Faulkner University welcomes Sarah Housley as the inaugural director of the university’s new Cradle Through Independence (CTI) Center, an education and therapy program for children and young adults with autism and other developmental or cognitive disabilities.
Housley, who formerly served as Lower School Director at Montgomery Academy, is bringing extensive experience in education leadership, program development and child advocacy to her new role at Faulkner. “There is a significant need in our community and beyond for comprehensive educational and developmental services for children and young adults with a disability. I am deeply committed to advancing the mission of the CTI Center and passionate about the important work ahead to help bring its vision to life,” said Housley. She also serves Faulkner’s College of Education as a faculty member, assisting in accreditation efforts and expanding the university’s programs in special education.
“We are thrilled to welcome Sarah Housley as the inaugural administrative head of the Cradle Through Independence Center,” said Sandy Ledwell, Dean of Faulkner’s College of Education. “Her vision, leadership, and passion for inclusive education will be instrumental in building a dynamic, Christ-centered program that serves children and families from birth through college graduation or independence. With Mrs. Housley’s expertise and unwavering commitment to excellence, the CTI Center will become a cornerstone of innovation and impact within Faulkner University and beyond.”
For students interested in continuing their education, the CTI Center will feed into the Faulkner’s Center for Accessibility’s new Eagles Bridge Program. Eagles Bridge is a college experience program for individuals with intellectual disabilities, designed to empower them with skills for independent living. Offered as a two- or four-year certificate, each program is tailored to the student, providing a full Faulkner experience that prepares them for the future.
As director of the CTI Center, Housley has begun development of the comprehensive, inclusive special education and therapy center. She is designing undergraduate and graduate degree programs in Special Education, researching state certification and licensure requirements, and working to secure funding through grants, government agencies, charitable organizations, and other sources. She is also responsible for program assessment, partnership development, grant writing, and maintaining accreditation standards.
During her time at Montgomery Academy, Housley served in both the Lower and Middle Schools as a classroom teacher and spent the past eight years as the Lower School Division Director where she worked alongside faculty, staff and families to support the growth and development of students in Kindergarten through fourth grade. As a member of the Leadership Team, she chaired the school’s accreditation efforts in 2020 and led initiatives to improve the academic support program and to refine faculty recruitment and retention processes.
For more information about Faulkner University’s College of Education, visit https://www.faulkner.edu.