Michael Kaufmann is the Farm and Wildlife Director and Director of the Sam and Myra Ross Institute at Green Chimneys, dedicated to education and research on the human connection to animals and the natural world. At Green Chimneys, he directs all aspects of the nature-based therapeutic/educational programs. His focus is on Green Care, the concept of working with animals, plants and nature to enhance human environments and lives.

Kaufmann started his career as a humane educator at the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in New York City and continued as Education Director at the American Humane Association. Subsequently he represented Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship Intl. as Director of Education and Communication and editor of the national magazine STRIDES. He has worked closely with IAHAIO committees and task forces for many years, participating in conferences, webinars and in the development of white papers.

Michael is a past member of the board of the Horses and Humans Research Foundation and was a founding board member of the Equine Facilitated Mental Health Association. He just finished two terms as a trustees of the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International, is an advisor to the International Center for Anthrozoology, Norway, TAT Center for Human Animal Interaction, Vienna, Austria and The Canadian Institute of Animal-Assisted Interventions. He serves on the editorial board of the magazine GREEN CARE.