture during my second year. While many people know what architecture is, landscape architecture is a more obscure subject that even I did not know about when I first entered college. It entails the planning, designing, and managing of outdoor environments to achieve aesthetic, environmental, social, or economic outcomes. Spaces such as your neighborhood park, college campus, cemeteries, monuments, and sport facilities are all constructed by landscape architects. These past three years in college have challenged me tremendously, especially with the pandemic, but I’ve loved every minute of it. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to study here with some of the most driven people I have ever met!"
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Top, L-R: Dalia Carbajal-Robles, Rebecca Calisi Rodríguez, Ashley Contreras, Eden Hamming, Tubbs, Zora Lou Hartley; Bottom L-R: April Booth, Claire Short, Elizabeth Shin, Nora Bahr, Jessie Ostrove
Photography by Claire Short ©