It was a pleasant surprise for the children at NOC’s Oaks Learning Center as they welcomed special visitors from Disney.  Jerome Smith, General Manager, and April Ford, Director, of Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort interacted with the children and were impressed with their dedication to learning. The Disney representatives delivered a generous donation to support NOC’s flagship education program.

HIGHLIGHT:  Two kids plugged in the idea of an organized trip for NOC children to visit the local Disney resort when some of the Disney characters are here.  They may just get their wish, according to the visitors. Hurrah!

NOC welcomes Judy Blahut, a resident of Hilton Head Island (HHI), as the Program Manager for its Learning Center at Cordillo Courts on HHI. As Program Manager, Judy will bring leadership and management skills to NOC’s programs, including education for children, health screenings, and workforce development, serving the south end of the Island.  She will build on NOC’s existing programs with increased emphasis on results and impact.  Judy is committed to ensuring that the children who come to NOC’s Learning Center enjoy a safe and enabling environment for learning.  She wants these children to excel academically and perform at their respective grade levels.  She will strengthen her field team of teachers and volunteers to provide quality services to the local community.  She wants to engage the parents more actively in each child’s learning and move toward customization of NOC’s learning program in keeping with each child’s needs and challenges.

 Judy brings a wealth of relevant experience and knowledge to her position as Program Manager.  She draws on knowledge and experience from her position as Head of the Walnut Farm Montessori School in Arkansas. She was responsible for providing leadership and management of day-to-day activities, as well as leading efforts for the growth and development of the school. In addition, she was in charge of the professional development of her staff.  She also managed a pool of volunteers and oversaw fundraising activities.  Prior to this assignment, Judy was directly involved in teaching for several years, building hands-on classroom experience.

 Judy has a Master of Science in Human Development and Family Sciences from the University of Arkansas and a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Syracuse University.  Judy has also been actively engaged in volunteer and community outreach work.  She maintains memberships in The American Montessori Society and the North American Montessori Teachers Association.