Meet The Team

It Takes a Village

Without the dedicated support of our team, we wouldn’t be able to transform the lives of our residents, alumni and children here at Rainbow Village. Our team comes from all backgrounds, each bringing a unique passion for the work we’re doing. Learn more below about each member of this team and how they move the needle for our residents.

Administration

Coming to Rainbow Village in 2017 truly was a “God thing.” Melanie has always had a passion for doing work that empowers women. As CEO, Melanie wants to ensure that families experiencing homelessness have the confidence to take the first step on their journey to self-sufficiency. But that’s not all she wants. Melanie wants all families to have access to affordable childcare, health care, and economic independence to break free from poverty and pursue their dreams. Her focus is on helping the families and the organization evolve and be purpose-driven. Drawing on her extensive experience obtained through her work with corporations, government, and nonprofits, Melanie brings a broad perspective to the table and works to impact lives by providing a safe place to live, a caring, supportive, and qualified staff, and the resources and training that they need to improve their quality of life.

Melanie values spending time with her family and is keenly aware it is a privilege she should never take for granted. She has been married to the love of her life for over 30 years. She is the mother to two tall, dark and handsome adult sons and her fur baby, Jack Jack.

Melanie has previously served as the Social Services Program Manager at the Governer’s Office of Transition, Support & Reentry as well as as the Executive Director of the Zion Hill Community Development Corporation.

Robert comes to Rainbow Village with a professional leadership background with, the YMCA, Boy
Scouts of America, and Boys and Girls Club of America. He has a passion for giving back to my community and the youth we serve. This stems from his mother who served as a Social Worker for 40 plus years and the passion she displayed while working with young people and people in need. Robert believes he has a responsibility to give back to the community in which we live, to help those less fortunate by providing a steppingstone to better. He started in service while attending, Alabama A&M University, volunteering with the local chapter of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, Special Olympics, and with his local church.

Outside of his time at Rainbow Village, Robert enjoys watching college football, loves being outdoors, working out, and learning new things.

Robert moved to Gwinnett County from Huntsville, Alabama six years ago. He graduated from Alabama A&M University with a Bachelor of Science in Education.

Outside of his time at Rainbow Village, Robert enjoys watching college football, loves being outdoors, working out, and learning new things.

Robert moved to Gwinnett County from Huntsville, Alabama six years ago. He graduated from Alabama A&M University with a Bachelor of Science in Education.

Program Team

Stephanie comes to Rainbow Village with a background in higher education and event management working at various organizations such as Georgia Gwinnett College and Aurora Theater. Stephanie learned about Rainbow Village while serving as the event manager for a Women’s Giving Circle event and was inspired by our mission. Stephanie enjoys helping and connecting with people. She is a graduate of the Gwinnett Young Professionals Journey Leadership Program and working towards uptraining a professional certificate in College Student Trauma, Resilience, and Wellbeing with Florida State University.

Outside of supporting the Rainbow Village team, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Spencer, their two cats and three chickens. Stephanie is always looking to grow and explore new interests. She loves playing board games, video games, exploring new crafty and creative outlets, trying new restaurants, and meeting new people.

Stephanie received her Master’s in Higher Education from Georgia Southern University and a Bachelors in English: Language and Literature from Georgia Gwinnett College.

Olivia began her professional career in 2016 at the Center for Civil and Human Rights where she worked in group marketing for almost 6 years. Following her time at NCCHR she worked as a Program Assistant for Tower Lights Charities helping with events, fundraising, and development. She was inspired by Rainbow Village’s compassion shown for those in need but also the determination and tools that Rainbow Village provides families to help them break the cycle. She is enthusiastic to be a part of a team that is passionate about what they do and where she can help make a difference. As Family Engagement Coordinator, she hopes to bring an element of support that allows the Program team to be more efficient in helping build and transition residents into a more self-sufficient life once they move into their own homes.

Outside of her time at Rainbow Village, Olivia enjoys cuddling with her dogs and traveling to other countries to increase her culture awareness.

Olivia received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of North Georgia and a Master of Public Administration with a specialization in Nonprofit Management from Georgia State University.

Tiffany Ross is a proud Atlanta native and a dedicated advocate with an unwavering passion for making a positive impact on the lives of underserved families in her community. As a devoted volunteer and active member of her church, she has tirelessly worked to support and
contribute to initiatives focused on empowering the
community that shaped her.

Tiffany has served in various roles from Social Services Specialist up to a Social Science Specialist (Crisis Responder) in organizations such as Georgia Department of Human Services, and Veteran Affairs. Showcasing her ability to navigate challenging situations with empathy and expertise.

Throughout her career, Tiffany has consistently used her voice to champion the rights of the voiceless. Her passion for fighting for the rights of underserved communities has been a driving force behind her every endeavor. Whether in crisis response, social services, or quality assurance, She remains steadfast in her commitment to being a beacon of hope for those in need.

Tiffany received her Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration from North Carolina Central University, setting the stage for her impactful journey in
effecting positive change. Committed to growing her personal and professional development, she also obtained a Master of Public Administration from the University of Phoenix.

Rachelle’s passion and gift from God is helping others. She has worked with homeless families for over 20 years and believes that having a place to live significantly impacts a person’s mental and physical health as well as the community at large.

Rachelle is excited to be part of the Rainbow Village team to guide homeless families to permanent affordable housing and employment opportunities that will sustain them on their life journey.

Rachelle is a graduate of the University of Tennessee, enjoys Zumba and hiking in beautiful parks.

China loves working with women that have been down on their luck, oppressed, incarcerated, and homeless. She specializes in identifying and resolving life crises, she realizes that every person and family have strengths, and at times need additional resources and skills to get them back on track to the life God intended for them. Therefore, China focuses on the Person-Centered Approach and this approach meets the individual and/or family where they are. China’s solution is to support this person or family with a Case Manager, Shelter, Food, Life Coach, and Recovery. With these primary services in place every person that is bound to crisis will become set free of the bondage that has been holding from exceeding in life.

China successfully advocates for services needed and encourages women to stick to their goals that would have a positive impact in their lives. Due to her life’s struggles as a widow, a single mom, homeless and divorce; she uses her testimonies to encourage others that they can make it too.

Anika is a native of New Orleans, she brings over 15 years of experience working in human services, including working with homeless, domestic violence, and at-risk populations. She has worked with the Department of Family Children Service in Georgia, a Legal Advocate at Cherokee Family Violence and Housing Advocate at LiveSafe Resources.

After many years of working in social service, Anika realized that obtaining affordable housing is essential to family harmony and self-sufficiency. Her upbringing instilled in her the belief that a stable home environment is paramount to the development and growth of the youth. Furthermore, Anika understands and appreciates that Rainbow Village’s mission is to break the vicious cycle of homelessness and poverty.

Outside of her time at Rainbow Village, Anika spends time with her family. She is a mother of two young men, 20 and 22. Anika enjoys watching Nascar with her oldest son and cheering on her youngest son as he competes in Track and Field at the collegiate level.

Anika has a bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of Mississippi. She is completing her master’s degree in Non-profit management and leadership at Walden University.

Latoya is a native New Yorker who moved to Georgia in 2015 with her 2 children. She brings 17 years of experience to her role as Success Coach to Rainbow Village. Her experience includes case management working with clients with mental health issues, developmental disabilities, at risk youth and families experiencing homelessness.

She was lead to Rainbow Village by our mission of providing help, hope, housing and healing to families. Working in the non-profit arena is her passion. She loves to give back to the community and being able to put a smile on her client’s face means the world to her.

Latoya gets greats pleasure helping families achieve their target goals to become economically self-sufficient and securing permanent housing. She believes that without stable housing, families will continue to struggle to put the broken pieces of their lives together in order for their family to thrive.

She has a master’s degree in Social Work from Walden University. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, listening to music, cooking, shopping, playing volleyball and watching action movies!

Community Engagement

Michelle first began her journey with Rainbow Village as the Liason between Rainbow Village and Perimeter Church. In this role, Michelle organized service projects, co-chaired fundraising event committees, organized faith partner serving efforts. She was recognized as Volunteer of the Year in 2010.

Since joining the Rainbow Village Team in 2016, Michelle has continued to focused on engaging the community to provide the support and resources needed to fund the Rainbow Village programming that gives these families stability, safety, and second chances. As a member of the team, Michelle gets to see first hand how that programming can equip, teach and coach residents to give them a hand up!

Michelle previously worked for 11 years with Charter Behavioral Health Services in Marketing and Business Development. She spent 5 years consulting in the behavioral health field before entering her second career as a full time Mom in 1997!

Brittany joined the Rainbow Village team in January 2021 in part because their mission resonates with her. Growing up her story has been similar to some of the families at Rainbow Village and she is proud to be a part of the change and growth for the families in our community.

Brittany focuses on increasing awareness of the Rainbow Village message and activating volunteers from the community to become more involved not only by donating financially, but by donating their time to the Rainbow Village families. Outside of her time at Rainbow Village, Brittany loves to travel and spend time with family– especially her son!

Brittany completed her Hospitality Management Degree from Gwinnett Technical College. Before joining Rainbow Village, Brittany lent her talents at The River Club, Suwanee Towne Florist and Chateau Elan Winery & Resort specializing in Weddings and Private Events.

Sara joined the Rainbow Village team with a deepened passion for causes such as homelessness and immigration. in 2020 she spent a year in AmeriCorps service in Colorado as a case manager for people transitioning out of homelessness. She also worked as the Advancement Coordinator.at a refugee resettlement agency.

Sara is excited to continue serving the people in our community through her new roles with Rainbow Village families.

Sara completed her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Georgia State University. In her spare time, she enjoys practicing yoga, trying new restaurants, discussing history, spending time with her cats, and curling up with a good book.

Support Services

This is your opportunity to do more than just have a job. Your congenial personality, compassion, and hard work will support the mission of the organization and help ensure families experiencing homelessness have the support they need. We are looking for someone who is capable of multi-tasking and comfortable with each day being just a little different than the last. The ideal candidate will be dynamic, high-energy, organized, and able to support cross-functional coordination in a fast-paced environment. Must possess good judgement. Must be available during regular business hours (9a.m.– 5p.m., Monday through Friday) and on occasion/as needed to provide support and assistance to the staff on occasional weekends/evenings.

Rainbow Village ACADEMY Team

Jadayia is thrilled to join Rainbow Village as the Academy Youth Program Director, where she will play a crucial role in ensuring a safe and supportive environment for children and youth to learn and grow. With over 5 years of experience in youth and family programming, summer camps, and community events for all ages, Jadayia brings a wealth of knowledge and dedication to her new position.

Jadayia takes immense pride in her ability to bring youth and families together through various community programming initiatives. Whether organizing enriching summer camps or coordinating inclusive events, she is committed to fostering connections and creating opportunities for growth.

Outside of her professional commitments, Jadayia enjoys traveling and exploring new cultures, as well as spending quality time with her family and friends. Her passion for adventure and community engagement enriches her work, where she strives to instill a sense of curiosity and exploration in the youth she serves.

Originally from the vibrant state of Florida, Jadayia is a proud graduate of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, where she earned her master’s degree. Her educational background, combined with her hands-on experience, provides her with a solid foundation to make a positive impact on the lives of the youth.

Kendra comes to Rainbow Village with a background in homelessness and youth programming. After completing her degrees in Social Work, she began her career at the YMCA, participating in various youth development programs.She also served as a Coordinator for a resource center where she coordinated community events and education programs for individuals of all ages throughout her career.

Kendra hopes to continue helping people build their lives, empowering them with the skills they need to live healthy lives. She is excited to continue working with youth, their families, and alleviating the issue of homelessness throughout the Atlanta area.

Kendra completed her Bachelor of Social Work from Augusta University and her Master of Social Work from Georgia State University. In her spare time, she enjoys reading and going to the gym.

The Youth Program Coordinator plans, implements, supervises, and evaluates youth activities in specific Academy program areas, such as Education and Career Development, The Arts, Sports Fitness and Recreation, Health and Life Skills, Character and Leadership Development, or Specialized Initiatives. This position operates after school hours, once children are out of school, and requires the candidate to have flexibility to work during out-of-school times such as digital learning days, spring breaks, winter breaks, and other similar periods.

2024 Board Members

The Reverend Joel P. Hudson, Chairman Emeritus

Cathe Reams, (Chair), Communication Director, Sustainability and Urban Infrastructure, Siemens Corporation

Michelle Livingstone, (Vice Chair) Vice President- Transportation, The Home Depot (Retired)

Paul Culbreth, (Treasurer) Certified Financial Planner, Culbreth Wealth Management

Mona Reiser Armstrong, (Secretary) Owner and Assistant School Director, International School of Skin and Nailcare

Jacqueline Neilson, Executive and Leadership Coach, Owner, Jackie Neilson Coaching

Charnette Brown, Rainbow Village Graduate

Jill Edwards, Senior Vice President, United Community Bank

Deborah Latham, CEO, Georgia Tank Lines

Linda Watson-Hills, President, Watson-Hills LLC

Deon Tucker, Regional Director, Georgia Power Company

Indran Indrakrishnan, MD, CEO & Founder Gwinnett Digestive Clinic PC and Endoscopy Center LLC, Adjunct Professor Of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine

Dr. Jann L. Joseph, President, Georgia Gwinnett College

C.G. McBride, Vitalysys Technologies, Owner

Debbie Bilbro, President and CEO Northside Hospital- Gwinnett

Steve Emert, Attorney at Law, Emert Law Firm LLC.

Dean Collins, Senior Partner, Axis Companies LLC.

Jan Trantham, EVP Operations Administration, Primerica

Susie Collat, Owner, Mayer Electric Supply Company (Retired)

Janis Martinez, Owner, Ashford Management Group (Retired)

Cheryl Deluca-Johnson,
Licensed Professional Counselor and Founder of Street Grace

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Meet The Team

It Takes a Village

Administration

Rev. Melanie Conner

Robert Laws

Name

Program Team

Stephanie Baker

Olivia Sheridan

Tiffany Ross

Rachelle Dowell

China Bland

Anika Crosby

Latoya McLennon

Community Engagement

Michelle Alcorn

Brittany Lowe

Sara Escorza

Support Services

Open Position

Rainbow Village ACADEMY Team

Jadayia Sinclair

Kendra Bethley

Open Position

2024 Board Members

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