Clinical Supervisors

Kristin: Kristin has been with The Columbus Organization for almost 6 years, and has been working in Support Coordination for over 10 years. Kristin previously worked as the Quality Assurance and Compliance Director. Kristin graduated nursing school from Albany State University in the summer of 2018 and has recently started working as the Clinical Director. She also has a Bachelors degree from Georgia Southwestern State University. She lives in Dawson, GA and enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters, reading and traveling.

Alice: Alice has been an RN for over 40 years. She received her associates degree from DeKalb College and Bachelors degree from City University in Seattle, WA.  Her areas of experience include acute care, long term skilled care, psychiatric in-patient, and clinical consultant.  Alice has been with The Columbus Organization for one year.  She lives in Buchanan, GA with her family and enjoys reading, movies, music, and gardening.

Manilyn: Manilyn is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Professional Counselor Supervisor. She is a graduate of Troy State University with a Bachelors degree in Human Services and Masters degree in Counseling Psychology. Manilyn has over 15 years of clinical experience in Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities across a variety of settings including waiver services, outpatient clinics, crisis intervention, outpatient programs, inpatient psychiatric, incarcerations, nonprofits, and private practice. 

Mary: Mary has just joined The Columbus Organization. Mary has 12 years of experience in Hospice and 2 years of Senior Home Care. Mary has 4 adult kids, and 3 soon to be adopted grandsons through foster care. Mary loves anything having to do with Water- water aerobics, Kayaking, boating, and swimming. She also enjoys reading, gardening and loving my grandsons and her husband of almost 37 years.

Shannon: Shannon has been a nurse for 40 years with 20 of those years in the developmental disability field.  Shannon has a Masters degree in nursing is the area of adult health, and she  also has a degree in zoology. Shannon’s interests include spending time with my family, including numerous cats, dogs and a chicken, doing genealogy and gardening.

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East Central Region 

Leketha: Intensive Support Coordinator LeKetha has a combined twenty-six (26) hands-on years in the Healthcare field and IDD spectrum.  She enjoys and is fully committed to advocating and case managing her Columbus caseload of individuals supported.  Leketha’s hobbies are dancing, reading, participating in community activities, reading, vacationing, and enjoying/living life.

Tonitta: Intensive Support Coordinator Tonitta has been in the DD field for a combined nineteen (19) years since the year 2000 when she worked as a paraprofessional in the Special Education Department of the Richmond County School System in Augusta, Georgia – where she volunteered as a wheelchair soccer coach and trained students in various Special Olympic activities.  She began her case management career with Columbus Community Services in 2004 as a Support Coordinator.  Tonitta enjoys reading and playing games and watching Anime with her son.

Trina: Intensive Support Coordinator Trina has been in the case management field for 15 years – recently joining Columbus within the past year.  Trina thoroughly enjoys case management work.  She is proving to be a strong advocate and person-centered thinker and planer for our ID/DD population.  Trina’s interests are seeing family, her pets, going to church, and walking for exercise.  Her hobbies are swimming, traveling, gardening and baking.

Carleatha: Intensive Support Coordinator Carleatha has worked in the DD field for seventeen (17) years, with fifteen (15) years focused on providing and supporting case management activities.  Carleatha earned her Bachelor of Science in Health Behavior Services from Georgia Southern University.  Prior to joining Columbus in 2016, Carleatha served for eight years as Program Director for OBHS (Ogeechee Behavior Health Services), one of Georgia’s largest CSBs (Community Service Boards).   In her spare time, Carleatha enjoy spending time with her family and friends, shopping, reading, and traveling. 

LaShawn: Intensive Support Coordinator LaShawn has been a part of the Georgia IDD field for 2 years, just recently joining the Columbus team in June 2019.  LaShawn brings fifteen (15) years of experience as an educator in the public school system.  He will be a great asset to the Columbus team for advocating and educating individuals and families to focus on person centered planning and thinking!  LaShawn hobbies include, but are not limited to, his love for Music.  For the past 28 years, he has also been a Musician with main instruments being the Trumpet and Piano. LaShawn enjoys spending time with his two boys and recording songs in the studio.  He shares “It’s a pleasure to be a part of Columbus!”

Kristie: Intensive Support Coordinator Kristie joined the Columbus team in October 2018.  Prior to her employment with The Columbus Organization, she worked with the Department of Family and Children Services for thirteen (13) years as a Case Manager and Supervisor.  Kristie enjoy collaboration and teamwork – especially when it involves working with those who have developmental disabilities to ensure they experience the most quality of life. Kristie is married to my husband of eleven years and has three beautiful children – of which one was adopted in January 2019!  As a family, they enjoy traveling and spending time together making memories!

Sauntrel: Senior Support Coordinator Sauntrel has over fifteen (15) years of experience working with individuals who have intellectual developmental disabilities and mental health/behaviors disorders.  Sauntrel joined the Columbus team in March 2016 as a Support Coordinator.  She quickly rose in rank to Intensive Support Coordinator and then to Senior Support Coordinator.  Sauntrel is very passionate about advocating for individuals we support and looks forward to supporting them with a positive and rewarding experience in the most normal way in their life.  She loves spending time with her friends and family.  Sauntrel has two daughters and three awesome grandkids.  She loves to travel and help others.

Allist: Team Leader Allist (AJ) has spent more than twelve (12) years in Georgia’s ID/DD field.  He graduated from Albany State University in 2003 with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and has continued his education by taking classes at Cambridge University.  While at Albany State, he became a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.  AJ is very active in his community through volunteering in multiple roles.  The roles he values the most is being a husband and father of two.

Gale:  Intensive Support Coordinator Gale came to Columbus in April 2019 with over 10 years of experience working with the IDD population in various capacities.  Gale began her career working with IDD at Gracewood in Augusta, GA as a Health Service Technician.  Thereafter, she worked with IDD providers in both Georgia and South Carolina prior to joining the Columbus case management team in Augusta, Georgia.  Gale has strong advocacy and person centered planning and thinking skills.  She is a great listener who takes immediate action to support the wants, needs and desires of the individuals on her caseload.  In her spare time, Gale enjoys spending time with family and friends.

D’eborah: Intensive Support Coordinator D’eborah joined the Columbus team in October 2017.  She has worked in the ID/DD field for the past three (3) years.  D’eborah has great interpersonal skills and prides herself on being a problem-solver, good listener and creative thinking.  These skill sets have been especially value added for D’eborah’s case management work with Georgia’s NOW & COMP Waiver.  D’eborah states: “I enjoy what I do and I enjoy the people that I work side by side with on a daily basis. We support each other and we guide each other. My hobbies are long walks, meditation, spending quality time with family and friends, reading, Zumba, and spiritual retreats.”

Tammy: Tammy is from Waynesboro, GA by way of Hempstead, New York. She has worked in education and the human services environment for over 20 years. She came aboard The Columbus Organization in September 2016 as a Traditional Support Coordinator serving in Richmond, Columbia, and Jefferson counties. Tammy resides in Augusta, GA; she has one son who lives in Decatur, GA. She loves the Arts and loves to draw, decorate, and design in her spare time.

Charmaine: Charmaine has over 16 years of experience with the DD population. She has been with Columbus since 2012. She has a passion for assisting individuals to live their lives to the fullest. Her favorite hobbies are sleeping, reading, shopping, and traveling.

Celandra: Celandra has a been a case manager for Columbus for 12 years. She advocates for individuals and ensures that they are receiving quality services. She has a BS in Biology. Her hobbies are reading, participating in community activities, etc. She enjoys spending time with her family, especially her two sons.

Ernestine: I have a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and obtained many hours of training in the Behavioral Health Developmental Disability services. I have worked over 15 years with the Columbus Organizations providing Support Coordination services to the participants in the NOW/Comp Waiver Program managed by the Columbus Organization. I feel honored and privileged to dedicate my time and service advocating for the participants/family being served. I have a love for all humankind; I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, walking, and living life to the fullest. 

Tomeka: Traditional Support Coordinator Tomeka has 14 years of work experience with the ID/DD population, 7 of which have been with The Columbus Organization. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice and Sociology from Augusta State University in addition to a Master of Science degree in Psychology and Community Counseling from Troy University. As a caring professional, Tomeka takes great pride in being able to assist intellectually and developmentally disabled individuals recognize, reach for, and realize that his or her desired life goals and dreams can become a tangible reality. In her spare time, Tomeka enjoys spending quality time with her family, participating in lively political debates with friends, venturing out to the movie theater to watch new releases, and pampering her toy poodle, Coco Chanel.

Julie: Traditional Support Coordinator, Julie graduated from the University of Georgia (“Go Dawgs!”) in 1986 with a degree in Social Work. She has been working closely with the ID/DD community for the past eight years. Julie joined the Columbus Team in April 2015 and has continued to make herself vital since. She loves working with her individuals most of all. Her many hobbies include, but are not limited to: Playing tennis, antiquing, decorating, and cooking- but her absolute favorite hobby is spending time with her four amazing children; she has three strapping boys and one beautiful girl.

Alicia: Senior Support Coordinator Alicia has been a part of the Columbus family for six years. Alicia earned her bachelor’s degree in healthcare management with a minor in Business Administration. Alicia enjoys working as a team and is fully committed to advocating and case managing her Columbus caseload of individuals supported. Alicia’s hobbies are singing, shopping, participating in church activities, vacationing, and spending time with family.

Gene: I am Gene, a traditional Support Coordinator who’s been with the company since Oct 2006 covering the Augusta/Columbia County areas. I’ve been in the IDD field since 2000. My hobbies are sports, traveling, and spending time with family. My interests are also movies and cars.

Carleatha: My name is Carleatha. I have worked in the DD field for 17 years, providing case management for 15. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, shopping, reading, and traveling. 

Melody: Traditional Support Coordinator I have twenty-five years of working with individuals with DD. I enjoy working my caseload, and with my fellow co-workers on my Columbus team, all of my individuals are a joy to visit with each month or quarter, I am committed to advocating for each of them. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a minor in Criminal Justice. My hobbies are reading, going for long walks, and riding my bike.

Trina: I have been in the case management field for 15 years, and I enjoy case management work. My interests are seeing family, my pets, going to church, and walking for exercise. My hobbies are swimming, traveling, gardening and baking.

Alicia: My name is Alicia. I have over 23 years of experience working in the Human Service Field. I also have experience with working in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and Mental Health. I am a mother of 20-year-old twin daughters. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time at the lake, social activities with family and friend.

Christine: Support Coordinator Christine recently joined the Columbus team on September 24, 2019. She brings 23 years of experience as an educator in the public school system. Christine enjoys reading, working, attending church, and spending time shopping with her daughters. She is very excited about her new career and looking forward to working with this great organization.

Paula: Traditional Support Coordinator Paula has been a part of the Georgia IDD field for two years now. Just recently joined the Columbus Community Service team Sept. 2018 with ten (10) years of experience as an educator and mental health professional, who is currently licensed eligible to obtain LPC. Paula counts herself to be a good asset to the Columbus team for being able to advocate, identify, help with developing, coordinating and accessing supports and services on behalf of individuals or assisting individuals and their families to access the supports as well as services needed. Paula’s hobbies include, but are not limited to her love for music, singing, teach as well as ministering the word of God, encouraging others, helping those in need, and being a support to those who are lost, wounded, hurt or afflicted by their past in order to help them move on to their destined place in life, which is for the good. Paula enjoys spending time with her son, who she considers to be her #1 supporter and lifeline to her life outside to God. Her passion for other’s has landed her into this career field of work. I will always share ‘I thank God for bringing me back to Columbus”! 

Terry: My name is Terry; I have been a part of the Columbus family for 14 years as a Support Coordinator. I have a Basehor Degree in Counseling Education. I have over 30 years in the IDD spectrum.  The best part of my job is interacting and being around the people I serve. I love working with and advocating for my individuals and their families.  I have seen so many positive changes to include a decrease in behaviors, increase self-advocacy.    My hobbies include floral design and party planning. I Love decorating venues and making everlasting memories.

Faye: Faye has 18 years of nursing experience and is currently serving as a Clinical Supervisor for Columbus over the past year. I enjoy family time, reading, and shopping. I’m glad to be a part of the Columbus organization.

Tina: Tina is a 2003 Graduate of Troy University with a Master of Education within Counseling and Psychology. Tina has been working in the DD field for 18 years. Tina has been employed with Columbus for 15 ½ years since February 2004. It brings Tina joy seeing her individuals she serves happy and satisfied with their current services they are receiving. Tina is a strong and aggressive advocate for her individuals. Tina enjoys spending quality time with her little nieces and nephews. Tina hobbies are planning and decorating for weddings, baby showers, etc., watching my favorite shows, cruising on Royal Caribbean, vacationing, and spending Holidays with my family.

Rosemary: Rosemary has been in the IDD field for over 20 years, and she enjoys traveling.

Chauntelina: Chauntelina started with Columbus on December 18, 2017. She has a master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She has three years’ experience in Case Management and enjoys spending time with her husband and their three children. 

Wacovia: Intensive Support Coordinator Wacovia has recently joined Columbus Community Services in August 2019. Wacovia has 15 years of social work and case management experience, working with adults and children. She is committed to assisting families to be their best. Wacovia loves sports and traveling with her husband and two sons.

Pamela: Pamela joined the Columbus Community Service team on April 1, 2017. She brings 20 (plus) years of experience in Case Management. However, she majored in Criminal Justice at Benedict College. She considers herself to be an excellent asset to the Columbus team for being able to (1) be my individual’s eyes to see what they are missing, (2) be able to ear and have a clear understanding what is going on (3) most important to be able to advocate for my individual. Pam’s hobbies include being able to spend time with her family and friends, being able to travel, to attend church and sing in the choir. Pam also likes working with the elderly in the community by providing resources and assistance with any paperwork as needed.

Winnifred: Traditional Support Coordinator Winnifred has been a part of the Georgia IDD field for 4 ½ years. I joined the Columbus Community Service team in December 2016 with 15 years of experience as a Correctional Officer and three years in the Mental Health Profession. I received my master’s degree from Capella University in Counseling and is currently license eligible to obtain my LPC. She became a Support Coordinator to help people that are less fortunate than her. Winnie’s hobbies include, but are not limited to, her love for music, the Dallas Cowboys, singing in the office to make my co-worker day go smooth, and baking on the Winnie’s Cooking Show. She also enjoys spending time with my eight grandchildren. Her dream is to open a home for homeless teenage pregnant girls.

 

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South West Region

Sonya: Sonya has provided support coordination and been with the Columbus Organization for over 16 years and brings an abundance of experience. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Georgia Southern College.  She has been known to go above and beyond the call of duty to support the individuals on her caseload. 

Brenda:  Brenda is a graduate of Albany State University.  She currently resides in Columbus, GA.  She has been employed with the Columbus Organization for over 3 years and has more than 10 years in the IDD field.  She is very flexible with her commination with the families that she serves.

Adreane: Adreane has worked in the social services field for over 5 years.  She enjoys the personable relationships that she has developed and enjoys advocating for the individuals that she works with.  She obtained her Bachelor of Social Work degree from Thomas University. 

Jennifer: Jennifer has a strong nursing background and has been employed with the agency for 3 years.  She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Columbus State University.

Kenterrious: Kenterrious is a graduate of Albany State University with a Bachelors of Arts Degree in Psychology.  He has worked in the field of DD for four years. He enjoys traveling and playing golf with his friends.

Shalia: Shalia has worked in the DD field for 2 years.  She obtained her BA degree in Psychology from Ashford University. She enjoys making wreaths in her free time. 

Sabrina: Sabrina has been with the Columbus Organization for 12 years.  She graduated from Nova Southeastern University with a Masters of Education in Secondary Social Sciences. She received her undergraduate degree from Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, Georgia with Bachelor of Science with Justice Studies and a Minor is Sociology.  Ms. Murray and her husband have been foster parents for 10 years and are active board members for the Adoptive and Foster Parent Association of Georgia (AFPAG). She enjoys spending spare time with their seven adopted children, who are active in church, choir, band, sports and other recreational activities.

Penny:  Penny earned her BA in Psychology and is working on her Master’s Degree.   Penny volunteers with the Veterans of Foreign Wars, having served through each one of the chairs within the Auxiliary. She was the State of Georgia Auxiliary President in years 10-11. She has been and still is serving as budget and credentials chairman. Penny has one son attending Georgia State University.

Javelyn: Javelyn is a team leader for Region 6.   She earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from Paine College.  She later received a Master’s Degree in Arts education Lesley University. She currently serves as a team leader to Intensive and traditional Support Coordinators at The Columbus Organization for the past 3 years. She has been employed with the Agency for over 16 years. She enjoys assisting her team and family members with Identifying an individual’s support needed to be independent in the community.  Working for the Columbus Organization has afforded her the opportunity to establish ongoing relationships with traditional providers.  Her focus is to provide quality supports and production to her team through monitoring her team.  Spending quality time with family brings her much joy and pleasure.

LoQuarker: Loquarker is a Team Leader for Regions 4 and 6.  She has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Albany State University and a Master of Science from Troy State University.   She has over a decade in the IDD field.  She’s been employed with The Columbus Organization for almost 12 years. She loves advocating and supporting her team and the individuals that she serves. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, shopping and spending quality time with family and friends. 

Morgan: Morgan has been a Support coordinator with Columbus Community Services for sixteen years. Morgan earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Brenton Parker College in the field of Psychology. Morgan loves to read and spend time on the beach.

Amanda: Amanda has spent the last 15 years as a support coordinator Columbus Community Services in Region 5 in Georgia. She graduated Georgia Southern University with a Bachelors in Psychology. She is a wife and mother of 4 who enjoys road trips and reading in her spare time.

Kathy: Kathy has spent the last 11 years as a support coordinator at The Columbus Organization. She has prior experience with working as a case manager and counselor with at risk youth, foster care system and developmentally disables adults. Kathy received her B.S. degree (Social Work) from Columbus State University with minors in Psychology and Criminal Justice. Some of her hobbies include traveling, gardening, cooking, jewelry making, volunteering (shelters/soup kitchens) and reading.

Patricia: Support Coordinator Patricia has spent the last 6 years as a case manager at Columbus Community Services. Prior to that 7 years for a total of 13 years of support coordination. Devoting her work full time to Columbus. Patricia earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice at Saint Leo University. Patricia has worked in numerous areas in the social service field such as Mental Health, Battered Women, Homeless Women & Children, The Homeless & Elderly and Juvenile Detention. Patricia has a passion for helping others and has volunteered with other organizations such as Veterans (The Mission Continues) in Feeding the Valley food bank. Isaiah House in food and school supplies give away and continues to do so with other organizations.

Patsy: Patsy has served in the capacity of support coordinator at Columbus Community Services since 2016. Prior to joining the organization, Patsy earned her master’s and Bachelor of Social Work from Troy State University, Phenix City Alabama. This experience included 500+ hours of field practice at Russell County Department of Health and Human Services and the Enrichment Services Center. Patsy is a mother of 4 who enjoys traveling and spending quality time with her loved ones. 

Bridget: Bridget has spent the last three years working as a case manager at CCS. Bridget earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Albany State in 2005; and she’s currently pursuing her Masters of Science degree in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling. Bridget enjoys traveling, reading, and spending quality time with family & friends. 

Kywanda: Support Coordinator Kywanda has spent 2.5 years as a case manager at Columbus Community Services. Prior to devoting her work full-time to Columbus, Kywanda earned her Master of Arts in Public Administration with a concentration in Human Resource Management and Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management at Albany State University. Kywanda is a mother and veteran who enjoys reading and spending time with family.

Gail: Gail has been a Support Coordinator with Columbus Community Services for the last 2 years. I graduated from Albany State University with a Bachelor Degree in Social work. I love my job as a support Coordinator and also likes reading suspense novels.

Ashley: Support Coordinator Ashley has spent the last 5 years as a Support Coordinator for Columbus Community Services. Prior to devoting her full-time work to Columbus, Ashley earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Georgia Southwestern State University and Masters of Science degree in Psychology from Grand Canyon University. Ashley is adventurous, enjoys traveling the world, and enjoys spending time with family.

Connie: Support Coordinator Connie has spent the last 9 months as a case manager at Columbus Community Services. Connie earned her Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Albany State University and has 19 years of experience working in the IDD field. Connie is married and has 2 teenage daughters. During her spear time she enjoys volunteering in the community, reading, and traveling with her family.

Tammy: Intensive Support Coordinator, Tammy, has been working for Columbus Community Services for 4 years. She worked as an Intensive Support Coordinator during her second year at Columbus and Senior Support Coordinator for the last 2 years. Tammy has 3 prior years of experience working as a Support Coordinator before starting her journey with Columbus. Prior to ever becoming a Support Coordinator, she worked directly with individuals with special needs for more than 13 years. She earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from Valdosta State University where she participated in the dual education program (Early Childhood/Special Education). Tammy is a wife and mother of 2 who loves spending time with her family. In her spare time, she loves decorating, making art projects out of wood pallets, and having girl nights with her 2 sisters.

Shaina: Shaina is a Support Coordinator in the Southwest area in Georgia. She earned her BA-Liberal Studies with concentrations in Sociology and Criminal Justice from Georgia Southern University. She enjoys spending time with her family and her dogs. Her hobbies include crafting, photography, reading and traveling.

Sandette: Sandette is a Support Coordinator in the Southwest area in Georgia. She obtained an Associate of Arts degree in Sociology from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College and Bachelor’s of Arts in Sociology/ Anthropology from Valdosta State University. She knew at an early age that she would work in the area of Human Services and Intellectual Disability. She developed a passion for working in this field due to a beloved family member being diagnosed with Intellectual Disability. She has worked in the IDD and social service field for at least 9 years. Her hobbies include couponing, working with the Youth Department at church, spending time planning vacations for her family and playing kickball. She also enjoys mixing different essential oils to make hair products, mouthwash and cleaning products.

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West Central Region 

Shirley: I was born in Montgomery, Alabama in a large family with two loving and supportive parents. At the age of 24, I married and relocated to Newport News, Virginia where I lived for ten years. I went on to reside in 4 other states in the U.S.  I received a degree in Psychology and Social Work from Huntingdon College in Montgomery and has worked for over 31 years as a social worker and counselor. I also worked for the past 25 years as a Holistic Health Practitioner and workshop facilitator with professional certifications in Sound Therapy, Auricular Acupuncture, Iridology, Aromatherapy and Herbology. I am in the process of developing a certification program for the ancient healing modality known as Ear Candling. I enjoy reading and studying books and publications in the area of metaphysics, religion, natural healing modalities, self improvement and self help. I also enjoy observing and living the simplicity of everyday life. 

Chinenye: I am Chinenye but most people call me Chichi. I am a mother of 4 young adult boys, three in college and the last one a senior in high school. I have an associate degree in Chemistry a bachelor’s degree in healthcare management and currently a nursing student. I have worked in the past 15 years in various healthcare facilities and have worked in management and supervisory positions. I have a 4 years’ experience as a DDP, 3 years’ experience as a program coordinator for an adult day care center in locust groove Ga, conducted various DSP training with my former employer and also an active American Heart Association CPR/First aid instructor. I am currently delighted to be a support coordinator with “The Columbus Organization”. I am involved in my community and very passionate about individuals with intellectual disability and mental issues. My long term goal is to become a mental health nurse practitioner to teach and empower individuals with their family a better outlook and management of their disability both in the United States and more especially in third world nations where there are no support for individuals with disabilities. 

Stacy: Stacey is a Support Coordinator for Columbus Organization.  She earened her Masters Of Science Degree from the University Of Central Florida.Stacy is a Floridian by birth, Mother, daughter and avid reader.

Patricia: My name is Patricia and I have worked for Columbus for over 9 years. I have over 20 years experience in the fields of Education and Human Services. I am a Mother of Two Adult daughters and Grandmother to 1 Grandson. I love to spend time with my family and travel! 

Shannon: My name is Shannon, I am a Senior Support Coordinator. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Human Services Management. I have worked for The Columbus Organization Services for 3 years. I have worked in the DD/ID field for 37 years. I began my journey working as a parent coordinator with the Title I program in a school system. When the Title I program funding ran out I went to work as a direct care staff and then group home manager in Michigan for 6 adults with varying developmental disabilities. When I moved to Georgia, I worked briefly at Northwest Georgia Hospital as a direct service staff before working at a day service program for 26 years. I retired for one year and decided I wanted to get back into the work force with individuals with DD/ID as a support coordinator.

Karen: Karen began working with The Columbus Organization in 2016. She graduated from Kennesaw State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, and also attended the University of West Georgia working toward a Masters degree in Counseling and Educational Psychology. Karen has over 21 years of experience working as a Service Coordinator/Support Coordinator for individuals with Special Needs. Karen enjoys spending time with her family. She especially enjoys High School Marching Band Season (aka Football Season). Karen loves animals, especially horses and dogs.

Tosan: Tosan is a Support Coordinator with the Columbus Organization. She has her Master’s Degree from the University of Greenwich London United Kingdom and she has over 3 years’ experience in the DD Field. She is a dedicated and reliable person with the interest of her job at heart.

Adrian: I was born in Chicago, Illinois and relocated with my family to Bangor, Michigan. We lived on a farm, which was the coolest thing ever! I later married and moved to Virginia, North Carolina, and lastly Georgia. I have 3 boys. 1 works as a painter, the other in GSU and an active duty soldier. I have been in Human Service for over 10 years, and love this field. I graduated from Clayton State University.

Marisa: Marisa is committed to working with people in her community that has challenging social needs.   She has 17 years of experience working in the Social Services field which includes, Child Protective Service Investigations, Benefits Eligibility, Community Based Services and Disabled Individuals. She has BA in Sociology and Minor in Communication from Marshall University.                      

Patricia: Patricia has worked in the social services field for 20 plus years.  Her experience includes working with individuals in the IDD field, and working with child protective services.  Her hobbies are traveling and spending time with my family.  She obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Bowling Green State University.

Tonya: My name is Tonya, and I have been with Columbus Community Services for 3 years. I am a support coordinator who service individuals in region 1. I enjoy advocating for individuals and families and making a difference in their lives by showing them I care about them and want them to be successful. Working for The Columbus Organization is not just a job it’s a ministry and I take pride in my work.

Felicia: Born in Tallulah, LA, who is the proud mother of five children that believes “Failure is not defeated until you stop trying,” I attended McCall High School and graduated in 1981. Upon graduating from high school, I attended Grambling State University where I obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Management and a Master in Public Administration. After college, I returned home and taught in the public school system for 13 years. I started with teaching in primary education and I landed into teaching high school that I attended. I relocated to Monroe, LA to further my education, and my children education. Education was my key focus as to the reason I decided to move. I continued my education in psychology, and I worked as a Mental Health Professionals and teacher at Delta Community College for a number of years. I developed a love for counseling which allowed me the opportunity to counsel people from all walks of life. For some reason, I handled the most difficult (hard to handle) cases and was compensated for my dedication, hard-work, loyalty, dependability, etc. I always went beyond my call of duty. I came to Georgia to visit my daughter. Throughout my stay, she convinced me to stay to assist her with her business venture. Presently, I reside in Georgia with my family with hopes of becoming an entrepreneur in the near future.

Carol: My name is Carol and I have been a Support Coordinator with The Columbus Organization West Central since February 2008. I have over 10 years experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities. I previously worked in the Juvenile Justice System as a Juvenile Probation Counselor. I am a native of Alabama and I graduated from the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa.

Carla: My name is Carla. I was born and raised in Miami, FL. I graduated with a Bachelors of Science degree in Health Service Administration in 2002. I moved to Georgia in 2008. I have been a Support Coordinator for 7 1/2 years now and with The Columbus Organization for 4 years.

LaJuana: LaJuana has eight years of experience in the IDD field. She earned her Bachelors and Masters in Social Work from Albany State University in Albany, Georgia. She is currently pursuing another Master degree in Mental Health Counseling and Vocational Rehabilitation with a Specialization in Addiction and Alcoholism from Thomas University in Thomasville, Georgia. She has been a Support Coordinator at West Central for three years. She enjoys going to concerts, cooking, working out (her new found love), plays, museums, Atlanta professional night life and watching old cartoons with her niece. Her main hobby is her three year old niece.

Tiffany: Tiffany is originally from Arkansas, where she earned her Degree in Psychology from the University of Central Arkansas. She moved to Georgia in 2012, and began doing part time work for adults with disabilities. She quickly realized she had a passion for this work. She went from this to being an instructor for a day program for about a year. She then moved into a Developmental Disability Professional role and did this for about 3 years. She then moved up into a Program/DDP Supervisor position overseeing the Day and Supported Employment Programs for a large agency. She did this until December 2019, before joining the team at Columbus. She also was a LEND (Leadership for Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities) alumni from the 2018-2019 class through Georgia State’s Center for Leadership in Disability. Through this she found a passion for policy advocacy, among many other things, and was able to help lead the team lead training for the GCDD Advocacy Days for 2019. She also is currently involved in a sub committee for the Georgia Employment 1st Council where her group is strategizing ways to improve the Dedicated Work Force for those with disabilities by identifying who that term applies to, the types of training everyone in this group should have, and ways they could try to implement higher quality care for those being served.