Stephanie Spear 
At the beginning of the 2025-2026 school year, Hoboken Public School students will have another resource for emotional support. Georgie, who is a Cavapoo, a cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle, is a certified school-based therapy dog and the latest addition to the district’s resources. Read on for more about Georgie and how she will help HPS students.
Georgie’s Qualifications
In addition to his naturally affectionate temperament, Georgie has completed specialized training to become a certified school-based therapy dog. Georgie and his handler, Kristin E. Carr, Ed.D., Director of School-Based Youth Services and Transition Programs, are fully credentialed through the AIR Dogs: Paws for Minds program, a nationally respected organization that prepares therapy dog teams for the school environment. Dr. Carr has completed Mental Health First Aid certification, equipping him with skills to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health challenges in students and staff.
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“Georgie’s presence brings joy, calm, and a sense of connection to our students,” said Dr. Carr via a statement. “The simplicity of his presence can have an extraordinary impact, especially during high-stress moments. Whether a student is feeling overwhelmed, anxious about a test, or navigating a difficult personal situation, the opportunity to sit with Georgie—even for just a few minutes—can be incredibly grounding.”
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Georgie’s schedule will include regular appearances across all Hoboken Public Schools, including visits to early childhood classrooms, elementary schools, and secondary school settings. He will join social-emotional learning (SEL) lessons, participate in individual and group counseling sessions, and be present at school-wide wellness events, where his presence can provide comfort, companionship, and stress relief. Georgie will also be integrated into student support plans, including interventions for students experiencing grief, trauma, or other emotional hardships.
Beyond his role with students, Georgie will also serve as a source of emotional support for staff members—a unique feature of the program. As educators across the nation navigate increasing demands in the post-pandemic era, the emotional wellness of teachers, counselors, and school staff has become an urgent priority. Georgie’s calming influence will contribute to building a more connected and emotionally resilient school culture.
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“We know that nurturing the hearts and minds of every student is critical,” said Dr. Christine Johnson, Superintendent of Schools. “The introduction of Georgie as a therapy dog is not just a feel-good story—it’s a serious, research-based investment in mental health. We recognize that learning cannot happen without emotional safety and support. Georgie helps us strengthen our school communities and deepen our commitment to the whole child. I commend Dr. Carr for her vision and tireless work to bring this initiative to life. We look forward to expanding this initiative and introducing more therapy dogs across the district.” Residents can keep up with Georgie on his official
Dr. Carr is Georgie’s main handler and he lives with Dr. Carr, her husband, and their dog Emmitt. “Georgie loves treats and responds well to new tricks,” she said. “He and his brother Emmitt “talk a lot” in dog talk when walking around.” Dr. Carr said that Georgie is named after Lake George, a special place for her and her husband.
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