At CIP, real-world experience is key to building confidence, independence, and career readiness. But meaningful professional growth doesn’t happen in a vacuum—it relies heavily on strong community partnerships with local businesses that are dedicated to mentorship and inclusion.
This past spring, we were thrilled to launch our first internship placement with Hearth & Hound, a premier doggie daycare, boarding, and grooming facility located less than three miles from CIP Berkshire in Lee, MA.
Here is a look behind the scenes at how this collaboration provided CIP Berkshire student Kat with invaluable career training and why community partners like Hearth & Hound are so essential to our mission.
Taking Skills to the Next Level: Kat’s Internship Journey
For students pursuing a path in animal care, foundational knowledge is just the starting point. Kat came into this placement with prior experience working in a kennel, but Hearth & Hound provided the perfect environment to sharpen those skills and master higher-level responsibilities.
During their time at Hearth & Hound, Kat focused on three key pillars of animal care:
Pack Management: Developing a calm, confident presence to handle group dynamics effectively.
Animal Behavior: Gaining deeper insight into canine body language and behavior patterns to foster a safe, positive environment.
Sanitization & Safety: Mastering rigorous sanitation standards to keep facilities pristine and prevent the spread of germs between dogs.
Beyond simply playing with pups, Kat gained hands-on experience in maintaining a professional-grade facility where animal safety and well-being are top priorities.
Spotlight on a Dedicated Mentor: Alexis and the Hearth & Hound Team
What makes Hearth & Hound such an ideal learning setting for CIP students? It starts at the top with founder and owner Alexis.
Celebrating her business’s first anniversary earlier this year, Alexis brings a unique background to her role as a business owner and mentor. A former nurse and active member of the Lee Chamber of Commerce, Alexis understands the needs of both animals and people—especially those with diverse learning styles. Her compassionate, patient, and naturally educational approach creates a supportive space where students can thrive.
Alexis and her team set an extraordinarily high bar:
Expert Care: With vet technicians on staff, the team holds deep expertise in animal health and behavior.
Calm & Safe Environment: They specialize in managing group dynamics to ensure dogs remain calm, safe, and happy.
Gold-Standard Cleanliness: Their strict sanitary protocols reflect Alexis’s healthcare background, prioritizing disease prevention and animal wellness above all else.
The Power of CIP Community Partnerships
Because placements like this require a solid foundation, students coming into internships at Hearth & Hound enter with prior paid or volunteer experience around animals. This allows local business owners to serve as true mentors who help students elevate their practical skills, rather than starting from scratch.
Partnerships like the one with Hearth & Hound showcase what happens when local businesses open their doors to neurodiverse individuals. We extend our deepest thanks to Alexis and the entire Hearth & Hound team for their commitment, patience, and dedication to helping CIP students achieve their career goals!
About the Author
Tina Tartaglia, M.Ed.
Carrer Coordinator – CIP Berkshire
Tina Tartaglia has worked in the field of social work and education for over 15 years. Her previous positions include school counselor, vocational counselor, youth substance use/community educator, and college dual enrollment coordinator. She has experience facilitating groups and in career and academic counseling and support.
As a Career Coordinator, Tina teaches career modules and holds counseling sessions with students to assist them in developing career goals and improving on strengths and challenges in the world of work. She works with staff, students, and the larger community to coordinate internship experiences. She is passionate about identifying student strengths and motivating them for success after high school graduation.
