5 Questions with Brooke Darreff

Brooke Darreff returned to Hawk Hill in January 2021 as the Assistant Director of Operations. At Kinney, Brooke will be charged with overseeing the SCHOLARS program and the recruitment of new SCHOLARS. Using her years of experience as the Head Softball Coach at La Salle University, she is ready to use her experience and creativity to make a fun and inclusive environment for all. 

1. What drew you to the special education/autism field?

I have always loved working with children, and I was given the opportunity to work directly with a young boy who was on the spectrum right after I graduated college. I learned so much from him and his family that I immediately was connected to them. I was able to participate and observe in his learning and discovery and it was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I went off to grad school looking forward to learning more, but then I found coaching softball. I am so excited my journey has brought me back to this field.

2. What excites you most about your new role?

I am extremely excited to focus on developing a program identity for the SCHOLARS. I am thrilled to be here helping with this group and creating a culture that promotes a sense of pride and excitement for all the students who are a part of this program.

3. What is one thing that you would like clients, SCHOLARS, families, and the Kinney Center to know about you?

I am an ex-coach, that really can’t ever stop being a coach. I care deeply for those on my team and I love learning about people and working with them. I am excited at the idea of working with and helping others actualize their full potential. It is extremely important to me to learn how individuals learn, think and get motivated, so that I can help them be successful in whatever they want to do.

4. What is on your professional wish list for the next few years?

I would love to see the SCHOLARS Program boom! I hope to see large number of applications coming in each year. Also, to see the program develop structurally so that it promotes internal leadership, that ultimately helps to create a large community of active members and alumni. I am looking forward to the doors of the SCHOLARS Program opening up to students outside of our campus so that the Mission and work of the Kinney Center spreads throughout the area to many other institutions.

5. What is your favorite thing to do outside of Kinney?

I think Softball is an obvious answer here, but besides that I will say going to concerts! Going to see live performances is always so exciting for me. The atmosphere, the people and the music, combined have made some of my greatest memories. I’m biased to the classic rock genre, but I will see almost any artist perform live!