Walker School Administrator to Head New Teen Center

Matthew Cooney will be leaving in Needham and returning to work in the town of his alma mater as executive director of the new Brookline Teen Center being in Brookline.

Cooney, a alumnus, returned to live in Brookline five years ago and will begin his new job as the Brookline Teen Center's executive director on June 18. His three children are now attending Brookline High School. He replaces the center's interim executive director, Tom Mendelsohn. 

Most recently, Cooney was working as director of residential services at the Walker School, a Needham-based network of academic and therapeutic programs for children diagnosed with severe emotional or behavioral issues. In a press release issued this week, Cooney describes the Teen Center position as a "perfect fit."

Said Mendelsohn in a press release, "The board, volunteers, donors and–most critically–the teen interns, can be proud of what has been accomplished. It will be under the focused and talented leadership of Mr. Cooney that BTC will garner sufficient funds to complete construction and reach the $10m goal that will ensure the construction and ultimately the long-term success of the new Brookline Teen Center."

Last October, the from  to help build the facility. Some include a music and recording studio, a two-lane bowling alley and an academic center. 

Those interested in contributing to the center can visit the Teen Center website for more information.