Dear Friends, Family, and Community Members,
I began working in public schools in 2002 as a Speech/Language Therapist. I saw the need for mental health support grow exponentially each year. After Covid-19 hit, the problems compounded beyond what we could have ever anticipated.
Through the years I have built relationships with kids of all ages, and it has pained me to sit and watch these children struggle with their mental health, unable to cope with their traumas and not knowing how to ask for the services they so greatly needed. Sometimes kids just need a hug and friendly eyes that say, “I care about you, and I’m here for you because you matter”. Other times they need shoes that don’t have holes or resources for food, so they don’t go hungry over the weekend.
After 20 years in speech therapy, I knew I needed to find a way to reach more kids. While still working my day job I returned to Ottawa University to complete a master’s degree in professional counseling. I am now a School Safety Counselor for two public schools.
I learned quickly that I can wear a smile as big as Texas and remind them that my door is always open, but the truth is many kids experiencing trauma simply don’t trust adults. For them, the thought of sitting in a counselor’s or any adult’s office can fill them with anxiety and frustration.
From my experience and what I have witnessed pre and post pandemic I have come to the realization that our kids (from all walks of life) are not ok. Studies show us this. It’s a brutal truth we must accept. Already in my short time as a counselor, I have completed suicide risk assessments, contacted the Crisis Team, worked with children who have family members in prison, experienced the death of loved, students who have experienced trauma, neglect, hunger, and helped support anxious kids who are struggling just to be in their classroom.
I use several different supports when working with my kids. I have a lot of tricks up my sleeves. I am pretty good at reaching most kids, which is a good feeling. Except when I can’t and don’t. Extreme times call for extreme measures. I found a solution. A furry, 4-legged, non-judgmental, friend who accepts and loves unconditionally 100% of the time. A friend who can help not only regulate emotions but provide a type of calming humans can’t. Enter Kylo…
Kylo is a chocolate Labrador Retriever my family and I adopted to train as a Facility Dog. Facility dogs are the new breed of Service Dog and are trained to assist those that have or are currently undergoing trauma. They reduce stress, anxiety, and depression in kids. They have specialized skills that aid with intervention, such as helping students be more eager to attend classes or more confident in expressing their frustration and fears. Did you know that Kylo will be trained to detect stress and anxiety in students all from smell? Dogs can do this! Think of all the support he could give to our kids and staff!
I chose to work with Dog Trainer U.S. (https://dogtrainerus.com/ ) because my school district’s School Resource Officers (SRO) are using them. I have seen their Facility Dogs in action, and they are fantastic. While working in my district, I have been fortunate to witness the wonderful impact dogs have had with our kids. These special animals have been a blessing not only for students but for staff as well. I see the way children and teens can open up to a dog. I’ve witnessed students who do not like to read, being excited to read to a 4-legged friend. I have felt the calmness take over me when spending time with a facility dog. Students who don’t normally talk to me (or anyone), will always have a conversation with me if I am standing next to a dog.
I am committed to working in public schools and with children and adults. The reason I am telling you all of this is because I need your help. The financial burden will be great for my family without your support and donations. Your donations will have a significant impact not only on our kids but the community as well. It truly takes a village. The donations will go directly to Dog Trainer U.S from Mentored Service. Mentored Service is a 501-c-3 nonprofit organization that aids with both training and fees. Donations to this organization are tax deductible.
Please use this link: https://mentoredservice.com/donations/
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I am excited for Kylo not only to be an aid for our schools and students, but I look forward to the additional volunteering opportunities Kylo and I will have in the community. Thank you for your consideration.
With warm regards, Julie and Kylo Jimenez
Dog Trainer U.S. https://dogtrainerus.com/