About Us

Mission and Philosophy

Our mission is to support the developmental and educational growth of adolescents and adults who are on the autism spectrum or who face other related issues, in a program that emphasizes social-emotional development as an essential foundation for communication, logical thinking and perspective-taking. Threshold Community Program strives to improve the quality of life for its participants and their families by tapping into each person’s potential to develop relationships, communicate, and problem-solve. Our program provides educational services, mental health counseling, transition support, an independence curriculum, family services and support, and much more.

Threshold Community Program is one of only a few programs in the country that has explicitly embraced Stanley Greenspan’s Developmental, Individual-differences, & Relationship-based (DIR)/Floortime model as the foundation of its approach. We believe that healthy social-emotional development is the key to success in the social realm, the academic realm, and in the “real world.” The DIR/Floortime model is a broad framework for understanding how development occurs, how emotions relate to learning, and how we can best interact to foster growth in social-emotional and cognitive areas. In addition to using the principles of the DIR model to guide us, we also use a variety of broad teaching approaches and specific strategies to address the individual needs of each adolescent and adult participant.

Directors & Staff

Executive Directors

Beth Champ

Executive Clinical Director
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Beth Champ | Executive Clinical Director

Beth Champ is the Executive Clinical Director at Threshold Community Program. She is responsible for all program services and staff development. She also provides direct service in the form of individual and group counseling, as well as crisis support and clinical supervision. Beth has been with TCP since 2009, first as a counseling intern and then as a mental health counselor. Before joining Threshold Community Program, Beth was the Associate Director for Career Counseling at Emory University for three years, working primarily with graduate students. Counseling is actually Beth’s second career. Prior to transitioning into counseling, Beth worked as a strategy consultant in the health care field for eight years, living in Dallas and Los Angeles.

Beth has an M.S. in Counseling from Georgia State University, as well as an M.S. in Chemistry and an M.B.A. from UCLA. She is licensed as a professional counselor (LPC) in the state of Georgia and is a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC). She has an Advanced DIR Certificate from the Interdisciplinary Council on Developmental and Learning Disorders and has presented locally and nationally on such topics as sexuality and autism and higher level thinking in adolescents and young adults. Beth is also an Approved Clinical Supervisor.

About Beth

Dave Nelson

Executive Administrative Director
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Dave Nelson | Executive Administrative Director

Dave is the Executive Administrative Director of Threshold Community Program and the organization’s founder. Dave’s role is focused on marketing, fundraising, general administration, professional outreach, strategic partnerships, and business development. He also continues to provide direct service in the form of individual, group and family counseling, as well as crisis support and clinical supervision.

Dave has an M.S. in Counseling and an M.A. in English Literature from Georgia State University, as well as an M.B.A. from Duke University. He is licensed as a professional counselor (LPC) in the state of Georgia. He has a DIR expert certificate and is a DIR Training Leader with the Interdisciplinary Council on Development and Learning (ICDL). He is an Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS). Dave is also part of Floortime Atlanta, a professional group of clinicians in the Atlanta area who use the DIR approach.

Dave is the father of two adult sons and a nine year old stepdaughter. His interests include golf, literature, skiing, hiking, and biking. He is originally from Massachusetts, and still visits New England regularly. Before becoming a counselor, he taught Business Communication at GSU in both the undergraduate and graduate programs, and worked in the computer industry, providing development office turnkey systems to non-profit organizations.

About Dave

Program Staff

Sarah Champ

Associate Director
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Sarah Champ | Associate Director

Sarah Champ is the Associate Director of Individual Services at Threshold Community Program, a private non-profit school serving adolescents and adults with developmental, communication, or social-emotional disorders. Sarah has an M.S. in Special Education from the California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo.  Sarah is certified in Pivotal Response Treatment (level five) and D.I.R/Floortime (level 2).

Sarah has worked as a special educator for over ten years in both public and private school settings.  Sarah regularly presents the work of Threshold Community Program regionally and nationally in foundational mathematics education, developmental lesson planning, and crisis intervention.

About Sarah

Kim Evans

Associate Director
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Kim Evans | Associate Director

Kim Evans is an Associate Director of the Community Team at TCP. Her work focuses on transition support, which may include supporting higher education and work experiences for participants, as well as independent living. She provides individual and group counseling. She has an EdS degree from Georgia State University, and is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). She holds an intermediate level certificate in DIR/Floortime. She is certified to provide clinical supervision to our masters level interns.

Kim was born in Elizabeth, New Jersey and moved to Georgia with her family when she was 6. She attended GSU for her undergraduate degree and double majored In Psychology and Sociology. After college, Kim worked at The Marcus Institute (now the Marcus Autism Center) in the Language and Learning Clinic working as a Behavior Data Specialist and eventually as a Clinical Supervisor. During this time at Marcus, she began to train teachers and families and this experience convinced her to become a counselor, as many of the parents felt isolated, frustrated, and without support.

About Kim

Sara Morgan

Associate Director
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Sara Morgan | Associate Director

Sara Morgan is an Associate Director of the Family Team at TCP. She is no stranger to TCP, originally joining the team as a counseling intern in 2013 to complete her M.S. from Mercer University in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She is an LAPC in Georgia. Sara coordinates TCP’s efforts in supporting families with education, support, and counseling. She also provides individual and group counseling.

Sara graduated with an Art History and Psychology bachelor’s degree from the University of West Georgia in 2009. During this time, Sara became inspired to work with young adults in creative and supportive environment leading her to seek her master’s in counseling. Sara hopes to continue growing in her counseling role as well as possibly obtaining a Ph.D one day to teach.
 

Sara is a native of Atlanta, Georgia and lives in Decatur. Some of her favorite hobbies include traveling, hiking, crafting, and especially cooking. Sara also loves to spend time with family and friends and loves to be outdoors.

About Sara

Melissa Burton

Senior Teacher
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Melissa Burton | Senior Teacher

Melissa is a teacher in the school program at TCP. She teaches a variety of core academic subjects, as well as some art classes. She has been at TCP since the fall of 2014. Her previous experience includes The Lionheart School, a program in Alpharetta using DIRFloortime as a strong influence.

Melissa also leads social thinking playgroups and is a master at including creativity in play and learning. She has a B.S. in Art Education and holds a Georgia teaching certificate in Art and Special Education.

About Melissa

Dan France

Assistant Teacher
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Dan France | Assistant Teacher

Dan is a Michigan State alumnus where he got his undergrad degree in Hospitality Business. While at Michigan State he played on the football team before eventually going onto the NFL where he played for four years on three different teams (Bengals, Browns, Panthers). After the NFL, he found his passion for teaching through his volunteer work at The Catholic Charities of Atlanta where he tutored and mentored refugee students. In his free time, Dan enjoys yoga, cooking, fantasy football, watching Jeopardy and a good cup of coffee.

About Dan

Jimmy Holt

Teacher
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Jimmy Holt | Teacher

Jimmy Holt is an Assistant Teacher at TCP and has been on the team since Fall 2014. His focus is on fitness and wellness, and he works with a wide range of participants. Before coming to Threshold Community Program, Jimmy worked as the Assistant Director of the After School and Summer Camp programs in the lower levels of the building. Jimmy attended Oxford College of Emory University, where he earned an Associates Degree before going on to receive a Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy from Emory University.

Born and raised here in Atlanta, Jimmy spends most of his time with his wife and son in Lilburn. When he is not outside playing with his son and dog, Jimmy can be found discussing comic books and films or engaged in a game of Magic the Gathering. Other hobbies include creating, cooking, D&D, video games and woodworking.

About Jimmy

Melissa Davis

Associate Counselor
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Melissa Davis | Associate Counselor

Melissa has recently joined TCP as a Paraprofessional after completing a counseling internship at TCP, during the 2017-2018 school year. She provides individual and group support using DIR/Floortime approaches, as well as, assists in various affinities based activities. Melissa completed her Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Mercer University in August 2018 and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Berry College. In her free time, she enjoys live music, a good karaoke party, traveling, hiking, and spontaneous road trips.

About Melissa

Kaitlyn Morris

Counselor
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Kaitlyn Morris | Counselor

Kaitlyn received a Master’s Degree in Professional Counseling from Liberty University in May, 2017. She graduated from Clemson University with a Bachelor’s in Psychology. Kaitlyn has worked for several programs offering transitional support for adolescents leaving their homes and entering college. Many of these adolescents are also international students transitioning into American culture for the first time. In her free time Kaitlyn enjoys reading sci-fi and fantasy novels and attending sporting events.

Kaitlyn completed her graduate internship at TCP in the spring of 2017. She joined the full-time staff as an Assistant Counselor in August, 2017 and is currently a full-time Counselor for the 2018-2019 program year.

About Kaitlyn

Gini Hazen

Assistant Counselor
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Gini Hazen | Assistant Counselor

Gini received her Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Georgia State University in May, 2018. She graduated from Sewanee with a Bachelor’s Degree in International and Global Studies, with a concentration in International Development. In her free time, Gini enjoys traveling, running, cooking, being outside, and hanging out with her husband and dog.

At TCP, Gini will provide individual and group counseling to participants, lead affinities-based activities, and assist with parent education and support groups.

About Gini

Betsy Bull

Associate Counselor
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Betsy Bull | Associate Counselor

Betsy received her Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Georgia State University.  An Arizona native, Betsy moved to Atlanta to attend Emory University, where she graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature and Visual Arts. In her free time, Betsy enjoys yoga, local farmers’ markets, and discovering new places to hike.

At TCP, Betsy will provide individual and group counseling to adolescent and adult participants, lead affinities-based activities, and assist with parent education and support groups.

About Betsy

Jordan Spurlin

Assistant Teacher
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Jordan Spurlin | Assistant Teacher

Jordan graduated from Georgia State University in 2018 with a Bachelors in Psychology and a Minor in Art. She has 6 years of experience working with youth of all ages and has classroom experience from teaching refugee students. She is familiar with the DIR/Floortime model and is currently an Assistant Teacher at TCP.

Jordan spends her free time taking care of her many pets, gardening, painting, and playing video games.

About Jordan

Administration Staff

Ben Davidow

Marketing Manager
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Ben Davidow | Marketing Manager

In addition to teaching writing, music and affinities at TCP, Ben coordinates marketing initiatives, establishes the TCP social media presences, manages outreach, organizes events, and develops both the printed and e-newsletter.

Originally from Roswell, GA, Ben attended Roswell High School and went on to receive a Bachelor’s Degree in English with a concentration in Creative Writing for Poetry at Georgia State University in the summer of 2011. While there, he studied under former Georgia Poet Laureate of 11 years, David Bottoms.  Outside of work, Ben is an active member of Atlanta’s local music scene as a music critic, composer, and multi-instrumentalist.

About Ben

Kristen Maddox

Project Manager
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Kristen Maddox | Project Manager

Kristen joined TCP in December of 2016 as a Paraprofessional. As an administrative Project Manager, Kristen supports the marketing and fundraising functions of the organization.

In 2012, Kristen graduated from The University of Georgia with a B.S in Psychology. She spent a year living in New Zealand, working in childcare and traveling the South Island. Subsequently she spent several years in New England working for a children’s summer camp.

Kristen is a lover of yoga, getting outdoors, meeting new people and a good cup of coffee.

About Kristen

Tim Harland

Development Manager
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Tim Harland | Development Manager

Tim Harland joined TCP as an Assistant Teacher in August of 2017, where he teaches a wide variety of subjects. Before coming to Threshold Community Program, he worked with adolescents on an individual basis as a tutor, additionally assisting them with transitional and independence support.

He graduated from Emory University with a Bachelor’s in Theater Studies. He continues to perform, both in theater and in music, in his spare time. He also has his wife, Kelsey, to thank for having introduced him to TCP in the first during her graduate internship!

About Tim

Interns

Lara Adams

Counseling Intern
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Lara Adams | Counseling Intern

Lara is a counseling intern at TCP, she is currently working toward her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Northwestern University.

Lara was born and raised in South Africa and has lived in the United States for the last 4 years. Lara attended Cape Town University, graduating with a BA in Media & Writing, English and Psychology. She also holds an Honors Degree in Psychology from the University of South Africa. 

Lara loves running, baking, and spending time with her two young children, her husband and her dog, Duke.  

At TCP, Lara will provide individual and group counseling to adolescent and adult participants, lead affinities-based activities, and assist with Individual services. 

About Lara

Drica Dennis

Counseling Intern
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Drica Dennis | Counseling Intern

Drica is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Palo Alto University. She graduated from The University of Georgia with Bachelors' Degrees in Psychology and Theatre. Go Dawgs! In her free time, Drica enjoys writing scripts, playing volleyball and basketball, watching documentaries and stand-up specials and attending productions at The Fox Theater.

At TCP, Drica will provide individual and group counseling to adolescent and adult participants, lead affinities-based activities, and assist with individualized transition programs.

About Drica

Justine Vadini

Counseling Intern
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Justine Vadini | Counseling Intern

Justine is a counseling intern at TCP, currently working towards a Master's degree in Mental Health Counseling from Northwestern University. She also holds a BA in English Literature from Elon University.

Her experience so far has involved crisis counseling teens and young adults experiencing homelessness and co-counseling group therapies at a community mental health agency in Chicago.

In her free time Justine enjoys the great outdoors and experiencing the vibrancy of the Atlanta arts scene.

About Justine

Rahul Desai

Student Teacher
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Rahul Desai | Student Teacher

Rahul received his B.S. in Psychology with a concentration in child development from the University of Georgia. He is currently earning his M.A.T. in Special Education from Georgia State University. Originally from New Orleans, Rahul lived in San Francisco for 5 years doing design research before returning to Atlanta to pursue his passion for education. Rahul is a lover of dogs, biology and the visual arts.

About Rahul

Kelsey Williams

Counseling Intern
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Kelsey Williams | Counseling Intern

Kelsey is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Georgia State University. She graduated from the College of Wooster in Ohio with a Bachelor’s Degree in East Asian Studies and a minor in Chinese Studies.

After graduating, Kelsey was accepted as a Fulbright grantee and moved to South Korea where she worked at several elementary schools as an English Teaching Assistant and lived with a Korean homestay family. She moved to Atlanta in 2016 to be close to her older brother and ended up finding her husband here as well. These days, Kelsey enjoys long walks around the Atlanta neighborhoods, going to concerts, hiking, cooking, reading, drinking tea, and eating all things delicious.

At TCP, Kelsey will provide individual and group counseling to adolescent and adult participants, lead affinities-based activities, and assist with parent education and support groups.

About Kelsey

Board of Directors

JoJo Gilbert-Ross

Chair
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JoJo Gilbert-Ross | Chair

Joye “JoJo” Gilbert-Ross has owned Operation Boot Camp Decatur since 2007. In that time she’s helped to whip hundreds of Atlantans into shape and loved every minute of it. In addition, she also owns an interior design/home staging business, home.staging.love. Prior to stepping out into the entrepreneur world, JoJo worked at several non-profit agencies in the Atlanta area as well as South Florida. Her love of helping others and interest in what each individual brings to the world is part of what fuels her passion for TCP. “TCP provides something that is so basic to what so many of us lack: somewhere we are celebrated just as we are. TCP goes one better-bringing out that potential that students themselves didn’t even know they had. If I can do anything to create more of that in the world, I am in!” JoJo lives in Kirkwood with her wife, Melissa.

JoJo joined the TCP Board in June, 2013.

About Jojo

Brenda Alexander

Board Member
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Brenda Alexander

Brenda is a native of Atlanta and graduated from Mercer University in 1977 with a degree in Education. She is Mother of three children; two married daughters and her son Charlie, who is a participant at TCP. Although she discontinued teaching after the birth of her first child, her love for education continued. She served for many years on the PTA board of Smoke Rise Elementary, taught children’s church at Smoke Rise Baptist Church and was very involved at Greater Atlanta Christian School. Her youngest child Charlie was diagnosed with Autism in 2000. Brenda knew that education for Charlie was going to be very important and seeking the best possible opportunities for him became paramount in her decisions and efforts.

She enrolled Charlie at the Coralwood School and quickly became involved. She served on both the PTA board as well as the Coralwood Foundation. Later as Charlie advanced to Hawthorne Elementary School, Brenda served on the PTA board and was recognized as an outstanding volunteer at Hawthorne. She brought all of this educational and volunteerism spirit with her when Charlie became a participant at TCP.

In 2008 Brenda fulfilled a dream of owning a Boutique when she and two friends opened the “Shops at Tucker House” which became a popular and successful fixture in her home town. Brenda has served her community through many different Organizations and Charities. She and her husband, Andy, are active members of Smoke Rise Baptist Church and founders of Smoke Rise Country Club. They enjoy spending time with their four grandchildren and following along on Charlie’s many adventures.

Brenda is proud to wear two hats at TCP, both as a parent and Board Member.

Brenda joined the TCP Board in September, 2016.

About Brenda

Beth Champ

Executive Clinical Director
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Beth Champ | Executive Clinical Director

Beth Champ is the Executive Clinical Director at Threshold Community Program. She is responsible for all program services and staff development. She also provides direct service in the form of individual and group counseling, as well as crisis support and clinical supervision. Beth has been with TCP since 2009, first as a counseling intern and then as a mental health counselor. Before joining Threshold Community Program, Beth was the Associate Director for Career Counseling at Emory University for three years, working primarily with graduate students. Counseling is actually Beth’s second career. Prior to transitioning into counseling, Beth worked as a strategy consultant in the health care field for eight years, living in Dallas and Los Angeles.

Beth has an M.S. in Counseling from Georgia State University, as well as an M.S. in Chemistry and an M.B.A. from UCLA. She is licensed as a professional counselor (LPC) in the state of Georgia and is a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC). She has an Advanced DIR Certificate from the Interdisciplinary Council on Developmental and Learning Disorders and has presented locally and nationally on such topics as sexuality and autism and higher level thinking in adolescents and young adults. Beth is also an Approved Clinical Supervisor.

About Beth

Lynn Holliday

Board Member
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Lynn Holliday

Lynn Holliday is a partner in the Real Estate group of the national law firm Seyfarth Shaw, LLP, and the parent of 2 young men on the autism spectrum. She grew up at the beach on the panhandle of Florida, graduated from Florida State University in 1975 with a BS in Biology, and then Emory University in 1978 with a degree in Medical Science under the Physician’s Assistant program. She worked as a physician’s assistant in oncology for 10 years in Atlanta. Subsequently, she attended and graduated from Georgia State law school in 1990, and has a national practice in commercial real estate. She has lived in the Emory/ Virginia Highlands area of Atlanta since 1978, and is very grateful for proximity to the young adult program of Threshold Community Program, which has provided a constant, responsive and tailored support to her family in the phase of life following high school.

Lynn joined the TCP Board in June, 2012.

About Lynn

Dave Nelson

Executive Administrative Director
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Dave Nelson | Executive Administrative Director

Dave is the Executive Administrative Director of Threshold Community Program and the organization’s founder. Dave’s role is focused on marketing, fundraising, general administration, professional outreach, strategic partnerships, and business development. He also continues to provide direct service in the form of individual, group and family counseling, as well as crisis support and clinical supervision.

Dave has an M.S. in Counseling and an M.A. in English Literature from Georgia State University, as well as an M.B.A. from Duke University. He is licensed as a professional counselor (LPC) in the state of Georgia. He has a DIR expert certificate and is a DIR Training Leader with the Interdisciplinary Council on Development and Learning (ICDL). He is an Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS). Dave is also part of Floortime Atlanta, a professional group of clinicians in the Atlanta area who use the DIR approach.

Dave is the father of two adult sons and a nine year old stepdaughter. His interests include golf, literature, skiing, hiking, and biking. He is originally from Massachusetts, and still visits New England regularly. Before becoming a counselor, he taught Business Communication at GSU in both the undergraduate and graduate programs, and worked in the computer industry, providing development office turnkey systems to non-profit organizations.

Dave has been a board member since TCP incorporated in 2004.

About Dave

Rich Perano

Secretary
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Rich Perano | Secretary

Rich Perano has over 34 years of experience managing investment portfolios for an accomplished clientele of high net worth individuals, corporate executives, entrepreneurs, doctors, lawyers and actors in the motion picture and theater arts. While working for innovative investment banks such as Drexel Burnham Lambert and Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette, Rich provided a wide range of sophisticated financial (institutional) services for over 15 years to a few well-known hedge fund managers in addition to growing his private client business. For the last 18 years, Rich has been managing diversified investment portfolios on both a discretionary and non-discretionary basis; running long/short equity portfolios for a select group of pre-qualified investors; and providing sophisticated and open access to the full range of wealth management options for his diverse client base.

Rich received a Liberal Arts education, earning a B.A. Degree in English from Villanova University.

Rich is a frequent runner; a constant participant in Operation Boot Camp since July 2011; and an amateur portrait and human figure artist.

Rich has one daughter, Kalli, a cum laude graduate of Carleton College with a Master’s Degree from the Hubert Humphrey School of Public Policy at University of Minnesota.

Rich joined the TCP Board in January, 2010.

About Rich

Jocelyn Ralston

Board Member
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Jocelyn Ralston

Jocelyn is a native Atlantan and a proud graduate of the University of Georgia with a B.A. in English and Classical Studies. She and her husband Ward have three children, two daughters and a son who is a participant in the Kirkwood group at TCP. Jocelyn is excited to have the opportunity to serve on the Board at TCP because it has made such a difference in not only her son’s life, but in the whole family dynamic.

Jocelyn retired from the workforce 21 years ago to focus on family. Jocelyn has spent many years volunteering at all three of her children’s schools. She spent many years as a volunteer with Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta, leading two troops and holding multiple Service Unit level jobs in the Dunwoody Service Unit. Jocelyn is also an active volunteer at her parish, Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church, where she is currently an elected member of the Parish Pastoral Council and serves on the Parish Liturgy Committee. Jocelyn also enjoys volunteering for The Catholic Foundation of North Georgia.

In her spare time, Jocelyn enjoys reading, cooking, baking, exercising, and watching SEC Football, particularly the Georgia Bulldogs and The Alabama Crimson Tide.

About Joceyln

Jay Sampson

Treasurer
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Jay Sampson | Treasurer

Jay is a managing director at Beecher Carlson, a boutique property/casualty insurance broker headquartered in Atlanta. He has been in the risk management profession since 1987 after graduating with a BBA in risk management from the University of Georgia.

Jay grew up in the Atlanta area, and his interest include running, golfing, ballroom dancing, flying, and dogs. He lives in Buckhead with his wife, Lynne, and his two dogs.

Jay is committed to helping Threshold Community Program increase its profile in the metro Atlanta to facilitate the fund-raising needs TCP needs to help fulfill its mission.

Jay joined the TCP Board in September, 2015.

About Jay

David Vigilante

Board Member
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David Vigilante

David Vigilante is senior vice president, legal for CNN and senior vice president and associate general counsel for Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. (TBS, Inc.). Vigilante is based in CNN’s world headquarters in Atlanta and reports to executive vice president and general counsel of TBS, Inc., Louise Sams.

David’s responsibilities include serving as chief editorial counsel for CNN’s worldwide operations as well as oversight of all litigation affecting TBS, Inc. or its subsidiaries, worldwide which, in addition to CNN, includes brands such as TNT, TBS, truTV, Cartoon Network and Turner’s international networks. He is an occasional contributor to CNN, and in 2013 he was awarded a national Edward R. Murrow Award for writing.

David earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Government and Politics from the University of Maryland and earned his Juris Doctor degree, graduating with distinction, from Emory Law School.

David is the parent of a former TCP student and saw first-hand the transformation and success that is possible under Threshold Community Program model.

David joined the TCP Board in June, 2013.

About David

Ben Chapman

Board Member
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Ben Chapman

Ben Chapman has been the Assistant Dean for Information Technology and Emory Law School since 2004. He’s in charge of a team that supports OSX, Windows, Linux, and related technologies for the law school and he’s also been heavily involved in the creation of a new online program at the law school. For the last four years, he has also been an adjunct instructor at Emory Law, co-teaching an advanced legal writing class focused on blogging and social media and teaching a Contracts class for Emory’s online JM students. Earlier in his career he spent five years as a practicing attorney at a mid-sized top-rated law firm in Oklahoma. He is especially interested in the impact of of technology on teaching and learning.

About Ben

Laura Akins

Board Member
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Laura Akins

Laura Akins practices law in the areas of estate planning and probate, with a focus on special needs planning and elder law. Based out of Nadler Biernath’s Dunwoody office, she serves clients throughout the greater Atlanta area.
Laura assists her clients in planning for benefit and asset protection, family emergencies, and for the end of life. After a loved one has experienced a catastrophe or passed away, Laura also helps clients navigate through the probate court procedure and legalities.

As a native Atlantan, Laura appreciates the opportunity to serve her hometown community. With
patience and empathy, she guides her clients through the often overwhelming estate planning or probate processes. Laura finds it incredibly rewarding to connect with her clients and make
difficult circumstances easier.

Laura received a B.A. in History from the University of Georgia and a J.D. from Cumberland
School of Law, Samford University.

She is an active member of the Georgia Association for Women Lawyers and the Atlanta Bar Association. Laura also serves as a board member of Threshold Community Program in Decatur, C.H.O.I.C.E.S. Inc., and the Elder Law section of the Atlanta Bar Association.

When she isn’t working, Laura is passionate about fitness and nutrition. She loves finding new running routes or hiking trails to explore and enjoys trying new restaurants around Atlanta.

About Laura

Steve Whittington

Board Member
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Steve Whittington

Steve directs the business development initiatives at Montag, in an effort to grow the firm’s assets under management and to develop existing and new relationships with various referral sources, as well as to help evolve the firm’s marketing program. Steve ascertained a M.B.A. in Finance at the University of South Carolina and received an B.A. in English at Appalachian State University

Prior to joining Montag in 2016, Steve spent ten years in the enterprise valuation industry, where he valued private companies for gift and estate and merger and acquisition purposes, as well as running the employee stock ownership (ESOP) practice line for valuation firms in Atlanta and New York City. Steve began his career in the investment management field for SunTrust Bank’s Personal Asset Management Division.

Steve is originally from Chapel Hill, North Carolina, but has lived in the Atlanta area, off and on, for approximately 25 years. Steve is an avid runner, soccer player, and former musician.

Steve joined the TCP Board November, 2017.

About Steve

Stories

The Power of Play

December 4, 2019

Play is one of the most important components for individuals across a lifespan. In childhood, research shows that play promotes the development of social-emotional, cognitive, …

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After School Social Groups: Decatur High School

November 14, 2019

Threshold Community Program (formerly The Community School) is a non-profit organization in the Decatur area that serves adolescents and adults, many with challenges in social …

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Independent Living in 3D

November 13, 2019

Today’s activity was called Independent Living in 3D! We’ve been talking about what it means to live independently and how that might look different for …

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Making Dream Internships Come True!

November 6, 2019

Our transition services are some of the most unique components to our program. This includes internships with a handful of engaged community partners that help …

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An Apple a Day, Does More Than Keep the Doctor Away!

October 23, 2019

In our transition group, we have been working on perspective taking, compromise, taking risks (trying new things!). To orient everyone to these topics, and our …

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Got A Problem? No Problem!

September 12, 2019

I’m excited to be back in the groove with the participants! Although part of my job involves exciting activities like payroll reconciliation and benefits analyses, …

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Photographic Perspectives

April 30, 2019

Written by Ben Davidow, our Marketing Manager, this article focuses on our partnership with Illuminate Atlanta and our growing photography program!

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The TCP Victory Manual

April 24, 2019

This unique article features testimonials and advice from our participants about how to be successful at TCP and what they believe sets TCP apart from other communities.

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48 Hour Online Fundraiser

April 18, 2019

48 Hour Online Mayhem will take place May 1st to May 3rd, noon to noon. It is a Spring fundraiser benefiting Threshold Community Program.

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