KIDS:PLUS Director

Ms. Amber Diggins

I began my journey with KIDS:PLUS in 2012, as a Group Leader for both Winecoff and Boger KIDS:PLUS.  In 2013 I was selected to serve as the Site Director for Bethel KIDS:PLUS and I served there until 2017, when I accepted a transfer closer to home at Winecoff KIDS:PLUS. In May 2019 I proudly became the Cabarrus County Schools KIDS:PLUS Program Director. 

I have always had a love and passion for working with children and families.  While in high school, I began volunteering in elementary schools and summer camps-- and I enjoyed every minute of it!  The passion that I had for working with children and families led me to Towson University in Maryland, where I earned a Bachelor of Science in Family Studies and Community Development. I also hold the qualifications of Level III School Age and Early Childhood Administrator. I strongly believe in supporting the whole child and the whole family and am grateful for this opportunity to serve our community.

KIDS:PLUS Assistant Director

Ms. Kelly Hodge

My life with KIDS:PLUS started in 1994, as a Group Leader at Winecoff Elementary.  After my second child was born in 1996, I took a few months off and thought I wanted to be a stay-at-home mom.  It did not take me long to realize that I was missing something and that was being with school-age children and being in the education field.  I returned in January 1998 as Assistant Site Coordinator at Odell Elementary.  During my time on site, I spent 7 years at Rocky River Elementary and opened Pitts KIDS:PLUS in 2005.  In 2006, I moved to the KIDS:PLUS Main Office and have had many roles since then, ending with my current role of Assistant Director.

Fyodor Dostoevsky once said, “The soul is healed by being with children” and I firmly believe that.  I have been around children and have been caring for children all my life, even when I was a child.  I am the happiest when I am with them, and I am very thankful that my job at KIDS: PLUS has allowed me to be happy for over 25 years.  In my career, I have completed an Associate in Education and a Bachelor's in Administration, but I have learned the most from being with children.  I am greatly appreciative of the time that I have spent in KIDS:PLUS and that you trust me to support your child in their journey of life.