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Natalie Hartman
Whitnack is
a self-diagnosed and family supported, arctophyle (bear lover).
Having received her first bear, a panda named Mickey, at the
imaginative age of seven; she continues her life as a fancier
of the power and mystic of the delightful plush bruins.
Natalie received a Master's Degree in Recreation and Leisure
Studies. She has registration as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist
and Certification in Public Relations and Marketing. She retired
after 30 years as an administrator of a broad range of human
and community services. She has designed, implemented and directed
programs in housing, redevelopment, medical, mental health and
correctional settings.
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Married,
a mother of three grown children and two grandchildren, Natalie
delights in sharing her "hug of teddies" with anyone who
shares the slightest interest. She judges a teddy bear by the amount
of loving wear his furry body displays. She is especially intrigued
by what goes on behind the hug. So much so, that she is authored
Beyond a Hug: The Healing Power of Teddy Bears.
In addition to collecting, researching and writing about teddy bears,
she has created a teddy bear exhibit, designed to be combined with
family-centered recreational activities. Her goal is to share the
educational and recreational benefits of her leisure-time activity
with others. Natalie Hartman Whitnack hopes to ultimately find a
permanent location for her "beary" special family of bears
that would serve as a fund-raising activity for a worthy cause
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