March TWiG – Talks and Walks in the Garden

THE TRANSFORMATIVE POWER OF GARDENS IN SPIRITUAL AND MENTAL WELLBEING

TWiG (Talks and Walks in the Garden) is an ongoing series presented by one of AAGC’s Garden Clubs.

Gardens transform. Gardens transform more than space. They are embedded in religion, culture and history and provide a context and a medium for individual spiritual and mental wellbeing. Join Karen Kalergis and Vijay Ganju for a walk in Zilker Botanical Garden, as they informally share their perspectives on how gardens are both models and catalysts for change in spiritual growth and personal resilience. The session will include an opportunity for you to reflect on your relationship to gardens and your own resiliency strengths.

Speaker Bio: Karen Kalergis is known nationally for her work on resiliency that started at the University of Texas School of Social Work and is now provided in classrooms (and gardens) across the country. Karen has conducted training and technical assistance on resiliency for first responders, social workers, health professionals, teachers, and forensic workers from government agencies, nonprofits and tribal communities. She is President of Mani Partners Strategic Communications.

Speaker Bio: Vijay Ganju has worked with various organizations at state, national and international levels to develop and improve mental health systems. He has also taught courses at the University of Texas in the Department of Economics, the School of Communications, the Center for Asian Studies and the LBJ School of Public Affairs. He is currently the President of National Dialogues on Behavioral Health.

In addition to their professional backgrounds, Karen and Vijay hold leadership positions in the Austin Area Garden Council and the Zilker Botanical Garden Conservancy, respectively. This TWiG is an example of the collaboration between the two partners to bring gardening education to Zilker Botanical Garden.