CHEROKEE CREEK BOYS SCHOOL
Westminster, South Carolina

Cherokee Creek Announces Staff Updates

Contact:
Kathy Whitmire
Executive Director
864-647-1885
www.cherokeecreek.net

It is with mixed emotion that we announce the departure of Lee Mullins from his position as Primary Counselor at Cherokee Creek. Lee was a "founding member" of Cherokee Creek Boys School. He arrived in March of 2003 before our first student and was instrumental in creating the counseling program. His incredible gift working with boys has touched the hearts of our students and their families. We send our love and best wishes to Lee in his future endeavors, as he continues on his journey of self-discovery!

I am pleased to announce that Shawn Ziluck is being promoted to Primary Counselor to fill Lee's position. Shawn has been working with the students in Lee's group for the last six weeks during his personal leave. His outstanding background includes experience in medical and psychiatric care, as well as leadership and mentorship in the United States Navy. Most recently, he was stationed at the Naval Medical Center, in Portsmouth, Virginia where he worked as a Hospital Corpsman, Second Class - Neuropsychiatric Technician. Shawn has also received several commendations and Service Ribbons for his service in Iraq - providing medical support to marines during combat operations. His leadership and care for the boys has already had a great impact on campus. I want to personally thank Shawn for doing an outstanding job and congratulate him on his promotion.

I would like also like to take this opportunity to introduce you to Dona Cahn, our new Student and Family Services Coordinator. In her role, Dona coordinates the health and wellness curriculum for the school, acts as a liaison to our families and insures that medical needs are met.

Dona came to us from her role as a Registered Nurse at Anderson Oconee-Pickens Mental Health Center. Prior to her role at the Health Center, she served as Health Director at Aspen Youth Alternatives - a Wilderness Program for adjudicated female adolescents. In her career, she also served as a Nursing Supervisor, a Community Health Nurse and was a recipient of the "Meritorious Service" award for work done on the Mississippi Gulf Coast following Hurricane Katrina. Dona received her Associate Degree in Nursing from Tri-County Technical College in Pendleton, SC and is a certified Red Cross Instructor for CPR, AED, First Aid and staff training.

She describes her role as "getting to know the students, hearing their jokes, stories, hopes, dreams, sadness's, and helping them with their aches, pains, and health needs." Dona really appreciates being able to support the Cherokee Creek families, adding "I remember the overwhelming feelings of frustration and worry as I parented two boys with learning disabilities and emotional difficulties and empathize with moms, dads and all the family members." We are fortunate to have her medical knowledge and nursing experience on our team along with her caring nature and wise insight! Welcome Dona!