Staff

David Wheeler, Executive Director

David has over 27 years of experience helping individuals of varying ages, abilities, and backgrounds from across southcentral Kentucky build better, more inclusive lives in the community. His journey in the field of developmental and behavioral health services began in the early 1990s when substantial systems-change efforts in Kentucky were beginning to emerge. Over the following two decades he was instrumental in helping promote and facilitate services to meet people’s needs and expectations – moving individuals off of waiting-lists and out of facilities into services that offer choice, control, and the opportunity to live a full life.

David was previously the Director of State General Fund Services for LifeSkills, Inc. He holds a BA in Human Services from Lindsey Wilson College and MSW from Western KY University.  David and his wife, Serena, have two grown children – Nicholas & Kaitlin.

Favorite Quote: “Our greatest contribution is to be sure there is a teacher in every classroom who cares that every student, every day learns and grows and feels like a real human being.” -Don Clifton, Chairman, Gallup Organization

Molly Swietek, Director of Public Relations & Grants

Molly is a 14-year veteran of Western Kentucky University, most recently serving as Development Manager for WKU Public Broadcasting where she managed a fellowship program providing employment opportunities for WKU students on the autism spectrum.

She has extensive experience working with non-profit marketing and public relations; grant management; and building community partnerships. Molly served as Project Director for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting’s Education Innovation Grant, “Embracing Differences, Finding Strengths: A Public Broadcasting Model for Autism Inclusion in the Workplace.”

Molly holds a BA in English from WKU and a Master of Arts in English from Tennessee Tech University. Molly and her husband, Wes, proudly reside in Bowling Green with their two children – Will & Mary Anna.

Favorite Quote: “You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Hendrix Brakefield, Director of Personal Development

Hendrix was born and raised in Nashville, TN. He attended Western Kentucky University from 2009-2014 where he was a member of the Hilltopper football team.

Hendrix holds a BA in Special Education from WKU and teacher certification for both Learning and Behavior Disorders (LBD) and Moderate-Severe Disabilities (MSD).

Hendrix began his career teaching middle school MSD at Bowling Green Junior High where he also served as head coach for the girls soccer team, and the boys and girls track and field teams. Hendrix then moved to Frankfort, KY where he worked at The Stewart Home & School as the Recreation Director.

Hendrix found his passion for special education working with the Kelly Autism Program during college. Hendrix loves the outdoors, cooking, and staying active. He and his wife, Logan, recently welcomed a daughter, Bobby Grace.

Favorite Quote: Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself, in your way of thinking.  – Marcus Aurelius

Mary Lloyd Moore, CEC Executive Director

Dr. Mary Lloyd Moore is a speech-language pathologist who is the Executive Director of the Suzanne Vitale Clinical Education Complex, serving individuals and families from age 15 months through adulthood who have developmental delays and disabilities including Autism. Mary Lloyd believes that each of has the responsibility to seek the best in others, helping to see the skills they have while putting them to use in order to meet their individual goals. She has provided pediatric speech-language therapy for over 25 years.  While a faculty member in the WKU Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders she served as the Communication Disorders Clinic Director at WKU for over 20 years.

Mary Loyd received a BA in English from Centre College and holds a Master’s Degree in Education with an emphasis in Counseling, a Master of Science in Communication Disorders, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership – all from WKU.  She and her husband, Hamp, have three children – Katherine, Hampton, and John, and they have 6 delightful grandchildren.

Favorite Quote: “In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity.” – Albert Einstein