125 Years of Hope in Action:
Follow Our Evolving Story

About Julio

Julio is an award-winning change-maker and collaborative nonprofit leader with a proven record of driving measurable impact for organizations advancing the stability and success of youth and families in underserved communities. Since joining Hope Atlanta as CEO in April 2022, Julio has championed a bold vision: that Georgia—known as the #1 state for business—can also become a model for addressing homelessness through collective action.

Julio brings a wealth of experience from key leadership roles, including COO of Families First and executive positions at TechBridge and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta. His leadership has earned him accolades such as the Bill Bolling Nonprofit Leader Award, 50 Most Influential Latinos in Georgia by the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Atlanta Business Chronicle’s 40 Under 40, Atlanta Magazine’s Atlanta 500, and Georgia Trend’s Top 500 Leaders.

Originally from Colombia, Julio holds a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Spain and a certification in Strategy and Innovation from Columbia University. He currently serves on the board of Leadership Atlanta, is a member of the Advisory Board for HouseATL and the Governing Council of the Atlanta Continuum of Care, and he is a past board member of Agape Youth & Family Center, Atlanta Victim Assistance, and the GreenLight Fund, where he continues to be an active supporter.

Julio’s work embodies the belief that no one organization can solve the challenges of homelessness alone. By fostering collaboration and embracing innovation, he has helped bring together diverse partners to create smarter, more compassionate solutions. Central to this vision is the integration of behavioral health services—addressing the whole person and ensuring that care goes beyond housing to support long-term stability and well-being. Julio’s leadership reflects the heart of Hope Atlanta’s mission: building a city where every neighbor has the opportunity to thrive, and every partnership strengthens the path toward a stronger, healthier, and more hopeful Georgia.

About Elizabeth

Elizabeth is a public health practitioner and non-profit strategist who is devoted to creating healthy and equitable 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

Kellie Glenn is the Chief Development Officer at Hope Atlanta, bringing more than 20 years of nonprofit leadership experience in fundraising, strategy, and community engagement. She oversees all fundraising and marketing efforts, including annual giving, major gifts, corporate and foundation partnerships, and special events.

Kellie has led Hope Atlanta through its first comprehensive capacity-building campaign, raising more than $10 million to strengthen programs and long-term sustainability. Her leadership has supported significant revenue growth and expanded the organization’s ability to serve individuals and families experiencing homelessness across Atlanta.

She holds a degree in social work from Georgia State University and began her career in direct service, later spending nearly nine years on the development team at Covenant House Georgia. Kellie was named one of the Atlanta Business Chronicle’s 40 Under 40 in 2020 and is a 2026 alumna of the University of Georgia’s Executive Leadership Program for Non-Profits (ELPNO).

Kellie lives in Atlanta with her husband and two children.

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 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 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 Monyca

Monyca has been a valued member of the Hope Atlanta team since January 2015. She began her career with the organization as a Case Manager and has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting individuals on their path toward self-sufficiency. Over the years, Monyca has worked closely with clients to help them achieve stability and empowerment, while also taking on various roles within the agency to expand her impact.

With more than twelve years of experience in behavioral health and social services, Monyca is deeply committed to delivering compassionate, high-quality, client-centered care. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Spelman College, which provides a strong foundation for her work in mental health and human services.

About Kiara

As Director of Marketing & Communications, Kiara is excited to amplify Hope Atlanta’s impact and actualize its vision to permanently transform lives and communities by ending homelessness. With over a decade of Marketing experience ranging from sales & brand growth to competitive market intelligence, Kiara brings deep expertise and a lens of the entire marketing journey from conception to execution. Beyond her skills, she is most enthused about contributing her compassion for humanity and servant leadership.

Kiara holds a Master of Arts in Mass Communications from Georgia State University and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Tennessee. She’s also had the pleasure of working for well-known organizations including Zoo Atlanta, Chick-fil-A, and UPS Healthcare. 

Though born and raised in Memphis, TN, she’s considered Atlanta home for the last 11 years, where she currently resides with her husband and two daughters. 

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. She has a strong passion for helping underserved communities, supporting animal welfare, and advancing civic engagement.

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 Marita

Marita has worked in social services for over 20 years, dedicating her career to helping underserved and at-risk communities. 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 vulnerable populations 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 Antoinette

Antoinette has more than 38 years of experience in social work and holds a Bachelor of Social Work degree from Tuskegee Institute. She began her career with the Bureau of Child Welfare in New York, where she served as an auditor and area administrator overseeing foster care and adoption services. During this time, she also worked with Matilda Cuomo’s Decade of the Child Campaign.

After relocating to Atlanta, Antoinette worked with individuals living with traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries. She later expanded her advocacy to support Veterans through her work with Hope Atlanta. Antoinette is currently an organizer and secretary of Rescue1Centry, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting Metro Atlanta organizations working to prevent and mitigate 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. He has volunteered within the LGBTQ+ community and spent more than 25 years supporting those living with AIDS/HIV. Adam’s experience working with individuals with substance use disorder has allowed him to address homelessness in Metro Atlanta. He is dedicated to serving marginalized populations, 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 and underserved populations. 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 Antionette

Antionette Jenkins joined Hope Atlanta in 2018 as an Intake Case Manager and has since advanced into a leadership role overseeing housing programs serving some of Metro Atlanta’s most vulnerable populations. Prior to joining Hope Atlanta, Antionette worked with a local housing authority from 2008 to 2017, serving as both a Case Manager and Program Manager, where she supported hundreds of households in achieving housing stability.

As a former housing voucher recipient, Antionette brings invaluable lived experience to her work. This perspective allows her to approach housing services with empathy, accountability, and a deep understanding of the systems families must navigate. With more than 19 years of experience in public service, Antionette is deeply committed to giving back, empowering families to move beyond crisis, and helping individuals build sustainable futures outside of the system.

About Sarina

Sarina joined HOPE Atlanta in 2024, bringing 10 years of nonprofit experience. Her passion for supporting under-resourced communities 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 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 and advocacy 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 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 inclusive, 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 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 our neighbors, striving to inspire change, develop impactful programs, and make a lasting difference in behavioral health.

About Kelly

Kelly Valentin serves as Director of Grant Management at Hope Atlanta, where she provides strategic oversight of the organization’s grant portfolio. She plays a central role in aligning funding structures with organizational priorities and strengthening the financial infrastructure that supports Hope Atlanta’s programs and services.

Kelly leads the development and oversight of grant management systems designed to promote accountability, transparency, and long-term sustainability. Working in close partnership with executive leadership, program teams, and development staff, she supports data-informed decision-making, improves reporting and tracking processes, and helps ensure compliance across complex federal, state, and private funding sources. Her work focuses on building scalable systems that allow programs to grow responsibly while maintaining strong fiscal stewardship.

With experience spanning nonprofit finance, behavioral health operations, and public health, Kelly brings an interdisciplinary and solutions-oriented approach to organizational leadership. She has held leadership roles supporting clinical operations, billing infrastructure, and quality improvement initiatives for community-based and behavioral health organizations, helping translate service delivery into sustainable financial models.

Earlier in her career, Kelly held roles with Families First, Georgia Department of Public Health and Emory School of Medicine, where she contributed to statewide data systems and research focused on improving health outcomes. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Biology with a biomedical emphasis from the University of Northern Iowa and has completed advanced certifications in global health, grant reporting for impact, nonprofit accounting, and leadership development.

Kelly is deeply committed to Hope Atlanta’s mission and is motivated by work that strengthens organizational systems so individuals and families experiencing homelessness can access stable housing, supportive services, and pathways toward long-term stability.

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.