HeartsofHappiness

Christian Brothers High School’s counseling team is expanding! Starting next year, CB will welcome two new staff members to campus. With a background in Catholic education,

"Incorporating animals, particularly the personality and disposition of miniature horses, into our student day is such a powerful experience," said Dr. LeRoy. "Students will be able to experience an emotional connection,

Miniature horses to be exact. They re part of the new Hearts of Happiness animal assisted intervention program a first of its kind among Sacramento area schools which will roll out in phases at the beginning of the 2023-2024 school year. Their owner is CB counselor Michelle Timm. Mrs. Timm has been training her beloved horses to do this work since they were only four months old.

“Back in 2018, when I first got Felicity and Angel, I brought them to work with me at St. Mary's Elementary School in Sacramento. On campus, the horses helped students with anxiety and depression. The program was very successful, but unfortunately it ended due to the pandemic. I’m excited for the opportunity to work in partnership with my horses and the CB counseling team to help students once again,” said Michelle Timm.

Mrs Timm brought the idea to CB President, Crystal LeRoy, Ed D in the spring of 2022, when interviewing for a counseling position Dr LeRoy was immediately interested in bringing the program to CB

Felicity and Angel made their first brief public appearance during the counselors’ Stress Less Week in May 2023. Accompanied by counselors, small groups of students were able to briefly interact with the miniature horses in their private corral in the Brother Bertram Hall courtyard. It was part of a larger effort to help students alleviate stress during AP testing and finals and to test out the program before its

"We can't wait for the horses to be on campus It'll be great for students who need that support and they can really help with stress during the year and finals," said Millie Noufer '26 students, and sometimes students need a chance to experience a world outside of themselves Through the innovative spirits of Mrs Timm and the wellness team, we were able to bring Hearts of Happiness to CB and allow our students to practice mindfulness and stress management techniques in a way that is truly outside of their normal, everyday world,” said Mr Diaz

“Felicity and Angel’s debut was a hit! Once the initial group of students came by, the word spread quickly, and they had a constant flow of visitors. The students' reactions make me excited to incorporate the mini horses into our repertoire of interventions here at CB,” said Mrs. Juanita Patterson ’81, wellness counselor.

The Hearts of Happiness animal-assisted intervention program will be run by Mrs. Timm and fellow school counselors, Mrs. Emily McDougall and Mrs. Juanita Patterson ‘81. Students from all grades will be given an opportunity to interact with the horses in private and small group settings. In the beginning, the horses will only come to campus once a week. Their working days and hours will increase based on the need and comfort of the community and the horses. Armando Diaz ’94, the counseling department chair expects CB students to greatly benefit from this program.

“Nationally and locally we have seen a rise in mental health challenges for our young

Families will have the opportunity to opt in or out of the Hearts of Happiness program Participation will be voluntary and based on student interest and need As for the horses, careful planning has gone into the development of this program to keep them safe. Horses will have their own private corral with a shade tent away from students and the bustle of campus. They will also be given breaks between sessions with students to allow them to recharge, eat,

“I am excited for the Hearts of Happiness program to start this fall,” said Mrs. Timm. “I truly believe the horses can make a difference in helping students deal with significant stressors in their lives.”

For more information about the Hearts of Happiness program, please contact Mrs. Michelle Timm by email at mtimm@cbhssacramento.org.