NEW: Animal-Assisted Activities!
February 1, 2018
We are pleased & proud to announce that Pinewood will be offering Animal-Assisted Activities to a number of students, initially from January – March. Empirical evidence has shown that therapy dogs can enhance children’s psychological development, improve social skills, and increase self-esteem among other benefits. Research also shows that therapy dogs in school settings can make a measurable difference in specific academic skills, such as reading and verbal expression. Katharina Gugerel, a certified health and social worker (and Pinewood Mom!), and her two trained dogs, will work in small groups of four children or less during the school day.
The dogs will act as educational, social, psychological and emotional supporters and facilitators. Keep an eye out for updates on this wonderful new addition to our Student Services.
Alexandra Valtzidou & Anastasia Panidou
Student Services Department