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Our new Executive Director, Dr. Kathy Cook, describes herself as a teacher who leads and a leader who teaches. She has over eighteen years of teaching experience including experience as a music teacher, special education teacher, and Title 1 Reading teacher. She served as an elementary school principal, and founded the program at Epworth Children’s Home in Columbia, South Carolina.
Dr. Cook is an expert on emotional intelligence and on transforming children “at risk” into children “at promise.” She holds a Ph.D. in Educational Administration and Supervision in Child/Youth Studies, an Ed.S. in Instructional Leadership and an M.A.T. degree in Guidance and Counseling. Kathy has been honored as one of twelve childcare exchange professionals to India through Child Welfare League of America. Dr. Cook is a National Commission for the Council on Accreditation for Children and Families and a Team Leader for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Her previous leadership experience of non-profit organizations includes having served as the CEO of Circle of Care in Oklahoma City, OK and at Ramey Estep Homes in Ashland, KY, and as Executive Director at Duval Drop-Back-In Academy in Jacksonville, FL.
“My passion is focused on improving the quality and accessibility of superior education for all children and youth, believing that all students can learn and have unique gifts,” says Kathy. “The children at Challenged Child, like all children, are ‘at-promise.’ I look forward to helping them to fulfill that promise at Challenged Child and Friends.”
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