Our History:

Rutledge Center as it is known today began in 1968 when concerned parents and citizens of Coweta County saw a need to help children with “special needs.” Originally Open Door School, things began in a small house owned by First Baptist Newnan with seven students, one teacher, and an assistant. After students were integrated into the public school system Open Door School became Open Door Training Center and an emphasis was placed on outreach services and work activities for adults.

In 1984 Open Door Training Center was renamed Rutledge Center in memory of one of its founders, A. Burt Rutledge. Rutledge Center has grown and today serves over 60 adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Over the years the name may have changed but one thing has remained, Rutledge Center has always been a leading organization in supporting adults with developmental disabilities to have equal opportunities to live, learn, work and play in their communities.

Our Family:

Ann Newton

Executive Director/IDD Professional

Ann Newton is our Executive Director with over 25 years of experience working in the field of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. She knows that when adults with developmental disabilities graduate from high school they are often

left with few meaningful choices, so it’s not uncommon for their life and their family life to unravel. Her great passion is bringing purpose, inclusion and hope for our clients to have a fulfilled life in our community.

She knows that no single approach is the right one for every individual. That’s why at the Rutledge Center we are willing to try different ways to offer support services, encourage real choices, provide opportunities for success and regroup after our failures. As a certified educator, she was a Special Education Teacher with the Coweta County School System prior to becoming a Developmental Disability Professional at Rutledge. Recently, she has been trained as a Peer Surveyor for CARF, International (Commission on Accreditation and Rehabilitation Facilities). With that in mind, she is happy to be a part of the Rutledge Center for 19 years now. Her newest role here, as the Executive Director, has proven to be very exciting and full of possibilities.

Her awesome family has helped her maintain a great balance of support in her home and work lives. She and her husband, Mike, have been happily married for 22 years, and have two incredible kids, Jack and Layne. They love this growing community and have enjoyed raising their children here. They are avid Georgia Bulldog fans, and love boating and camping all over the southeast. Together, they have made a pretty awesome life. Ann’s favorite words to live by and a great source of her peace, ‘Be Not Afraid’.

Carol Hill

Associate Director

chill@rutledgecenter.org

Carol Hill is a veteran staff member with 30 years under her belt. She has held many positions beginning as secretary in 1989, then moving to accounting/payroll technician, and currently serving as Associate Director for the past 20 years.

Carol loves her job and is involved in almost everything going on at Rutledge. She could write a book on everything she has learned by being at Rutledge. She looks forward to the future and what it brings and also to retirement one day.

Ronnie Schultz

Operations Manager

rschultz@rutledgecenter.org

Ronnie Schultz joined Rutledge Center over 17 years ago as a Direct Support Staff and now serves as the Operations Manager. Over the years Ronnie has played an important part in just about every aspect of the Rutledge Center.

He is a certified Special Olympics coach in the sports of Bowling and Powerlifting and holds a B.A. in Theology from Victory Bible College, an M.A. in Christian Studies from Luther Rice Seminary, and a graduate certificate in Nonprofit Management and Community Development from the University of West Georgia. Ronnie is passionate about serving the individuals of the Rutledge Center and supporting them all “to have equal opportunities to live, learn, work and play in their communities.” Away from the Rutledge Center Ronnie enjoys spending time with his wife and kids and serving at their church. If there is anything you need help with Ronnie is there to serve.

Pam Sibley

Executive Assistant/HR Professional

psibley@rutledgecenter.org

Pam Sibley is an Executive Assistant and the Human Resource Professional of Rutledge Center. She has over 19 years of experience in the field of developmental disabilities. Pam truly enjoy enjoys helping others and watching them succeed.

She is a great asset to Rutledge Center as she has served in many capacities from secretary to now human resource professional. Pam holds a BBA in administrative systems from West Georgia College (University of West Georgia). Pam enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and dreaming about retirement, when she can do more of the above.

Sha Fleming

Medicaid Billing Specialist

sfleming@rutledgecenter.org

Sha Fleming is our Medicaid Billing Specialist for the past 18 years. Sha came to Rutledge with previous medical billing, insurance filing, and medical coding experience. Sha also serves as our internal records auditor.

Sha loves what she does at Rutledge and works very hard to ensure that our billing and records are correct. In her time away from Rutledge, Sha loves being with her family, her pets, and doing work with her church.