New Green Chimneys Executive Director Officially Takes the Reins

From Intern to Mentor: The Journey of an HAI Professional

September 20, 2022

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.”

Brownie

With the completion of an elaborate new habitat built by Green Chimneys’ woodshop students, the Farm Science classroom was able to welcome Brownie into her new home. Brownie previously lived alone in her cage in the farm and wildlife office, but guinea pigs do best in larger environments. The new habitat allows her to live in a herd as she would in the wild, with many places to hide and ways to practice her skills. Brownie has always been a social creature, and she has taken over the guinea pig herd but is a very peaceful leader.