Douglas takes over helm as executive director at ADVP

Darlene Douglas, who recently was hired as executive director for Alleghany Group Homes, noted her approach to the business is slightly different than that of her predecessor, Harrol Blevins.

“I think the difference between me and the previous administrator his was more of a business background, my was more of a programmatic background,” Douglas said. “It is totally different approaches. While he worked on the financial end being sound, that will still be a major component, but my background is more about the services we provide. I think that will probably be my strongest point because all of my degrees have to do with education.”

Douglas noted she received her bachelor’s degree in health and physical education from Longwood College in Farmville, Va. and later received her master’s in education from Radford University.

The Galax, Va. resident began her new position on July 1, following Blevins’ late June retirement. Prior to being named to the executive director position, Douglas was working at the facility as the director of New River Cottage, an intermediate care facility for the mentally retarded.

“I had been there most of the six years,” Douglas noted of her tenure with the organization.

Douglas stated she applied for the executive director position after encouragement of Blevins.

“I’ve worked in this setting for most of my adult life,” she said. “It was a very good opportunity to run the entire company because it’s a relatively large company in terms of the programs that we run (although) the company itself is small. We have a lot of different programs besides the two group homes and the adult developmental vocational program that are here.”

Douglas spoke of how she began her career working in what she refers to as “a helping people field.”

“When I came home from college, there was a job opening,” she remembers. “Not having a job, I interviewed and got the job. I had a sister who had worked (in special education) who encouraged me by saying, ‘You know, I think you’ll like this.’ I applied and got the job. I’ve been working in the field ever since then.” Other work in the field she has taken part in include substance abuse service and mental illness services. Her 20-plus years in the field of special education include a 9-year tenure at a group home located in Virginia, a “several-year” tenure as a program manager for a workshop in Virginia and teaching special education at Southwest Virginia Training Center. Douglas, an avid Braves fan, noted her position places her in charge of the physical management of the company, as well as maintaining the organization’s overall budget.

Douglas spoke briefly of what she hopes to accomplish during her tenure as executive director of Alleghany County Group Homes.

“I hope we continue to improve our program and expand upon it even more to make sure nobody falls through the cracks,” she said. “I hope to coordinate with the schools so those in special ed(ucation) in schools can transition; make sure we serve all those with developmental disabilities who need serving.”

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