Founders and Staff

Karen Jackson, Founder & Chief Executive Officer/Executive Director Linda Coil, Founder & Chief Financial Officer/Assistant Director Community Connections was founded and established by Linda Coil, MSW and Karen Jackson, LMSW in March 2002. As co-workers since March 1996, Linda and Karen have dedicated their careers to serving children in foster care. Linda and Karen have many years of experience with Fulton and Dekalb County Department of Family and Children Services (DFACS) and understand the importance of providing quality foster and adoptive homes for children in DFACS custody. Karen and Linda are also advocates of family centered practice and expediency for children in reaching their permanency plans. Linda holds a Bachelor of Psychology from Rollins College of Florida and a Master of Social Work from the University of Georgia . Karen holds a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of North Texas and a Master of Social Work from the University of Kentucky . Karen is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW).

	Theresa Hoffman, Family Consultant Supervisor Theresa joined Community Connections in May 2008 as a Family Consultant Supervisor. Theresa previously worked as a Family Consultant with Community Connections for over two years. She also worked for several private and public child welfare agencies. Theresa holds a Bachelor of Arts from Indiana University and a Master of Social Work from Georgia State University. Theresa is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW).
	Sean F. Kennedy, Family Consultant Supervisor Sean joined Community Connections in June 2010 as a Family Consultant Supervisor. Since 2005, Sean held child welfare positions with Dekalb County Department of Family and Children Services in Adoptions, and in the State of Georgia Adoption Unit as a Regional Adoption Coordinator. Sean holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from University of Georgia and a Master of Social Work from Georgia State University.
	Ya'Sheika Brisco, Family Consultant Ya'Sheika joined Community Connections in March 2010 as a Family Consultant. Since 2003, Ya'Sheika held child welfare positions for both Henry and Newton County Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS) in CPS Investigations, Ongoing Services and Resource Development. Ya'Sheika holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Child and Family Development from Georgia Southern University.
	Angela Diggs, Family Consultant Angela joined Community Connections in August 2006 as a Family Consultant. Since 2003, Angela held positions with Southern Behavioral Healthcare and Riverwoods Psychiatric Hospital. Angela holds both a Bachelor of Psychology and a Master of Science in Professional Counseling from Georgia State University.
	Daona Demery, Family Consultant Daona joined Community Connections in March 2009 as a Family Consultant. Since 2001, Daona has held child welfare positions for the DeKalb County Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS), Behavioral Healthlink, and Mayson Avenue Cooperative. Daona holds a Bachelor of Social Work degree from Savannah State University.
	Diane Jackson, Recruiter Trainer and Family Consultant Diane joined Community Connections in January 2003 as the first Family Consultant. Since 1996, Diane has held a variety of positions in the child welfare field including group home care and private and county foster care. Diane holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Georgia.
	Marie Pieri, Family Consultant Marie joined Community Connections in December 2009 as a Family Consultant. Since 2006, Marie held positions with American Red Cross-Project Share, Greater Birmingham Ministries, Clinic at UAB, and Caminar Latino. Marie holds both a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and a Master of Social Work from Georgia State University. Marie is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW).
	Shaneak Slay, Family Consultant Shaneak joined Community Connections in December 2003 as a Family Consultant. Since 2000, Shaneak has held child welfare positions for both the Clayton and DeKalb County Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS) in foster care. Shaneak holds a Bachelor of Psychology degree from Fayetteville State University.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Dorothy Murphy, Chairman of the Board
Catherine Cass, Secretary
Brent Donaldson
Renee Faucher
Sheridan Johnson
Rosalyn Nicpon
Joseph Smiddy
Victor Thomas

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