Spire Magazine 2021

“I tell students that they are in the driver's seat, and I am the co-pilot,” Cook shared. “They are experts on themselves, their lives, and their experiences; I am the support to offer different perspectives, collaborate with available resources, and help them see their growth, successes, and abilities they already possess to be where they want to be.” The center organizes a variety of activities— such as nature hikes, small group discussions, and events with Hazel the therapy dog—to enhance the students’ academic and personal functioning. Cook hopes to connect with more student-athletes. “I am partnering with the athletic trainers to provide two mental health assessments to all student-athletes and to have open office hours in the Dome one afternoon a week,” said Cook. “My hope is that this will help meet student-athletes where they are and help reduce barriers to their access to care. I also hope to hold a regular group that supports athletes who are not able to play due to health concerns, injuries, or other reasons.” In summer 2021, the Center for Counseling and Wellness welcomed a four-legged employee named Hazel, a white Labrador Retriever, who will serve as BU’s therapy dog. Hazel, owned by Dr. Jessica Sharp, dean and professor of nursing at Bluefield University, was born in Frisco, TX in April 2021. Following the death of Dr. Sharp’s white Labrador, Aggie, Dr. Sharp suggested the idea of a therapy dog to Cook as an added service to students on campus.

“Dr. Sharp brought up the idea since we work so closely together on the third floor of the Science Center,” shared Cook. “She thought it would be a great way to provide services to students together as well as help reduce barriers to accessing mental health services on campus. Some students may feel uneasy about coming to see a counselor, but it may be different if students are coming to see Hazel.” “Her primary role will be to support students,” said Cook. “She can help them feel comfortable while attending counseling, easing any nervousness they may feel while studying, or providing a source of stress relief during a wellness event on campus.” Hazel currently serves as an emotional support animal until she is trained as a certified therapy dog. She will begin training in August with four courses in six-week increments. “Her first class is Puppy Class,” said Cook. “After graduating from Puppy Class, she will go on to Beginner’s Class, Intermediate Class, Advanced Class, and finally Therapy Dog training. Cook desires to spread the message of wellness in honor of a former classmate. “We lost an important and beautiful part of our friend circle in 2016 when Lacie Helms, a BU alumna (Class of 2013), died,” shared Cook. “I wish I would have told her every day how important she was to me and to the world. I hope I can spread the message that you are not alone to others to honor her memory.”

Brandy Smith is a licensed professional counselor in Virginia and a National Certified Counselor. Smith serves on the executive board of the Virginia Counselors Association. She is the immediate past president of the Virginia Alliance for School Counseling. She is an alumna of Bluefield University, holds a Master of Arts degree in counselor education, and is presently pursuing a doctoral degree in counselor education and supervision from Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University in Blacksburg, Virginia. Elkins and Smith both teach courses as faculty members in the School of Education and Social Sciences at Bluefield University. “Connie and I developed the model for the counseling center a couple of years ago,” said Smith. “It was important to us to set up counseling services that embody inclusive, Christ-centered servant leadership. Our model is student-centered, strengths-based, and wellness-focused. We also wanted to begin the process of helping Bluefield College (now University) become trauma- informed.” “I wanted to come back to BU to have the opportunity to work with them and to learn from them,” Cook shared. “During my interview, the questions I was asked were spot-on to things I am passionate about: equity, social justice, trauma, reducing barriers and increasing access to mental health services, and so on. I was excited after the interview because I was thrilled to hear that BC was asking those questions, and I wanted to be a part of it.” “Counseling services are important because no one has to go through life alone,” Cook said. “Counseling services provide a confidential and safe environment to discuss, process, nurture, challenge, heal, and grow.”

Hazel, BU's therapy dog in training

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