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North Smithfield students and staff hear how therapy dogs are being used to support learning and mental health
Summary
At the June 16 School Committee meeting, Colleen Broofphy of Dog On It described certified therapy and facility‑dog programs used in North Smithfield schools for mental‑health supports, student mentoring, senior projects and community outreach; a student testified that visits helped classmates open up about their feelings.
Colleen Broofphy, founder of Dog On It and the Rhode Island Assistance Dog Education Center, told the North Smithfield School Committee on June 16 that therapy dogs have become a recurring support for the district’s schools, used for reading programs, peer mentoring, career‑focused senior projects and mental‑health response after traumatic events.
"It's much more than just petting a dog," Broofphy said in her presentation, describing different certification levels for companion, emotional‑support, therapy, facility and teacher dogs and how each level carries distinct rules and roles.
Broofphy said her nonprofit has worked with the district for several years — bringing dogs to middle‑school events, the pumpkin festival and, most recently, in response to a February hockey incident. She described programming that trains students in dog‑training skills as CTE or senior‑project experiences, provides career‑mentoring opportunities and offers visits to nursing homes and community centers.
Student speaker Sophie described how visits with dogs made it easier for other students to discuss personal struggles. "When I brought the dogs to the students and I allowed them to interact with the dog while they spoke about it, it was more of a way for them to feel comfortable talking about it," she said.
Committee members asked how the program is funded. Broofphy said she invests personal time and pursues grants; she said a fully trained service dog can cost between $25,000 and $40,000, and that her nonprofit is seeking grant support and partnerships to sustain visits and expand programming.
Administrators and board members discussed how therapy‑dog visits can tie into state and district mental‑health initiatives and student support strategies. Broofphy and the committee agreed the program can be integrated into multiple areas — reading fluency exercises, social‑emotional learning and CTE pathways — while accommodating students who do not wish to participate.
The committee did not take formal action on the program at the meeting. Broofphy said she will provide additional materials and be available for follow‑up questions.
The district’s next steps include reviewing how to formalize visits, identify funding sources and ensure training, insurance and accommodations for students who do not interact with dogs.
