There’s a new visitor coming to the Baldwin-Whitehall School District. It’s not a pupil, it’s a PUP! Lilly is a therapy dog who will be visiting all the schools throughout the year. Lilly, a standard poodle and her handler, Michelle Staude, immediately brighten the mood as soon as they walk through the door.

Marissa Gallagher, Director of Student Services for the Baldwin-Whitehall School District, shares, “Lilly and her handler Michelle have quickly become invaluable assets to the Baldwin Whitehall School District. With planned visits to the schools on a monthly basis via the school counseling and social work departments, Lilly's calming presence reaches students across the district. Her gentle demeanor helps reduce anxiety and stress, offering emotional support to students who need it most. Through intentional, therapeutic interactions, Lilly and Michelle play a vital role in fostering a positive, inclusive atmosphere where students feel safe, supported, and ready to learn.”

In addition to their work in Baldwin-Whitehall schools, Lilly and Staude visit a variety of healthcare and education settings. Staude is passionate about helping others and becoming Lilly’s handler was an natural extension of her love of people. She explains, “Through events with my own children who are now grown, I have witnessed and experienced first-hand the effects an animal can have on a person's wellbeing. I have often thought about becoming a handler and I felt that it would be a great compliment to my skills as a Registered Nurse. So, when my employer, Jefferson Hospital, offered a scholarship to their nurses to become certified in pet therapy I jumped at the chance.”

Watch for Lilly in schools throughout the coming school year!