About the Author

Rebecca Barker Bridges graduated from Brown University with a B.A. in Education, then earned her M.Ed. in Educational Therapy at Holy Names University. She worked for 8 years in Bay Area Independent Schools as a teacher and Learning Specialist before opening Bridges to Learning, her Educational Therapy private practice. At Bridges to Learning, Rebecca, along with her dog and business partner, Stanley, focus on reading remediation for students with learning difficulties. Stanley, a certified therapy dog, is integral to Rebecca's practice. She has had the benefit of seeing first hand the profound effect that reading to a therapy dog has on a child's confidence and reading fluency. In addition to her work as an Educational Therapist, Rebecca volunteers with the SPCA Puppy Dog Tales Program and visits local libraries with Stanley.


What People Are Saying

Jennifer Emmert Henley, PhD
The San Francisco SPCA
"Accessible and beautifully photographed, Stanley’s story is a great introduction to reading and to reading with dogs. We are so fortunate to have Rebecca and Stanley visiting in our community!"
Catherine Starr, Children's Librarian
San Francisco Public Library, Noe Valley Branch
"This title is spot-on in describing Stanley's work! Having hosted Stanley and Rebecca at the Noe Valley Branch Library for many sessions, I assure you that Stanley engenders calm and joyful confidence among his child-readers!"
Jamie Lee Curtis
Actress and Author
"A very sweet idea and a wonderful program. A true winner."
Kristi Yamaguchi
Olympic Figure Skating Champion and Author
"I love this book and learning about Stanley's important job! I know children everywhere, including my own, will enjoy this warm, positive story and hope to someday read to Stanley themselves."