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

Kenny grew up in Oklahoma, where he earned a BA in Bible from Oklahoma Christian College. He served as Pulpit Minister for churches in Florida, Oklahoma, and Texas before moving to Valdosta in 1998. He earned an MS in Sociology from Valdosta State University in 2007.

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, LMSW

Clinical Director, LCSW

“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.