Monticello School District

Meet Bella, the MIS School therapy Dog.  One of the strongest advocates of student mental health in the Monticello School District just happens to have four legs and a calming yet joyful personality.  The program includes three components:  Greeting students during morning arrival, individual animal therapy, and brief classroom visits.  Handler Regina Lanehart has seen significant results from having Bella at School,  "Students that do not normally engage with others are engaging with Bella and thus engaging with me.  They trust me because I am the "dog lady, Bella's mom, and I have built many relationships with students and help them grow emotionally and academically."   Bella has a positive influence on MIS students by improving motivation, building trust, providing a sense of security, and promoting character traits that include caring, cooperation, compassion, empathy, respect, self-control, and self-esteem. Students love Bella because she offers them unconditional acceptance and a sense of security.