ABOUT THE KODA PROJECT
The Koda Project is committed to promoting the human-animal bond through professional, compassionate, and evidence-based practices. Our team is passionate about improving the lives of individuals through the power of animal-assisted interventions. We believe in the unique ability of therapy dogs to make a positive impact on communities and are dedicated to sharing our expertise with organizations seeking to implement these programs.
OUR SERVICES
PROGRAM CONSULTING
Our program consulting services are tailored to assist your organization in developing and implementing effective therapy dog and animal-assisted programs. We provide guidance on best practices, ethical considerations, and program evaluation to ensure the well-being of both humans and animals involved.
EDUCATION & TRAINING
Through our training services, we equip your staff, volunteers, and therapy dogs with the necessary skills and knowledge to engage in safe and meaningful interactions within your program. Our training programs focus on building strong human-animal relationships and promoting emotional health and literacy.
COMMUNITY WELLNESS
We offer community wellness initiatives that aim to raise awareness about the benefits of therapy dog and animal-assisted programs. Our team engages with various stakeholders to promote the positive impact of these interventions on emotional well-being and literacy in diverse settings.
Abigail Marvin, Assistant Principal, Leonard Middle School
"Inviting therapy dogs into our middle school has had a profoundly positive impact on both students and staff. Their presence creates an immediate sense of calm and comfort, helping to reduce anxiety, improve mood, and support emotional regulation throughout the school day. Students who may struggle to engage socially or academically often open up more readily in the presence of a therapy dog, building confidence and trust in a way that feels safe and nonjudgmental. These visits also foster a stronger sense of community, giving students and staff a shared, uplifting experience to look forward to. Overall, therapy dogs have become a meaningful support for student well-being and a valuable addition to our school environment."
Nichole Proulx, LMFT, Lead Counselor, Husson University Wellness Center
"Therapy dogs have had a meaningful and lasting impact on our students. Each semester, many actively seek out opportunities to spend time with them. The sense of relief and comfort students experience, whether through a simple pat or a quiet moment of connection, is evident and significant. Stacey and Koda were instrumental in establishing these therapy dog events, and we have remained deeply grateful for their contributions over the years. Their legacy continues to be felt in the positive experiences and sense of connection these visits bring to the students."
Student, Leonard Middle School, Animal Assisted Intervention Enrichment Class
"Sometimes school can be stressful, work can get to be a lot, there’s drama. Sometimes we just need to relax.
Especially during a lockdown, the therapy dogs help me feel cared for without anyone having to say the words.
Dogs can be very comforting, brings a bit of joy."
