About Us - Biographies
Short Biographies
David Kenney is a noted speaker having presented to parent and professional groups at colleges, universities and educational in-services on topics such as healing trauma, stress management, anxiety reduction, helping children with attention deficits, behavior as language, general parenting and achieving success in our schools.
In 1986, David graduated, magna cum laude, from the University of Detroit – Mercy with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and again with honors as a Specialist in School Psychology in 1989. He served as President of the Michigan Association of School Psychologists in 1997-98 and was liaison to the Michigan State Board of Education from 1995 to 1997.
As an undergraduate student, David was invited to the 1985 National Fairweather conference to present a program he developed using creative writing with chronic, schizophrenic patients. This project was spotlighted in the Detroit Free Press on August 30, 1985.
David has been a school psychologist for over thirty years; the in one of Michigan’s top ranking school districts. There he developed and implemented programs to meet the psych-social needs of parents, teachers and children. He acted as a general, mental health specialist, working to solve problems with teachers and families before special education was needed to formally certify them.
All these achievements pale when compared to raising traumatized children to a healthy maturity. Children wounded by the world have been given little reason to trust it, so there were no guarantees of successful outcomes. Through his committed efforts, David learned strategies to heal harmed children. His expertise and insight has been noted by colleagues, who continue to seek him out for mentoring and training.
Barbara Kenney began her career by counseling emotionally disturbed children. She earned a bachelor‘s degree in Human Services in 1976 from Ferris State followed by a master’s degree in Administration from Central Michigan University.
In 1977, Barb helped establish a locked program for delinquent girls at Vista Maria. Barb was instrumental in program development for this secured facility, designing and establishing structure and treatment for residents. From 1979 to 1993, Barbara was a case manager for schizophrenics at an innovative agency that provided services to the mentally ill within the community. While there, she was recognized as an exemplary public speaker and trainer.
Fifteen years later, Barb left social work to tend to the special needs of our adopted children. While they attended elementary school, she was an active and positive influence on the whole community. For three years, she acted as president and vice president for the Parent-Teacher Association. In the recognition of her substantial efforts and clear vision, she was conferred with a distinguished service award in 1997.
As our children grew in health and independence, Barb was able to return to the public workforce. For ten years, she has been an instructor of Sociology, Psychology, Health Science and Human Services. At Baker College, her courses continually win glowing endorsements from well over 95% of her students. Additionally, she has worked and volunteered in many capacities at the college. For instance, she was the human service internship coordinator, chairperson for the critical thinking committee, staff liaison to the administrative board, and presenter for professional development.
Currently, Barb is the Marketing Director for our business, Kid-Epics, which provides group presentations for training and professional development, parent/teacher consultations, learning literature, and special education advocacy.