David Craig, Ph.D. Executive Director

Dr. Craig is a native of Nashville, TN where he received a B.A. from Lipscomb University. He also holds a M.A. from Harding University and a Ph.D. from the University of Mississippi in Counseling and Educational Psychology. Dr. Craig is a Licensed Senior Psychological Examiner and has worked in community mental health as well as several educational settings including Columbia Academy, Maury County Schools and The King's Daughters' School. In addition, Dr. Craig has taught in the education and psychology departments of Columbia State Community College. After working with The King's Daughters' School as a contract psychologist for more than 20 years, Dr. Craig became the Executive Director in January 2007. He has also served in church ministry in Nashville, Centerville and Columbia, TN.

Shauna Bryant Assistant Executive Director

Shauna began her career at KDS in 2002 as the director of development and communication. She moved into the role of assistant executive director in 2007. Shauna holds a B.A. in English from Lambuth University and a M.A. in English from the University of Tennessee. Shauna has served as the Chair of the Community Development Council from 2005-1010 for the Maury Alliance and served on the Board of Directors since 2005. Shauna is married to Wesley Bryant, who is a local attorney at Hardin & Parkes. The couple has two beautiful daughters, Avery and Nora.

Melena Keeling Director of Program Services

Melena holds a degree from Middle Tennessee State University and has been with KDS for 25 years in a number of roles. As Director of program services, she is responsible for the Health Services Offices on both campuses, directs all individual program planning and services offered through KDS, contracts with the Department of Children’s Services and manages compliance and licensing. Melena serves on the middle Tennessee region and statewide boards for the Tennessee Alliance for Children and Families and serves as the secretary of middle Tennessee region. Melena is a 2001 Leadership Maury alumni member and an alumni member of the Maury County Sheriff’s Department Citizen’s Academy. She has one daughter, Alayna, who is in 6th grade at Columbia Academy.

Jennifer Ballard Director of Educational Services

Jennifer has served as principal on our main campus since 2005. She is a native of Western Kentucky, which is where she graduated from Murray State University with a B.S. in Science. Jennifer also holds a M.S. in Educational Leadership from Trevecca Nazarene University. She is currently perusing a Ph.D. in Special Education. She has work experience in criminal justice, social work and education.

Meridith Pettigrew Director of Autism Services

Meridith is the director of our Center for Autism. She holds a B.S. in Special Education, Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education from Juniata College and the University of Pittsburgh and a M.S. in Education from the University of Pittsburgh. Meridith has been a special educator for 10 years. She has worked in private and public education and has experience in providing home therapy. Meridith has extensive history in Boardmaker, augmentative communication, TEACCH and behavior modification. She now focuses her career on guiding fellow teachers to become better educators.

Ellen Ludwig ELP Coordinator

Ellen was born in Massena, NY, but has lived most of her life in North Carolina where she taught Kindergarten for several years. She holds a B.S. from UNC-Greensboro in Home Economics with a concentration in Child Development. Ellen moved to Waynesboro, TN in 1994 to be closer to her family and began working for our Early Learning Program (ELP) shortly thereafter. She took over the role of ELP coordinator in 2006. Ellen attends the First Presbyterian Church in Columbia where she is a deacon and Sunday school teacher. She is married to Paul, and the couple has two cats. She enjoys reading and baking in her spare time.

Shannon Lanius Recreational Therapist

Shannon graduated from Middle Tennessee State University with a B .S. in Recreation and Leisure with a concentration in recreational therapy and a minor is psychology. She has been with the school for nearly 12 years and has held the position of recreational therapist since 2001. During this time, she was president of Maury Magic Riders for four years. Shannon is also the Special Olympics Area Director for Maury County. Family is a big part of Shannon’s life; she especially enjoys spending time with her nephew, Corbin.