Mindfulness & Social & Emotional Learning (SEL)
Inspiring children to be calm, focused, and kind
Wag Well is a transformative program designed to nurture children’s
emotional well-being through the harmonious blend of Mindfulness practices
and the unconditional love of therapy dogs. This unique approach
empowers young minds to reduce stress and anxiety, develop essential
social and emotional skills while fostering a deep connection
with themselves and others.
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PRESS “PAWS” AND PRACTICE!
Do you and your child need a few moments of calm?
Watch/listen to our new series of Wag Well Mindfulness videos!
In just three minutes, you and
your little ones will feel calmer and more relaxed!
Meet Our Instructors
Karen Lee Stevens
Founder & Director of Wellness Programs
KAREN LEE STEVENS, the Founder and former Executive Director of Therapy Dogs of Santa Barbara, has an extensive background in mindfulness, sound therapy, and humane education. She has completed a 200-hour Meditation Teacher Training Course through the Veda Center and is a trained Mindfulness Instructor through Mindful Schools. Additionally, she holds Certificates of Achievement from MindUP for Life for Grades K-8. Karen is also a Certified Sound Healer through Life Changing Energy and facilitates Sound Baths for Wag Well participants as well as for private events. Additionally, Karen is a Certified Humane Education Specialist through Humane World for Animals (formerly called The Humane Society of the United States) and is a trained Veriditas Labyrinth Facilitator. As the Co-Creator of Wag Well, she has been teaching Mindfulness to students in grades TK-8th for the past seven years. Karen resides in Santa Barbara with her therapy dog, Buffy.
Karen is the author of the children’s book, Animals Have Feelings, Too! and the new children’s book, Little Ruby’s Big Dream. She writes a monthly Unleashing Happiness blog, which you can read HERE. To order a copy of Little Ruby’s Big Dream, click HERE.
Kim Lieberman
Mindfulness Instructor
KIM LIEBERMAN, a retired educator from the Chico Unified School District, has been a dedicated volunteer, Humane Educator and Mindfulness Instructor with Therapy Dogs of Santa Barbara for the past decade. Throughout her involvement with our organization, Kim has consistently shown a steadfast commitment to fostering children’s literacy, mental health, wellness, and humane education in our community. Her deep passion for supporting therapy dogs and her unwavering dedication to community service perfectly align with the core values upheld by our organization. Residing in Santa Barbara with her family, she actively volunteers alongside her Golden Retriever companion, Rogue.
Testimonials from Teachers and Principals
If you can measure the success of a program through participant satisfaction, than this (class) is top-notch. Parents reported that students came home and taught the family some of the breathing and relaxation skills they learned.
I highly recommend this program for all students, as it will help them negotiate the fast, stressful world we live in.
—Timothy Barker, 5th grader teacher, Hope Elementary School, Santa Barbara, CA
The Wag Well Mindfulness Program provided by Therapy Dogs of Santa Barbara has been a fantastic addition to Aliso School this year. Our students eagerly anticipated their visits, and the positive impact on their well-being and mindfulness was evident. The presence of therapy dogs brought a sense of calm and joy, significantly benefiting our students. Teachers and staff were impressed by the professionalism and dedication of the Therapy Dogs of Santa Barbara team, making the program seamless and effective. We are incredibly grateful for the Wag Well Mindfulness Program. Thank you, Therapy Dogs of Santa Barbara, for your invaluable contribution to our school community!
— Brett Weiberg, Principal, Aliso Elementary School, Carpinteria, CA
Our TK classes loved having Rogue and Kim visit Harding Elementary School for the Wag Well Program. We looked forward to every Tuesday with anticipation and excitement. Kim and Rogue led both engaging and age appropriate mindfulness lessons to our two TK classes. They were interactive and well structured. Students loved having their own personal “breathing buddies” and their highlight was always being able to touch and interact with the star of the show…Rogue. What a sweet, calm boy who embodied tranquility! We are honored to have been part of this program and hope we can continue to be partners in years to come. Thank you for this experience!
— Ms. Anderson and Mrs. Menegon, TK Teachers, Harding Elementary School, Santa Barbara, CA
Thank you for giving the children in our Kids Support Group a moment of tranquility and peace with all the mindfulness activities you do with them. It was really beautiful to see their little faces when you gave the sound bath section.
They were completely attentive to the sounds of all the instruments. Thank you again for all you do for our families!
— Mayetzi Iturbide, Family Care Manager, Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation, Santa Barbara, CA
Wag Well Curriculum
Level 1 (Grades TK-1)
Week 1 – Introduction of Mindfulness
Week 2 – Mindful Listening
Week 3 – Mindful Movement
Week 4 – Developing Gratitude
Level 1 (Grades 2-5)
Week 1 – Introduction to Mindfulness
Week 2 – Mindful Movement
Week 3 – Creative Writing (Haiku poems)
Week 4 – Developing Gratitude & Kindness
Level 2 (Grades 2-5)*
*Prerequisite: Completion of Level 1 course
Week 1 – Principles of Mindfulness (Review)
Week 2 – Getting to Know Our Brains
Week 3 – The Power of Our Thoughts
Week 4 – Developing Kindness
Course Offering for Teachers & School Staff
This course is designed to allow teachers and school staff the opportunity to relax and recharge.
Held outside of school hours, these session provide a peaceful environment for stress reduction.
Each week, the instructor leads a guided meditation, including gentle stretching and mindful movement.