Ari & Mackenzie, Swegle Elementary – Four Legged Strategy for Belonging

Meet Ari & Mackenzie

At Swegle Elementary, the school counseling team worked with their principal Sarah Kimmell to make a real difference in their approach to student and staff wellbeing. Unlike other strategies, this one was yellow, furry, had four-legs and a heart that truly connected with the Swegle school community – that strategy was Ari. 

Here at Swegle, students immediately relaxed when they saw our therapy dog, Arie. When a student is in crisis, they will often calm down if they see Arie so that they can interact with her. Additionally, students immediately trusted Arie and often told Arie how they were feeling or what was bothering them when they would not tell an adult. Ari is a big part of play therapy for several students as they process with our school counselor.
Sarah Kimmell, Principal – Swegle Elementary

Ari was Swegle Elementary’s first therapy dog, which supported the school counseling team with direct student-intervention, student engagement on initiatives such as attendance and just being there when a member of their school just needed a buddy. 

Ari and former school counselor and Ari’s mom, Ms. Brown may have moved on to their next adventure together, but the impact of the relationships forged will last for years. Swegle is now in the process of certifying their next school therapy dog and has inspired other schools across the district to create similar programs.

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