Gal Hakim-Asscher and Dr. Ariel Tsovel were recruited by the Menmon Foundation in 2020 to serve as directors of the Human and Animal Institute.
Gal Hakim-Asscher – An educational psychologist and head of the Program for Emotional Therapy in the Presence of Animals at the Oranim Academic College of Education. Hakim-Asscher has rich personal experience in therapeutic work with children and animal rehabilitation. In 2017, she led the conversion of the curriculum at Oranim College into the first program in the world that operates with a relational approach, meaning that the professional training is equally focused on both emotional therapy for humans and improving the condition of the animals that come into contact with the patients.
Dr. Ariel Tsovel – A philosopher and historian specializing in human-animal relations. His theoretical work combines methods from the humanities and social sciences with zoological and technological knowledge related to animals. Dr. Tzabel has over 20 years of experience in animal protection organizations, and his work there focused on education and outreach. (See Dr. Tsovel's personal website).
Drora Bruck – A musician and expert in pedagogy, curriculum development, and teacher training, manages international cultural and educational projects in music. Bruck volunteers for animals at the Family on Four Association, Yavneh. At the Human and Animal Institute, she makes professional connections and coordinates initiatives to empower activists and disseminate programs developed by the institute.
Rotem Tadmor-Sade – A social worker specializing in family therapy. Works at the Nesher Family Therapy Station. Treats children and families in the presence of animals and works as a practicum coordinator in the Animal-Assisted Therapy Program with a relational approach at the Oranim Academic College of Education. Active for animals. At the Human and Animal Institute, she guides school and community zoo teams in the Reciprocity Label project – promoting a relational approach in these institutes.
Guy Aflalo – An animal-assisted emotional therapist and clinical social worker (MSW). She has worked in the field of mental health, as well as in animal-assisted emotional therapy in elementary and high schools and boarding schools for at-risk youth. At the Human and Animal Institute, she guides school and community zoo teams and educational rescue farm teams in the Reciprocity Label project.
Dr. Noam Rodich – A therapist in the presence of animals and a Doctor of Medical Sciences. Founder and director of the Paamoney Ruach (wind bells) Association for the Mutual Rehabilitation of People and Animals – an animal shelter, a relational approach treatment center for at-risk populations, and a training center for therapists. Co-director of the Sexual Trauma Therapists Forum. At the Human and Animal Institute, she works on an animal welfare project.
