New Green Chimneys Executive Director Officially Takes the Reins

As part of vocational education, Green Chimneys School students are working at local businesses. This image shows 3 individuals under a car at Brewster Shell, two of whom are Green Chimneys students.

Transition Planning Helps Students Prepare for Adulthood

April 16, 2021

April 3, 2017

It was a joyous and meaningful day for the entire Green Chimneys community as longtime agency head Joe Whalen officially passed the reins to Dr. Edward Placke. The ceremonial moment took place atop a wagon drawn by Belgian draft horses Bill & Bob of Rock Hill Farm in Pawling, NY and was attended by Green Chimneys staff and students. Placke was named in early 2016 and has now assumed leadership as the new Executive Director of the 70-year-old nonprofit.

Placke’s expertise spans 35 years and includes special education and vocational programming from the intimate classroom environment to the highest levels of administration. He most recently served as Superintendent of Schools for Greenburgh North Castle Union Free School District, comprised of four alternative junior/high schools for students in grades 7-12 who have struggled in their home school districts, BOCES or private schools.

In previous comments, Whalen proudly stated that Placke is the right person to lead Green Chimneys into the next phase of growth: “The breadth and depth of his experience in educational programming that helps students prepare for life beyond school will be invaluable to our families who are counting on us to provide a strong foundation for their kids’ futures.”

Russian Tortoise

There’s a reason this Russian Tortoise looks so iconic; it’s one of the most popular breeds sold in pet stores. This gentleman arrived at the Green Chimneys Wildlife Center as a rescue and secured a regular role in the classroom, helping students study the differences between tortoises and turtles; tortoises dwell on land, while turtles live in the water some or nearly all of the time. He has a reputation for being very active and outgoing and on warm, sunny days, the students take him outside to search for dandelion leaves to eat.