AnonymousSource: Storyteller Children’s Center
Storyteller Children’s Center’s is excited to announce the appointment of Susan Cass as the new Executive Director of the year-round therapeutic preschool. Cass will be transitioning into the role with the support of her predecessor, Donna Barranco Fisher, who announced her retirement in January.
“I am truly grateful to everyone, past and present, who has had a hand in making this organization what it is today,” noted Cass. “Storyteller is a special place, and I look forward to joining the team and raising awareness for this vital community resource.”
The youngest of six children and a graduate from Cate School, Cass was born and raised in Santa Barbara and spent part of her youth in Santa Maria, providing her an intimate, well-rounded view of the community. With a Bachelor of Fine Arts and an Art Teaching Credential from the University of Texas at Austin, Cass spent the early part of her career in early childhood education working in Portland, Oregon. Later, upon moving back to Santa Barbara, Cass transitioned to non-profit management and leadership, serving as the Program Director at Jodi House Brain Injury Support Center and, most recently, as Executive Director at Braille Institute.
“We feel so fortunate to have such a talented, passionate and experienced individual step into this role,” stated Storyteller Children’s Center Board Chair, Patricia Madrigal. “We are confident that Susan will continue the high standard of leadership that has guided this organization. Our students and their families are in excellent and capable hands.”
In her role as Executive Director at Storyteller Children Center, Cass will oversee the programs and operations at both campuses, while collaborating with teachers, assistants and aides and interfacing with more than 70 students and families. Cass will also lead development objectives for the organization which relies on contributions, donations and grants to subsidized trauma/therapeutic services, continuous educational programs, three healthy meals/snacks per day, medical services and family services.
“Getting a candidate like Susan Cass is a testament to the dedication and thoroughness the board applied to the process, despite the pandemic circumstances,” noted Storyteller Children’s Center Board member, Kyra Rogers. “Everyone was committed to find the right person for the sake of our students – and I feel we were successful in that goal.”
Both of Storyteller Children Center’s campuses reopened on Monday, July 13 with strict COVID-19 measures and policies. Cass is looking forward to joining the Storyteller family in August 2020.
“I feel confident Susan will carry on our high-quality standards for early education,” stated Fisher. “I am excited to witness the impact she will have on these students and this community.”
ABOUT STORYTELLER CHILDREN’S CENTER
Founded in 1988, Storyteller is a full-time, therapeutic school program that supports nearly 100 families each year from two Santa Barbara campuses. Storyteller supports the entire family unit, breaking poverty cycle for the working poor while ensuring students are kindergarten-ready, one of the most critical markers in the scholastic success of a child.
