Hellen Keller Services Learning Center welcomes new principal: Avien Henry

October 13, 2022 Brooklyn Eagle Staff

Avien Henry, the new principal of the Hellen Keller Services Children’s Learning Center in Brooklyn. Photo courtesy of Hellen Keller Services

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The Hellen Keller Services Children’s Learning Center celebrated the nomination of Avien Henry as principal last September, and as the school began the new academic year serving students who are blind, have low vision, DeafBlind or have a combined hearing-vision loss or who are on the Autism spectrum.

“I’ve already been able to connect with our students, teachers and staff as well as their parents,” said Ms. Henry. “I was drawn to the small environment that the CLC provided and have always loved the pre-school environment. The feeling that you get when you enter here is amazing; it’s a welcome and so impressive to see how much everyone really cares for the kids.”

Most recently, Ms. Henry was the assistant principal at a K–8th grade school in District 75. She supervised the teachers and planned the master schedules for the five school locations of District 75 and was an ABA and special education early intervention provider with experience in various public and private schools throughout the city.

Ms. Henry also serves as an adjunct instructor at CUNY Brooklyn College, where she teaches special pre-service special educators and professionals who want to specialize in working with individuals with Autism.

Ms. Henry holds a master’s degree in education administration from the College of Saint Rose and a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education for Students with Disabilities from CUNY Brooklyn College.

“The preschool environment is so important because we are building the foundation for children to succeed in Kindergarten and beyond,” said Sue Ruzenski, CEO of Helen Keller Services. “We know Avien is bringing an evidence-based academic acumen to our school that will benefit our children and fuel their success.”

The Hellen Keller Children’s Learning Center is the only preschool in the city that offers a full range of programs and services for children with low vision, multiple disabilities or pervasive developmental delays.

Children in the program receive academic, social and therapeutic supports they need for kindergarten and to achieve their highest potential in the education system. The preschool is fully accredited by the NYCDOE.