IRHS is welcoming back 2 therapy dogs to campus. Once a week, during both the first and second lunch. Students will be able to meet and engage with them. Both pups are coming from the Humane Society of Southern Arizona and have been trained in their Therapy Dog Program. The following is a Q & A with IRHS counselor, Ms. Markle
Why did IRHS decide to bring therapy dogs to campus? –
A – “The counselors were concerned about the students, stress level at school, as well as mental health and well-being. We wanted to offer an opportunity for stress relief, and the therapy dogs seemed like a great option to help students smile if only once a week during lunchtime.”
Do the dogs do well with big crowds? –
A – “Yes, they have to go through training to be comfortable with groups of people and crowds.”
Are there any concerns you (or other staff) have about them being on campus? –
A – “Yes, we do have some people on campus with allergies to pets. That is why we have them in an open space and are optional for students to visit the Therapy Dogs.”
In the future do you think IRHS will continue to have this service be a counseling option or was it just a ‘trial’ kind of opportunity?
A – “We started this program last spring before the COVID shutdown. We had such a positive experience, we have been trying to bring the program back all year. Because of COVID, we just recently got approval to start again. We hope to continue this program, as long as the Pet Therapy teams are willing to come to our school and visit our students.”
Ironwood Ridge has counselors that are here to help with anything you need. Mrs. Davidson said, “On-campus the obvious resources are the counselors, nurse and, really, any trusted adult. We are all here to help if needed and will help the student find the resources they need.” She has also provided the Crisis Text Line that is open 24/7 for students in need of more help.
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- Local resources for counseling/therapy can be found here
https://www.amphi.com/Domain/1236
Below are the counselors based on last name and their email address.
A – D : Elieen Jonaitis – ejonaitis@amphi.com
E – L and E – K: Stephanie Johnson – slevy@amphi.com
M – R : Michelle Markle – mmarkle@amphi.com
S – Z : Amy Davidson – adavidson@amphi.com
