Supporting student mental health: Priority Pups® program places facility dogs in Metro Detroit schools

Three school districts each receive highly trained facility dog, copies of children’s book about mental health

(DETROIT, Mich. — October 29, 2025) As a new school year is underway, more than half of parents in Michigan say they are concerned about the mental state of their children. Priority Health is continuing its mission of supporting student mental health with the placement of three highly trained working facility dogs at schools in southeast Michigan – the first dogs to serve students in the Metro Detroit area since the program launched in West Michigan in fall 2023.

  • Beau is serving students at Covenant High School Central in Detroit
  • Charlie is supporting students at Plymouth-Canton Community Schools
  • Madden now supports students at Wayne-Westland Community Schools

The facility dogs, all goldendoodles, are part of Priority Health’s Priority Pups® signature program, which is a partnership with non-profit Canines for Change to help reduce anxiety and encourage learning for students. The program also includes a children’s book, “Frida’s Fireworks,” aimed at building mental resilience and offering practical tools for school-aged kids. A free, digital version is available here.

“We’re seeing these facility dogs transform a child’s school experience by fostering a sense of comfort, security and belonging,” said Dr. Charletta Dennis, medical director of behavioral health for Priority Health. “By placing Priority Pups® in these Metro Detroit schools, we are opening new doors for students to build confidence, manage anxiety and embrace learning in a nurturing environment. Every student deserves the opportunity to thrive, and these dedicated canine companions are helping us pave the way.”

Research shows there are social-emotional benefits for children who interact with support animals during the school day. Benefits include growth in confidence levels, improvement in reading and problem-solving skills and reduced stress levels.

Madden, Charlie and Beau were trained and certified with their human handlers, who also work at the schools. As a team, each dog and his handler work together to support students in successfully developing social-emotional tools and incorporate each dog into the school’s positive behavior interventions and supports (PBIS).

“Madden has been so beneficial for our students so far this year,” said Kelley Michels, principal of Hamilton Elementary School in Westland. “Madden improves emotional well-being by reducing stress and anxiety and enhancing social skills and empathy. The opportunity to work with Madden has increased motivation and engagement in learning activities, while providing a comfortable and calm environment. We have also noted a major benefit to our students with special needs.”
“Beau has been a wonderful addition to the staff,” said Ken Pickles, principal of Covenant High School Central. “When you see kids smile and light up when he comes by it brings a smile to the staff who know how various traumas have affected our students.”
“Charlie has a truly remarkable gift for connecting with people exactly when they need it most,” said Elizabeth Vartanian-Gibbs, assistant superintendent of student and family engagement for Plymouth-Canton Community Schools. “We are honored to have him as part of our family and grateful beyond words for the positive impact he continues to make on the mental health and emotional well-being of our students, staff and families.”

Kathleen Grodus, psychologist and mental health manager for Plymouth-Canton Community Schools, said: “We are grateful to Priority Health for bringing the Priority Pups program and our facility dog, Charlie, to our district. Charlie is a loving presence who supports the mental health and emotional well-being of students, staff, and families. Whether easing anxiety, providing comfort during difficult times, or simply boosting morale, Charlie plays an invaluable role in nurturing a caring and connected school community.”

Dr. Nikki Brown, executive director of Canines for Change, said: “The animal-human bond has been proven to benefit a person’s mental and physical health in many ways. We’re excited to partner with Priority Health to place Beau, Charlie and Madden to work with students with a variety of academic, social and emotional needs.”

Priority Pups® is a signature program of Priority Health for Good, Priority Health’s corporate responsibility initiative. For more information, visit priorityhealth.com/prioritypups.

About Priority Health

Our members are at the heart of everything we do. With more than 30 years in business, Priority Health is the second-largest health plan in Michigan and the third-largest provider-sponsored health plan in the nation, offering an extensive portfolio of health benefits options for employer groups and individuals, including Medicare and Medicaid plans. Serving more than 1.3 million members each year in Michigan, Indiana and Ohio, Priority Health offers a broad network of primary care physicians. Priority Health continues to be recognized as a leader for quality, customer service, transparency and product innovation. Learn more about affordable, quality health coverage options from Priority Health.

Visit the Priority Health newsroom for the latest news.

About Canines for Change

Canines for Change is a Michigan-based non-profit organization that provides highly trained service and facility dogs to enhance the lives of children and adults with disabilities by empowering them to achieve active and independent lifestyles. Canines for Change also educates the community on the benefits of facility and service dogs through education and outreach.