November has been an exciting month of change and growth at CCBS. We are very pleased to announce the promotions of several of our qualified staff into new leadership positions.
These changes create a greater integration of program between departments, resulting in better service to our students. The core and heart of our program remains the same...we are dedicated to "challenging boys and their families to discover what is real and true about themselves and the world around them."
Our new Manager of Clinical Service:
Jane Barker has been promoted to Manager of Clinical Services at CCBS. Jane has worked in the field of social work for over 20 years and is a Licensed Independent Social Worker for the state of South Carolina.
Jane has provided Individual, Family, and Group Counseling to both children and adults. Her favorite clinical work is with the family unit. Jane has worked significantly in the fields of Grief, Trauma and Sexual Trauma, as well as serving families with chronic and terminal illness such as cancer. She has served as the clinical director at a sexual trauma unit and hospital in South Carolina.
Jane received her Bachelor of Science at Clemson University. She attended Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and received a Master's of Social Work and Certificate in Theology in 1990. Jane also completed post-graduate work with Bowen Family Systems at the Center for Family Theory and Therapy in Columbia, SC.
Additionally, Jane received training in Clinical Pastoral Education. She served as Chaplain to Pediatrics, Neurology and the Emergency Services at Palmetto Baptist Hospital, Columbia, SC.
Jane lives with her daughter and their beloved pets... two dogs and three cats. Jane and her daughter have been a family a short while, having come together through adoption. "I truly take pleasure in being of service to others. I believe that fulfillment in life comes when we can show compassion to others. And, being a mother has been one of my greatest joys."
Our new Admissions Director:
Shaler Black-Cooper has been promoted to the Admissions Director at Cherokee Creek Boys School. She worked in admissions, as a counselor and in administration at Cherokee Creek from 2003-2004. Shaler is a graduate of Elon University with a degree in Sociology.
Shaler moves from her current role as Coordinator of Cherokee Creek's Fire Keepers Circle where she managed Alumni and Fund Development activities at CCBS.
In addition to her work at CCBS, Shaler has a background in sales, event planning, fund-raising and volunteer leadership.
Shaler also brings a special perspective to her work at CCBS, she is the sibling of a brother who attended a therapeutic boarding school and is the daughter of our founders Ron and Beth Black.
"Cherokee Creek has been a part of my life even before we opened. I am so pleased to hold such an important role in working with Educational Consultants to connect families and boys to the healing work we do at CCBS. I look forward to meeting you."
Our Counseling Department Manager:
Shawn Ziluck has been promoted to Manager of the Counseling Department. Shawn joined CCBS in 2006 and was promoted to a Primary Counselor in 2007.
Before joining Cherokee Creek, Shawn had an impressive naval career that combined medical and psychiatric experience, leadership, and mentorship. He also is the recipient of several distinguished awards, including a Navy Commendation Medal and a Navy Achievement Medal.
He managed an Outpatient Cognitive Intervention Program, facilitated Cognitive Behavioral Therapy groups and led classes on communication skills, assertiveness, and stress management. Shawn also conducted training for Doctors, Nurses and paraprofessionals in Non-Violent Crisis Intervention techniques.
Shawn served two tours of duty in Iraq as a Field Medical Technician, supervising Junior Sailors and Marines in conducting medical support during combat operations, and conducting stress management classes.
"The Navy taught me about responsibility, integrity, leadership, respect, compassion, courage, commitment and a strong sense of self. These are all important qualities for a young man to have and for our students to develop. It is an incredible feeling to be a part of Cherokee Creek, where we are helping our students grow emotionally, academically and socially."
Admissions Coordinator:
Kayla Tompkins has been promoted to Admissions Coordinator at Cherokee Creek Boys School. Kayla joined the CCBS team as a counselor two years ago. Kayla holds a BA degree in Psychology from Clemson University. She Minored in Sociology with an emphasis in Communication. She also brings experience as a youth counselor with the Athens "Y" Camps and has been a school volunteer in the Westminster public schools.
"I have worked in several areas at CCBS and witnessed, over and over again, the change our program makes for our students and their families. I'm very proud of the work we do at Cherokee Creek. It is an extremely rewarding place to work. I look forward to getting started in my new role as Admissions Coordinator and meeting Educational Consultants and other professionals in the field."
Cherokee Creek Boys Schoolis a therapeutic boarding school for middle-school boys ages 11- 15 in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Westminster, South Carolina. It is "the small school with a big heart" that struggling young boys come to discover a sense of hope and optimism for their future.