Palmer, Alaska – Compassionate Directions (CODI) is proud to announce that Dr. Stewart McDonald has accepted the position of Executive Director. Dr. McDonald was chosen from a field of qualified applicants to join them in their mission of “healthier families, stronger kids, and a continuum of services that can support families in need”.
Dr. McDonald has dedicated his career to serving the needs of Alaska’s most vulnerable students. In the past 27 years, Stewart has been a special education teacher, grant and assessment administrator, assistant superintendent, and superintendent of schools. He has lived and worked across Alaska, including Kodiak, Soldotna, and the North Slope Borough. Dr. McDonald most recently served as the North Slope Borough School District superintendent. Prior to that, Dr. McDonald served as the superintendent for the Kodiak Island Borough School District for nine years.
“Through his experience leading in Alaska’s schools, Stewart understands the importance of collaboration across diverse agencies to better serve children,” says Jen Burkmire, Board President. “This understanding will strengthen Compassionate Directions as we continue our commitment to partnering with our schools and other nonprofits,” she adds.
“My first and most enduring love of service has been for students with emotional and behavioral needs. Mental health is both an evidence-based practice and a relationship-based people business,” McDonald said of his passion and alignment with CODI’s mission.
Dr. McDonald holds a Doctor of Education with a specialization in Educational Leadership and Management from Capella University in Minneapolis, Minnesota, a Masters of Arts in Educational Leadership from the University of Alaska, Anchorage, and a Bachelor of Arts in Special Education, Severe Emotional Disturbance, and Specific Learning Disabilities from University of North Florida. Bringing a wealth of experience and a passion for service, Dr. McDonald started in his new position on December 2.
Dr. McDonald replaces Aaron Clements who led Compassionate Directions for six years. Under Mr. Clements’s leadership, CODI’s team and programs have expanded and their commitment to children and families has deepened. “We recognize the positive impact Mr. Clements has had in the lives of our clients and our staff,” says Ms. Burkmire. “We want to thank Aaron for his dedication to Compassionate Directions.”
Compassionate Directions is a family-oriented nonprofit agency that provides compassionate care to the Mat-Su Borough. Based in Palmer, Alaska, CODI’s staff works with children from infancy through 21 years old and their families. They pursue their mission through diverse programs and services, including on-site therapy services for children and their families, parenting programs, case management, and in-community, one-on-one behavioral health support for children.
Founded in 2001 as Co-Occurring Disorders Institute, CODI changed its name to Compassionate Directions in 2018. Compassionate Directions is accredited through the Council on Accreditation.
11921 E Palmer-Wasilla Hwy Palmer, AK 99645 Phone: (907) 745-2634 Website: www.codialaska.org
