meet our newest (and furriest!) member of the mental health team

We’re excited to share something very special with our patient families – a new teammate who is already bringing comfort, calm and connection to patients. She’s friendly, she’s furry and she has a wagging tail that’s helping transform the way we support mental health and wellness. Meet our newest facility dog in our Canine Co-pilots program, Piper!

Piper works alongside her primary handler, Taylor. Taylor is a licensed independent clinical social worker with extensive experience as a mental health therapist. Together, Taylor and Piper, work together to tailor interventions and support the unique challenges kids may face during their time with us. Whether your child is newly admitted, struggling to open up, or facing tough emotions, this dynamic duo is here to help.

how Piper will help patients at the Mathile Center for Mental Health and Wellness

Piper plays a special role in individual therapeutic sessions. Here are some of the way she and Taylor help support patients:

• Helping patients adjust to the unit: being in a new place can be overwhelming. Piper offers comfort to patients who feel hesitant about being admitted to the mental health unit. While Taylor can help explain what to expect, the dog provides gentle reassurance.
• Building trust and connection: Dogs have a natural ability to break down walls. Many patients feel more comfortable talking to a therapist when Piper is there. She helps bridge the gap and builds the trust needed for healing.
• Support during hard conversations: Whether it’s discussing trauma or navigating big emotions, Piper is there to lay beside patients, offer deep pressure for grounding, or just be a steady presence to hold onto.
• Lifting spirits and highlighting strengths: Piper’s playful and loving nature makes it easier for patients to engage in positive conversations about coping skills, goals and navigating conflict.
• Modeling healthy routines: Piper models positive coping strategies and can demonstrate how she maintains a good mindset and mood. She can also model activities of daily living like brushing her teeth and brushing her hair. These fun interactions help reinforce how small daily habits can make a big impact on both mental and physical health.
• Getting active together: Movement is a key part of mental wellness. Through structured play and physical activities, Piper helps patients burn off energy, stay focused in therapy, and feel good in their bodies.

group therapy sessions

Beyond individual sessions, Piper has dedicated animal-assisted group therapy sessions weekly. She helps lead discussions on important topics like self-control, connection, coping skills and resilience. Her calming presence helps patients feel safe and supported as they work through their feelings together.

crisis response

Piper is more than just a cuddly companion – she is specially trained in behavioral management and crisis response. In emergency situations, Piper and Taylor can respond to codes to support patients in distress. Since the involvement of our facility dogs in code responses, we have seen drastic results:

• Odds of using physical restraint were 71% lower
• Average time in physical restraints was 18.5 minutes shorter
• Odds of intramuscular medication administration were 37% lower

These outcomes speak to the incredible impact of compassionate, canine-assisted approaches to care.

We know that mental health challenges can be tough – for both patients and their families. That’s why we’re so proud to offer innovative, heartwarming support through our facility dog program. Piper isn’t just a pet – she’s a partner in healing, connection and resilience. And she’s already making a difference in the lives of the children we serve.

Happy Mental Health Month – from all of us, and a very special wag of the tail from our newest teammate, Piper!

For more information about our Canine Co-pilots program, click here.