Saragas graduated with a bachelor's degree in human services from Lindsey Wilson College as part of the first class of the program offered through the campus of Southeast Community College.
Following graduation, she became coordinator of extended programs for Lindsey Wilson College.
"I was very honored that they chose me to represent the college, and I believe in it greatly," Saragas said. "I understand what they're going through and the challenges they face to come."
"I think we're very lucky to have her," said Ryan Vitatoe, program director. "She's got all the skills to continue to build on a successful program here in Cumberland."
In her position, Saragas is responsible for recruiting students to the program and acts as the liaison between SECC and the main campus of Lindsey Wilson.
"The community college and Dr. Ayers have been very gracious to partner with Lindsey Wilson to bring these programs to the people of eastern Kentucky," she said.
In addition to her new position with Lindsey Wilson, Saragas is active in community service.
She, along with her husband, Tony, are co-founders of the Cawood Ledford Boys & Girls Club. The two of them devote much of their time to making that program successful.
Saragas said it was her work with the club that made her realize how much she wanted to go back to school.
"I came back to school because of the Boys and Girls Club. I had the heart to help those kids, but I didn't have the skills and the knowledge that I needed to help them," she said.
Saragas said they hope that they will soon be able to expand to Cumberland and Evarts. She added that the club has just hired someone who will be taking the "Smart Moves" program into local schools. The program is aimed at preventing drug and alcohol use.
A native of Owensboro, Saragas moved with her husband to Harlan in 1994 when he graduated from the University of Kentucky School of Law.
"It quickly became my home," she said of Harlan. "It's a wonderful place to raise my two children (Ty and Andi)."
Saragas also serves on the board for the Alzheimer's Memory Walk, is a member of the Harlan Baptist Church where she has worked with the youth for the past three years and serves as vice-president of the Harlan Little League.
She said that the support she has received from family and friends has made it possible for her to be successful, and she hopes to continue that success as she works on her master's degree, which is also offered at SECC through Lindsey Wilson.
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