Parsippany Troy-Hills Education Association
Morris County educator Stacey Van Seggern from Parsippany Troy Hills Public Schools was awarded a $2,500 grant entitled Pawsitive Pathways: A School Pet Therapy Initiative. This is a school-based pet therapy program at Brooklawn Middle School designed to support the social-emotional well-being of approximately 950 students in grades 6-8. The initiative integrates a certified therapy dog into the school’s existing SEL framework through whole-class visits, small-group interventions, and advisory-based lessons. By providing a calm, non-judgmental presence, the program helps reduce student stress, improve emotional regulation, and strengthen school connectedness. The initiative is especially inclusive for multilingual learners and students experiencing social or emotional challenges, fostering belonging, inclusion, and positive peer interactions while proactively supporting overall student wellness.
For more information, contact:
Stacey Van Seggern
Brooklawn Middle School
(973) 428-7551