History &
Leadership
Whether you're exploring services for yourself, a loved one, or a family member, our team is ready to answer your questions and guide you through the next steps.
Our
History
New Perceptions was founded by a group of concerned parents in 1952 who wanted services for their special needs children that were scarce in the community. The organization began as Riverside School in the basement of the First Presbyterian Church in Covington. A similar school, Good Counsel, opened soon after in two locations: Corpus Christi Church in Newport and St. Aloysius School in Covington. Both schools grew to be successful and wanted to better serve their clients, so in 1966, the two schools merged as Riverside-Good Counsel. Two decades later, the organization’s name was changed to better reflect its growth, expanded services, and mission: New Perceptions. Thanks to parents who wanted the best for their children, individuals in Northern Kentucky with special needs were given opportunities for education, growth, and employment that continue to this day.
Historical highlights include:
Riverside School opens at First Presbyterian Church in Covington
Good Counsel School opens in Corpus Christi Church in Newport and St. Aloysius School in Covington
Good Counsel Schools combine and move to Mother of God School in Covington
Riverside and Good Counsel merge to form Riverside-Good Counsel
Kenton Adult Work Activity Center opens at Riverside-Good Counsel
Riverside-Good Counsel dedicates the new building in Ft. Wright, offering classes kindergarten through high school
Home-based developmental services begin for school-age children and young adults
Campbell Adult Work Activity Center opens at Ft. Thomas Armory
School-age children transition into public school programs
Home-based services expand to include infants and toddlers with developmental delays
Riverside-Good Counsel changes its name to New Perceptions, Inc. and the Supported Employment program begins
New Perceptions moves to present building in Edgewood, bringing all services together in one location
Adult Life Skills program begins
Sensory Integration program for children begins; “Project Employ” begins in collaboration with St. Elizabeth Medical Center
New Perceptions celebrates 50 years of services
Bridging the Gap program beings
First “Our Children Achieve” luncheon held to share the stories of our participants with the community
New logo unveiled; Adult Day Activity and Rising Star Studios programs begin
The Learning Center program begins, combining Adult Day, Adult Life Skills, and Art Abilities into one program, offering classroom-style education to adult participants
New heating and cooling systems installed in the Work Center
New Perceptions celebrated 65 years of service. Total renovation of kitchen. Bathrooms on main floor renovated.
Received 2 year Medicaid accreditation through the State with no deficiencies.
Check received as Recipient of Northern Kentucky Area Realtors year long fundraising efforts in 2018.
Leadership
New Perceptions Board of Trustees
New Perceptions Board of Trustees. Pictured L-R, Charlie Garrison, Jennifer Meyers, Dottie Dawson, Shawn Carroll (Executive Director), Melissa Lueke (President), Mike Dickey, Desma Borland, Kent Dailey, Patricia Nortmann, and Stehanie Stitt
Not pictured: Jamie Burns
Executive Staff
Shawn Carroll, Executive Director
Phone ext. 12
Martha Stenson,
Finance Assistant
Phone ext. 55
Carrie Fiore,
Children Services Assistant
Phone ext. 31
Ann Miller,
Children Services Coordinator
Phone ext. 46
Meaghan Pfetzer, Finance Director
Phone ext. 18
Sarah Kring, Adult Services Director
Phone ext. 13
Kristen Franks, Development Manager
Phone ext. 15