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March 17, 2025 37 mins

This Saint Patick’s Day and during Mental Health Awareness Week, Kate Nicoll shares how “Anam Cara” means “Soul Friends” in Gaelic. Discover how her nonprofit, inspired by the concept, has touched the lives of over 10,000 children and families in Connecticut.

In this episode of Sounds of Health, host Dave MacNiven interviews Kate Nicoll, founder of Soul Friends, an organization dedicated to promoting the healing benefits of the human-animal bond. Kate shares her personal journey, including the loss of her first husband and how getting a puppy helped her children cope with grief. She discusses her extensive background in social work and how her experiences led to the creation of Soul Friends.

The organization offers innovative clinical and educational programs involving therapy animals such as dogs, bunnies, guinea pigs, and horses. Kate highlights the impact of these animals on mental health, particularly in helping children and families deal with trauma and loss.

Soul Friends now serves over 10,000 children and families, and believes in the importance of community support and collaboration.

To find Soul Friends: Website: https://soul-friends.org/ Facebook: soulfriendsct Instagram: soulfriendsct Email: info@soul-friends.org LinkedIn: Kate Nicoll

Check out Kate's book Emmett Sees You on Amazon!

Soul Friends has an celebration event on March 28th at The Reading Room in Cheshie with the live band Hans' Heroes.

Sounds of Health is brought to you by Nutmeg Insurance Advisors and recorded at the offices of Nutmeg Advisory Group in North Haven, CT.

Producer and Host: Dave MacNiven Producer: Jason Carubia Music: Rob Hames

Sounds of Health: Shining a light on the path to improved health.

Visit us on: YouTube: SoundsofHealthPodcast Facebook: soundsofhealthpodcast Instagram: soundsofhealthpod LinkedIn: soundsofhealth Website: https://www.soundsofhealthpod.com/

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