Davis Stuart’s board of directors is delighted to announce the appointment of Dr. Mark C. Bissell to the role of Executive Director. Dr. Bissell comes to Davis Stuart with a great deal of experience working with adolescents. In 1982, he earned an associate’s degree in Criminal Justice from Greenfield Community College in Massachusetts. He later went on to earn a B.S. in Adolescent Counseling from the University of Massachusetts in 1986. After completing his undergraduate degrees, Dr. Bissell earned his first master’s degree in Human Services from Keene State College. In 1993, he received a Certificate of Advanced Graduated Studies (CAGS). In 2998 he earned his second master’s degree in Organizational Studies from the Fielding Institute, CA. Dr. Bissell earned his Ph.D. in Human and Organizational Development from Fielding Institute in 2002.
Dr. Bissell moved to the Greenbrier Valley six months ago, but has had ties to West Virginia since 1976. At Davis Stuart he enjoys working with children and staff and appreciates the diversity of both. Dr. Bissell believes that Davis Stuart’s Culinary Arts Program Equine Assisted Therapy Program, and the picturesque campus, located on 574 acres in Lewisburg, sets the agency apart from others. Along with improving communication between all stakeholders, Dr. Bissell looks forward to utilizing the 574 acres of farmland to build a strong agriculture program for the residents to teach many of the youth a trade and skills they can use their future endeavors.
Dr. Bissell lives in Union with his wife, Sara. He has three children, Jacob 25, Joshua 24, and Emily 20. He says, “I love West Virginia. The people are wonderful and I feel fortunate to be here and working with such amazing individuals. The long-standing tenure of so many employees really speaks to the greater service Davis Stuart provides.”
To learn more about Davis Stuart, visit their website, www.davis-stuart.org.