Juniper Hug Day and Hugs and Bears Workshop!

Juniper Village at Forest Hills celebrated "Hug Day" with a "Hugs and Bear" Workshop presented by Resident Ambassador and Volunteer Susan Fanke RN, BSN, M.ED., CHES. Susan discussed the importance of "Hug Therapy" and "Teddy Bear Therapy". Susan handed out treat bags filled with Hersheys Kisses and Hugs as well as Teddy Bears for all who attended. Susan also passed out handouts on the various therapies as well as encouraged hugging throughout the presentation.

Susan Franke' is a registered nurse and has worked as a public health nurse, staff nurse and supervisor. She is also a licensed PA nursing home administrator. She received a BSN degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing and a Masters Degree in Health Education from Penn State University. She is also a Certified Health Education Specialist.  

In addition, Susan is a former bereavement counselor with the Burger King Cancer Caring Center. She is a former member of the American School Health Association and a former pediatric nursing instructor at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA.

Susan has over 20 years of experience in health care and community services and has given over 650 presentations to schools and community groups since 1998. Her children's programs received an award of excellence from the Pittsburgh Public School District. Susan was recently featured in the Murrysville Star and the Green Tree Times. She was also a guest on the KDKA Morning Show with Jon Burnett, where she discussed her Teddy Bear Therapy, disability awareness, bully prevention and Hug Therapy programs.

Susan was also recently interviewed by "Caregiver Magazine" and will be featured in the July 2011 edition. We are very fortunate and pleased to have Susan here at Juniper Village Forest Hills. Both residents and staff appreciate and enjoy Susan very much!  She has been a huge help acting as a resident volunteer helping out with our Bingo, Bible Study and Hydration Cart.

For more information on "Hug Therapy" or "Teddy Bear" therapy please check out Susan's Website at: http://www.hugsandbears.com/

Our Juniper "Hug Day" also featured entertainment from local musician Tracy Lee Simmen "The Ukulele Lady"!

This activity proved to be both fun and informative for all!!! National Hug Day is every January 21st, but Juniper Village Forest Hills thought it appropriate to have ours in February around the Valentines Day Holiday!

For more information on "Hug Day" go to http://www.nationalhuggingday.com/