Research
Research, education and practice are inseparable at ENASW — each grounds the other. Below is published work, work in progress, and conference presentations by Dr. Dana Spett and the Center's research team.
Published Works
Spett, D. (2023). Towards ethical and competent equine-assisted social work: A qualitative study. Smith College Studies in Social Work, 94(1), 24–44. https://doi.org/10.1080/00377317.2023.2216275
Spett, D. (2023). Equine-assisted social work: A perfect match. In L. R. Kogan (Ed.), Careers in One Health: Social Workers' Roles in Caring for Humans and Their Animal Companions (Chapter 19). Routledge.
Spett, D., West, A., Fava, Z., Lavoie, B., & Rodgers-Rivera, Z. (2024). Animal-assisted interventions in a farm setting: Integrating global perspectives, social work, and ecological approaches for overall welfare. Human-Animal Interactions, 12(1). https://doi.org/10.1079/hai.2024.0026
Works in Progress (2026)
Spett, D., Lavoie, B., (2026). Beyond Words: Centering Non-Verbal and Somatic Learning as DEI Practice. In Practicing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Human-Animal Interaction. NASW Press. (Book Chapter Submitted).
Spett, D., Lavoie, B., Dolan, M., (2026, November 5–7). Introducing Equine-in-Nature Assisted Social Work: A Shared Methodology for Practice, Research, and Education. Equine Assisted Learning Summit. (Conference presentation abstract submitted).
Conference Presentations
Horse Human Research Foundation Conference, San Antonio, TX | February 2025
Equine-Assisted Social Work as a Practice Model: Recognizing Connections Between Horses, Humans, and the Environment
National Association of Social Workers Conference, Chicago, IL | June 17, 2025
Equine and Nature Assisted Service: A Model for Social Work in the Environment
American Psychological Association Conference (Poster Presentation) | August 2025
Equine and Nature-Based Learning: Building Competencies in Somatic and Non-Verbal Practice
PATH International Conference | Denver, CO | November 7, 2025
Foundations of Equine-Assisted Services and Nature-Based Learning