GASTONIA, N.C. – Partners Health Management joined the Newton-Conover City Schools Board of Education, Catawba County government officials and others in welcoming Jett, a therapy dog, as a member of the school district’s support staff Monday, Aug. 5, 2024, during a board work session.
Back row (L-R): Newton-Conover City Schools Superintendent Dr. Aron Gabriel, School Board Members Jean Jarrett, Robbie Gonzales, Phil Heath, Conover High School Principal Joshua Weese, School Board Chairman Major Tim Hayes, Catawba County Manager Mary Furtado, Andy Hanellin of Dogs by Andy, Partners Regional Director of Community Operations Paul Holden, Associate Superintendent Dr. Beth Bradley Penley. Front row (L-R): School board members Mark Pennell and Jim Stockner, teacher and dog handler Tiffany Krueger, Trainer Rebecca Guarriello and Jett.
Jett will work alongside human guidance counselors at Conover School to provide ongoing healing, comfort and support to students. Conover School provides specialized education opportunities for students with disabilities and has about 100 students ranging in age from 3 to 22.
“We are grateful to Partners Health Management for providing Jett to help our students,” said Dr. Aron Gabriel, Superintendent of Newton-Conover City Schools. “Our students face many challenges, and having a therapy dog will be a wonderful addition to our support system. We look forward to witnessing the positive effects this will have on our students’ mental health and overall well-being.”
The mental health of young people in the U.S. is a critical concern, with increasing rates of anxiety, depression and other mental health issues among children and adolescents.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in five young people in the U.S. live with a mental health condition, and the prevalence has only escalated in recent years due to various factors including the COVID-19 pandemic, academic pressures and social media influences.
Partners worked with Newton-Conover City Schools to address the need for effective mental health support. Therapy dogs offer numerous benefits, including reducing stress and anxiety, improving mood and fostering a sense of connection and companionship. Interactions with therapy dogs can also encourage open communication about feelings and mental health, creating a more supportive and understanding school environment.
“We are thrilled to bring this valuable resource to Newton-Conover City Schools,” said Tara Conrad, Senior Director of Community Engagement for Partners Health Management. “The mental well-being of our youth is paramount, and we are committed to finding innovative ways to support them. Therapy dogs have shown remarkable effectiveness in providing comfort and promoting mental health. We believe this initiative will make a significant positive impact on the students’ lives.”
Andy Hanellin, of Dogs by Andy in Mooresville, N.C., and his team trained Jett for this new job. Hanellin has also helped train other dogs that Partners has provided to schools within its 15-county service area.
