By Kathryn Coulibaly
Bayonne therapy dogs lend a paw to district mental health efforts
Two special volunteers have been roaming the halls of Bayonne Public Schools since September 2024. Mabel, a golden retriever-Pyrenees mix, and Ernie, a goldendoodle, are part of a therapy program to help students build confidence and reduce stress.
“This is a dream of mine,” says Danielle Travelino, a third-grade teacher at Mary J. Donohue School. “When I transitioned from teaching kindergarten to third grade, I noticed that my students were dealing with significantly more stress. They often discuss state tests and personal experiences, which is an opportunity to support them through these important moments.”
Travelino notes that one of her students showed incredible resilience after a home loss due to a fire, while another is learning to navigate changes in their family.
“The stress they face today is different from what we experienced in our youth,” Travelino says. “It’s heartbreaking, and we must find ways to ensure our students feel safe and comfortable.”
Travelino’s administration was very supportive of trying the therapy dogs, and when she connected with the Bright and Beautiful Therapy Company, she found an enthusiastic partner in Mabel and her owner, Nadja.
Before inviting Mabel to visit, Travelino sent home permission slips to the entire third grade. The next day, every permission slip had been enthusiastically returned.
“One parent said their child was allergic, but they would be fine and just needed to wash their hands afterwards!” Travelino recalls.
In the spring of 2024, Nadja brought Mabel for their first visit. Since then, Mabel has been joined by Ernie, who belongs to Bayonne Superintendent John Niesz. Ernie is a popular addition to the school community, bringing cheer in the halls of the schools, supporting student athletes at events and even attending field trips.
“Superintendent Niesz and I had numerous conversations about the benefits therapy dogs would have for the children of Bayonne,” Travelino says. “When Nadja and I spoke for the first time, we knew it was meant to be.”
“The reception from the students and staff was amazing and very well-received,” Niesz said.
As a result of the dogs’ visits, Travelino has seen a huge impact on the students.
“One of the most joyful activities we have is reading to the dogs,” Travelino explains. “In the past, some students needed a little extra motivation to pick up a book and read. Now, they are absolutely thrilled to read to Mabel and Ernie! They eagerly grab books and settle down on the carpet, excited to share their stories with their furry friends.”
The plan is to have the therapy dogs visit at least once a week, but with 13 schools and more than 2,800 students, there is a lot of interest in visits from Mabel and Ernie. Studies have shown that therapy dogs in schools can help students feel more connected, calmer and less stressed, and they reduce negative behaviors.
“We are thrilled with the impact of our therapy dog program so far and are looking for more ways to help students manage their mental health,” says Travelino. “This initiative has represented a commitment to improving the well-being of students in the Bayonne School District.”
Plumsted Township therapy dog clocks in to help students
The Plumsted Township School District has utilized therapy dogs since 2007. At the time, Plumsted’s child study team was working with a student diagnosed with selective mutism. Selective mutism is an anxiety disorder in which an individual does not communicate in certain environments or social situations. In this case, the child would not communicate in school.
Working with the student’s therapist, a discussion evolved on the efficacy of using animals to change the environment and work through the symptoms. With administrative approval and parental consent, a therapy dog was brought to the school.
“The results were amazing,” said Thomas Chemris, a student assistance coordinator in Plumsted, which encompasses New Egypt, Ocean County. “At first, the student would only speak to the dog, but in short order acclimated to normalized communication. School policy and board approval followed and Plumsted has had a canine staff member ever since. What began as an intervention for a special needs student has become incorporated within the school culture.”
The current four-legged staff member is a three-year-old golden retriever named Kesey.
“The benefits of having a dog in school are endless,” Chemris says. “Having a dog helps give the students a sense of being home when they are at school. It creates a personal environment, a feeling of safety and well-being.”
Kesey, who is an honorary member of the Plumsted Township Education Association (PTEA), always gives students and staff something to smile about, according to PTEA President Rebecca Semko.
“Kesey helps to bring so much joy to the Warriors of New Egypt,” Semko says. “To watch their faces light up when they hear his collar jingle in the hallway is so amazing. Both staff and students in New Egypt are so lucky to have our Kesey.”
“Students can come to our guidance office to spend time with the dog,” Chemris says, “But where Kesey is at his best is in the classroom. He will just sit with students as they attend to their lessons and provide unconditional emotional support.
“This is beneficial for students who struggle with anxiety, stress and other behavioral health challenges.”
“Kesey brings such a sense of calm and joy to the school,” says Plumsted Director of Curriculum and Instruction Heather DeGrandis. “Whenever a student is upset or in crisis, the presence of Kesey immediately calms the student and brings a sense of peace to the situation. Every school should have a therapy dog.”
Kathryn Coulibaly is the associate editor of the NJEA Review and provides content and support to njea.org. She can be reached at kcoulibaly@njea.org.
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