Furry Friend Joins US Students For 'Wellness Wednesdays'

Every Wednesday at the upper school, a new four-legged student joins the Benjamin family. Winnie, a 5-year-old Schnauzer mix, travels to campus with her handler, upper school counselor Dr. Renea Yates. 

Dr. Yates implemented “Wellness Wednesdays With Winnie” in December of 2021 to provide “physiological, emotional, and social support for students.”

“Research conducted over the last 30 years has shown that dogs on school campuses can provide a calming influence for students, faculty, and staff suffering from anxiety, depression, stress, burnout, compassion fatigue, etc,” said Yates.

 “Research shows dogs help decrease blood pressure, increase dopamine and serotonin levels, assist in social skill-building, and boost self-confidence,” she said.

Once a month, the upper school’s Mental Health and Wellness Club hosts a special event with Winnie, offering tips and strategies for managing stress and anxiety.

When Winnie is not traversing campus, she relaxes in the Student Services office. Yates says she loves that students come by to see Winnie which allows her to interact with some students she may not normally see.

 

“I am learning quickly about all of the dog-lovers we have around campus. Students will come by to show me pictures of their Sadies, Bellas, Emmas and Coopers and that leads into conversations about school, stress, and adolescent life,” said Yates, who loves that Winnie is drawing students into her office and “reducing any stigma associated with seeing the school’s counselor.” 

 

“She truly is fostering a calm and sense of connection here on campus,” said Yates.