1st Of Its Kind 'Therapy Farm' Launches At South Jersey School

ABSECON, NJ — Absecon Public Schools officially opened its therapy farm Friday morning, with Superintendent Dr. Daniel J. Dooley and Board of Education President Eric Neal cutting a ceremonial red ribbon to mark the launch.

The event started a daylong professional development program focused on the benefits of therapy animals and how schools can build similar programs.

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According to the district, the Absecon Schools therapy farm is the first of its kind in New Jersey. The farm is intended to support students' academic, behavioral and emotional needs through the animal-human bond. District officials said the project followed a year of planning, research and consultation with partners.

The farm includes two Nigerian dwarf goats, Vincent Van Goat and Goatzart, and two babydoll sheep, Midnight and Marshmallow. Absecon Schools said students across all grade levels can visit the farm during the school day as needed. The district said the farm adds another layer of behavioral, emotional and academic support alongside its child study team professionals, therapy dogs and therapy bunnies.

The district said grant funding for the project came through AtlantiCare's Healthy Schools initiative and the Charlotte Helen Bacon Foundation. Absecon Schools also said it partnered with Absecon Veterinary Hospital co-owner Dr. Rachel Scotland and Merck Pharmaceutical to provide veterinary care, and with Shelby McCardell of Straight Shot Farm in Egg Harbor City for consultation on care and habitats for the animals.

Among those attending the ribbon cutting were New Jersey Assistant Commissioner of Education Ambrose Duckett, Atlantic County Executive County Superintendent Dr. Devan Blackwell, Absecon Mayor Thomas Marrone and City Councilman Alex Clark, along with school board members, administrators, therapy animal caretakers and outside partners.

After the ceremony, guests took part in the workshop, "Exploring the Magic: Maximizing Our School Therapy Farm & The Benefits of the Animal-Human Bond." Absecon Schools said educators and animal-assisted intervention professionals from several New Jersey counties, 14 states and six countries attended in person and virtually.

Presenters included Dr. Taylor Chastain of Pet Partners, Dr. Mattie Mae Krause of The Healing Paws Network, veterinarian and author Dr. Daphne Mobley, psychologist and author Dr. Aubrey Fine, and Dr. Michele Pich of Rowan University's Shreiber Family Pet Therapy Program. Sessions also covered therapy bunnies, program logistics, policy, student support and practical work with children and adolescents.

The district also recognized the Attales Middle School Choir, National Junior Honor Society students, middle school Culinary Arts students and Food Service staff for helping during the event. More information about the therapy farm is available at abseconschools.org/therapyfarm.