She also worked as a client program coordinator and social worker for AITC, and Diversified Opportunities Program until 2000.   She assumed Special Education Teacher responsibilities until July 2007.   That same summer, she became the principal of Orange Grove's School, and was promoted to her current position a year later.

Her current responsibilities include managing the overall operations of Children's Services.  As the director of education, Darcy functions as supervisor of 13 classrooms, the school's nurse’s department, transportation, recreation, music, and behavioral support services.

Her job not only requires her to oversee the function of the school department, but also to work with the staff to create new ideas for programs concerning Orange Grove’s students.  One program that she helps facilitate is the work-based learning program, which prepares students for more independent living and working.

Owens is a graduate of the State University of New York College at Buffalo, with a major in psychology and a minor in sociology.  She received her master’s from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in diagnostic prescriptive education.  She also has a Tennessee teacher’s license with Special Education Endorsement, and is a Career Ladder I status teacher.