In the coming weeks, the Berks County Intermediate Unit (BCIU) will officially launch its Therapy Dog Program—an initiative designed to support student and staff well-being, strengthen social-emotional learning, and foster a culture of belonging across BCIU programs and sites.
At the heart of the program is Reese, a six-year-old Goldendoodle and certified therapy dog, alongside her handler, Erin Hulsey, Board Certified Behavior Analyst in our School Age Special Education Program. Reese has been making therapy dog visits since January 2022, and the overwhelmingly positive response from students and staff laid the groundwork for expanding this work into a formal BCIU program.
The Therapy Dog Program is grounded in research and best practice. Therapy dog visits have been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, improve focus and engagement, support literacy and communication, and promote empathy, compassion, and positive relationships. At the BCIU, Reese’s visits are thoughtfully aligned with classroom goals and social-emotional learning, supporting Tier 1 interventions, reinforcing positive behaviors, and creating calm, welcoming learning environments.
Erin Hulsey shared what inspired her to bring this work to the BCIU:
“Early in my teaching career, I knew I wanted to incorporate therapy dog visits into both my professional and personal life. That vision began informally when I was granted permission to bring my first Goldendoodle, Riley, to Extended School Year programming. Almost immediately, I witnessed the profound and lasting impact therapy dogs can have within school communities—a journey that has continued and expanded with Reese.
Reese’s gentle demeanor, calming presence, and genuine love for human connection make her ideally suited for therapy work. What began as a small initiative quickly grew, fueled by the positive influence she brought to every classroom and hallway she entered. Simply being in Reese’s presence sparks joy. She offers comfort and calm while naturally fostering communication, connection, and emotional regulation for those around her.
With the launch of the BCIU Therapy Dog Program, I am confident that Reese will continue to provide comfort, foster empathy and compassion, and create meaningful opportunities for connection. From read-alouds and quiet listening moments to reinforcing positive behaviors and cultivating new relationships, the possibilities are limitless. At its core, this work is about spreading kindness, nurturing emotional well-being, and bringing genuine smiles to the faces of everyone she meets.”
The Therapy Dog Program is currently supporting early childhood programs, school-age special education, and staff wellness efforts, with plans to expand to additional services, including counseling groups, alternative education programs, and district-based supports. With clear guidelines and a thoughtful approval process in place, the BCIU is positioned to grow this program responsibly while ensuring safety, consistency, and positive outcomes.
As the BCIU continues to prioritize whole-child and whole-staff well-being, the Therapy Dog Program reflects our commitment to innovative, compassionate approaches that enrich learning environments and strengthen connections—one paw at a time.