Anchor Welcomes New Executive Director!

Dear Anchor Center Friends and Supporters:

This month, Anchor Center said goodbye to our Executive Director of four years, Heather Cameron, as she begins a new life in Florida with her daughter and grandchildren. Knowing of Heather’s planned departure, in early September, Anchor Center embarked on an Executive Search process. On behalf of the Board of Directors, I am happy to announce our search was successful and we are pleased to welcome Meghan Klassen as our new Executive Director! Meghan will officially take the helm on Monday, January 6, 2020.

Widely recognized for her accomplishments in early childhood and special education, Meghan earned her Bachelor’s degree in journalism and marketing from Creighton University and her Master’s degree in Early Childhood Special Education from the University of Texas-Austin. Most recently she served as the Executive Director at The Rise School, an inclusive preschool for children with and without special needs. Among her many accomplishments during her seven (7) years as the Executive Director, Meghan led the nonprofit school through tremendous growth and transformation including more than doubling their revenue, elevating programs, and leading the launch of a capital campaign to renovate and expand the school. Today, The Rise School has a waitlist of more than 100 children. Prior to serving as Executive Director, Meghan was a pre-K teacher with The Rise School in San Antonio, Texas, and Denver. Her experience also includes volunteering at an orphanage in the Dominican Republic for children with disabilities and in San Antonio for low-income families of children with disabilities.

“I am honored to have been selected to serve as the next Executive Director of Anchor Center for Blind Children. As a professional in the field of early childhood special education, I have always admired the mission and work of Anchor Center. The interview process allowed me to witness different facets of Anchor, from fundraising at Sunset in the Country; to meeting staff and touring the facility; to speaking with members of the Board of Directors and Advisory Committee; and finally, watching children work with teachers and therapists. Across the board, I witnessed a sense of commitment and professionalism, with an underlying desire to improve outcomes for children and families, and fulfill the mission of providing high quality early intervention and education for children with visual impairments. I am eager for the opportunity to get to know the Anchor community of families, staff, and donors and I look forward to meeting and collaborating with all of you!”

A Denver native, Meghan enjoys spending time with her family, which includes her six siblings; her husband Matthew, who is a teacher at Regis Jesuit High School; and her daughters, Murphy (10) and Norah (8.) She also enjoys running, cooking, reading, live music, and traveling.

Needless to say, we are thrilled to bring Meghan Klassen’s expertise and leadership to Anchor Center as we begin this new and exciting chapter in our organization. Please join us in welcoming Meghan to the Anchor Center family and community!

Respectfully,

Jeff Watkins, President
Anchor Center Board of Directors