About Us
About Us
Marli’s Place is a vision of hope—a therapy and educational barn where children, families, and individuals can experience the healing power of Animal-Assisted Education (AAE). Our mission is to create a safe, inclusive space where animals and people work together to build confidence, reduce anxiety, and foster emotional growth.
Who We Are
Our Director of Curriculum, Dr. Christina Whalen
Our Founder Kelli Aker
Our Founder Kelli Aker
Dr. Christina Whalen, PhD, BCBA is a nationally recognized expert in Social‑Emotional Learning and Multi‑Tiered Systems of Support. She has been instrumental in designing evidence‑based SEL curriculum aligned with MTSS frameworks, supporting districts in implementing inclusive, scalable SEL practices across tiers. Dr. Whalen’s work has co
Dr. Christina Whalen, PhD, BCBA is a nationally recognized expert in Social‑Emotional Learning and Multi‑Tiered Systems of Support. She has been instrumental in designing evidence‑based SEL curriculum aligned with MTSS frameworks, supporting districts in implementing inclusive, scalable SEL practices across tiers. Dr. Whalen’s work has contributed to standards‑aligned SEL implementation in California, bridging research, practice, and policy to improve outcomes for all learners.
Our Founder Kelli Aker
Our Founder Kelli Aker
Our Founder Kelli Aker
Kelli Aker is the founder of Marli’s Place and an experienced educator with a background in special education, inclusive practice, and social‑emotional learning. With years of experience supporting diverse learners, Kelli designs trauma‑informed, animal‑assisted SEL programs that integrate seamlessly into classrooms, professional learning
Kelli Aker is the founder of Marli’s Place and an experienced educator with a background in special education, inclusive practice, and social‑emotional learning. With years of experience supporting diverse learners, Kelli designs trauma‑informed, animal‑assisted SEL programs that integrate seamlessly into classrooms, professional learning environments, and workplaces. Her work centers on inclusion, regulation, and belonging, blending evidence‑aligned SEL frameworks with experiential learning to meet the needs of individuals and communities.