402: How Does Animal-Assisted Education Improve Student Focus and Mental Health?

Guest

Barbara Vokatis is a professor at the State University of New York an Oneonta, keynote speaker, award-winning author, and therapy dog partner. She is an author of books in dog therapy in educational settings ("Teachers and Therapy Dog Teams: Innovative Collaborations to Make a Difference for Children") and a children's book ("Carmel Goes to School") with the therapy dog theme. Her latest book is titled "Unshakable: Parenting through Autism with Love, Courage, and Purpose."

Summary

In this episode, Jeff Ikler speaks with Dr. Barb Vokatis about the role of animal-assisted intervention—especially therapy dogs—in supporting student well-being, engagement, and learning. Dr. Barb explains that her work began when she observed the powerful, calming, and relational impact her dog had on her autistic child, which led her to develop a certified therapy dog program in schools. She describes how structured classroom visits from therapy dogs can reduce anxiety, increase focus, improve classroom behavior, and encourage participation—especially among shy or reluctant students.

Teachers reported that students became calmer and more attentive when the therapy dog was present, without disrupting instruction. Dr. Barb shares examples of students who became more expressive, more willing to speak, and even newly motivated to write after interacting with the dog and hearing her story. She emphasizes that therapy animals are not gimmicks or tools, but relationship catalysts that help build trust, kindness, and emotional safety.

The conversation broadens to educational reform, arguing that student mental health and kindness should be more intentionally integrated into the school system. Dr. Barb calls for teacher training, professional development, and scalable models that responsibly expand therapy animal programs.

The Critical Takeaway

Schools should treat student well-being and academic learning as inseparable, with animal-assisted programs as one practical pathway.

Social Media/Referenced

https://www.instagram.com/dr.barb.educator/

https://www.facebook.com/barbara.vokatis

https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbara-vokatis-ph-d-530649a/

https://barbaravokatis.com

Book recommendation: The Path of Powerful Kindness