Our Leadership

ILLINOIS

Betty Kinard

Prior to starting as the Executive Director for Willowglen Academy of Illinois, Betty Kinard earned a Bachelor's of Arts in Sociology from the University of Dayton followed by a Master's of Science in School Counseling from Long Island University. Betty is a licensed Illinois Professional Counselor, a NBCC Nationally Certified Counselor, approved clinical supervisor, as well as a diplomat of the American Psychotherapy Association.


In January 1990, Betty Kinard started her career with Willowglen Academy in New Jersey as a Social Worker. Over the course of the following sixteen years in New Jersey, Betty held a variety of job responsibilities such as Senior Social Worker, Clinical Supervisor, as well as WGA NJ Associate Director. In 2006, Betty transferred to Willowglen Academy of Illinois as the Executive Director and continues to provide consumers with the utmost pinnacle of care.

NEW JERSEY

Dione Grant

Dione Grant has a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice/Sociology with a minor in Human Services and a Master's Degree in Human Services from Lincoln University.  Dione Started in the field of Human Services over 24 years ago as a Direct Support Professional.  The stimulating and gratifying yet occasionally challenging experiences lead to her to continued passion in this rewarding career.


Dione has worked with Willowglen Academy for 19 years in the capacity of Program Manager, Associate Director, Associate Executive Director and currently holds the position of Executive Director. Dione has compassion for people, concentrates on a team approach and lives by the motto authored by Rodolfo Costa, "Cultivate an optimistic mind, use your imagination, always consider alternatives, and dare to believe that you can make possible what others think is impossible." Working collaboratively with members of the New Jersey Team, Dione works vigorously to ensure individuals are treated with dignity and respect, receive individualized services and provided opportunities to live, learn, work and grow.

SOUTH CAROLINA

Teresa Vassar

Willowglen Academy of South Carolina Executive Director Teresa Lancaster-Vassar received a Bachelor's of Science in Psychology from the University of South Carolina and a Master's of Education with an Emotional and Behavioral Disorder concentration. Teresa is a credentialed Certified Public Manager in the State of South Carolina and began her career serving as a Child Welfare Therapist with the Department of Mental Health. Following this, Teresa moved into a Program Director position with the Intensive Foster Care and Clinical Services Coastal Region of SC DSS. Teresa has continually provided an increased quality of care to consumers and has worked on their behalf for over 20 years.


Teresa joined Willowglen Academy of South Carolina in 2011 where she directed the opening of a new state-of-the-art PRTF facility specializing in services to children and adolescents with Intellectual Disabilities and Autism Spectrum Disorders. Teresa and her team reorganized WGA SC’s Residential and Community based services including the creation, design, and implementation of IMPACT (Individualized Medical Psychological/Psychiatric Assessment Comprehensive Treatment) and Group Care Intensive Services. Teresa is committed to assuring quality services for the children entrusted to the care of WGA SC, she is often seen walking the halls while connecting with the consumers.

Our Leadership

ILLINOIS

Betty Kinard

Prior to starting as the Executive Director for Willowglen Academy of Illinois, Betty Kinard earned a Bachelor's of Arts in Sociology from the University of Dayton followed by a Master's of Science in School Counseling from Long Island University. Betty is a licensed Illinois Professional Counselor, a NBCC Nationally Certified Counselor, approved clinical supervisor, as well as a diplomat of the American Psychotherapy Association.


In January 1990, Betty Kinard started her career with Willowglen Academy in New Jersey as a Social Worker. Over the course of the following sixteen years in New Jersey, Betty held a variety of job responsibilities such as Senior Social Worker, Clinical Supervisor, as well as WGA NJ Associate Director. In 2006, Betty transferred to Willowglen Academy of Illinois as the Executive Director and continues to provide consumers with the utmost pinnacle of care.

NEW JERSEY

Dione Grant

Dione Grant has a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice/Sociology with a minor in Human Services and a Master's Degree in Human Services from Lincoln University.  Dione Started in the field of Human Services over 24 years ago as a Direct Support Professional.  The stimulating and gratifying yet occasionally challenging experiences lead to her to continued passion in this rewarding career.


Dione has worked with Willowglen Academy for 19 years in the capacity of Program Manager, Associate Director, Associate Executive Director and currently holds the position of Executive Director. Dione has compassion for people, concentrates on a team approach and lives by the motto authored by Rodolfo Costa, "Cultivate an optimistic mind, use your imagination, always consider alternatives, and dare to believe that you can make possible what others think is impossible." Working collaboratively with members of the New Jersey Team, Dione works vigorously to ensure individuals are treated with dignity and respect, receive individualized services and provided opportunities to live, learn, work and grow.

SOUTH CAROLINA

Teresa Vassar

Willowglen Academy of South Carolina Executive Director Teresa Lancaster-Vassar received a Bachelor's of Science in Psychology from the University of South Carolina and a Master's of Education with an Emotional and Behavioral Disorder concentration. Teresa is a credentialed Certified Public Manager in the State of South Carolina and began her career serving as a Child Welfare Therapist with the Department of Mental Health. Following this, Teresa moved into a Program Director position with the Intensive Foster Care and Clinical Services Coastal Region of SC DSS. Teresa has continually provided an increased quality of care to consumers and has worked on their behalf for over 20 years.


Teresa joined Willowglen Academy of South Carolina in 2011 where she directed the opening of a new state-of-the-art PRTF facility specializing in services to children and adolescents with Intellectual Disabilities and Autism Spectrum Disorders. Teresa and her team reorganized WGA SC’s Residential and Community based services including the creation, design, and implementation of IMPACT (Individualized Medical Psychological/Psychiatric Assessment Comprehensive Treatment) and Group Care Intensive Services. Teresa is committed to assuring quality services for the children entrusted to the care of WGA SC, she is often seen walking the halls while connecting with the consumers.