Photo of Lynda (Left) and Mary (Right) with Lynda’s Recognition of Excellence Award
This is the first graduation ceremony for Center Point School, circa 2003.
In 1986, Lynda Whitener began her journey with Looking Glass. Forty years later, her impact can be seen in the thousands of young people, families, staff members, and community partners whose lives have been shaped by her leadership.
For more than 26 years, Lynda has served as Director of Center Point School, helping build the most respected therapeutic education program in our community. Under her leadership, Center Point has become a place where young people facing significant challenges find support, stability, belonging, and the opportunity to succeed.
A student brought a mouse to school. Since “pets” weren't allowed, Lynda held onto the mouse while figuring out what to do next.
Those who know Lynda describe her as a leader who brings wisdom, charisma, structure, consistency, and deep humanity to everything she does. She creates space for creativity and innovation while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and unwavering commitment to youth.
For many staff members, Lynda's legacy is found just as much in the small moments as in the major accomplishments. Every Monday, she carefully places newspaper comics in staff mailboxes, choosing each one based on an employee's personality, interests, or sense of humor. Staff meetings often include small prizes and opportunities for laughter and connection. Over the decades, she has helped create traditions that bring people together; summer gatherings, end-of-year celebrations, meaningful sendoffs, and annual events that staff and students eagerly anticipate. These gestures reflect a leadership philosophy rooted in appreciation and connection.
An article from the Register Guard announcing Lynda’s appointment as the director of Center Point School (originally called ‘Intensive Day Treatment Program’. I’m told the Register-Guard regularly featured these types of community and business updates at the time.
Lynda has created a culture where people feel valued for exactly who they are. Staff members are encouraged to bring their unique talents, interests, and passions into their work. Whether supporting teachers in developing specialized classes, helping secure funding for a makerspace, or creating opportunities for students and staff to share their talents with one another, Lynda has consistently fostered an environment where everyone is celebrated, accepted, and supported.
Her commitment to connection extends well beyond the walls of Center Point. Throughout her career, Lynda has cultivated partnerships that connect students with museums, sports programs, volunteer opportunities, and countless community experiences. She has helped young people learn not only academic skills, but also how to build relationships, contribute to their communities, and discover their own potential.
Photo of Lynda with former Looking Glass CEO Craig, taken at the Annual Gala around 2010.
Families, school districts, and community partners consistently seek out Center Point because of the life-changing outcomes achieved by Lynda and her team. Through decades of change in education and youth services, she has continuously adapted and evolved the program to meet the needs of young people, ensuring that Center Point remains a place where hope and success are possible when other options have failed.
What truly sets Lynda apart is the way she leads people. She celebrates small victories with the same enthusiasm as major milestones, recognizing that meaningful growth happens one step at a time. Colleagues throughout Looking Glass know her as someone who takes the time to acknowledge others' contributions, often sending personal notes when staff receive recognition or make a difference. Her thoughtfulness creates ripple effects throughout the agency and serves as a reminder of the power of appreciation.
End-of-year summer gathering with staff and students at Shotgun Creek, circa 2002.
Looking back through photographs from Center Point's history tells the story of a remarkable career. From the school's earliest graduations to community picnics, from students' unforgettable moments to celebrations with colleagues and community partners, each image reflects the relationships and experiences that have defined Lynda's tenure.
While programs have evolved and generations of students have come and gone, one thing has remained constant: Lynda's belief in the potential of every young person who walks through Center Point's doors.
Lynda (right) with CEO Chad Westphal (Left) after winning the 2024 Distinguished Service Award
Her greatest legacy is not simply the program she helped build. It is the countless young people whose lives were changed because someone believed in them, the staff she mentored and inspired, and the culture of compassion, connection, and excellence she created. As we celebrate this remarkable milestone, we honor not only 40 years of service, but 40 years of leadership, compassion, and impact.
Thank you, Lynda, for everything you have given to Looking Glass, our community, and the young people we serve. Congratulations on 40 extraordinary years.