“Give & Get” Networking & Resources

“Give & Get” Statements

Faye Barnes (September 2022)

My name is Faye Barnes, and I am a parent and grandparent to an adult disabled daughter and almost 12 year old granddaughter. I am seeking information and willing to share what I know. My email address is fayejo2@yahoo.com.

April Baxley (September 2022)

My name is April Baxley. I am a parent of a child with a disability. My son is currently in the 6th grade with support. I am also the Parent Mentor for my school district. I work with families who have students with special needs. I provide them with information, support, and resources. I also promote positive communication between the school district and families. I can “give” or share my knowledge of post-secondary programs. I can also invite you to my spring resource fair or have you as a vendor. I am looking for information on employment options for adults with developmental disabilities in the Macon/Warner Robins area as well as resources to support families. The best way to reach me is by email at april.baxley@crawfordschools.org.

Jeanna Chapman (October 2022)

Name: My name is Jeanna Chapman
Role: I am an interested professional with a Master’s in Social Work who wants to work more with students with learning disabilities within the university setting.
Give: I can “give” or share my knowledge of college programs with parents as an Academic Advisor.
Get: I am looking to network and gain more knowledge on what programs are offered in the University that better support adult College students on the spectrum or with other developmental disabilities.
Contact: The best way to reach me is by email at jchapman27@gsu.edu or MiracleMSW@yahoo.com.

Kelda Cubit (September 2022)

My name is Kelda Cubit. I am a parent of a young adult son (21y) who is on the autistic spectrum. I can give information on Woodfield Academy, a school in Macon, dedicated to students with special needs. As my son transitions into adulthood I’m looking for information about post secondary inclusive programs. You may reach me at keldacubit@aol.com or 478-972-0310. I’m excited about advocacy!

Jatia Cumberland (October 2022)

Name: Jatia Cumberland.
My child started public school fall 2023. I need an advocate to help me start his IEP process. What is new in the education system for children with disabilities?
Contact: 347-290 3097 and Jatiac94@gmail.com

Audrina DeBall (October 2022)

My name is Audrina DeBall. I am a mom to twins with autism. My email is audrinadeball@gmail.com.

Vikki Entrekin (October 2022)

I am Vikki Entrekin. I am president of a non-profit supporting I/DD individuals. I have hosted many events here in our area. I have an adult daughter dealing with developmental disabilities. I have developed a business for her making greeting cards. They are in 3 stores. I can share the pros and cons and help another person develop a business plan and lead them through the process. I also assist families with the Waiver Application and have attended IEPs with them. My email is arcc11@charter.net.

Jacqueline Evans (September 2022)

My name is Jacqueline Evans. I am a parent of a 13 year old with a learning disability. I am also a Parent Mentor for Special Education for the Greene County School System. I can give information of resources dealing with student with learning disabilities. I am looking for any resources available. You can contact me at Jacqueline.evans@greene.k12.ga.us. 

Sandrine Neely (September 2022)

My name is Sandrine Neely. I have several children with different needs, but one hurdle I've encountered is that my child with Autism has now been declined by 4 different ABAs (2 in center and 2 in-home) after all of the assessments, because he has other diagnoses such as Trauma (adopted from abuse & neglect), DMDD, ODD and anxiety. I think because so many of these overlap, no one wants to really take him on.  He's been in Theraplay for years to no avail so far. I am currently the SPED Fellow for GeorgiaCAN, but this is an issue I have had trouble getting help for, and his aggression issues are keeping him in a school that doesn't target autism. I can be reached at spedadvocatega@gmail.com.

Kenya Quinones (October 2022)

How do I opt my child out of any required and state testing (any school test) so he graduates 2024? He has fallen behind due to inadequate special education learning through the pandemic. One of his issues is test anxiety. My email is doziereducation@gmail.com.

Helen Riley (September 2022)

My name is Helen Riley. I am a mental health counselor and serve on the DBHDD advisory board. You can contact me with my email address, helen@safeplacega.org, and visit our website to read what we do www.safeplacega.org. My number is (770) 423-2040.

Shelley Spivey (September 2022)

My name is Shelley Spivey. I am a mom of two sons, ages 22 and 20. My oldest is autistic and my youngest has dyscalculia and ADHD. I created Waves Autism Center the year they were diagnosed out of our own personal journey in Warner Robins to offer social. life, and career exploration groups. We recently became a GVRA Provider to offer job readiness through a GROW Workshop and Pre-ETS in all counties of Georgia. We also offer monthly online community support groups at no charge. I would love to connect with other families and organizations to network to listen and learn. Our email is wavesautismcenter@gmail.com and my cell number is 478-733-2597.

Shelley Spivey (October 2022)

My name is Shelley Spivey. I am the owner of Waves Autism Center located in Warner Robins. We offer in-person and online education groups including social and life groups. We also have a very active online game design group and have just partnered with a music therapist. We serve ages 4 to adult learners. We recently became a GVRA provider and will be able to offer Pre-ETS for job readiness for ages 14-22 for students in many Georgia school districts with a referral from your field office. Since we are a new provider we hope to be in the GVRA referral system soon. My contact number is 478-733-2597 and my email is wavesautismcenter@gmail.com.

Dr. Harriett Walker-Dumas (September 2022)

Name: Dr. H Walker-Dumas, OTD/OTR/L, CMT
Role: CEO, Discovery Therapy: www.discoverytherapy.org
Give: Our organization provides education and services to children, educators, parents, administrators, and families on ways to improve therapeutic outcomes for children diagnosed with special needs.
Get: Expanding our network of professionals and families to provide support and education.
Contact: info@discoverytherapy.org

Jennilee Walters (October 2022)

My name is Jennilee Walters. I am a parent of a child with a DD in the public school system. I can "give" advice on IEP support. I am looking for more information on S2C (Spelling 2 Communicate) at this moment as an additional approach to the Total Communication Approach. My email is jleewalters@yahoo.com.

More “Give & Get” Statements from the Coalition of Family Advocates

Knetta Adkins

My name is Knetta Adkins and I am the Organizing Manager for Georgians for a Healthy Future, which is a health care consumer advocacy organization in Georgia working to promote better outcomes for Georgians. I am available to GIVE my resources and time by sharing information and awareness around Medicaid awareness and health insurance eligibility and enrollment for those Georgians with a developmental disability. I can also GIVE information on how folks with a developmental disability and their support(s) can get connected to health advocacy opportunities with statewide leaders and legislators. The best way to reach me is by email kadkins@healthyfuturega.org.

Alyssa Allen

My name is Alyssa Allen. I have a 24 year-old daughter with Down syndrome. I am also the Parent Resource Coordinator for the Babies Can’t Wait program in District 1-2. allenblessings3@aol.com

Erin Arledge

My name is Erin Arledge. Parent Mentor for Whitfield County Schools and mother of Blake, 24 years old who has Down Syndrome, ADHD, autism. I am interested in learning more about living options for adults with disabilities and respite care in our area. Email is erin.arledge@wcsga.net and phone is 706-876-3929.

Porchia Arnold

My name is Porchia Arnold. I am a mother to 2 wonderful boys that are on the [autism] spectrum. They are 5 and 6 and attend elementary school. I am praying to learn of more resources and rights. I’ve learned not too long ago that you can obtain a free handicap decal for parking for your children on the spectrum. I can be reached at Porchia.Arnold@hotmail.com.

Stephanie Bingham

Name: My name is Stephanie Bingham
Role: I am a parent of a child with cerebral palsy
Give: My business partner and I are currently in the end stages of building a business that would provide occupational, physical, and speech therapy for individuals of all ages in their natural environment.
Get: I would like to obtain more information on respite
Contact: stephaniebingham870@yahoo.com

Sandy Blagg

My name is Sandy Blagg. I'm the mother of a 20 year old girl who is in the Transition Program in Gwinnett County. I can give information on summer camps and home remodel/accessibility ideas. I want to get information on Day Programs for the SID/PID population. My email is sandyblagg@gmail.com

Leah Brockington

My name is Leah Brockington. I'm a parent of an autistic 5 year-old who is enrolled in an inclusive Pre-K class. I'm also the Family Support Coordinator for Pineland DBHDD, Region 5. I can "give" or share my knowledge of financial resources. I am looking for information on extra-curricular activities and camps for children in the SE GA area. The best way to reach me is by email at lebrockington@pinelandcsb.org

Teresa Bruce

I am Teresa Bruce, Parent Mentor with Franklin County School System, Northeast Georgia (rural). My daughter is 26 years old and started her own business. I have lots to give in relation to the business aspect, getting started, social media footprint, supporting her in the everyday operations, what works for us, etc. I need help with legal issues, financial issues, business planning, etc. We are crossing new bridges as she gets older. We, also, have never applied for any assistance. As she turned 26, we were able to continue her health insurance coverage on our private insurance. Looking to connect with other families that are venturing into self-employment for their adult. teresa.bruce@franklin.k12.ga.us, 706-384-4554 ext 11351.

Samantha Burke

I am Samantha Burke. I am a parent of a young adult (23 years old) with autism who is currently enrolled at Georgia Gwinnett College.  I am also an attorney. I can "give" knowledge regarding my experience with assisting my son with his transition into post-secondary education in a traditional setting with supports. I am interested in getting information residential support services for adults with autism.  My best contact information is Samantha.Burke.Esq@gmail.com.

James Butler

My name is James Butler, I am the parent and grandparent of several exceptional individuals. I live in a rural community where I support families with enhancing awareness with the population of individuals identified as exceptional. I am always open to listen and share my years of experience in this area. I serve and affiliate with as many organizations supporting and promoting disability awareness. My email contact is jwbutler1961@gmail.com.

Faye Capers

GIVE: Faye Capers, Outreach Trainer with Parent to Parent of Georgia. I am a mother of child who has Down Syndrome and my contact information faye@p2pga.org

Barbara de Castro

My name is Barbara de Castro. I am the Education and Training Manager at the Goodwill Training and Career Center in Newnan. We provide training programs for individuals who need training. We utilize funding from GVRA as well as other funders.  bdecastro@gwisr.org, 678-854-6839

Marc Dame

Hi, I am Marc Dame, Special Populations Coordinator at Wiregrass Georgia Technical College in South Georgia. I facilitate the accommodations process for students with disabilities and also advocate for them, champion them, and refer them to resources. Please know that this process is available at any TCSG (Georgia Technical College) institution and we are eager to work with students to enable them to be career-ready! I can be reached at marc.dame@wiregrass.edu or (229) 468-2242.

Augusta Eswine

Name: Augusta Eswine
Role: I am a school psychologist intern in Newnan, Georgia. I work with children K-12. I evaluate children for special education, develop education plans, and connect children with support services provided by the school.
Give: I can give information on special education, the IEP process and the services offered in schools
Get: I’d like to get more information on community resources for individuals with developmental disabilities in/ around the Atlanta area so that I can share the resources with the parents of the children that I work with.
Contact: sallie.eswine@cowetaschools.net

Denise Flanders

Hi my name is Denise Flanders. I am a counselor assistant with GA Vocational Rehabilitation Agency. We assist people with disabilities obtain and maintain employment. We also support the IPSE program. My contact information is Denise.Flanders@gvs.ga.gov.

Kathi Frankel

May name is Kathi Frankel. I am a volunteer advocate for a 16-year-old male living in Clarkston GA. Need help with transitions into adulthood, specifically how to continue with SSI and get to college. Also how to make sure he has accessible housing. Need lots of help and advice. Kathifrankel@comcast.net

Georgia Fruechtenicht

I'm Georgia Fruechtenicht. I work for Coweta Schools as Special Education Parent Mentor. I can help connect people with resources on all types of disabilities. I would like more resources to support parents with low literacy to help them plan for their child's future. Georgia Fruechtenicht, Special Ed Parent Mentor for Coweta Schools, 678-877-9791, Georgia.fruechtenicht@cowetaschools.net

Dawn Gadling

Dawn Gadling Case Manager at Annandale Village, Suwannee GA 3004 dawn.gadling@annandale.org

Kimberly Green

Name: My name is Kimberly Green
Role: I am a parent of a 16-year-old with disabilities who is a junior in high school.
Give: I can “give” or share my knowledge of advocating on behalf of your child with the school system.
Get: I am looking for information on the guardianship process.
Contact: The best way to reach me is by email at kswgreen@gmail.com

Stacy Greene

My name is Stacy Greene. I am a parent of a 22-yo adult with HFA who is taking networking classes and working part-time; I’m also a Cobb County School District special education parent mentor. I can share my experience in the school system as well as the many resources I’ve collected; I can also share my son’s experience of attending college with accommodations, participating in GAVR programs, working, etc. I am hoping to learn of additional resources to add to our district webpage that may also benefit my son. The best way to reach me is by email at stacy.greene@cobbk12.org.

Heather Grenier

Name: My name is Heather Grenier
Role: I am a DDP at two day center programs in Walton and Barrow County. I work for the individuals and participate in ISP’s, HRST ratings, and making sure staff is trained to support the individuals we serve.
Give: I can “give” or share my knowledge of what day center programs are like.
Get: I am looking for information on how to be more involved in advocacy at the legislative level.
Contact: The best way to reach me is by email at heather.grenier@advantagebhs.org

Kevin Hall

My name is Kevin Hall. I’m the father of an adult on the autism spectrum. I am also editor of The Moultrie Observer, a weekly newspaper. I can give an opportunity to share information to the readers of the newspaper. I hope to get some direction to help my son have a job and a life outside the home. Contact me at kchall1968@yahoo.com.

Wajihah Harris

My name is Wajihah Harris.  I am a Career & Transition Support Facilitator in Henry County Schools.  I can share experiences of working with the school system and local resources I have been able to obtain. I am always looking for resources to assist my students in a smooth transition from high school. My email is wajihah.harris@henry.k12.ga.us

Rhonda Heuer

Name: My name is Rhonda Heuer
Role: I am an executive director for Polk Family Connection, a collaborative nonprofit and a local partner for Georgia Family Connection; we bring partners that serve families together to network to better serve families. We work to ensure that all children are healthy, primed for school, and succeed when they get there; families are stable, self-sufficient, and productive; and communities are vibrant, robust, and thriving.
Give: I can “give” or share my knowledge of local and state level family resources
Get: I am looking for information and resources for  developmental disabilities in the NW GA area.
Contact: The best way to reach me is by email at polkcouncil@yahoo.com

George Hewitt

My name is George Hewitt. I work for Fulton County Government as a case manager for BHDD. I am willing to give and get in any and all aspects. I can be reached at george.hewitt@fultoncountyga.gov

Sumaiya Islam

My name is Sumaiya Islam. I work as a Behavior Health Assistant Lead, for Fulton County Government BHDD. I can provide information on program services and behavioral health resources within Fulton County. I would love to get more guidance on how to better advocate for the individuals we serve, some on behalf of their families and some to their families. My email address is sumaiya.islam@fultoncountyga.gov.

Missy Jarrard

My name is Missy Jarrard. I am the Transition Specialist for Lumpkin County Schools. I can Give a perspective from a school setting. I am looking to Learn about Developmental Resources in Georgia. missy.jarrard@lumpkinschools.com

Wanda Jenovese

My name is Wanda Jenovese. I am a parent of a special needs daughter and a parent mentor for our school system. I am able to give support to parents in our county. I would like to get more resources that are available to parents. As a parent mentor for Newton County Schools, I need a list of resources that I can go to when parents need help. Jenovese.wanda@newton.k12.ga.us

Christine Kramlich

My name is Christine Kramlich.  I am a parent of a senior in high school who has physical challenges.  I can give by sharing information about communication and communication devices.  I am looking for more information about inclusive education options in GA. The best way to reach me is via email: tviandb@gmail.com

Meg Kraner

My name is Meg Kraner, I am the System of Care Program Coordinator for Cobb County Community Services Board. "SOC" is a statewide program with coordinators across every county/region. I can "give" connection to networks and care programs across the state as well as connection to resources  locally. I am looking to "get" more information and resources on how to best assist individuals with IDD/DD as they transition from youth services  to adult services. You can best contact me at mkraner@cobbcsb.com or 678 343 7903

Jennifer Le Denney

My name is Jennifer Le Denney and am a parent of 10-year-old with ASD and Bipolar Disorder in Muscogee County. I can give info on autism resources and community events. I’m looking for more help on children with co-occurring disorders. Thank you jenniferledenney@gmail.com

Stacy Linowski

My name is Stacy Linowski and I work as a Transition counselor (amongst many other hats) for Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency (GVRA) in the Griffin office. I am currently assisting transition clients in the Griffin Service Area (Spalding, Lamar, Butts, Upson, Pike) as well as Carrollton, Douglasville, and Newnan service areas. stacy.linowski@gvs.ga.gov, 770-229-3140

Yesenia Lopez

My name is Yesenia Lopez. I have Autistic Twins ages of 6. I am the Parent Mentor for Paulding County. yalvarez@paulding.k12.ga.us

LaTise Miller

My name is LaTise Miller.  My daughter is a senior in high school and will likely be attending the IPSE program at KSU next year. I can share knowledge about Katie Beckett and private insurance appeals. I am hoping to learn of financial resources to help pay for IPSE. I can be reached at latisemiller@gmail.com.

Tamara Miller

My name is Tamara Miller. I am the mother of a 10-year-old boy with developmental disabilities due to a rare genetic disorder. I am looking for information on everything as I am new to the state of Georgia. The best way to reach me is by email at tamaraleemiller2000@yahoo.com. 

Lindia Moore

My name is Lindia Moore. I am the One-Stop Coodinator at the Northwest Georgia Comprehensive One-Stop. We provide assessment of needs and assist families and individuals to make connections with partners who provide services to support job readiness skills and credentials attainment, and financial support. The best way to reach us is at Northwestgeorgia.Onestop@gdol.ga.gov.

Chelsey Murphree

My name is Chelsey Murphree. I recently left my job as a registered behavior technician (ABA services) and now I'm working privately as a health aide/nanny for a family. Can give ABA services recommendations/connections for any interested. Looking to make some connections outside that world and get more involved in advocacy! I can be contacted at chelseymmurphree@gmail.com

Antoinette Nichols 

I am a parent to 14-year-old son living with Autism. He is being served in the MID small group classroom. I am also one of two Cobb Special Education Parent Mentors. One of things we do is help our parents navigate the system within Cobb County Schools. We provide resources, training, and guidance. I would love to learn as much as I can regarding post-secondary options for our parents and my own son. I'm also strongly opposed to having our students needing to be connected to some kind of program outside of age 22 to receive a diploma. General Education students don't have to prove their plans before they get what they have earned, like our children have earned. My email is Antoinette.Nichols@gmail.com.

Kelly Parry

My name is Kelly Parry and I live in Atlanta. I am the sibling of an adult with severe developmental disabilities. I can share my knowledge of navigating “the system” as a family of a person with very high support needs. I am looking for information on ways to connect with caregivers/support staff. The best way to reach me is by text (404) 403 7799 or by email at kparry1211@gmail.com.

Virginia Piper

My name is Virginia Piper. I’m a parent of a 21y/o son with Down syndrome. He is in his last year of a transition program at his HS in Ringgold, GA. I am the new Parent Mentor for Catoosa County Schools. I can give information on transition to adult services and those things that really need to be in place before age 22. I’m always looking to get community resources for adults with disabilities. I can be reached at vapiper@hotmail.com.

Diane Pope (August 2021)

My name is Diane Pope, I'm with the Autism Hope Center in Columbus and also the mother of a 33-year-old son on the spectrum. The Autism Hope Center helps families connect to resources, we advocate, provide trainings, and activities. My email is autismhopecenterllp@gmail.com

Diane Pope (October 2021)

My name is Diane Pope. I'm the parent of an adult child with ASD, who is currently attending college. I'm with the Autism Hope Center a non profit serving Columbus and the surrounding area, we are a free resource helping families find services and provide activities and trainings. I can be reached at autismhopecenterllp@gmail.com or (706) 604-6333.

Zechondra Porter

Hi my name is Zechondra Porter. I have a special need son in IPSE program at GaTech. I can assist with any information or support you may need. I can be reached at zechondra.porter@gmail.com.

Susan Powell

My name is Susan Powell. My husband Bryan and I are the parents/guardians of Emily who has a rare chromosomal deletion. We're looking for more caregivers for her. We can share our knowledge about applying for guardianship and how to navigate the IEP process in public school. Contact: ontherunmom0211@gmail.com

Daisy Prather

Daisy Prather Parent Mentor Crawford County Schools Looking for ways to help my families contact info daisy.prather@crawfordschools.org

Mary Ramsey

I am Mary Ramsey. I am raising my grandson DeAndre 23 years old with Autism and other health conditions. mramsey296@gmail.com, 770-875-6115

Stacey Rexroat (August 2021)

I'm Stacey Rexroat.  I'm the Family Support Coordinator for my Organization. I wish to gain more information/resources for the families I serve. My contact information is staceyr@mfbhc.org

Stacey Rexroat (October 2021)

My name is Stacey Rexroat & I'm the Family Support Coordinator for Middle Flint BHC. Our Organization is non-profit and provides an array of services for 11 counties. I can be reached at staceyr@mfbhc.org or (478) 733-0247 or (478)-952-2677.

Musu Sesay

My name is Musu Sesay, mother to a soon to be 7-yr old on the autism spectrum.  I serve as an Autism Speaks Volunteer Advocacy Ambassador for the GA07 District by advocating for federal funding. I'm here to learn more and open to connect with others. My email is muspysal@yahoo.com

Michelle Smith

My name is Demetrica Michelle Smith, prefer to be called Michelle. I am a support companion for a developmental disability person. I enjoy providing care. I’m interested in learning more about helping with advocating for others that are living with disabilities. My contact information is email dmichelle308@yahoo.com

Latoya Strong

My name is Latoya Strong. I am an Independent Living Coordinator at Walton Options for Independent Living. I am located in Augusta, GA. We provide services for the disability community and assist with gaining independence. I would like to gain more resources. I would also like to provide information about our organization. I can be reached by e-mail lstrong@waltonoptions.org or phone 706-724-6262.

Abigail Sullivan

Abigail Sullivan, Foster Care Case Manager in Augusta, GA.  asullivan@bethany.org

Jennilee Walters

Name: My name is Jennilee Walters
Role: I am a parent of a child with Autism
Give: I am able to provide info on local county resources for families with small children with disabilities
Get: I would like to obtain more information on how to best advocate for our children in the school system
Contact: My email address is jleewalters@yahoo.com

Rosalyn Williams

Name: Rosalyn Williams
Role: I am the mother of a beautiful 13-year-old son with Down syndrome and I am also a Registered Behavioral Technician/Certified Medical Assistant
Give: I share information on homeschooling and fun activities/gentle parenting/tips on challenging behaviors.
Get: I'm looking to get information on any resources that will be beneficial to my son and my clients and their families.
Contact: My email address: Rosalyn.williams46@yahoo.com