See the Orchard’s Holistic Model page to learn more about this exciting new approach to whole person wellness.
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Orchard’s Special Adviser for Child & Youth Issues*
Kathy A. Thomas, MS Education, MA Criminal Justice, EdD Child & Youth Studies
*Including Juvenile Justice Involvement, DMC [Disproportionate Minority Contact],
and Developmental Responsiveness
Dr. Thomas is an educational and child development specialist who supports Orchard’s
clients in the areas of specialized learning and developmental strategies.
A former Associate Professor of Education and currently teaches graduate Juvenile Justice
courses for Nova Southeastern University. She has extensive background in direct services to youth
with developmental disorders and within the Juvenile Justice system as well as hands-on experience
developing programs to support youth-at-risk.
Her specialization is in the area of Therapeutic Educational Strategies to help students who are
experiencing some kind of learning problem by searching for a root solution (based upon a careful
analysis of the student’s learning, cognitive, executive function, and memory capacities and strategies).
Click here to learn more about Dr. Thomas and Educational Therapy
Orchard’s Internship Director
Rashonda Clay-Douthit, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), is Orchard’s Director of Internship. An experienced mental health professionals with 25 years of experience working with a wide range of concerns including relationship issues, parenting concerns, stress management, depression, anxiety and life transitions, Rashonda also served as Associate Director of Field Education at the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences at Case Western Reserve University. Rashonda earned a B.S. in Psychology from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and a Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Maryland at Baltimore.
She can be reached by email at RCD@OrchardHumanServices.org.
Orchard’s Director of Natural & Holistic Wellness
Dr. Steve J. Wodzenski, BA Div, BA, DC is a holistic healthcare practitioner with certification in physiotherapy and a background in trigger point therapy and educational kinesiology.
with a long history of philanthropic service including board membership for a transitional housing program for men who are reentering society after incarceration. He is also committed to supporting service members and veterans of the United States Armed Forces.
He provides technical support to the Orchard in the following critical areas:
Natural & Holistic Wellness & Healthcare
Prison Reentry
Addiction Supportive Services
Nutrition
Fitness
Orchard’s Executive Director:
Executive Director; Licensed Professional Counselor; Developmental Interventionist; Approved Clinical Supervisor
DrDarleen@OrchardHumanServices.org
Dr. Darleen Claire Wodzenski is an Author, Speaker, and Interventionist with Orchard Human Services, Inc. She provides direct services to individuals and families [clinical mental health counseling, special ed advocacy and consulting, parent training, non-clinical psychology and child development intervention] and professional training, development and consultative services in the areas of Child Development, Exceptional Student Education, Juvenile Justice, Co-Occurring Conditions of Youth, and Trauma-Informed Client Engagement.
Author of “Dead Children Can’t Read” and “Marmalade Jam” her specializations include a complex Psychoneuroeducational approach to learning, developmental, emotional, and behavioral challenges as well as treatment and intervention for children and families affected by Disorders of Attachment [RAD or Reactive Attachment Disorder and DSED or Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder] and Autism Spectrum Disorders [ASD].
Dr. Darleen is a Board Certified Licensed Professional Counselor who holds a PhD in Psychology, an MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and an MS in Exceptional Student Education. She is Board Certified as a Licensed Professional Counselor and also holds additional credentials as an Approved Clinical Supervisor for Mental Health Professionals Practicing Under Supervision; Qualified Professional Parent Educator; Teacher Trainer certified under GaBFTS/DECAL; and holds Certification Eligibility as a Pre-K through Grade 12 Special Educator with the Georgia Professional Standards Commission.
Darleen Claire Wodzenski, MA ESE, MA CMHC, QPPE, PhD, LPC, NCC, ACS
Orchard’s Board of Directors
Adria Kitchens, Orchard’s Chairwoman of the Board
Orchard’s Chairwoman of the Board Adria Kitchens is a Professional Coach and Nonprofit Professional who brings a wealth of knowledge, skill, insight, and compassion to Orchard’s Board of Directors. She is an accomplished Life Coach who created the empowering program True Black Feminine.
Ms. Kitchens is the Executive Director for One Small Change, Inc. and works tirelessly to promote the best interests of all people to have a meaningful, rich, safe, and fulfilling life experience. Check out her pages here at Orchard to learn about Ms. Kitchens’ coaching program, podcast, and book (soon to be released?!?!). In addition to her work with promoting female empowerment, Ms. Kitchens is also a CPA and former real professional with an extensive background in both profit and nonprofit business management.
Ms. Kitchens can be reached at:
- Direct Phone 404.966.7708
- www.coachadria.com
- www.equitabledinners.com
- www.instituteforequityactivism.com
Rev. Charlene Shockley, Member Board of Directors
Rev. Charlene C. Shockley, BA Div. serves on Orchard’s Board of Directors and is a Business Development Consultant, Real Estate Professional, and Ministerial Counselor who provides program and community outreach supportive services for the Orchard.
Rev. Charlene Shockley is an avid advocate for women and children at risk for domestic violence and homelessness. She worked tirelessly with Dr. Darleen in the early days of planning and establishing Orchard Human Services, Inc. as a nonprofit. You will see Rev. Charlene around town at events for children with special needs or programs that promote independence and resiliency of women and single parents.
Her areas of philanthropic focus include:
- Children with Special Needs (Including Autism & Attachment Disorder)
- Promoting Family Resilience Through Home Ownership
- Advocacy for Women of Intimate Partner Violence or Domestic Violence
- Access To Higher Education for All Georgians
She can be reached by email at CharleneShockley@OrchardHumanServices.org
Denice Maulucci, Member Board of Directors
Denice Maulucci is Orchard’s caring and compassionate Board Member who is devoted to serving children and fragile populations to promote healing, developing, and life satisfaction.
Her philanthropic activities focus on:
- Children with Special Needs
- Veterans
- Active Service Members
- Elderly
With a strong background in promoting healthy programming and services for the elderly. Ms. Maulucci brings her determination, focus, and passion to serving Orchard’s populations.
Ms. Cheryl Safford, Member Board of Directors
Cheryl Safford is the founder and director of Kinder Kollege Christian School of College Park, GA. Ms. Safford is a member of Orchard’s Board of Directors and a powerful community collaborator, working with Orchard to provide high quality services to children with developmental, learning, and behavioral challenges. Ms. Safford is a highly celebrated advocate for children in high need communities, and has received an award from President Barack Obama. She can be reached at Kinder Kollege at 2725 Charlestown Drive in College Park, GA 30337.
Mr. Darron Kendrick, Member Board of Directors
Darron Kendrick, JSM, CPA is a Certified Public Accountant at W.D. Kendrick, CPA, LLC and is the founder of Kendrick Business Solutions, LLC. Mr. Kendrick brings extensive knowledge of nonprofit accounting, tax laws that impact philanthropic activities, and best business practices to drive the success of any organization.
Mrs. Barbara Johnston, Member Board of Directors
Barbara Johnston is a member of Orchard’s Board of Directors, and the Officer who serves as Board Secretary. Ms. Johnston is a business consultant and entrepreneur who is co-owner of Nuanz Coffee Roasters and Tea Merchants of Amelia Island, Florida. She is pictured above with her husband and Nuanz co-owner, Gil Johnston. Ms. Johnston has a long history of philanthropic service, with a passion for serving children and families.
Dr. Elizabeth Cannon, Member Board of Directors
Elizabeth Cannon, JD serves on Orchard’s Board of Directors and is a tireless champion for the underdog. In addition to her extensive background in theater and performing arts, she has practiced law with a focus on promoting rights of individuals with Special Needs and Disabilities. She provides a firm foundation of knowledge and insight that informs Orchard’s best practices with respect to supporting the rights of those who are marginalized or disempowered due to disability, structural bias, and personal challenges.
Dr. Elizabeth Cannon can be reached by email at ECannonLaw385@gmail.com or by calling her office (888) 727-7774.
Orchard’s Regional Advisory Team
Regional Collaborative Consultants
Donna Just, EdD serves as the Educational Consultant and Programs Coordinator for the Orchard.
Rich Soehl, RN is a Psychiatric Nurse and Veteran who provides technical support to the Orchard.
Ms. LeTisha Bennett, fondly called “Teacher Tish” by our clients, is a Professional Educator with advanced training and experience working with children and adults with a spectrum of learning and developmental issues. Teacher Tish works with Gifted and Talented students to help them deal with the challenges unique to high performing learners. In addition, she works with learners with Specific Learning Disabilities, ADD/ADHD, Dyslexia, and Dyscalculia as well as individuals with neuroatypicality, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder. Teacher Tish serves clients ranging in age from 3 years of age through adulthood; some clients are in home or public school while others are in technical school or university.
Ms. Bennett, or Teacher Tish, completed her undergraduate degree in Teaching and Education at Berry College and holds professional Endorsement in Reading. Ms. Bennett brings a heart for children and youth and a passion for teaching and education to create unique solutions to learning and developmental issues. Working as part of Collaborative Care Teams, she helps children work through complex challenges that often involve learning, education, emotional state, and behavior. In addition to her extensive work in the area of education and learning, Ms. Bennett is an accomplished artist and Certified Art Therapy Practitioner. She helps individuals and groups use artistry and creativity for personal learning, growth and development, and to promote self-confidence and overall wellbeing. Ms. Bennett artfully weaves creative and artistic expression into the curriculum to promote brain-based learning.
Orchard Human Services, Inc. has been approved by Psychology Today.