My Story
In 2019, the idea for this program began with a student sitting in my counseling office, exhausted from fighting her anxiety every single day. She was trying so hard to stay in school—showing up each morning, walking through the doors, wanting to succeed—but once inside the building, attending classes felt impossible. Through tears, she looked at me and said, “I just want to go home and cuddle my dog.” I remember responding, “If I could have a dog here, I would.” That moment stayed with me. Drawing from my earlier school counseling internship experiences, I began reading, planning, and researching why embedding animal-assisted support programs into school systems felt so difficult. What barriers were schools facing? Could there be a process—a practical framework—that anyone could follow to navigate the intricacies of school systems and implement these programs safely and effectively? I decided I would do whatever I could to better support students. With the help of two enthusiastic colleagues and guidance from our ADI partner, Circle Tail, Inc. in Cincinnati, we built the first district-wide facility dog program in Northwest Ohio. Now, let me show you how we can help make it a reality for your students, too.
-Alana Stanbery-Sigg, M.A., LPSC, NCC, NCSC
Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) Program Development
We design and implement AAT initiatives tailored specifically for K–12 settings. Our consulting ensures your program is built on ethical guidance and robust training protocols, covering policies, handler training, and evaluation metrics for success.
- Policies and ethical framework development
- Specialized training protocols for handlers and dogs
- Implementation of evaluation metrics for program success
Professional Development & Leadership Training
Empower your staff through trauma-informed care and emotional leadership. We offer customized workshops designed for educators, counselors, and administrators to support both youth and canine companions effectively.
- Trauma-informed support for youth and canines
- Emotional development and SEL integration strategies
- Leadership initiatives for wellness program management
Strategic Planning & Evaluation
We provide a long-term framework for sustainable practice though empirical research and professional experience. Our consultation supports integration with existing MTSS and SEL systems for measurable impact.
- Integration consultation with MTSS and SEL systems
- Needs assessments and pilot program rollout support
- Data collection plans and longitudinal reporting
Research-Based Impact
Compass Companion of NorthStar Pro™ offers innovative educational services designed to guide school districts through the development and implementation of emotional wellness and leadership initiatives. Our specialty includes customized Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) programs, developed through empirical research and professional experience, with a strong emphasis on Trauma-informed work to support youth and our canine companions.
Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) Program Development
Design and implement AAT initiatives tailored for K–12 settings with expert policies, ethical guidance, training protocols, and evaluation metrics.
Professional Development & Leadership Training
Trauma-informed care, emotional development, and SEL integration via customized workshops for educators, counselors, and administrators.
Program Consultation & Strategic Planning
Comprehensive needs assessments, pilot program planning, and rollout support, ensuring seamless integration with existing MTSS systems.
Evaluation & Research Services
Rigorous program assessments, data collection plans, and literature-based frameworks for sustainable district-wide practice.