Alaine Ball is currently supporting the CHT courses as a TA. In search of a career where she could partner with plants to be of service, she enrolled in the Certificate in Horticultural Therapy program in 2024 and is completing her practical work experience at the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Alaine lives in Miami, Florida, where she grows all manner of tropical fruits and vegetables. In her free time, she enjoys painting, printmaking, exploring the natural areas of South Florida, and making medicine from plants grown in her garden.

Kirstyn Brown / Undergraduate Teaching Assistant

Kirstyn Brown is an undergraduate teaching assistant for the Certificate in Horticultural Therapy (CHT) program. She was born and raised in Vernon, Florida and now attends the University of Florida as a full-time student. Kirstyn is in her third year of studies, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in biotechnology with a minor in Health Disparities in Society and a Certificate in Horticultural Therapy. After completing her undergraduate career, she plans to pursue a master’s degree in genetic counseling and integrate horticultural therapy into her future work.

Jessica Logan / Teaching Assistant

Jes Logan is a TA for this course and brings a background that bridges science, coaching, and a passion for gardening. She earned her Ph.D. in psychology and cognitive neuroscience and worked as a researcher and professor before transitioning into a career she loves as a healthcare coach and consultant.

Based in Houston, TX, Jessica lives with her husband and two children, plus two dogs who think they are master gardeners. Outside of work, gardening is her favorite hobby and the inspiration for her interest in horticultural therapy. While working through the HT program, she is excited to blend her teaching and coaching skills with her passion for plants to support and encourage students along their own paths.

Bree Stark / Enrollment Coordinator and Instructor

Bree serves as program advisor/enrollment coordinator for the UF Certificate in Horticultural Therapy and co-teaches several courses. Bree completed UF's CHT in 2022 and is will soon be eligible for Therapeutic Horticulture Practitioner (THP) status. Residing in the Walton County, FL, Bree’s focus within therapeutic horticulture includes applications in prolonged grief, substance use disorder and climate anxiety. Bree also volunteers with the Florida Horticulture for Health Network as website manager, and in spare time loves to play in the food forest, cook delicious meals, paddle the Florida spring runs, and read sci-fi & fantasy novels. 

Sarah Tanke / Instructor

Sarah has been a TA with the UF Certificate in Horticultural Therapy program since she graduated from the program herself in 2022. She is a Horticultural Therapist, Registered (HTR) through the American Horticultural Therapy Association.

Sarah currently works at the North Carolina Botanical Garden as the Therapeutic Horticulture Community Engagement Specialist where she facilitates their direct client services in the surrounding Chapel Hill area. She primarily works with elders in assisted living/memory care and adults with persistent and severe mental health challenges. In her free time, she loves spending time in nature, running, biking, or simply appreciating its beauty!

She passionate about increasing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility within the field of HT.