Who We Are: A 125-Year Legacy

About Julio

Julio is an award-winning change-maker and collaborative nonprofit leader with a track record of driving measurable impact for organizations focused on the stability and success of youth and families in low-opportunity communities. He joined Hope Atlanta as CEO in April of 2022 with a strong belief that, in addition to being the #1 state for business, Georgia can become a model for addressing homelessness through collective action. Prior to joining Hope Atlanta, Julio served as COO of Families First. He has also held executive leadership positions at TechBridge and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta. Julio has been recognized as one of Atlanta Business Chronicle’s 40 under 40, Atlanta Magazine’s Atlanta 500, and Georgia Trend’s Top 500 leaders, among other accolades. Julio also serves on the boards of Leadership Atlanta, Agape Youth & Family Center, Atlanta Victim Assistance, and the GreenLight Fund. Originally from Colombia, Julio earned a Bachelor’s in Business Administration in Spain and holds a certification in Strategy and Innovation from Columbia University.

About Elizabeth

Elizabeth is a public health practitioner and non-profit strategist who is devoted to creating healthy communities. Banks brings a valued skill set in performance optimization and program development to HOPE Atlanta. Elizabeth has worked for Families First, the Foundation for Veterans’ Education and Research, UCLA Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, and several consulting agencies, including James Bell & Associates. She holds a Master’s in Public Health from Emory University and, through her work with nonprofits, has specialized in program design, research and evaluation, and strategic management. As an up-and-coming leader in Atlanta, Elizabeth was selected as a member of Atlanta Women’s Foundations Inspire Class of 2022 and Georgia Forward’s Young Gamechanger Class of 2023.

About Kellie

A passionate and dedicated nonprofit leader with a background in social work and fundraising, Kellie has worked in the Atlanta non-profit sector for over 20 years. Kellie is a first-generation college graduate holding a degree in social work from Georgia State University. From there, she worked with children diagnosed with emotional and behavioral disorders. It is her passion for youth and those experiencing homelessness that led her to nearly nine years of service at Covenant House Georgia’s Development Team. In 2020, Kellie was honored to be named one of the Atlanta Business Chronicles’ 40 under 40. She has a huge heart for the Atlanta community and loves to engage others in meaningful work. Kellie and her husband, James, reside in Atlanta with their two incredible children. She is thrilled to be part of the long history of Hope Atlanta and is excited about the future impact it will make on Atlanta’s homeless communities.

About Paula

Paula began her career in New York as an auditor specializing in nonprofit, education, and government audits. Paula has held many leadership roles encompassing finance, administration, human resources, and information technology. After moving to Atlanta, Paula began overseeing finance, operations, dining, and human resources for auxiliary services at Emory University. Her educational qualifications include an MBA from Emory Goizueta Business School, a Juris Master from Emory School of Law, and a Master’s in Nonprofit Finance and Human Resources from New School University. She also received postgraduate certificates in Evaluation and Assessment Methods from Agnes Scott College and a Six Sigma Green Belt certification. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Paula is a dedicated volunteer Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) who passionately advocates for services benefiting children in foster care. Additionally, she actively contributes to the empowerment of young adults by teaching financial literacy, equipping them with invaluable skills for future success.

About Sarah

Sarah is a fundraising professional with a passion for nonprofits and furthering their missions through effective fundraising strategies. She uses written communication and authentic relationship-building to create a strong foundation. Sarah has served at multiple nonprofit organizations, including Amana Academy, Skyland Trail, the Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation, and consulting firm Coxe Curry & Associates. She is passionate about breaking the cycle of poverty and being a part of HOPE Atlanta’s team. Sarah holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication from Georgia College & State University and a master’s in public administration from the University of Georgia.

About Carlos

Carlos joined Hope Atlanta as Office Manager in February 2025, bringing over 20 years of experience in IT project coordination and account management. Having worked with several Fortune 500 companies, he offers a strong background in project management, customer service operations, and service delivery.

As Office Manager at Hope Atlanta, Carlos plays a key role in ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of day-to-day business functions. With a strong background in IT project coordination and account management, Carlos brings a unique blend of administrative leadership and technical insight to the team.

In this role, Carlos oversees office operations, vendor relationships, and internal processes, while also supporting cross-functional initiatives that drive efficiency and collaboration. Carlos also brings valuable account management experience, having worked directly with clients and stakeholders to maintain strong relationships, meet expectations, and deliver high-quality service.

With a unique blend of experience in both administrative leadership and IT project and account management, Carlos is committed to oversee and coordinate the day-to-day administrative operations while creating an efficient and supportive work environment.

About Vivien

As Director of Corporate Relations, Vivien brings experience in fundraising and building partnerships between nonprofit organizations and corporations. Vivien is an Atlanta native who began her nonprofit career at the American Cancer Society. Before joining Hope Atlanta, she held a role in Corporate Social Responsibility and led fundraising efforts to support Junior Achievement of Georgia. Vivien is currently finishing her Master of Public Administration degree at the University of Georgia with a concentration in nonprofit management. 

About Marita

Marita has worked in social services for over 20 years. Elliot joined HOPE Atlanta in 2013 as a case manager and has helped Veterans access housing, employment, and other critical resources. She finds purpose in advocating for those in need and providing guidance that empowers change. She has gained experience developing programs and services to meet the needs of our neighbors through her roles in public and private organizations. Marita is dedicated to improving the lives of the people she serves and is honored to serve those who have served our country. She holds a bachelor’s in criminal justice from Elizabeth City State University.

About Kala

Kala Farrare began her career in human services in 2009 as an intern working with families affected by HIV/AIDS. She earned a Bachelor of Social Work from Bowie State University and a Master of Social Work from Salisbury University, both in Maryland. As a licensed social worker, Kala has gained diverse experience across multiple sectors, including foster care, juvenile justice, education as a school social worker, and the medical field.

In 2016, Kala transitioned into leadership as the Operational Program Director for Mentor Maryland in the Behavioral Health Department. In this capacity, she worked with youth and families involved with the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services and those eligible for the 1915i Home and Community-Based Waiver.

Outside of her professional career, Kala has been an active member of the City of Salisbury’s Youth Development Advisory Committee and Criminal Justice Task Force. She also founded and operated a small non-profit. She also contributed to community initiatives through her sorority, holding several positions.

After relocating to Georgia, Kala served as the Operational Program Director at a local psychiatric hospital, then progressed to Director of Quality Improvement and Training, before being promoted to Chief Clinical Officer at The Recovery Center USA. Kala also serves as a Behavioral Health Surveyor for the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), further highlighting her expertise and dedication to upholding high standards of care within the behavioral health field. Now a part of the Hope Atlanta team, Kala is passionate about continuing her work supporting people affected by behavioral health disorders.

About Antoinette

Antoinette has over 38 years of social work experience and a Bachelor of Social Work degree from Tuskegee Institute. She began her career at the Bureau of Child Welfares Decade of the Child Campaign and was an auditor and area administrator for foster care and adoption in New York. She moved to Atlanta and began work with traumatic brain and spinal cord injury clients. Later, she began assisting Veterans at Hope Atlanta. She is an organizer and secretary of Rescue1Centry, a nonprofit supporting the efforts of Metro Atlanta organizations seeking to prevent and/or mitigate the impact of child exploitation and human sex trafficking.

About Adam

Adam joined Hope Atlanta in 2022, bringing a holistic approach to community support and empowerment through his lived experiences. Having spent years living abroad and working with San Francisco’s homeless community, Adam brings an understanding of community empowerment.  Adam’s experience working with individuals with substance use disorder has allowed him to address homelessness in Metro Atlanta. He is dedicated to serving our neighbors, offering them assistance and a sense of hope.

About Beverly

Beverly has over 15 years of experience in social services, working with people experiencing homelessness. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s in health services. Beverly has an extensive history working in mental health, substance abuse, and the judicial system in Metro Atlanta. Her mission is to continuously strive to make a difference in the community as well as the lives of homeless families, individuals, and underserved populations throughout various counties.

About Tony

Tony has over 20 years of experience in finance and accounting and has worked in many sectors, including corporate, government, and nonprofit. He holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from North Carolina State University and began his career as a Contract and Grants Accountant at Winston-Salem State University. He moved to Atlanta and began work at Coca-Cola, managing the Southeast region’s customer care finances while receiving his MBA from Troy University. His commitment to making a positive impact led him to complete the Executive Leadership Program for Nonprofit Organizations at the University of Georgia’s Fanning Institute for Leadership Development.

About Shelby

Originally from Birmingham, Alabama, Shelby earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Alabama State University and a Master of Social Work from Walden University. She has been with Hope Atlanta’s SSVF program for more than 10 years, providing comprehensive support for Veterans facing homelessness. Driven by a profound sense of empathy and a desire to make a difference, Shelby approaches her work with professionalism, integrity, and an understanding of Veterans’ needs.

About Sarina

Sarina joined HOPE Atlanta in 2024, bringing 10 years of nonprofit experience. Her passion for supporting our neighbors led her to work for many organizations, including Junior Achievement of Georgia, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta, and the Urban League of Greater Atlanta. Sarina is a Licensed Master Social Worker with a bachelor’s in psychology from the University of South Florida and a master’s in social work from Georgia State University. She has been named one of the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network of Atlanta’s 30 Under 30, Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals’ 35 Under 35, and a member of LEAD Atlanta’s Class of 2024.

About Latricia

Latricia has an extensive background working with a variety of the homeless population located in Metro Atlanta. Originally from Pensacola, she has a degree in Psychology from Georgia State University, a Master’s in Business Administration, a Master’s in Philosophy and is currently a Ph.D candidate in Public Policy with a concentration in Non-Profit Management. Latricia is a Certified Life Coach as well as a published author.

About Jeffrey

Jeffery Palmer has been providing non-profit social services to the underserved populations in New York City and Georgia for 36 plus years, with the past 17 years at Hope Atlanta.
Jeffery holds a Master of Social Work from Fordham University School of Social Work and a Bachelor of Science from St. John’s University. He continues to be excited and honored for being a part of the Hope Atlanta organization with a 120-year track record of improving the quality of life of thousands of individuals and communities in Georgia. He has had the opportunity to work with in the organization as it evolved into a whole health provider to meet the growing and complex needs of the people and communities within Georgia.

He is steadfast in his commitment to providing a model of best practices, he is dedicated to meeting all individuals with expertise and compassion and for those that he works with he is committed to a work culture that is kind, and where employees feel seen and appreciated for who they are and all the work they do.

Jeffery’s personality involves a strong sense of responsibility and loyalty towards the Hope Atlanta Brand and his dedication goes beyond mere commitment and involves a deep level of devotion, passion, and perseverance towards a purpose of service to others.

About Monyca

Monyca joined Hope Atlanta in January 2015 as a case manager. During her tenure, she has guided many individuals to self-sufficiency through various positions within the agency. With eleven years of experience working in social services, Monyca is committed to providing the highest level of care to those in need. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Spelman College.

About Abi

Abi Thomas-George , LCSW is a passionate in the behavioral health space, a proud graduate of Jackson State University, where she earned her master’s degree in social work in 2011. Though initially apprehensive about entering the field of behavioral health, she faced her fears head-on, fully committing herself to making a difference in her first professional role after college. It was during this time that she discovered her desire and passion to impact one person or family on their desire for living their best lives despite their illness.

Abi’s career reflects a remarkable journey of professional growth in several states across America learning and adopting to different culture and population while maintaining her standard to provide quality care no matter the environment. Abi’s drive, leadership, and passion ultimately propelled her into the role of Clinical Director, where she now oversees programs, mentors teams, and develops strategies to improve behavioral health services.

Her work is guided by a deeply personal motto: “It can be anyone, and it can be me.” This philosophy drives her to approach each client not as just a case but as a person who could be herself or a loved one. This mindset fuels her passion for providing compassionate care and advocacy for individuals navigating behavioral health challenges.

With her dedication, empathy, and leadership, Abi continues to be a committed advocate for this our neighbors, striving to inspire change, develop impactful programs, and make a lasting difference in behavioral health.

About Alison

Alison brings over 25 years of leadership and management experience in the nonprofit housing sector and public service. She is a licensed social worker with a Master of Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and African American Studies from the University at Buffalo. A defining moment in Alison’s career was leading her team at Hope Atlanta in an emergency response effort during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Under her direction, the team successfully sheltered more than 250 literally homeless veterans, with over 50% transitioning into permanent housing—a testament to her commitment to rapid, results-driven service delivery. In recognition of her efforts, she received the “Unsung Hero” award from the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans in 2021. Alison is passionate about using data to drive continuous improvement and enhance the impact of human services. Outside of her professional work, she enjoys gardening, feeding others, and spending quality time with her family.