Tracey A Barnes Manley, M.Ed. is the second of six children born to David and Barbara
Barnes and grew up outside of Cleveland, OH. She attended Holy Name High School studying college preparatory. In 1984 she was accepted at The University of Toledo. After one year, she transferred to Kent State University where she completed her bachelor’s degree in education with a double major in Elementary Education and Special Education with a focus in working with children identified with Learning Disabilities/Behavior Disorders (LD/BD). Tracey began her teaching career at Newport News Middle School in Virginia developing a new program for children ages 11-15 in a self-contained setting for exhibiting severe behavior problems. After two years she moved to Buffalo, NY where she accepted a position at The Stanley G. Falk School, a 12-month program for children ages 5-21yrs with severe emotional/behavior disorders in the tri-county area surrounding Buffalo. From there life took her to the Atlanta area where she accepted a position with the Cobb County Public School System. Tracey’s first appointment was at Smitha Middle School where she, along with another colleague started a program for students exhibiting severe behavior disorders, grades 6-8.
In the Fall of 1995 Tracey started her master’s degree with a focus in Special Education
continuing her focus in working with children identified as Behavior Disordered and/or Learning Disabled. She completed her degree in May of 1997. She accepted a position at the Cobb-Douglas Psychoeducational Center in Smyrna, GA. As part of a four-person team, the Boys Town Educational Model, a school-based program was utilized which focused on managing behavior, building relationships, and teaching social skills, as well as all core subjects.
From there Tracey moved to Gwinnet County in Georgia and secured a position at Walnut
Grove Elementary School. Here she developed a new program for children with Severe
Behavior Disorders in a public school setting, 1st-5th grade. After two years, she took a break from teaching and went on to work with her husband at his business, PolarisUSA Video. Here Tracey has worn many hats. She has served as Marketing Manager, with a concentration in graphic design, Sales Manager, Human Resources Manager, eventually being appointed CFO where she currently presides.
Tracey’s love of children has not gone unnoticed, and she continues to volunteer her time
working with Aerie Experiences, assisting in the Arts and Craft Summer programs teaching the children pottery. She and her husband live in Rydal, GA where they enjoy rescuing a number of cats and dogs and enjoying country living.