Kindergarten To Career (K2C)
Our Mission: We aim to help youth meet the workforce challenges of tomorrow by providing safe spaces, positive mentorship, and work experiences today. We recognize the power of diversity and believe that embracing differences can better serve youth and their communities. Grounded in trauma-informed care, our goal is to encourage self-discovery and promote wellbeing by providing young people the necessary tools and skill sets to maintain a strong quality of life.
The Kindergarten to Career Coaching Program is a transformative initiative targeting youth and young adults- ages 5-24 across the Appalachian Region. This comprehensive program is designed to foster academic success, career readiness, and personal development by addressing the unique challenges these young individuals face. Grounded in trauma-informed care, the program ensures that participants receive both the educational and emotional support necessary to thrive. Central to this initiative is the development of executive functioning skills, which are critical for long-term success in both academic and professional settings. The main objective of this program is to foster academic and emotional growth at every stage of development, bridge the gap between education and career readiness with tailored programs, and provide equitable access to resources, mentorship, and opportunities.
Meet Our Team!
Kimberly Craig
Kimberly Craig, M.A., NCC, CTP is a Harlan County native.
She received her bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in sociology from Union College, and she earned a master’s in clinical mental health counseling through the University of the Cumberlands. Kimberly is a nationally board-certified counselor. Kimberly has numerous certifications and extensive experience working in the areas of trauma and resilience, including certification as a Trauma-Informed Trainer through the KY Department of Behavioral Health. She is passionate about creating safe, supportive environments for everyone.
Kimberly has over sixteen years of experience providing mental health services to children and adolescents. Her career also includes five years of experience working in education through Partners for Rural Impact, providing college and career readiness preparation.
Kimberly joined the Boys & Girls Clubs of Appalachia as a Counselor through the Kindergarten to Career (K2C) initiative in March 2025. She has since attained endorsement from the Boys and Girls Clubs of America as a Workforce Specialist. She is excited to assist members and their families at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Appalachia, and her goal is to help prepare youth to thrive in an ever-changing world. Toward this, Kimberly provides Life & Workforce counseling at four of our locations here in Harlan County. She encourages BGCApp members to explore interests and passions, identify strengths, and build skills.
Kimberly serves the singular and inaugural Clinical Mental Health Counselor on staff with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Appalachia. Her role has expanded to providing social-emotional wellness for all nine BGCApp sites. This includes personally providing behavioral support services, as well as overseeing student interns who are gaining clinical experience.
Rachel Smith
Rachel Smith is our Program Director for the Boys & Girls Club, Kindergarten to Career Coaching Program. Rachel is a results-driven Coordinator and Educator bringing seven years of comprehensive experience developing and implementing core programs surrounding youth. With a history of modeling and teaching life skills and promoting growth to primarily at-risk youth, her heart is in youth development and enrichment. Rachel's career has been dedicated to youth; this includes youth of all backgrounds. She believes in creating an inclusive, non-judgmental safe space where youth can be authentic without prejudice. Her main focus is to encourage success by providing youth with the necessary tools and skill sets to develop and maintain a strong quality of life. Rachel's mission here at the Boys and Girls Club is to focus on youths' personal growth, encourage self-discovery and promote well-being, all while building positive relationships. She believes fostering a relationship is key- with youth knowing you truly care; they are more likely to succeed. All in all, Rachel believes that youth are our future. One of the many reasons they should be our biggest investment. Her passion corresponds with this, by promoting youth personal growth, enrichment, and success.