In November of 2017, KidsTLC began
a formal search process for a new CEO to lead the organization into the future
and allow KidsTLC to continue providing nationally recognized services for the
most vulnerable children and their families.
The process included outreach to over 400 highly successful industry executives. Ultimately, six candidates were selected for interviews by a board search committee, and four candidates were identified for evaluation by KidsTLC’s Executive Committee.
The executive committee unanimously agreed to move one candidate forward for full board consideration, and KidsTLC’s Board of Directors unanimously agreed to hire Dr. Erin Dugan as CEO.
According to KidsTLC Chairman of the Board Rick Poccia, Erin is the ideal fit for the organization. He said, “Erin brings an exceptional background in leadership, working with children facing significant challenges like those we serve, understanding this community and region, and a clear and proven passion for KidsTLC.”
Dr. Dugan currently serves as Assistant Superintendent for General Administration for the Olathe Public Schools where she plays a key district-wide leadership role. During her career, she has consistently focused on serving students with disabilities, facilitating specialized services for students with autism and supporting children and families struggling with mental health challenges. Among many civic leadership positions, Dr. Dugan served on KidsTLC’s Board of Directors and Executive Committee.
She holds a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Vermont, as well as a Master’s Degree in Child/Human Development and PH.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Kansas.
According to KidsTLC’s Chief Clinical & Operations Officer and Interim CEO, Mark Siegmund, Erin will ensure KidsTLC remains a premier organization helping kids and families. “Expectations for KidsTLC are very high, and we take great pride in the success we see treating kids.” He said, “I’ve known and worked with Erin for a number of years, and I have complete confidence her skills and passion will ensure this organization continues to be a regional and national leader in helping our most vulnerable children and their families.”
Said Dr. Dugan, “I am humbled at the opportunity to continue serving the children and families of this community that I love. Joining KidsTLC and leading such a highly respected and renowned organization, uniquely committed to transforming the lives of children in our community, is a dream come true.”
For more than 45 years, KidsTLC is building on the trust our donors, clients and community partners instill every day. KidsTLC remains a valuable service to traumatized children in our community. We have grown into one of the largest and most respected psychiatric residential facilities in the Midwest. Our outpatient program for children with autism continues to grow and is leading the way in ABA therapies. Every day more than 52 families receive the most innovative mental, behavioral health and medication management services through our Outpatient Behavioral Health Clinics. Last year, we were able to find permanent housing for more than 133 homeless individuals. KidsTLC is recognized in the top 1% of all US non-profits by Charity Navigator, America’s largest independent evaluator of charities. Charity Navigator’s highest 4-star rating indicates that KidsTLC adheres to sector best practices and executes its mission in a financially efficient way. Only 1% of the charities evaluated by Charity Navigator have received at least nine consecutive 4-star evaluations, indicating that KidsTLC outperforms most other charities in America and demonstrates its trustworthiness to the public. KidsTLC recently received accreditation for achieving the highest standards of professional practice for services we provide from the COA, Council on Accreditation.
