Name:  Kathy Boles
New Title:  Director of Community Outreach, Alumni Relations, and Annual Giving
Past title: I have been with Currey Ingram Academy for more than 10 years and initially was hired as a Speech-Language Pathologist (while we were still Westminster School of Nashville).  I then became the Director of Support Services, which I really enjoyed. Following that position, I became the Director of Admission, where I stayed for several years. Last year, I became the Director of Community Outreach and Alumni Relations, so it was exciting this year to add to that title Director of Annual Giving.
Where I was born:  Nashville, TN
My educational background: I am a Speech-Language Pathologist and have been in this field for nearly 20 years.
The coolest thing I did in my career/life before coming to CIA: I honestly think all of my career choices have been such amazing experiences. I started my career in the public school setting and ultimately worked in private practice, home care, and a rehabilitative hospital.  I so enjoyed the children (birth- to preschool-aged), helping them learn to communicate to gain their wants and needs, often helping them learn how to chew and swallow in a safe manner.  Helping this age group grow was extremely rewarding.  The school-aged children were (and continue to be) amazing, as well.  Watching their lives change each day with new skills, watching them navigate in different settings, make friends, learn to read, etc., really made me feel I was making a difference. I still have a box filled with ornaments from all of my students I love to put on the tree each year. They are all so special.  I must admit, I have always enjoyed children, but my time working with adults, most of whom  had suffered a stroke, head injury, or some type of unique neurological disorder, was as rewarding as helping a little one speak for the first time.  Most of my patients were "relearning" skills, which was so laborious for them and often very frustrating.  But working with them and helping them get back into everyday life provided a feeling I cannot explain.  The great part of each experience included working with the families of my patients and working with a team of professionals.  Having so many work together to better the life of  each patient made such a difference.
I chose to work in a school because:  Working at Currey Ingram Academy is so different than any of my other school experiences.  Each and every thing we all do each and every day is purposeful and so impacting.  I am with a team of talented and dedicated professionals, and I just love it.  
My greatest wish for CIA is:  To have a HUGE endowment one day so every student needing Currey Ingram Academy is able to attend.
What I most want parents to know about my department's role in the life of CIA:  We are here for you!  We want to provide a plethora of information that is powerful and helps you best help your child - with educational sessions, resources such as books and group discussions, and any information you may need.  We want you to feel connected and part of the Currey Ingram family and know you are "not alone." We want you to take advantage of our Moms' Club and Dads' Club events - this is such a great time to get to know and share with other parents.  
A fun fact about me that no one knows:  Because I like to chat so much, I am not sure there are things people don't know about me, but, I think my days as a Nashville Soundette, back when there was such a thing, is something I don't share often!