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).

	Erin Verkauf, Family Consultant Supervisor Erin joined Community Connections in January 2004 as a Family consultant and now serves as a Family Consultant Supervisor. Erin worked for social service agencies, including Rainbow House and My House, before joining Community Connections. Erin holds a Bachelor of Psychology from the University of Colorado at Boulder and a Master of Social Work from Georgia State University. Erin is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW).
	Diane Jackson, 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.
	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 Clayton and DeKalb County Department of Family and Children Services (DFACS) in foster care and also worked for the Frazier Center. Shaneak holds a Bachelor of Psychology from Fayetteville State University.
	Rochelle Robinson, Family Consultant Rochelle joined Community Connections in February 2005 as a Family Consultant. Since 2001, Rochelle has held child welfare positions in both Medicaid and foster care services for the DeKalb County Department of Family and Children Services (DFACS). Rochelle holds a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Alabama.
	Erin Nasmyth, Family Consultant Erin joined Community Connections in June 2006 as a Family Consultant. Since 2003, Erin held a child welfare position as an Adoption Counselor for Family and Children’s Service/Center for Adoption in Nashville, Tennessee. Erin holds a Bachelor of Psychology from Vanderbilt University and a Master of Social Work from Georgia State University. Erin is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW).
	Angela Botah, 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.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Victor Thomas, Chairman of the Board
Valerie Thomas, Secretary
Catherine Cass
Brent Donaldson
Renee Gregor
Steven Richeson
Joseph Smiddy

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