The Children’s Place Welcomes Facility Dog to Support Children’s Mental Health
Duo Dog Coleman Will Offer Comfort and Support for Kids Healing from Traumatic Events
The Children’s Place is proud to announce the newest member of our team: Duo Dog Coleman, a professionally trained English Labrador Retriever, who will serve as our full-time facility dog. Coleman will integrate into our mental health services to provide comfort and a calming presence for young children as they heal from traumatic events.
Coleman was trained by Duo Dogs, Inc., a national ADI accredited nonprofit based in St. Louis that specializes in training assistance, facility, and therapy dogs. After two years of intensive training by Duo Dogs, Coleman joined The Children’s Place in September 2025 at the age of two.
“We are thrilled to welcome Coleman to The Children’s Place,” said Ann Thomas, President/CEO of The Children’s Place. “There is such a special connection between young children and dogs, and this can be a healing presence for children who are healing from traumatic events.”
As a facility dog, Coleman is available to participate in therapy sessions or visit children in our Day Treatment classrooms—always under the supervision of one of his trained handlers. His presence is designed to support emotional regulation, reduce anxiety, and foster trust and engagement among children receiving services.
Coleman does not roam freely at The Children’s Place. He is always on leash, wearing his Duo Facility Dog cape, and accompanied by a handler. For children with allergies or fears, interaction with Coleman is completely optional and requires a signed consent form. Specific areas of the building are designated as dog-free zones to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all.
Coleman’s training and care for his first two years of life was generously covered by Duo Dogs. Duo places all assistance and facility dogs at no cost to their clients.
The Children’s Place is grateful for Brad, Maren and Ford Johnson, who have generously donated to help cover Coleman’s ongoing expenses while at The Children’s Place along with supporting our trained staff handlers. The Johnsons invested in the idea of a facility dog two years before Coleman even joined the team, casting a vision for the impact that a dog like Coleman could have for the children at The Children’s Place.
Coleman will be available for media appearances Friday, October 17, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and other dates upon request.
Learn more about Coleman at childrensplacekc.org/facility-dog
Contact:
Lacey Helmig, Director of Marketing & Communications
helmigl@childrensplacekc.org
816.363.1898
ChildrensPlaceKC.org
The Children’s Place is Kansas City’s specialized trauma treatment center serving the mental health needs of young children since 1978. A national leader in the children’s mental health field, for nearly 50 years The Children’s Place has been a resource for children and families who have experienced traumatic events. Early intervention and mental health care can help change the life trajectory for young children so they can live healthy, happy lives. Learn more at ChildrensPlaceKC.org.
