Leadership
Struggling youth have found stability and support at Raintree because of strong leadership for nearly 60 years. Committed staff and wise Board Members have created an environment in which kids feel loved and appreciated.
KENNY HOLTON, MS
Executive Director
He has served with Raintree Village for over 25 years in various capacities:
- 1998 – Began working as an employee at the Charity Shoppe Thrift Store in downtown Valdosta, owned and operated by Raintree Village.
- 1999 – Became the manager of the Thrift Store.
- 2001 – Worked to establish the Car Donation program and began speaking on behalf of The Children’s Home at churches and civic clubs.
- 2004 – Promoted to Executive Administrator.
- 2008 – Named Executive Director.
He was appointed by Governor Nathan Deal in January 2015 to serve on the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities Board (DBHDD).
Kenny is married to Ginny Holton, and they have three grown sons, one daughter, and five grandchildren. He is a member of the Central Ave. Church of Christ in Valdosta, where he serves as Bible class teacher and song leader.
Kenny shares why he stays motivated to lead Raintree Village year after year, “I know I am doing the Lord’s work. It is a joy seeing young people move past their trauma and grow in their trust and love for themselves and others. Every day brings challenges, but I know I am making a real difference in their lives, oftentimes for eternity.
I was blessed to grow up in a loving family. My dad was a preacher, and for most of my growing-up years, my mom was a stay-at-home-mom. I feel it is important to empathize with kids who did not receive such a blessing and do what I can to love them unconditionally.”
STAFF MEMBERS
NATALIA DANKWA, LCSW, LMHP
Clinical Director, LCSW, LMHP
“It warms my heart when kids want to stay here even after they turn 18. I love seeing the kids grow and flourish as they turn their past around. Everyone’s success is beautiful!”.
Ginny Holton
Donor Relations Director
DYMIN JOHNSON, Masters in School Counseling & Mental Health Counseling
Lead Case Manager
“I want to make a difference in this world, and I am doing so, one child at a time. I love developing relationships with these kids and showing them they can count on me.”
LYDIA KANTON, MSW
Residential Director
“Raintree is like family to me. I love working with this team, knowing that my work impacts so many lives directly and indirectly.”
MEGAN STEWART, MSW
Case Manager
“What motivates me day after day is the opportunity to serve youth who have not been dealt the best hand… and seeing them excel and begin to heal.”
Kristen Willis
Office Manager
NINA WISENBAKER
Executive Assistant
“I see the job as a ministry to the children at Raintree. It is to support the children who couldn’t have a safe home. They are my motivation.”
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Steven Peterson
Chair
East Point, GA
Jason Shelnutt
1st Vice Chair
Roswell, GA
Kevin Boyd
2nd Vice Chair
Valdosta, GA
Don Covan
Treasurer
Tallahassee, FL
Kevin Weeks
Secretary
Valdosta, GA
Charlene Blache
Director
Valdosta, GA
JD Branch
Director
Locust Grove, GA
Derrick Dalton
Director
Conley, GA
Eric Dawkins
Director
Valdosta, GA
Sheila Moon
Director
Thomasville, GA
Tom Parris
Director
Dawson, GA
Michael Underwood
Director
Bremen, GA
Arlene White
Director
Conley, GA
Kenny Holton
Executive Director
Valdosta, GA
G.R. Holton
Foundation Managing Director
Valdosta, GA
6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.
