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A person with glasses and blonde hair with streaks of color is painting with a brush and a small canvas in front of them. Other people are visible in the background, also engaged in painting.
The community had the opportunity to participate in a painting course at Pierpont during LPN Mental Health week.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 21, 2026

FAIRMONT, W.Va. – Pierpont Community & Technical College’s Licensed Practical Nursing Program (LPN) hosted a Mental Health Week last week, providing students with hands-on experiences designed to promote wellness, strengthen self-care practices and prepare future nurses to support patients facing mental health challenges.

Held at Pierpont’s Advanced Technology Center, the event featured a variety of interactive activities and presentations led by mental health professionals and community partners. Students explored therapeutic approaches including art therapy, animal-assisted therapy, virtual reality experiences and stress-management techniques, while also learning how these resources can benefit the patients they will serve throughout their careers.

A person gently touches the face of a small brown horse wearing a teal "Therapy Horse" vest.
Therapy ponies came to visit Pierpont during LPN Mental Health week.

For LPN Clinical Coordinator Miki DeMary-Andrew, the event was designed to bridge classroom learning with real-world patient care.

“As nurses, our students will care for individuals from all walks of life, including those experiencing mental health challenges,” DeMary-Andrew said. “We wanted to create opportunities for them to experience some of the therapies and wellness tools that can support healing and resilience. Understanding those resources firsthand helps them become more compassionate and informed caregivers.”

Among the week’s activities were visits from licensed mental health professionals, guided imagery painting sessions, virtual reality demonstrations and animal-assisted therapy with miniature ponies provided by On Eagles’ Wings Therapeutic Horsemanship. Students also participated in a mobile smash room experience tied to coursework exploring healthy approaches to managing stress and anger.

The event was held in time for students nearing completion of the program and preparing to enter a healthcare workforce facing growing demands.

Elliott Allende, President of the Pierpont Nurses Association and an LPN student, said the experience reinforced the importance of caring for both patients and healthcare professionals.

“We never know what someone may be dealing with behind the scenes,” Allende said. “Simple experiences that help relieve stress or create a moment of connection can make a meaningful difference. As future nurses, it’s important for us to understand the value of those resources, not only for ourselves but for the patients we serve.”

A golden retriever service dog wearing a blue vest is petted by a woman while another person holds its leash. Several other people are visible in the background.
A golden retriever service dog interacts with the community at the Advance Technology Center during LPN Mental Health Week.

The event also highlighted the LPN program’s ongoing commitment to connecting students with the community and exposing them to experiences beyond the traditional classroom environment.

“Our faculty work hard to create opportunities that bring learning to life,” Allende said. “Events like this allow students to engage with community partners, learn about available resources and gain perspectives that will benefit them throughout their nursing careers.”

DeMary-Andrew said the college hopes to expand the initiative in future years by incorporating additional mental health experts, interactive experiences and community participation.

“This was our first Mental Health Week, but we hope it becomes a tradition,” DeMary-Andrew said. “Our goal is to continue growing the event, provide even more learning opportunities and strengthen awareness of mental health across our campus and community.”

Pierpont’s one-year hybrid LPN program prepares students for careers in practical nursing through a combination of classroom instruction and clinical experience. The program continues to grow as it meets workforce needs across North Central West Virginia.

View Photos on SmugMug: Painting, Therapy Ponies, and Therapy Dog.

Pierpont Community & Technical College provides accessible, responsive, and high‑quality education to students and businesses across North Central West Virginia. With a strong focus on career readiness and workforce development, Pierpont offers academic programs and industry‑aligned training that create clear pathways to employment. Through this work, the college helps students discover their path while supporting the region’s economic and workforce needs.

Media Contact:

Pierpont Community and Technical College

Office of Marketing and Communications

communications@pierpont.edu