Being the parent of a special
While the pandemic in 2020 slowed things down a bit, Cheatham County Kids is working diligently to bounce back and get the community reengaged. As with many organizations, though, finding adequate
needs’ child can be challenging, confusing, and even isolating. In 2014, Cheatham County residents Teresa Brunker and Becky Shelton, recognizing
the need for resources in the area, decided to build an organization that helped families similar to their own. Fully understanding the struggles, and blessings, of raising a child with special needs, the pair set out on a mission to spread awareness, raise funds, offer valuable resources, and create a solid network through Cheatham County Kids. Cheatham County Kids is best known for their annual Autism Awareness Event that brings in hundreds of community members and partners. The popular event not only offers heaps of activities and loads of fun for families, it is also a one-stop-shop for resources and related connections. It is a gathering filled with compassion, hope, and camaraderie. Throughout the afternoon, children shine, parents lean on one another, and fun is had by all. One year, a celebrity from Saturday Night Live emceed the event, helping to make it one of most attended to-date. “I’ve seen families attend our Autism Awareness events and get connected with support organizations that they didn’t know existed previously,” says Cheatham County Kids’ board member Lily Wellington. Aside from the Autism Awareness Event, the group puts on book walks with the local literary council, provides meals to teachers, sponsors local events like the recent Cheatham County Polar Plunge, and sets up information booths at local festivals and similar community gatherings always making themselves easy to find. Since its inception nearly a decade ago, Cheatham County Kids has been tightly structured around board members Sam Bancroft, Brian Michon, Lily Wellington, Nicole Simmons, Alisha Duncan, Claudette Fizer, Dr. Sarah Green, and Gina Anzaldua. Each member brings their own unique talent and story to the team, and has been an integral part of the organization’s reach, impact, and success. PUBLIC SCHOOLS
volunteers and active members is one of the struggles they face. With their current board transitioning or aging-out, the group is seeking new people to step up to help continue their important mission. Cheatham County residents who have a child or family member with special needs do not need to feel alone in their journey. Cheatham County Kids is a resource designed specifically to help, and they are always ready and willing.
Ashland City Elementary STEM Academy 108 Elizabeth Street Ashland City, TN 37015 Dr. Melinda Broyles, Principal Phone: 615-792-4296 East Cheatham Elementary School 3201 Bearwallow Road Ashland City, TN 37015 Paul Boles, Principal Phone: 615-746-5251 Kingston Springs Elementary School 166 W. Kingston Springs Road Kingston Springs, TN 37082 Dr. Lucas Winstead, Principal Phone: 615-952-9060 Pegram Elementary Fine Arts Magnet School 4552 Dogwood Lane Pegram, TN 37143 Detra Emery, Principal Phone: 615-646-6637 Pleasant View Elementary
Sycamore Middle School 1025 Old Clarksville Pike Pleasant View, TN 37146 Robyn Miller, Principal Phone: 615-746-8852 Cheatham County Central High School One Cub Circle Ashland City, TN 37015 Steve Wenning, Principal Phone: 615-792-5641 Harpeth High School 170 East Kingston Springs Road Kingston Springs, TN 37082 Dr. Lee Rector, Principal Phone: 615-952-2811 Sycamore High School 1021 Old Clarksville Pike Pleasant View, TN 37146 Dawn Wenning, Principal Phone: 615-746-5013 Riverside Academy 104 Elizabeth Street Ashland City, TN 37015 Dr. Andrea Bringard, Assistant
We accept most insurances Including TNcare 615-746-4040 238 Centre St., Ste 100, Pleasant View, TN
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