Elke Schmelzer, biologist and resident manager for product development and health management, has been pursuing knowledge for years—with her expertise in animal-assisted intervention and her skills as an adult education trainer, she turns every seminar into a real experience.
With great sensitivity, she transforms encounters with her animal colleagues at the Green Care-certified Gut St. Martins into extraordinary experiences that touch, inspire, and leave a lasting impression. You learn something in every single moment—without even realizing it.
As a certified Green Care livestock specialist, she combines in-depth expertise with a profound understanding of the interplay between people, animals, and nature. This knowledge not only informs every single interaction she has, but also forms the foundation of her work as director of the “Animal Experience Academy,” where she and her team share their expertise, open up new perspectives, and create sustainable learning environments that have a lasting impact far beyond the moment.
Discover our unique animal-assisted training programs—developed by biologist Elke Schmelzer, Resident Manager for Product Development and Health Management.
Topics: These include self-awareness, reflection on one’s own body language and demeanor, strengthening social skills, and exploring professional topics such as basic emotions and personal space The content is flexibly adapted depending on the duration, target audience, and topics.
Content: This module uses the natural herd structure of sheep and goats as a mirror for participants’ own leadership roles. Participants learn how to lead without pressure but with clear intent.
Focus: Natural authority vs. dominance, building trust within the team, nonverbal leadership cues, and role distribution within groups.
Methodology: Hands-on exercises in “herding” in the pasture, reflection on group dynamics and the importance of safety in herding.
Target audiences: Executives , project managers, newly formed teams
Duration: 4 hours or more (half-day or full-day workshop)
Therapy animals: sheep , goats, donkeys
Let us know your wishes and ideas - we look forward to advising you and creating a customized offer for you.
Content: Finding focus through interaction with animals. This module combines mindfulness with the natural calm of animals—the perfect way to unwind after work.
Target groups: Teams, stressed employees, people in the helping professions
Duration: 2 hours or more
Therapy animals: White Baroque donkeys, Sulmtaler chickens, goats
Let us know your wishes and ideas - we look forward to advising you and creating a customized offer for you.
