DIVISION OF COMMUNICATION DISORDERS ALUMNUS DAVEY HOUGH (BS 1978) STARTS A NEW CHAPTER FOLLOWING AN EXCEPTIONAL CAREER OF OVER FORTY YEARS
Davey Hough works with a 3-year-old Tim McLaurin working on developing life skills.
Davey Hough has been a part of the top-shelf special education team at the Children’s Learning Center for over four decades. During that time, he’s touched the lives of countless children with special needs as well as their families. As he retires from his position as the Special Education Director for programs in both Teton and Sublette counties, he leaves behind a staff, board, and many families who are grateful for his multitude of contributions. Hough has been a part of the CLC team since its earliest years; his career has encompassed a variety of specific roles as well as the program’s migration throughout a handful of buildings across town. His career began as a speech and language pathologist and has since evolved into a leadership role as the Special Education Director. He is also the head of the Special Ed Region IV, which serves children in Teton and Sublette Counties. Hough’s years of leadership in the Special Education program oversaw developmental screenings, appropriate therapy, and a host of community education programs. His colleagues and students alike herald his compassion, patience, dedication, and sense of humor. “Davey has been an exceptional team member for over forty years, and while we’re excited for him to begin this new, well-deserved adventure of retirement, we’ll miss him terribly,” says Patti Boyd,
executive director of the Children’s Learning Center in Jackson Hole. Boyd notes that Hough’s contributions over the years have empowered many people with special needs to develop skills that have contributed directly to the quality of their lives. “He has meant a great deal to many individuals and families in the community. Helping kids who have special needs live full lives, and reach their maximum potential.” Jackson Hole native Tim McLaurin recalls years of working with Hough. “Davey has been a big part of my life. He’s really helped me out a lot with everything,” says McLaurin, a 35-year old local who has Down syndrome. “He has taught me some cool stuff. I gotta say, with Davey, he’s always been there for me when I was growing up.” McLaurin believes that his work with Hough and the others at CLC set him up for the success he enjoys now—a rewarding career at the Vertical Harvest greenhouse, and a bright, independent life. “Being at the Learning Center changed me,” he says. “Everybody was there to help me, and Davey is an awesome guy.” Robbi Farrow, a longtime coworker at the Children’s Learning Center, celebrates Hough’s sense of humor and commitment to his work. “Davey has always said he doesn’t change diapers and doesn’t deal with puke. However, over the years he has always been dedicated to the children we serve and the staff who provide the services,” reflects Farrow warmly. At the end of June, Hough will officially complete his educational journey with the Children’s Learning Center. Mary Kay Turner, whose son was one of the CLC special education program’s earliest attendees, agrees that he will be sorely missed within the organization and community. “If I could sum up Davey in just a few words I would say that “he is one of the most dedicated and caring professionals this valley has ever seen. He continued to learn new ways to help and
be effective throughout his professional career”. He will be missed more than words can say.” “I have to say that it has been a long and rewarding career with many fond memories. I have seen many children grow from preschool to adulthood and hope in some way I contributed to making the road a little easier for them,” Hough reflected. “I will never forget the opportunity to meet and work with so many children, families, fellow coworkers, and board
At left, Davey Hough and Tim McLaurin at Hough’s retirement party in June 2021. McLaurin, now 35, is still deeply grateful of Hough’s support and involvement throughout his life.
members over the years. This has been the best organization to work for.” Hough is proud to know that he’s helped so many amazing young people grow in important ways, and become happy, engaged individuals in Teton and Sublette county neighborhoods, families, and workplaces. Though Hough has some sadness departing a role that he has so brilliantly served over the past four decades, he’s enthusiastically looking forward to what’s next. “Retirement will bring opportunities to travel more, spend time with my family, friends, my dogs, and break in my new travel trailer,” Hough says. “It is a new chapter, but it’s certainly not a goodbye.”
