Damen Kelton became the Director of the Lincoln Sudbury Regional High School METCO Program in 2021 in the midst of the COVID pandemic. He is a proud METCO alum of Newton Public Schools and brings over 20 years of experience and commitment to human services, education, and the social-emotional wellbeing of students, adolescents, and families.

His professional canvas includes roles as a clinician in both a therapeutic school and public high school settings, leadership roles within the Boston Public Schools and Somerville Public Schools, and as a crisis intervention specialist and supervisor within the residential milieu. Additionally, at the state level, he has worked in both the child protection field and for probation services for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Damen is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) by trade, and holds degrees in psychology, social work, and educational leadership. In addition to holding a Master’s degree in Social Work and certificate in Urban Leadership, he subsequently earned postgraduate/advanced certificates in Creative Leadership from Boston University, Advanced Clinical Practice from Boston College, and an Advanced Forensic Social Work Certificate from the National Organization of Forensic Social Work (NOFSW).

Along with private practice work with athletes and children in need, he has also provided Cognitive Behavioral Treatment (CBT) to Boston Marathon Bombing Survivors, psychoeducation to men adjudicated of intimate partner violence, trauma outreach, clinical supervision, and a host of other services. He has served as an adjunct faculty advisor for Simmons University and is currently a site supervisor for Boston College’s School of Social Work.

In serving high school students in their maturation, social-emotional wellness, and growth, Damen consistently promotes the principles of the oneness of humanity, e pluribus unum, and the Ubuntu philosophy within his personal and professional life. Damen is a dedicated leader focused on supporting students, staff and families through a trauma-informed and equity-focused approach. He is a loving husband and father of two sons and a daughter.