Mission
The Exceptional Foundation of West Tennessee enriches the lives of the developmentally challenged by meeting their social and recreational needs.
Our Core Values that Guide our Work and Decisions
- The Exceptional Community- We respect those who are developmentally challenged and recognize their individual worth, strengths and capabilities.
- Safety and Peace of Mind- We create an environment that allows family members to experience a comfortable respite.
- Personal Growth and Enrichment- We strive to help our participants grow personally and socially through stimulating activities.
- Trust- We work to earn the trust of our participants and their families.
- Fun- We provide opportunities for participants to thrive while having fun and making friends.
- Community Interaction- We believe the community and our exceptional participants benefit mutually through knowledge, awareness and interaction.
Staff


KC Hutchinson
Program Director
KC Hutchinson is originally from Birmingham, Alabama and grew up around The Exceptional Foundation in her hometown. After graduating from Auburn University with a bachelor of science in education, KC moved to Memphis and joined The Exceptional Foundation of West Tennessee staff in December of 2008.
She has a passion for exceptional people and was thrilled to take on the challenge of a start-up non-profit.
KC is our Program Director, overseeing program development, special events and outreach, participant enrollment, and more. She works closely with the board of directors to ensure that our strategic plans and goals are being met and that our mission is lived out in our day-to-day operations.
The most rewarding aspect of her job is helping participants reach and exceed their potential of a greater quality of life. She is passionate about creating a safe and caring environment for our participants to excel in social and recreational activities.
KC was just recently nominated for the advocacy award by The Arc of the Mid-South at their 16th Annual "Achieve Beyond Expectation" Benefit Gala.
KC welcomes feedback from parents and caregivers as she wants each individual to have an amazing experience while at The Foundation.
You can reach her by email at khutchinson@exceptionalfoundationwesttn.org or by direct line at 901-387-5004.


Claire White
Program Coordinator
Originally from Natchez, MS., Claire White is a 2009 graduate of Rhodes College with a major in Psychology and a minor in Religious Studies. After graduating from Rhodes in May 2009, Claire joined The Exceptional Foundation of West TN that summer. As Program Coordinator for The Exceptional Foundation, Claire develops the monthly calendar, coordinates volunteers & interns and more. Claire began her experience with special needs individuals in the summer of 2003 when she began staffing sessions for the mentally and physically disabled at Camp Bratton Green in Canton, MS. Since then, she has been so inspired by the capability and promise of these individuals that became determined to continue working with this population. While at Rhodes, Claire interned at the Baddour Center in Senatobia, MS, a recreational, social and vocational live-in facility for adults with mental and developmental disorders. The most rewarding aspect of working with this population for Claire is when the individuals notice the power, knowledge and inspiration that they each posses. In addition to working at The Exceptional Foundation of West TN, Claire serves as a youth minister for St. Timothy's Episcopal Church in Southaven, MS. and continues to volunteer at Camp Bratton Green in Canton, MS. She is also enrolled in the Master’s Program for Applied Behavioral Analysis at University of Memphis


Cami Fenton
Program Assistant
Cami is originally from Atlanta, GA but moved to Memphis where she attended Rhodes College and majored in Psychology with a minor in Education. During her time at Rhodes, Cami taught a crime solving class at the SMART Girl’s Summer Camp and also completed an internship at St. Mary’s Episcopal School where she enjoyed working with children of all ages. She is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Teaching at the University of Memphis with concentrations in Elementary and Special Education. Cami enjoys working with special needs individuals and loves the enthusiasm and genuine generosity that she has experienced while working with this population. During her free time Cami enjoys playing tennis and spending time expressing her creative side with sewing and scrapbooking.


Claire Torgerson
Program Assistant
Claire is a 2009 graduate of Central Michigan University where she studied Child Development and Psychology. Originally, from Troy, Michigan, Claire has now lived in Memphis for two years and has worked at The Exceptional Foundation of West Tennessee since January of 2010. Her passion for working the special needs community started in high school when she began volunteering with Special Olympics. Since that time, Claire has continued to work in a variety of settings that serve this population. In addition to coaching, her experience includes interning with an early intervention program, assisting as a one-on-one aid at an elementary school and working in a hospital setting. At the Foundation, Claire plans and facilitates the Sign Language program. Claire is inspired by watching the participants grow, develop and build friendships with each other through social and recreational activities. She is amazed daily by the participant's energy and excitement for life and enjoys spending time with each individual as they explore and discover their talents and abilities.


Corderoa Smith
Program Assistant
Corderoa Smith, a native Memphian has been working at The Exceptional Foundation of West Tennessee since December of 2009. Corderoa facilitates the sports program, and enjoys incorporating health and wellness into their daily lives while at The Foundation. A former Lambuth University football player, Corderoa is currently pursuing his nursing degree here in Memphis. His favorite thing about The Foundation is being engaged with the participants; going to the gym and park, and exploring new games and activities. He enjoys golf and football as well, and you are sure to find him introducing new sports activities weekly. Corderoa enjoys meeting new people and is thrilled about the growth of The Exceptional Foundation of West Tennessee. He hopes participants will continue to be enriched through their experience, gain new skills, and find friends in a supportive setting.


Alison Weber
Program Assistant
Alison Weber, originally from Dothan, Alabama has been living in Memphis for over three years.
Alison first began volunteering at The Exceptional Foundation of West Tennessee in the summer of 2009 and joined our team as full time staff shortly thereafter.
Alison facilitates the art program at The Foundation and is constantly introducing new mediums and projects to our participants. She enjoys the therapeutic value that art can give to individuals.
Alison invites you to come by The Foundation for a display of participant's artwork, and also to check us out around the holidays for great gifts for purchase to support The Exceptional Foundation. While not at The Foundation, Alison enjoys playing with her dog Bosco, watching her husband's rugby games, and baking.


Mamie Clark
Program Assistant
Mamie Clark, originally from Birmingham, Alabama is new to the Memphis area. Mamie is a recent graduate of Mississippi State University where she received a bachelors degree in Special Education. She completed research on adults with special needs during her time at Mississippi State, and is thrilled to join a program that serves all ages. Mamie enjoys teaching social and life skills to exceptional individuals, and looks forward to enhancing The Exceptional Foundation’s current programs. She loves the unconditional friendship that participants bring as well as the joy that she experiences while working with this population. While not at the foundation, Mamie enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with her family.

