Staff Spotlight: Ken Downing
For the past 9 years, Ken Downing has been Center Point School’s Social Skills Development Teacher. Center Point School is an Oregon Department of Education registered private alternative school which offers academic services in a therapeutic environment for middle and high school aged youth with emotional, neurological, developmental, and/or behavioral challenges.
Ken received his degree in Behavioral Psychology with a minor in Philosophy and a 2-year music studies diploma with guitar emphasis from Utah State University in 1990. He can be seen using his guitar to teach during class, which has been engaging for youth.
Looking Glass Named to Top 100 Best Nonprofits
In September 2020, it was announced that Looking Glass had received recognition from Oregon Business as a top nonprofit to work for in the state of Oregon. Organizations that finish in the top 100 are included and the criteria for making the list is entirely from existing employees providing feedback via online surveys. “Looking Glass Community Services is honored and proud to have been included among the top 100 best nonprofits list,” said Looking Glass President & CEO Craig Opperman.
Staff Spotlight: Marielle Hart
For the past five years, Marielle Hart has taught at Riverfront School and Career Center, and currently serves as their education supervisor.
Marielle says that it is rewarding to support the kids when they are struggling and help them get the quality education and services that they deserve. When asked what her hopes are for her students, Marielle says, “The kids that we work with are so resilient. They are amazing. They deserve the world.” She wants them to know that they have the love and support of the Riverfront community.
Staff Spotlight: Stepping Stone Program Supervisor, Scott Wilson
Scott Wilson is the Program Supervisor at the Stepping Stone Program, a residential program that provides long-term treatment to male juvenile offenders, ages 12-18, with a history of family conflict, chronic delinquency, substance abuse, and poor school performance. Scott left behind a career in finance before joining Looking Glass, saying that he was unhappy in his previous line of work and wanted to accomplish something meaningful.