By Evan Dobbie
On any given day, my work might include facilitating a workshop, supporting a client through the emotional ups and downs of finding work, or bringing a therapy dog into a busy classroom. As a member of the special projects team, I work where many paths meet—at the intersection of health, employment, outreach, and something a little less tangible: connection.
A Day in the Life of a Therapy Dog Handler
When I arrive at a wellness or employment skills group with our therapy dog Neo at my side, the atmosphere shifts. Shoulders relax. Barriers lower. Conversations open up. There’s a warmth that enters the space—and it doesn’t just come from the wagging tail.
I’ve seen people who were hesitant to speak up suddenly become animated as they share a story about their own pet. I’ve witnessed job seekers, burdened by stress and self-doubt, begin to soften as they gently pet the dog and, for a moment, feel safe. These visits are about far more than comfort. They’re about trust, regulation, and belonging. The dog helps people regulate emotions, lower anxiety, and begin to re-engage with others and with themselves. To be willing to open themselves socially and to be vulnerable.
Why I Do This Work: A Special Projects Perspective
I was drawn to reachAbility because the team here doesn’t believe in working in silos. Our approach recognizes that someone looking for work may also be facing health issues, housing insecurity, or isolation. We don’t just ask, “What job do you want?” We ask, “How are you doing today? What do you need to move forward?” We meet you where you are.
As someone who works on special projects, I’ve had the chance to co-develop community wellness initiatives, support peer-led employment prep sessions, and bring innovative programming—like animal-assisted therapy—into spaces where it’s most needed. My work allows me to respond to gaps, listen to what’s emerging, and act on what’s possible.
Facilitating Connection & Hope
What I’ve learned from the communities we serve is simple, but profound: people are incredibly resilient. I’ve sat with newcomers who were navigating cultural change while pursuing employment and health care. I’ve learned from youth facing systemic barriers but still showing up to build better futures. I’ve been humbled by the honesty and strength of clients who return week after week, not just for resources, but for connection.
Facilitation isn’t just about delivering content—it’s about creating a space where people feel seen, respected, and empowered. Whether it’s a resume workshop or a meditation session, what matters most is how people feel in the room.
Creating Belonging, One Project at a Time
Inclusion shouldn’t be a buzzword—it’s a practice. In every outreach event or community workshop we facilitate, we work to build environments where everyone can show up as they are. That might mean offering language support, creating trauma-informed guidelines, or simply making room for silence when words are too hard.
We use art, animals, food, and culture as bridges. We collaborate with community leaders and adapt our programming to be responsive and relational. Belonging starts with an invitation—and grows through consistency and care.
Resilience: Supporting the Whole Person
Employment support isn’t just about job searches. For many of our clients, it’s about rebuilding identity, finding motivation, and navigating systems that weren’t built with them in mind. That’s why our model integrates wellness with employment readiness, with a focus towards supporting the neurodiverse population in HRM. It’s why we offer access to mental health support, peer mentorship, and therapy dog time.
When we support the whole person, we see real, lasting change. Someone who once doubted their worth begins to engage with a support group. Another finds their first job in years—and the confidence to keep going. These aren’t just employment outcomes. They’re human victories. They’re lives being lived with a greater sense of purpose.
Four Paws, Big Impact
There’s growing research showing that therapy animals reduce cortisol, lower blood pressure, and increase oxytocin—the “bonding hormone.” But beyond the science, I’ve witnessed the difference first-hand. When a client hugs our therapy dog with tears in their eyes and says, “This is the best I’ve felt all week,” it tells me everything I need to know.
In our organization, we believe in creative, compassionate approaches to healing and hope. The therapy dog isn’t a side project—it’s part of a bigger picture. A picture that says: “You matter. You are not alone.”
