SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) – During Mental Health Awareness Month, Pathfinder Tech students are getting some cuddle therapy with some baby animals.
The school has partnered with On The Road Again Farm in Springfield to give its students a chance to get some one-on-one time with baby goats, bunnies, and ducklings.
Brenda Turner, the leader of Pathfinder’s Social Emotional Learning Team, explained the benefits.
“This is our fourth, maybe our fifth year doing this ever-popular cuddle therapy event which allows students a little bit of a break out of class and an opportunity to connect with animals,” said Turner. “So for once, what they’re wearing, what shoes they might have on, none of that matters in the minds of animals so they can come out and decompress for a little bit.”
Turner says this isn’t just fun and games. Monday’s event teaches students the importance of caring for their mental health and why it’s important to their academics to be in a good mental space.
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