MEET OUR STAFF
Community Connections works together as a team to focus on the single mission of delivering quality support to meet the needs of children and their families, and our foster families.
Karen Jackson, Executive Director
Karen co-founded and established Community Connections in 2002. She has practiced in the field of child welfare since 1994, including experience with both Fulton and DeKalb County Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS). Karen has served on two Board of Directors for local non-profit organizations including the Decatur/DeKalb YMCA and the International Community School. Karen has a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of North Texas and a Master of Social Work from the University of Kentucky and is a Licensed Master Social Worker.
Get in touch with Karen at karen.jackson@c-connections.com.
tom covington, director of placement services
Tom joined Community Connections in 2021 as the Director of Placement Services. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from University of Georgia and a Master of Arts in Christian Studies from Luther Rice University. He previously held leadership positions with various private child welfare agencies and the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS). Tom is also an ordained minister.
Get in touch with Tom at tom.covington@c-connections.com.
DIANE Jackson, Director OF RECRUITING & TRAINING
Diane joined Community Connections in 2003 and now serves as the Director of Recruiting and Training. Diane previously held positions with Community Connections as a Family Consultant and Recruiter/Trainer. She also previously worked in child welfare including private and county foster care and group home care. Diane has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Georgia.
Get in touch with Diane at diane.jackson@c-connections.com.
Kamaria baysmore, FAMILY CONSULTANT SUPERVISOR
Kamaria joined Community Connections in 2020 as a Family Consultant. In 2022, Kamaria was promoted to Family Consultant Supervisor. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Kean University and a Masters of Arts Degree in Social Work from Georgia State University. She is a Licensed Master Social Worker.
Get in touch with Kamaria at kamaria.baysmore@c-connections.com.
LESLIE MATHEWS, INTAKE COORDINATOR
Leslie joined Community Connections in 2015 as the Intake Coordinator. She previously held positions with various health care providers. Leslie has a Bachelor of Science in Health Science and a Master of Public Administration in Health Services, both from Columbus State University.
Get in touch with Leslie at leslie.mathews@c-connections.com.
ANDREA HICKS, RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST
Andrea joined Community Connections in 2020 as the Resource Development Specialist. She previously held various positions in Resource Development with the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services for over 30 years and most recently served as a mentor to supervisors. Andrea has a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Armstrong State College.
Get in touch with Andrea at andrea.hicks@c-connections.com.
Catie williams, community engagement specialist
Catie joined Community Connections in 2023. She previously worked as an elementary school teacher and in various roles in community engagement in Metro Atlanta. Catie has a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a Master of Arts in Family & Community Services from the University of Missouri. She holds a Certificate of Nonprofit Organization Management from the Georgia Center for Nonprofits.
Get in touch with Catie at catie.williams@c-connections.com.
Colleen holtz, program coordinator
Colleen joined Community Connections in 2021 and now serves as the Program Coordinator. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Human Services from Wesleyan College and a Master of Divinity from Mercer School of Theology. Colleen is also an ordained minister.
Get in touch with Colleen at colleen.holtz@c-connections.com.
ABENI TAPP, FAMILY CONSULTANT specialist
Abeni joined Community Connections in 2020 as a Family Consultant. In 2021, Abeni was promoted to Family Consultant Specialist. She previously held a case manager position with a social service agency and a behavioral counselor position with a health care provider. Abeni has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy, and she is a Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist.
Get in touch with Abeni at abeni.tapp@c-connections.com.
Courtney McCrary, Lead family CONSULTANt
Courtney joined Community Connections in 2017 as a Family Consultant. In 2024, Courtney was promoted to Lead Family Consultant. She previously held a child welfare position with DeKalb County DFCS. Courtney holds a Bachelor of Social Work from Savannah State University and a Master of Social Work from Walden University.
Get in touch with Courtney at courtney.mccrary@c-connections.com.
Irvana epane, family consultant
Irvana joined Community Connections in 2021 as a Family Consultant. She has a Bachelor of Social Work from Savannah State University and a Master of Social Work from Savannah State University.
Get in touch with Irvana at irvana.epane@c-connections.com.
TYLEISHA BOWDEN, family consultant
Tyleisha joined Community Connections in 2021 as a Family Consultant. She has a Bachelor of Social Work from Savannah State University and a Master of Social Work from Georgia State University. Tyleisha also holds a Gerontology Certificate from Georgia State University. She is a Licensed Master Social Worker.
Get in touch with Tyleisha at tyleisha.bowden@c-connections.com.
TOYNIA EDMOND-MOORE, family consultant
Toynia joined Community Connections in 2022 as a Family Consultant. Toynia holds a Bachelor of Art degree in English from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Toynia previously held various child welfare and domestic violence case manager positions.
Get in touch with Toynia at toynia.edmond-moore@c-connections.com
KAMILAH GOTHARD, BOOKKEEPER
Kamilah joined Community Connections in 2020 as the Bookkeeper. She runs a private accounting practice in Atlanta and is the founder of One Talent, a nonprofit that provides youth services. Kamilah has a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing from Tuskegee University and a Master of Professional Accountancy degree from Georgia State University. She is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).
Get in touch with Kamilah at bookkeeper@c-connections.com.