Spirit Cove Kicks Off Annual Tour of Hope with Visit to Upward Elementary for World Mental Health Day

World Mental Health Day last week was a reminder of the importance of prioritizing emotional well-being and investing in good mental health for all. This year’s theme, “Access to services – mental health in catastrophes and emergencies,” highlighted how essential it is for people to protect and care for their mental health during times of crisis as well as in everyday life.

That message was reflected beautifully at Upward Elementary School, where Spirit Cove’s Newfoundland Therapy Team, affectionately known as the “Newfie Therapists,” spent the morning connecting with students, counselors, and teachers. The visit marked the kickoff of Spirit Cove’s annual Tour of Hope, an outreach that brings their therapy animals to schools, hospitals, emergency command centers, nursing homes, and community events throughout Western North Carolina.

Lauren Nealy, a school counselor at Upward, said she learned about Spirit Cove through its 2024 Hope on a Leash pilot program made possible by a grant from the Community Foundation of Henderson County.

“I wanted Spirit Cove’s newfie therapy dogs to visit our school because their calm, gentle nature makes them perfect for helping people relax and feel supported. Seeing how much joy and comfort they brought to both students and staff was incredibly gratifying.”

Nealy said that interactions with therapy dogs, such as Spirit Cove’s Newfies, have a positive, profound impact on children in particular.

“Therapy dogs can help create a safe, loving, non-judgmental environment, an important space for children to be in when processing and expressing emotions. It truly made a lasting impact on our school community,” she said.

From the simple, healing power of a hug between a counselor and one of the newfies, to the awe-inspiring moment when a student in the Exceptional Children’s class spoke her first two-syllable word while reaching out to touch one of the gentle giants, the visit offered moving reminders of how animal-assisted therapy can make a profound impact.

“Visits like this are the heart and soul of why Spirit Cove exists,” said Lisa Schiller, Founder and President of Spirit Cove. “Our mission is to show up where hope is needed most,  whether that is in a classroom, a shelter, or a hospital, and remind people that healing begins with connection. When our dogs walk into a room, they change the energy. They help people feel seen, safe, and valued.”

Since its founding in 2018, Spirit Cove has reached more than 250,000 people through its on-site and community-based programs, providing comfort and hope to educators and students, veterans, firefighters, law enforcement officers and first responders, healthcare workers, and patients.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, the organization renewed its commitment to helping survivors rebuild their spirits and find hope again. Spirit Cove is now building a permanent Animal Therapy Ranch in Hendersonville, envisioned as a sanctuary for those coping with stress, trauma, illness, anxiety, depression, or the lingering emotional impact of natural disasters.

At the heart of Spirit Cove’s mission are its Newfoundland therapy dogs, calm, loyal, affectionate “gentle giants” known for their comforting presence and unwavering devotion. They will be joined by a team of Gypsy Vanner horses, equally gentle and intuitive animals whose grace and beauty make them natural partners in healing.

“Whether it is a student, a first responder, or a storm survivor, every person we meet deserves to know they are not alone,” Schiller said. “Our Newfies remind them of that, one paw, one hug, one moment at a time.”

For more information or to discuss a potential visit to your organization, please visit www.NewfieTherapy.org or email info@newfietherapy.org, or call 828-367-9004.