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

Drica Dennis

Assistant Counselor
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Drica Dennis | Assistant Counselor

Drica received her Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Palo Alto University. She graduated from The University of Georgia with a Bachelors' Degrees in Psychology and Theatre. Go Dawgs! In addition to her clinical work Drica conducts research in multicultural education and minority representation in counseling, serves on committees for the advancement of marginalized groups and participates in the development of social justice organizations. 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 serve as curriculum lead for individualized processing sessions.

About Drica

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

Justine Vadini

Assistant Counselor
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Justine Vadini | Assistant Counselor

Justine received her Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Northwestern University. She grew up in North Carolina where she also received a BA in English Literature at Elon University. 

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

As a counselor on the administrative team at TCP, Justine will provide individual and group counseling as well as support fundraising and development efforts for the organization. 

About Justine

Interns

Maggie Vrana

Counseling Intern
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Maggie Vrana | Counseling Intern

Maggie is currently pursuing her Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Georgia State University. She holds a B.A. in Religious Studies from Oberlin College with a minor in dance, and a B.A. in Psychology from Georgia State University.

Prior professional experience has been in teaching private music lessons and managing a local coffee shop. In her free time, Maggie enjoys running, baking, and hunkering down with a good book in the company of her dog and cats. She loves trying new things, as long as she can bring coffee!

About Maggie

Daisha Lark

Counseling Intern
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Daisha Lark | Counseling Intern

Daisha is currently pursuing a Masters Degree in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling at Mercer University. She graduated from Clark Atlanta University with a Bachelors degree in Psychology. In her free time, Daisha enjoys reading a good drama book, binge-watching tv shows, and dancing to 90's music.
 
At TCP, Daisha will provide individual and group counseling to adolescent and adult participants, lead affinities- based activities, and assist with individual transition programs.
About Daisha

Amelia Middlebrooks

Counseling Intern
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Amelia Middlebrooks | Counseling Intern

Amelia is a counseling intern at TCP and is currently working toward her Master’s degree in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling at Mercer University. Combined with her art degree from the University of Georgia, she hopes to introduce art therapy into her practice as a counselor, helping those at TCP discover alternate ways to express themselves.

Outside of work and school, Amelia enjoys spending time with her roommate – a yellow lab
named Stella. In addition to Stella, Amelia loves Diet Coke, afternoon naps, and the Georgia Bulldogs.

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

About Amelia

Kanishka Patel

Counseling Intern
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Kanishka Patel | Counseling Intern

Kanishka is a counseling intern at TCP and is currently working toward her Master's degree in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling at Georgia State University. She received her B.S. in Psychology at Mercer University (Go Bears!). She hopes to work with children and young adults using play therapy after graduation.
 
At TCP, Kanishka will provide individual and group counseling to participants, lead affinities-based & fitness activities, and work with the family services team.
 
In her free time, Kanishka loves to binge watch TV shows, listen to music, and play with her dog. A COVID hobby she has picked up is discovering new music that makes her happy and collecting vinyl. She also loves a good cup of coffee, trying new food, and hearing cheesy jokes. 
About Kanishka

Chris DeVinney

Counseling Intern
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Chris DeVinney | Counseling Intern

Chris DeVinney is a counseling intern at TCP, currently completing a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Georgia State University. She holds a BA in Psychology from Georgia State University and a MS in Conservation Ecology and Sustainable Development from the University of Georgia. Chris’ professional experience includes work in the policy arena as a legislative staff member for a U. S. Senator and for a legislator in the Georgia General Assembly’s House of Representatives. She has spent numerous legislative sessions under Georgia’s Gold Dome as a policy advocate (aka lobbyist).

Chris took a hiatus from professional work to raise her two children, who are now teenagers. She and her spouse have been together for over 30 years. Chris has a specialty interest in counseling work related to relationships, sexuality, and sexual wellbeing. 

In her free time Chris likes to travel, see live music, and sink deep into the flow of an interesting conversation with friends over a delicious meal, especially if it’s cooked by someone else. She will always bring dessert, though.

About Chris

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

Sean Martin

Board Member
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Sean Martin | Board Member

Sean Martin is a native of Madrid, Spain and earned a B.S. from the University of Florida as well as an M.B.A. from Indiana University.  Sean is the father of three adult children including his son, who has been attending TCP for over a decade.

Sean is the founder of Brandiosity, a company dedicated to marketing research & brand development.  Prior to founding Brandiosity in 2005, Sean held leadership roles at Quaker Oats, Coca-Cola, Zyman Group and Novartis.

Sean is grateful to have the opportunity to serve on the TCP Board given the profound impact TCP has had on his family and his desire to see it positively impact other families.

Sean joined the TCP Board in January, 2019.

About Sean

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

Tamara Agarwal

Board Member
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Tamara Agarwal

Tamara is originally from the tiny Caribbean island nation of Antigua. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a BBA in Marketing, with a focus on non-profit organizations.

She, her husband and two children have lived in three countries and eight US states.  They moved to Atlanta in 2018 to enroll their son at TCP.

Through homeschooling her son, and arranging various support services for him across the country (and world!), Tamara spent countless hours researching global best practices for supporting autistic individuals. She is passionate about approaches which focus on emotional wellbeing and relationship development, and is thrilled to have found TCP.

Tamara is currently working towards her Masters in Education in Autism from the University of Strathclyde, in Scotland. She is especially interested in exploring the potential for self directed learning for people on the spectrum. She is also a long-standing member of the Alliance for Self Directed Education. 

In her free time, Tamara enjoys cooking, baking sourdough bread and gardening.  She is still an island girl at heart and is happiest when she’s near the ocean.

About Tamara

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

Stories

Our Year Has Begun at TCP!

September 2, 2020

Our year has begun at TCP! One month in, and we almost feel like we’ve always been working virtually. OK, that might be a slight …

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Standing in Solidarity

June 10, 2020

Threshold Community Program’s mission is to support the education, growth and advocacy of a marginalized population, and we are committed to creating a world in …

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Versatility & Discovery

May 29, 2020

Last August, before the start of the program year, our executive clinical director, Beth Champ, presented on our theme for the year: Versatility. I think …

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Lara’s Interview

May 27, 2020

Lara is a counseling intern at Threshold Community Program from October of 2019 through May of 2020. Lara is from South Africa and she and …

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TCP Virtual Art Gallery

May 8, 2020

We are excited to announce that the TCP Virtual Art Gallery is officially open and features artwork uniquely crafted by our participants and staff. The …

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An Extrovert’s Guide to Thriving During Quarantine

April 10, 2020

As the country settles into various levels of “stay at home” orders, everyone is trying to adjust to our new normal. I am what some …

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Welcome to our 2020, 9th Annual Southern Soiree and Auction

January 16, 2020

TCP is in its fifteenth year of operation, our adolescence! We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization, raising money to help support our programs and services. …

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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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