Conference Rescheduled to Dec. 4 – 6
Thank you to our coordinators and partners across our extraordinary statewide network, some still without basic services, who are selflessly helping neighbors in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene—and to those of you outside the affected areas who are standing in solidarity and supporting the devastated communities in Georgia and our neighboring states.
Now, more than ever, it’s critical for us to come together as a network, find strength in our connection, and help each other continue to dream big for our communities no matter the circumstances in which we find ourselves.
Dreaming without a plan is merely wishful thinking.
Our dreams must ignite our imagination and prompt us to ask ourselves how we will turn them into reality by applying intention and effort. Reaching for our dreams demands that we abandon fear and have the courage to pursue them with determination and dedication. That’s why we need partners at our Collaborative tables to encourage and challenge us, stretch our creativity, and hold one another accountable to our mission.
Join us at the Legacy Lodge and Conference Center on Lake Lanier Island in Buford, for the 2024 Georgia Family Connection Conference where—together—we’ll dream by design. We’ll leverage our network’s knowledge, support, and passion to transform our dreams for our communities into reality.
This conference is designed for collaborators determined to finding solutions to the complex issues that challenge our children and families. This diverse group represents urban and rural areas of Georgia and other states, as well as multiple sectors of community life, including social services, education, government, health care, and business.
Meet Our Opening Plenary Speaker
Will Baggett, an international storyteller and author and former operations manager for the College Football Playoff, will remind us to get back in touch with the dreams we’ve always had for our children, families, and communities. He’ll help us tap into the leaders within ourselves—already fully capable of transforming those dreams into goals and plans. We’ll learn to color outside the lines so we can be the best version of ourselves to serve our most vulnerable Georgians.
Wednesday
1 – 4:30 p.m. Registration Open
5 – 7 p.m. Opening Reception
Thursday
7 a.m. – 4 p.m. Registration Open
7:30 – 8:15 a.m. Breakfast
8:15 – 9:15 a.m. Opening Plenary
9:30 – 11 a.m. Workshop Session 1
11 – 11:15 a.m. Snack Break
11:15 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. Workshop Session 2
12:45 – 1:45 p.m. Lunch
1:45 – 2:15 p.m. Group Photos
2:15 – 3:45 p.m. Workshop Session 3
6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Networking Reception at Game Changer
Friday
7:30 – 8:30 a.m. Coffee and Light Fare
8:30 – 10 a.m. Workshop Session 4
10 a.m. Brunch & Closing Plenary Session
- Professional Development
- Healthy Children & Children Primed for School
- School Success
- Family
- Community
- Data & Evaluation
Professional Development
Creating Inclusive Spaces Through Conversation
Building a strong, inclusive community takes time. Learn how to address challenges you may face building bridges among community members who feel marginalized, overlooked, or judged. Begin with a real yet surreal experience of “othering” and reflect on your experiences fostering inclusion or feeling excluded. Examine strategies for getting comfortable with being curious and practice asking questions of each other that lead to opportunities for progress.
Presenter
Folami Prescott-Adams
Chief Executive Officer
HTI Catalysts
Caring for You, Caring for Me
Being a caregiver means you’re helping family members and friends you care about live the healthiest life they can, and that involves playing a variety of roles. It’s essential to be able to identify each of those roles to best navigate the challenges that may surface. But it’s also necessary to empower caregivers to advocate for themselves and the people they care for, to connect with peers, and to celebrate the triumphs and special moments throughout their caregiving journey. Get practical tips on how to take care of yourself while also being an advocate and caregiver for others, along with tips for organizations to consider when working with families caring for loved ones.
Presenters
Allison Eaddy
County Extension Coordinator/Family and Consumer Sciences Agent
University of Georgia Extension
Gwen Hawn
Family and Consumer Sciences Agent
University of Georgia Extension
Let’s ALL Talk Family Connection: Clarifying the Message of Our Unique Statewide Network’s Power
How you talk about who you are and what you do is critical to your Collaborative’s success. And while Georgia Family Connection looks unique in every county, the brilliance of the statewide network also is that a mutual commitment to our children and families exists in every county in Georgia—and no other state has made this kind of investment. Together is the only way we’ll make better strides to help all families and communities thrive. We, and all our communications collateral, must remain authentic and speak the same language so that Georgia Family Connection’s relevance endures. Dive into findings from focus groups we conducted and surveys we sent out this year centered on reinforcing our identity and strengthening our statewide network. Discover the value and far-reaching impact of aligning your Collaborative and local strategies with Georgia Family Connection in your communication efforts—and how to clearly define Georgia Family Connection Partnership’s vital role in supporting your work. Leave this session with much more than a solid “elevator pitch” as you gain insights and tools to confidently pursue community engagement, partnerships, and funding through strong communication strategy.
Presenter
Nicholas Rios
Co-Founder, Co-Owner, and Creative Director
M&R Marketing
Healthy Children & Children Primed for School
Mother and Child Attachment—Pathway to Infant Health and Strong Families
Research shows that maternal-child attachment—that pattern of interaction and communication established and developed between mother and baby—is the foundation of infant health and is critical to physical and mental well-being. Learn about the role of Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) in supporting breastfeeding as a key interaction that encourages attachment and improves well-being. Find out more about infant and early childhood mental health, how trauma impacts young children’s brains, and how the Georgia THRIVe Infant-Toddler Court Program and the Safe Babies Approach is being utilized in Georgia to support young families.
Presenters
Mitzi Fears
Georgia THRIVe State Coordinator
Georgia Health Policy Center
Tayler Harps
Research Associate II
Center of Excellence for Children’s Behavioral Health, Georgia Health Policy Center
Shelmekia Hodo
Senior Research Associate
Center of Excellence for Children’s Behavioral Health, Georgia Health Policy Center
Carol Stewart
Breastfeeding Coordinator
District 4 Public Health
Building Healthy Food Access in Communities
Without access to basic needs, families struggle to focus on long-term goals. Access to healthy, affordable food directly connects to a number of important outcomes, including education, health and wellbeing, community vitality, and other issues. Georgia Family Connection Collaboratives and statewide partners are working to develop a collective impact approach that removes barriers and increases food access, literacy supports, and other wraparound services. Join representatives from Lumpkin County Family Connection, American Heart Association, and Georgia Health Policy Center in this interactive session to learn more about the food landscape in Georgia, hear concrete examples of how you might address food security in your community, and help shape a collective response to impacting Georgia’s food and health outcomes.
Presenters
Brigette Barker
Executive Director
Lumpkin County Family Connection
Laura Bracci
Government Relations Director
American Heart Association
Debra Kibbe
Assistant Project Director
Georgia Health Policy Center
Akia Lewis
Director of Strategy, Innovation, and Engagement
Georgia Family Connection Partnership
Smart Devices and Decision Support for Safer Pregnancies and Better Health
According to the CDC, 80% of pregnancy-related complications and deaths could be avoided if early warning signs weren’t missed. However, during the timeframe when women are at the highest risk for complications, they’re only seen by their birthing providers 15 times on average. The number one killer of women in the U.S. is heart disease, and yet most women aren’t making data-informed, heart-protective decisions. Without objective data, individualized recommendations, accountability, and accessible oversight—and due to the pace and structure of the health care system—early warning signs will continue to be missed and women will continue to die of preventable diseases. Learn how remote health monitoring and decision support are part of the solution to these problems.
Presenter
Katherine Sylvester
Founder
Operation M.I.S.T.
Kaprice Welsh
Ph.D. Student
Emory University
High-Quality Early Care—Nurturing Our Children’s Well-Being
High-quality early child care centers and family homes are critical to supporting child development and family well-being. This session will explore the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning’s work in helping to ensure that our system of early child care across the state provides the support children and families need. Dive into research regarding the importance of Quality Rated child care and pre-K early education. Find out how a Georgia Family Connection Collaborative is implementing high-quality supports in its county to support families with children ages birth to 5.
Presenters
Erin Lee
Executive Director
Early County Family Connection
Bentley Ponder
Deputy Commissioner, Quality Innovations and Partnerships
Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning
Jill Taylor
Director of Community Partnerships and 2Gen Outreach
Quality Innovations and Partnerships Division, Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning
School Success
Addressing the Chronic Absenteeism Challenge
It’s critical for schools, families, communities, and policymakers to work together to address the multi-faceted causes of chronic absenteeism—which has seen a significant rise in recent years, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic. Explore key causes of absenteeism, including physical and mental health issues, socioeconomic challenges, and the learning environment. Dive deeper into topics such as acute illnesses and chronic conditions like asthma and diabetes, along with mental health issues like anxiety and depression, which are all significant contributors to chronic absenteeism. Then, examine proven strategies to mitigate these factors.
Presenter
Garry McGiboney
Executive Director of Government and Education Strategies
Sharecare
Setting the PACE through School Transition
School transition helps children and families gain the necessary knowledge, skills, and relationships to prepare students for academic success. Learn how United Way of Greater Atlanta partners with school districts, early learning partners, and community partners to create a systems approach for young learners’ academic readiness.
Presenters
Laura Miller
Senior Director, Family Engagement
United Way of Greater Atlanta
Pamela Ross
Executive Director
Pamper Me Beautiful
Let’s Explore Language As A Missing Link to Child Well-Being
Learn how to implement and scale Language As a Missing Link, a new, proactive approach that employs language as a well-being indicator similar to others—like vision, hearing, and oral health—that is foundational for educational, mental health, and well-being outcomes. Examine how language serves as the missing link in early language acquisition and childhood education. Explore a successful case study and collaborative approaches to challenges in scaling language initiatives at the community level. This session offers a unique opportunity to engage with diverse voices in the field and exchange ideas on fostering language-rich environments for all children.
Presenters
Melissa Cole
Executive Director of Child Care Resource and Referral of Southeast Georgia
Savannah Technical College
Cheri Dean
Vice President of Direct Services and Impact
United Way of the Coastal Empire
Lizann Roberts
Executive Director
Coastal Georgia Indicators Coalition, The Chatham Family Connection Collaborative
Youth Thrive™: A Framework to Help Adolescents Overcome Trauma—and Thrive
Youth Thrive™ is both a research-informed framework on youth well-being and an action-oriented initiative designed to better support healthy development and promote well-being for youth. Youth Thrive™ works with youth-serving systems and its partners to change policies, programs, and practices so that they build strategies on what we know about adolescent development, value young people’s perspectives, and give youth opportunities to succeed. Join this Youth Thrive™ orientation and training to gain a deeper understanding of the Youth Thrive™ framework to strengthen and enhance youth development goals across the Georgia Family Connection statewide network.
Presenter
Sarah Bess Hudson
Youth Engagement Administrator
Multi-Agency Alliance for Children, Inc.
Family
Harnessing the Power of Parent Leadership
Fostering leadership in a meaningful way gives parents and caregivers the opportunity for personal growth to gain knowledge and skills—and represent a “parent voice” to help shape the direction of their families, programs, and communities. Programs also benefit from being more responsive and accountable to the families they serve. Learn how to successfully integrate parent leadership as a key program component and build shared responsibility in decision making.
Presenters
Lindsey Dale
Program Specialist, Prevention and Community Support Section
Georgia Division of Family and Children Services
Laura Griggs
Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Unit Manager, Prevention and Community Support Section
Georgia Division of Family and Children Services
Octavia Trammell
Program Specialist, Child Abuse Neglect and Prevention and Community Support Section
Georgia Division of Family and Children Services
Creating Trauma-Informed and Resiliency-Focused Families
The Community Resiliency Model lays the foundation for self-care using body-based wellness skills. Learn about the neuroscience that informs the Community Resiliency Model and engage in experiential practice with wellness skills. Find out how to introduce Community Resiliency Model skills within diverse settings while working with diverse populations.
Presenters
Jordan Murphy
CEO
Center for Interrelational Science and Pediatrics
Shimarith M. Wallace
Director of Clinical Operations
Girassol Wellness, Inc.
Elevating the Relational Health of Couples Across Georgia
We all want healthy, happy, long-lasting relationships. But why are they so hard to maintain? Explore the science-informed practices for developing and cultivating happy and healthy couple relationships. Discover the key skills and core principles grounding the evidence-based, couple relationship education program, ELEVATE: Taking Your Relationship to the Next Level, and how this program is improving the health and well-being of individuals, couples, and families. Leave this session equipped to apply skills to promote your own relational health.
Presenter
Ted Futris
Georgia Athletic Association Professor in Family and Consumer Sciences
University of Georgia
Suicide Prevention: Moving From Risk to Safety
The suicide rate among young people is 111% higher since 2020 than it was a decade ago between 2010 and 2012. Teens that lose a parent to suicide are at a 300% higher risk than their peers with no experience with suicide. Get an overview of five core values used in conducting more than 2,000 successful suicide interventions that serve as the foundation of the Intervene Challenge and the Listen Learn Lead model of suicide intervention. Explore questions that must be raised in moving a person from risk to safety. Get empowered to engage those who are hurting and equipped to recognize risk when there are no signs.
Presenter
Kenneth “Lou” Koon
CEO
Stop Suicide USA
Community
The Connection Between Health and Housing
This interactive workshop will explore the critical intersection of housing and health equity. Examine how stable, affordable housing impacts health outcomes and learn strategies to address disparities. Explore best practices, connections to resources, and discussions aimed at fostering healthier, more equitable communities.
Presenter
Breanna Lathrop
Chief Operating Officer and Nurse Practitioner
Good Samaritan Health Center
Evaluating and Improving Civic Participation in the Southern United States
It’s critical for leaders to look at measures of civic participation to understand the big picture of what’s happening in our communities. In the Southern United States, where well-being and civic engagement outcomes tend to fall below national averages, increasing engagement levels has the potential to enhance both governance and individuals’ well-being. This panel discussion will focus on and compare key findings from three Southern states’ Civic Health Indexes—Alabama, Georgia, and Arkansas—and explore the measures each state is taking to address weaknesses and inequalities in civic life.
Presenters
Cristin Brawner
Community and Civic Engagement Consultant
Rebekah Hudgins
Evaluation and Results Accountability Team Co-Leader
Georgia Family Connection Partnership
Robert C. Richards, Jr.
Associate Professor
University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Services
Shifting the Conversation from Deficit Mindset to Emotional Intelligence: An Innovative Approach to Drug Abuse Prevention
Saying “drugs can hurt you” or “drugs are hurting you” emphasizes external control and a deficit mindset. In this workshop you’ll learn how to shift this conversation to one that engages emotional intelligence by focusing on self-awareness, self-assessment, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management. Emotional intelligence is manifested in every aspect of our lives, from self-care to relationships. Learn how to develop personal and interpersonal skills that better equip a provider at any point on the service delivery continuum to be other-centered, effective, culturally responsive, and resilient. Learn how to provide functional, practical, and useful attitudes, skills, and tools to utilize in your personal and professional life across the prevention continuum.
Presenter
John Bringuel
Prevention and Intervention Program Manager
The Council on Alcohol and Drugs
Dreaming of a Safer Future: Mobilizing Communities to Prevent Sexual Violence
Georgia’s Sexual Violence Prevention Program aims to empower communities to prevent sexual violence through awareness, education, and action. We’ll dive into community mobilization and outline essential elements like building trust, recognizing community strengths, and encouraging active participation through informative content and engaging activities. We’ll also define consent, healthy relationships, and rape culture—and learn how to empower communities with the knowledge and skills they need to drive positive change.
Presenter
Vanessa Corona
Rape Prevention and Education Team Lead
Georgia Department of Public Health
Julian Serracin
Rape Prevention and Education Program Manager for Community Mobilization
Georgia Department of Public Health
Data & Evaluation
Utilizing KIDS COUNT Data Tools
Learn how to use Georgia KIDS COUNT data and tools with different audiences—and how to use data to drive messaging. Whether you’re new to KIDS COUNT or just want a refresher, this session will equip you to be a data rock star in your community. Facilitators will help you use data tools during the session, so participants are strongly encouraged to bring a laptop.
*This session will be presented twice during the conference.
Presenter
Jacquan Jordan
Georgia KIDS COUNT Data Manager
Georgia Family Connection Partnership
Recognizing Disparities Through Disaggregated Data
Find out why using disaggregated data matters, where to locate it, and how it can strengthen your Georgia Family Connection Collaborative and help serve your most vulnerable populations. Learn to improve your understanding of the experiences of different groups, recognize disparities and inequities so that they can be addressed, and facilitate conversations about disparities in your county.
Presenters
Rebekah Hudgins
Evaluation and Results Accountability Team Co-Leader
Georgia Family Connection Partnership
Valerie Hutcherson
Evaluation and Results Accountability Team Co-Leader
Georgia Family Connection Partnership
Evaluating the GaFCP Theory of Change
Dive into work completed by Georgia Family Connection Partnership’s Outcomes Team, which explores the work of local Georgia Family Connection Collaboratives and state partners to contribute to the overall health and well-being of families. Explore findings from the annual Self-Assessment, Annual Plan Review Probes, Data Tool Use Survey, and interviews with state partners and Collaborative coordinators.
Presenters
Gabriel Kuperminc
Professor of Psychology and Public Health
Georgia State University
Michael Scuello
Senior Associate
Metis Associates, Inc.
Donna Wilkens
Managing Senior Associate
Metis Associates, Inc.
Meet Our Opening Plenary Speaker
Will Baggett
International Storyteller and Author
Will Baggett, former operations manager for the College Football Playoff, is an award-winning major events professional, former strength coach, and dynamic speaker. He is a former major event sports administrator, having been recognized by the White House Department of Communications for outstanding service to the President of the United States during his time at the College Football Playoff.
Baggett has also helped produce events such as the Super Bowl, Final Four, and a host of college football bowl games, including the Cotton Bowl and Peach Bowl. Over his six-year coaching career, Baggett helped produce 24 NFL draft picks, including two first-round picks. Baggett’s first book, The Blueprint for a Successful Career, was released in 2017 to widespread acclaim and has been added to the curriculum at six nationally accredited universities. He is highly regarded as the most interactive speaker in the country, leveraging his unique INFJ personality and quick wit to leave teams more inspired and connected than ever before.
Baggett is considered to be the undisputed authority in personal branding, body language and soft skills leadership. He began speaking in 2017 and has since delivered over 250 keynotes, inspiring over 50,000 people across multigenerational workplaces in both the public and private sector.
Meet Our Closing Plenary Speaker
Veronica Maldonado-Torres
President and CEO
Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Veronica Maldonado-Torres has served as president and CEO for Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GHCC) since 2021. Her leadership has been marked by transformative impact and strategic innovation, significantly advancing Georgia’s economic landscape. During her tenure, GHCC has experienced significant growth, extended its reach and enhanced its support for businesses, particularly in Georgia’s rural and coastal regions.
Maldonado-Torres has been instrumental in securing unprecedented federal funding to bolster Hispanic businesses across the state and has championed legislative measures that reflect the needs of over 5,000 members and stakeholders. Her strategic efforts in advancing supplier diversity have positioned her as a pivotal force in nurturing small business growth, fostering minority leadership, and forging impactful collaborations with major corporations.
Recognized by Georgia Trend as one of the “100 Most Influential Georgians” of 2024 and listed in the “Georgia 500 Most Influential Leaders,” Maldonado-Torres has also been honored for leading GHCC’s first international business delegation in a decade to El Salvador. There, she was celebrated by both the Ambassador of El Salvador and the U.S. Ambassador to El Salvador.
Maldonado-Torres’s commitment to empowering women in the workforce and her advocacy for a purposeful, impactful approach to work have become defining features of her career. Her influence is further underscored by being selected by Atlanta Magazine as one of Georgia’s 500 Most Influential and among the 50 Most Influential in 2024.
In addition to her professional success, Maldonado-Torres serves as a board member for several prestigious organizations, contributing to their advancement across various sectors, including ethics, community development, education, and business growth in Georgia.
Folami Prescott-Adams
Chief Executive Officer
HTI Catalysts
Folami Prescott-Adams, Ph.D., is a community psychologist and leads HTI Catalysts, a network of consultants whose mission is to create and hold spaces that build community, evoke organizational shifts, and promote cultural justice. Catalysts provide transformative facilitation, leadership development, and program design to client partners in service of advancing equity. Prescott-Adams is writing a book centered on Listening 4 Justice, a storytelling experience grounded in history to help us face the world.
Brigette Barker
Executive Director
Lumpkin County Family Connection
Brigette Barker has worked collaboratively within her community for 10 years to develop a family support strategy that includes a Student Outreach Center, mentor program, and family advocacy program. After serving as a therapist for residential youth programs and as victims services coordinator at the Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office, Barker knows firsthand the impact of child abuse and neglect and is passionate about her current work in prevention.
Laura Bracci
Government Relations Director
American Heart Association
Laura Bracci is a public health educator with a love of advocating for policies that fight for health equity. Bracci’s successes include working on campaigns that led to successful passage of stroke center designation to improve outcomes for Georgia’s stroke patients, Georgia’s 2005 Smoke-free Air Act, Georgia Student Health and Physical Education Act, several local smoke-free ordinances, and appropriations to support healthy eating and active living.
Cristin Brawner
Community and Civic Engagement Consultant
Cristin Brawner has dedicated her career to helping communities thrive. As a nonprofit executive, Brawner led a dynamic staff team, built partnerships, and developed statewide coalitions for improving civic life. As a consultant based in Nashville, Tenn., she helps clients manage large teams and projects successfully, engage diverse communities thoughtfully, build partnerships strategically, and communicate effectively. Brawner is the former executive director of the David Mathews Center for Civic Life in Alabama, where she oversaw the organization’s programming, cultivated state and local partnerships, moderated hundreds of deliberative community forums, and managed a dynamic staff team. Brawner currently serves as the project coordinator for the Equitable Neighborhoods Initiative. She is also the founder and facilitator of the Southern Deliberative Democracy Network, an informal group dedicated to strengthening democracy and dialoguing across differences. She is a member of the David Mathews Center for Civic Life Board of Directors and a former associate with the Kettering Foundation.
John Bringuel
Prevention and Intervention Program Manager
The Council on Alcohol and Drugs
John Bringuel has spent 37 years working in the field of mental health. He’s worked across the prevention continuum and provided training to thousands of social service and mental health providers, professionals, and the public about how to make meetings work, shifting the conversation to emotional intelligence as an innovative approach to prevention, and other topics.
Melissa Cole
Executive Director of Child Care Resource and Referral of Southeast Georgia
Savannah Technical College
Melissa Cole’s experience in direct care ranges from working in Georgia’s lottery-funded Pre-K program to teaching in the elementary school setting. After working as an office manager for her family’s excavation business, Cole began working at Savannah Technical College in 2006. Her previous roles at the college have been early childhood care and education adjunct instructor, TA/training team lead, operations manager, and assistant director of operations.
Vanessa Corona
Rape Prevention and Education Team Lead
Georgia Department of Public Health
Vanessa Corona is a prevention practitioner with a focus on underrepresented groups and mission-driven organizational growth. Corona oversees sexual violence primary prevention efforts of community level taskforces throughout Georgia.
Lindsey Dale
Program Specialist, Prevention and Community Support Section
Georgia Division of Family and Children Services
Lindsey Dale is a trainer for the Standards of Quality for Family Strengthening and Support as well as a Strengthening Families Georgia trainer.
Cheri Dean
Vice President of Direct Services and Impact
United Way of the Coastal Empire
Cheri Dean believes when basic human needs are met, individuals experience a greater sense of purpose and well-being. Fostering community resiliency, social connectedness, and upward mobility is the focus of her work. After a successful corporate career, Dean joined the ranks of entrepreneurs and advocates committed to social impact within vulnerable populations. In her hometown of Savannah, she found a critical need to help young adults navigate their way out of poverty through educational achievement, meaningful employment, and other wraparound services. Dean is passionate about collaborating with the community and strategic partners to improve lives, especially in Southeast Georgia. Dean serves as a board member of Savannah Economic Development Authority, Senior Citizens, Inc., Keep Savannah Beautiful, and other community organizations.
Allison Eaddy
County Extension Coordinator/Family and Consumer Sciences Agent
University of Georgia Extension
Allison Eaddy has been working with UGA Extension for nearly five years. She is the county extension coordinator as well as family and consumer sciences agent in McDuffie County. Her areas of expertise are food and nutrition, health, and environment, with her main focus areas being Alzheimer’s and dementias and well as emergency preparedness.
Mitzi Fears
Georgia THRIVe State Coordinator
Georgia Health Policy Center
Mitzi Fears specializes in developing and implementing programs in the fields of maternal and child health and workforce development. Fears also has experience in coalition building and health education in the areas of chronic disease prevention and child wellness. Fears is working on providing program coordination of the Infant Toddler Court Program, which aims to strengthen stability and resiliency of families with children birth – 3 in the child welfare system by providing intensive case management and resources to prevent and address adverse childhood experiences.
Ted Futris
Georgia Athletic Association Professor in Family and Consumer Sciences
University of Georgia
Ted Futris, Ph.D., is a professor in the Department of Human Development and Family Science at the University of Georgia. He has secured more than $27 million in grant funding across his 24-year career to develop, disseminate, and evaluate educational programs that promote healthy couple relationship and stable families. As director of the Couples and Relationship Enrichment (CARE) lab, his work elevates the relationships of couples across Georgia.
Laura Griggs
Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Unit Manager, Prevention and Community Support Section
Georgia Division of Family and Children Services
The Prevention and Community Support Section of the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services is the state entity charged with administering federal and state funding streams geared toward child abuse and neglect prevention, including the Community-Based Child Abuse Prevention federal grant and the state’s Children’s Trust Fund appropriation. Laura Griggs is a certified trainer in the National Family Support Network Standards of Quality for Family Strengthening and Support and is a master trainer for Strengthening Families Georgia.
Gwen Hawn
Family and Consumer Sciences Agent
University of Georgia Extension
Gwen Hawn is the family and consumer sciences agent for the UGA Extension in Hall County.
Shelmekia Hodo
Senior Research Associate
Center of Excellence for Children’s Behavioral Health, Georgia Health Policy Center
With a deep commitment to enhancing the lives of those in her community, Shelmekia Hodo has spent her career advancing health equity, particularly over the past 15 years in various roles centered on maternal and child health as well as Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health in underserved populations. Her diverse educational background equips her with the knowledge and skills necessary to address the complex health challenges faced by mothers and children in underserved populations. Hodo is certified in lactation counseling from the Academy of Lactation Policy and Practice. Throughout her career, Hodo has actively engaged in initiatives that promote better health outcomes, whether through organizing community events, conducting research, or advocating for policy changes. Her efforts not only enhance access to vital resources but also empower families with the tools they need to thrive. With her expertise and unwavering passion for her work, Hodo is making a tangible difference in her community, ensuring that the voices of those she serves are heard and that their health needs are met.
Tayler Harps
Research Associate II
Center of Excellence for Children’s Behavioral Health, Georgia Health Policy Center
Tayler Harps brings expertise in program management, clinical research, implementation science, data analysis and evaluation. With a passion for health equity, prevention, and the social determinants of health, Harps has spent her career working to improve health outcomes related to chronic disease, behavioral health, and maternal and child health across the state and internationally. In her current role, Harps supports Georgia’s System of Care portfolio as the Statewide Coordinator for Georgia’s Infant Toddler Court Program, Georgia THRIVe. This program, funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration Title V Maternal and Child Health federal block grant, aims to improve the health, safety, well-being, and development of infants, toddlers, and families in the child welfare system by addressing gaps in evidence-based practice and systems coordination.
Rebekah Hudgins
Evaluation and Results Accountability Team Co-Leader
Georgia Family Connection Partnership
Rebekah Hudgins is an anthropologist/epidemiologist who has worked with the Department of Public Health and CDC in active surveillance; conducted ethnographic research, including extensive home visits in Jamaica; conducted drug studies in both Jamaica and the United States; and worked with several organizations that are focused on community building and child and family well-being. She focuses on the intergenerational and environmental aspects of women’s and children’s health, and the importance of the family and community context.
Sarah Bess Hudson
Youth Engagement Administrator
Multi-Agency Alliance for Children, Inc.
Sarah Bess Lee Hudson is a lead facilitator with Georgia EmpowerMEnt, a statewide youth leadership and advocacy network dedicated to hearing the “ME” in the voices of Georgia’s foster youth. The initiative, founded by and for young and emerging adults who have experienced foster care from age 14 and up, utilizes youth-adult and community partnership. After earning a master of social work degree with a focus in community partnerships and consensus organizing, Hudson began serving alongside youth leaders as an adult supporter on issues that impact individuals in the foster care system. Nearly a quarter century later, this mission continues to reflect authentic youth engagement’s capacity to improve the quality of lifelong learning.
Valerie Hutcherson
Evaluation and Results Accountability Team Co-Leader
Georgia Family Connection Partnership
Valerie Hutcherson, Ph.D., began her career as a research and evaluation specialist for the Georgia Department of Education in 1998. She’s spent the past 20 years consulting with various organizations on evaluation projects focused on education, the social determinants of health and other issues affecting child, family, and community well-being. With a background in community psychology, Hutcherson brings an ecological perspective to working with communities and organizations. The foundation of her work is recognizing and understanding how social, cultural, economic, and other environmental influences impact communities and identifying ways communities can work together to promote change. At GaFCP, she provides evaluation technical assistance to county Collaboratives in regions 3 and 5, works with the Family Support and Community for Partnerships Supporting Youth cohort Collaboratives, and is involved in the evaluation of the Kinship Navigator program. She is also a member of GaFCP’s KIDS COUNT team and Race, Equity, and Inclusion Committee.
Jacquan Jordan
Georgia KIDS COUNT Data Manager
Georgia Family Connection Partnership
Jacquan Jordan brings over seven years of experience in nonprofit work to his role managing the KIDS COUNT data and data tools for the Georgia Family Connection network. Jordan regularly provides trainings on KIDS COUNT data tools, sharing valuable insights and practical knowledge from his expertise in data management, data storytelling, and analysis. In addition to his civilian career, Jacquan proudly serves as a United States Navy Corpsman, affectionately known as “Doc” to his Marines.
Debra Kibbe
Assistant Project Director
Georgia Health Policy Center
For more than 25 years, Debra Kibbe has collaborated with Georgia, U.S., and international partners to impact the health of children, youth, adults, and communities by focusing on evidence-based programs, policy, systems and environmental change strategies that prevent obesity, improve nutrition security and physical activity, contribute to chronic disease risk reduction, and impact social determinants of health. Kibbe’s background in facilitation, motivational interviewing, community coalition building, and adult learning theory as well as experience in evaluation of physical activity and nutrition-related interventions in various settings and with diverse populations ensure a community-informed approach is at the forefront in strategy identification. Leveraging this experience and long-term partnerships resulted in Georgia Health Policy Center being awarded the Georgia State Physical Activity and Nutrition (G-SPAN) grant. This is a five-year CDC funded cooperative agreement, in which more than 100 Georgia partners are working together on nutrition, physical activity, breastfeeding, and early childhood growth and development.
Kenneth “Lou” Koon
CEO
Stop Suicide USA
Kenneth “Lou” Koon, D.Min., is the founder of Intervene Challenge, a one-day training in suicide intervention based on his work in conducting more than 2,000 successful suicide interventions in military and civilian communities. Twenty-eight thousand individuals nationwide have participated in Koon’s training to gain skills that save lives. His dream is that one day a boy will ask his father, “Dad, what was suicide?”
Gabriel Kuperminc
Professor of Psychology and Public Health
Georgia State University
Gabriel Kuperminc, Ph.D., chairs the doctoral program in community psychology at Georgia State University. Kuperminc has been part of Georgia Family Connection Partnership’s Outcomes Team since 2008. Kuperminc’s research centers on the health and well-being of children and adolescents, with a focus on immigrant families and the role of culture. His work also involves consulting with and evaluating youth development and youth mentoring programs.
Breanna Lathrop
Chief Operating Officer and Nurse Practitioner
Good Samaritan Health Center
Breanna Lathrop, DNP, has spent more than 16 years providing health care to individuals who lack health insurance at the Good Samaritan Health Center in Atlanta. Lathrop writes, speaks, and teaches on the topics of health equity and social determinants of health. She is the co-author of How Neighborhoods Make Us Sick: Restoring Health and Wellness to Our Communities.
Erin Lee
Executive Director
Early County Family Connection
Erin Lee began working with Early County Family Connection in 2004, serving in youth leadership and youth substance use prevention roles before becoming executive director in 2021. Lee oversees initiatives for early childhood literacy, teen pregnancy prevention, and family health and wellness.
Akia Lewis
Director of Strategy, Innovation, and Engagement
Georgia Family Connection Partnership
Akia Lewis leads efforts that bring a collective impact approach to issues that intersect with food access. She also leads the Policy and Advocacy Committee for the joint Farm to School Alliance/Farm to Early Education Coalition. Lewis is a board member for Georgia Organics and a member of Slow Food Atlanta.
Garry McGiboney
Executive Director of Government and Education Strategies
Sharecare
Garry McGiboney, Ph.D., is a consultant for the U.S. Department of Education and served as deputy superintendent at the Georgia Department of Education for 14 years. He is a member of the Get Georgia Reading Campaign for Grade-Level Reading Cabinet and Behavioral Health Reform and Innovation Commission. McGiboney also chairs the State Juvenile Alternatives to Detention Committee and Board of the Council on Alcohol and Drugs and serves on the Georgia Parent Support Network Board of Directors.
Laura Miller
Senior Director, Family Engagement
United Way of Greater Atlanta
Laura Miller provides strategic direction for family engagement programming focused on improving outcomes for children and families through a multi-generational approach and an equity lens.
Jordan Murphy
CEO
Center for Interrelational Science and Pediatrics
Jordan Murphy, Ph.D., is a pediatric nurse practitioner specializing in behavioral health and trauma-informed care. Murphy supports individuals and families to expand resilience using wellness and clinical interventions. She collaborates with organizations across Georgia to provide workforce development, training, and consultation.
Bentley Ponder
Deputy Commissioner, Quality Innovations and Partnerships
Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning
Bentley Ponder has worked with Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) since 2005. The Quality Innovations and Partnerships division houses Georgia’s Quality Rating and Improvement System, DECAL Early Head Start—Child Care Partnership Grant, the agency’s internal research and policy analysis unit, and several initiatives related to stakeholder engagement, 2Gen supports, and community partnerships.
Robert C. Richards, Jr.
Associate Professor
University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Services
Robert C. Richards, Jr., Ph.D., JD, studies how ordinary people talk about public issues and participate in governing their communities, and he was a co-author of the 2024 Arkansas Civic Health Index report. Richards teaches communication and civic engagement and legal and ethical aspects of public service at the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service. He also helps organize community discussions and interracial dialogues about public issues in Arkansas.
Nicholas Rios
Co-Founder, Co-Owner, and Creative Director
M&R Marketing
As M&R’s creative director and visionary, Rios oversees the entire creative process to help clients strengthen and grow their business’s brand. He enjoys the challenge of working with businesses in diverse industries and leading M&R’s creative team to new levels of success. Rios founded Macon-based M&R Marketing Group in 2008. Under his creative leadership, the company was named an “Inc 5000” company in 2019 and 2020, a prestigious award given to the fast-growing companies in the United States. Since its founding, the M&R team has grown from just two employees to a full team of 20+ marketers, web developers, graphic designers, digital strategists, and copywriters. He has an extensive background in small business management and business-to-business sales for two Fortune 500 companies.
Lizann Roberts
Executive Director
Coastal Georgia Indicators Coalition, The Chatham Family Connection Collaborative
Lizann Roberts focused her career on developing public-private endeavors to improve overall community well-being. Through her work with Family Connection in Chatham County, Roberts is emphasizing the critical role language plays in cognitive, social, and emotional development by bringing training and support to educators and community partners. Her interest in early language development stems from her belief that laying a strong foundation in language skills during the formative years is essential for lifelong learning, success, and well-being.
Pamela Ross
Executive Director
Pamper Me Beautiful
Pamela Ross has worked on behalf of children and families for more than 20 years. As an early learning and family engagement consultant and champion, Ross has worked with United Way of Greater Atlanta and other local, state, and national organizations to support parents as leaders of their children, families, and communities.
Michael Scuello
Senior Associate
Metis Associates, Inc.
Michael Scuello has been employed at Metis since 1998 with duties focused on research methodology, data acquisition, and data analysis. Scuello has been a member of Georgia Family Connection Partnership’s (GaFCP) Outcomes Team for the past decade and has served GaFCP in other capacities since the early 2000s.
Julian Serracin
Rape Prevention and Education Program Manager for Community Mobilization
Georgia Department of Public Health
Julian Serracin oversees sexual violence primary prevention efforts of community level taskforces throughout Georgia.
Carol Stewart
Breastfeeding Coordinator
District 4 Public Health
Carol Stewart’s first job was as a nutritionist for the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program in Montgomery County in North Carolina. After that she worked for West Georgia Health System as a community nutrition educator before beginning her work with Georgia’s District 4 Health Services in 2006. Stewart is a certified lactation counselor and international board-certified lactation consultant and has spearheaded the implementation of the Georgia Breastfeeding Peer Counselor program. Stewart continues to serve as the peer counselor supervisor and breastfeeding program coordinator for D4 WIC, which serves more than 23,000 participants. She innovated the “Feeding Your Infant” group nutrition education session for WIC participant families and friends. A mother of three, Stewart serves as the “fairy godmother of breastfeeding” for anyone that needs her breastfeeding assistance and support.
Katherine Sylvester
Founder
Operation M.I.S.T.
Katherine Sylvester is a mother of two, physical therapist, preeclampsia survivor, clinical assistant professor for women’s health, and vaginal birth after cesarean section (VBAC)-certified doula. Through Operation M.I.S.T., health care providers teach women to use smart devices for safer pregnancies, smoother cycles, and better health. In a virtual community, women of all ages and in all stages of life make data-driven decisions with the goal of navigating womanhood in their best health.
Jill Taylor
Director of Community Partnerships and 2Gen Outreach
Quality Innovations and Partnerships Division, Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning
Jill Taylor’s role extends beyond community partnerships to encompass 2Gen outreach initiatives, stakeholder engagement, and building relationships with Georgia’s business community. She also oversees a dynamic team dedicated to fostering collaborations across Georgia to enhance early childhood education opportunities. Together, they strive to build capacity and awareness among local leaders, ensuring that early education remains a priority in every community. Taylor has been instrumental in the design and implementation of DECAL’s Community Impact Grants, including the groundbreaking Expanding Parents’ Access to Nontraditional Delivery (EXPAND) Grants. All these grants provide community-level supports for Georgia’s children ages birth to 8 and their families, increase opportunities for sustainable community collaboration, and create new opportunities for communities to innovate at the local level to address critical needs. Before Taylor joined DECAL in 2015, she served as the program coordinator for the Early Childhood Care and Education program at Wiregrass Georgia Technical College and taught Georgia’s Pre-K in the Coffee County School District.
Octavia Trammell
Program Specialist, Child Abuse Neglect and Prevention and Community Support Section
Georgia Division of Family and Children Services
Octavia Trammell has been a part of the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services team for over 12 years.
Shimarith M. Wallace
Director of Clinical Operations
Girassol Wellness, Inc.
Shimarith Wallace supervised and coordinated research on the biological underpinnings of maternal post-traumatic stress disorder during pregnancy. Wallace has honed her research skills, specializing in administering clinical assessments to evaluate trauma exposure, as well as utilizing genetic and psychophysiological tasks to comprehend fear and anxiety responses. A certified teacher in the Community Resiliency Model, Wallace brings a unique skill set to her role at the Center for Interrelational Science and Pediatrics where she passionately engages in her commitment to enhancing interventions that are not only evidence-based but also culturally relevant. Wallace is dedicated to advancing the mission of providing low-cost behavioral and wellness skills. Her role extends to exploring innovative ways to enhance clinical services, showcasing her commitment to making a meaningful impact in the field of behavioral health care.
Kaprice Welsh
Ph.D. Student
Emory University
Kaprice Welsh has worked in women’s health care for over 30 years. She holds degrees in nursing and public health as well as a certificate of midwifery. She worked with community partners and OB/GYN colleagues to develop the innovative Moms Heart Matter postpartum hypertension program at Liberty Regional Hospital in Hinesville. Welsh continues to be a valued thought partner and leads numerous health equity initiatives across Georgia. At Emory, Welsh hopes to advance her knowledge and research to improve equitable outcomes and reduce disparities experienced by black and brown birthing people.
Donna Wilkens
Managing Senior Associate
Metis Associates, Inc.
Donna Wilkens is a seasoned program evaluator and researcher with a professional interest in studying efforts related to children, families, and communities. She directs large-scale studies of education interventions, out-of-school time programs, teen pregnancy prevention, community schools, and culture transformation initiatives. Wilkens is also an expert grant writer who helps clients win competitive grant funding to support their work, and she manages a team of researchers that specialize in data management, research design, and statistical analysis.
Are accommodations included in the conference registration fee?
No. Hotel rooms must be booked separately when registering for the conference.
Is there a deadline for booking a hotel room?
Legacy Lodge canceled all existing hotel reservations when our October event was postponed. So, if you need overnight accommodations for the December conference, you need to make new lodging arrangements. The deadline to book a room with Legacy Lodge at the reduced conference rate is Saturday, Nov. 2.
Is there a fee to share a hotel room?
Some attendees choose to share hotel rooms to reduce travel expenses. There is no fee for additional guests to stay in any of the accommodations. However, there are maximum capacities for each room.
What additional fees and taxes are charged by the resort?
In addition to the nightly room rate, guests will pay 13% tax plus a $5 Georgia Hotel/Motel fee. There is also a daily $15 plus tax per room resort fee which includes the gate entrance fee, valet or self parking, WiFi, in room coffee, unlimited use of Fitness Center, outdoor heated saltwater pool, firepits, and use of business center computers and printers.
Do I need to book my hotel room and make my own travel arrangements?
Yes. All participants are responsible for their conference travel and hotel arrangements.
What is the registration deadline?
If you were registered for the October event and will attend the rescheduled conference in December, your registration and payment will automatically roll forward to the new event. Legacy Lodge cancelled all existing reservations when the October event was postponed. So, anyone who plans to attend the conference in December—even if you were registered for the October event—will need to make new lodging arrangements. The deadline to book a room with Legacy Lodge is Saturday, Nov. 2.
If you were not registered for the October event and want to attend the December conference, you can register through Friday, Nov. 1.
What does my conference registration include?
The full conference registration includes admission to all sessions, workshops, social events, and organized meals.
Can I register for just one day of the conference?
Yes. The rate for registering for any single day of the conference is $325. The early-bird rate does not apply to single-day registration. Single-day registration includes admission to all sessions, events, and meals on that day.
Do I have to pay the conference registration if I just want to attend a particular workshop or event?
Registration is required to attend workshops and events. You have the option to register for one day, but not for individual workshops or events.
Who should attend the conference?
Georgia Family Connection coordinators and board members, local and state partners, and elected officials should attend this event. It’s designed for collaborators who are determined to find solutions to the complex issues that challenge children and families in their communities by setting priorities and developing strategies based on their own local data. This diverse group represents urban and rural areas of Georgia, as well as multiple sectors of community life, including social services, education, government, health care, and business.
What is the fee to gain access to Lanier Island?
The $20 per day admission fee to enter Lanier Island Resort is waived for all Georgia Family Connection conference attendees. Simply state at the gate that you are here for the conference.
What is the proper attire for the conference?
Resort casual (skirts, dresses or slacks, golf shirts, and sweaters) is appropriate for Wednesday evening’s opening reception. This reception will be held outdoors, so a coat is also recommended. Casual attire is appropriate for Thursday evening’s networking reception at Game Changer, as guests will be enjoying activities like bowling and virtual sports suites. Business casual attire is appropriate during the day Thursday and Friday. Wear comfortable shoes and bring layers.
How can I stay connected on social media?
We’re using the #LetsTalkGA hashtag to focus our conversations on social media. This is a great way to get that feeling of hallway discussions for those who aren’t able to attend but want to engage in the dialogue.
I have registered for the conference and need to make a change. How can I do that?
For questions about registration, contact Carlisa Beal at carlisa@gafcp.org or at 404-420-7413. For questions about the conference, contact Elizabeth Turner at elizabeth@gafcp.org or at 404-420-7411.
I would like to come early or stay after the conference. Can I get the same rate at the hotel?
Legacy Lodge is offering the group rate to conference attendees for three days prior to and after the conference, subject to availability when you reserve your room.
Is transportation from my accommodations to the Legacy Lodge Convention Center and other conference locations provided?
Legacy Lodge is connected to the Convention Center. Villas are located within moderate walking distance. Lake houses are a short driving distance away from the Convention Center, with free parking available. Complimentary golf carts are also available for transportation around the property. Shuttle service will be provided to Game Changer for the Thursday night reception.
Is there a fee to park at the hotel?
Self parking is complimentary for everyone attending the conference. Legacy Lodge, Villas, and Lake House guests pay a $15 per-room, per-night resort fee, which includes self parking as well as other amenities. Valet is $10 per day and $20 overnight for all guests. Golf carts are available on a first come, first served basis and are complimentary to conference attendees.
Is parking available at Legacy Lodge and Convention Center?
Yes, ample parking is available. Golf carts are available on a first come, first served basis and are complimentary to conference attendees.
Which meals are included with conference registration?
The opening reception on Wednesday will feature light appetizers. On Thursday, participants will enjoy a full breakfast buffet, elevated boxed lunch, and networking reception with appetizers. The conference will conclude with a light breakfast on Friday morning followed by a brunch buffet. Dinner on Wednesday and Thursday nights will be on your own.
Where can I have dinner?
I have special dietary requirements. Can you accommodate my needs?
All conference meals have gluten free, vegetarian, and vegan options. You should note your dietary requirements upon registering for the conference. If you have questions or concerns, please contact Carlisa Beal at carlisa@gafcp.org or at 404-420-7413.
What should I do if I get ill at the Conference?
If you’re experiencing symptoms of illness that could be contagious, contact Carlisa Beal at carlisa@gafcp.org or at 404-420-7413.
If I need medical care, where is the closest facility?
Urgent Care:
Northeast Georgia Physicians Group Urgent Care
4445 S Lee St Suite 105
Buford, GA 30518
770-848-9240
8AM-8PM Daily
Hospital:
Northeast Georgia Medical Center
1400 River Pl
Braselton, GA 30517
770-848-8000
Pharmacy:
Publix Pharmacy
4840 Golden Pkwy
Buford, GA 30518
770-614-7711
Daily 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Please note that none of these facilities are located on Lake Lanier Island.
What do I do if I have accessibility needs?
Who do I contact if there’s an emergency?
If the incident requires fire, police, or medical service, call 911 then alert the closest conference staff member. If you are in your hotel, call 911 then alert the hotel front desk or Elizabeth Turner at 770-547-1256.
Hit the Road – And Press Play
Help us build a Spotify playlist featuring songs that inspire you to dream to share with our colleagues and partners on the journey to Lake Lanier Island in Buford. We’ll build the playlist on our website and keep updating it throughout the conference.
Add your song by submitting the song title and artist via email (Subject Line: Playlist) to Kelsey (Kelsey@gafcp.org) or on social media using the #LetsTalkGA hashtag.
This submission will score you 10 points in our scavenger hunt.
Share a video or picture that depicts a specific dream you have for the children and families who live in your community—and in one or two sentences tell us about your design for transforming that dream into reality. Please submit only landscape (horizontal) videos.
These must be original photos and clips you’ve taken in your community. You may submit both a photo and a video for this challenge, but each must feature a different dream and design.
Send your submission via email (Subject Line: My Dream) to Kelsey (Kelsey@gafcp.org) or share it on social media using the #LetsTalkGA hashtag.
Submissions will score you points in our conference scavenger hunt.
Video = 50 points Photo = 30 points
Morning Yoga
We invite you to jumpstart your day by focusing on your mind and body with morning yoga. Join yoga teacher and Toombs County Family Connection director Paige Williamson for a gentle 30-minute yoga session. No experience is required. Be sure to wear comfortable clothing and bring your yoga mat! You may also bring yoga blocks if desired.
Paige Williamson serves as Toombs County Family Connection director in Lyons. Williamson attended her first yoga class in 2012. After years of struggling with addiction and low self-esteem, she discovered that yoga increased her confidence, allowing her to (finally) feel comfortable in her own skin. Williamson quickly picked up a daily yoga habit and, in doing so, began to reap the emotional and physical benefits of the yoga practice. She received her 200-hour Yoga Alliance teacher certification through Savannah Yoga Center in 2016. Williamson continued her studies at Asheville Yoga Center, receiving her 500-hour teacher certification in 2018. She furthered her studies during the pandemic, earning her second 300-hour certificate in 2022. Williamson’s desire as a teacher is to ignite a passion in her students for movement and to facilitate their ability to use that movement as a tool for self-discovery. Williamson is owner of the Zen Den in Lyons, Ga., where she currently teaches Vinyasa Flow and Hatha Yoga.
Lanier Islands extends a warm welcome to Georgia Family Connection 2024 Conference participants. Take advantage of the diverse lakeside accommodations, recline in comfort and rediscover tranquility in the luxurious guest rooms at the Legacy Lodge or Legacy Villas. Or spread out with your friends in one of the private Lake Houses. If you want to get close to nature, experience one of the stunning Campgrounds and RV sites. Whichever you choose, come relax, reconnect, and savor your conference experience as we will, together, dream by design.
Legacy Lodge
Legacy Lodge guest rooms are available with either a king bed or 2 queen beds. In-room amenities include a mini fridge, hair dryer, plush robes, iron, ironing board, and a coffee maker with complimentary coffee and tea. A community microwave is available in the vending area of each floor of the lodge. Lodge amenities include complimentary Wi-Fi, heated, saltwater swimming pool, fitness center, business center and multiple dining options. Legacy Lodge is attached to the Conference Center.
Legacy Villas
These spacious and scenic villas are situated on the shores of Lake Lanier and conveniently located within walking distance of the Legacy Lodge and resort amenities. Legacy Villa rooms are available with either a king bed or two queen beds. Each villa features a gas fireplace, combination shower/tub bathroom, and a private terrace on Lake Lanier. The Legacy Villa Rooms are approximately 200 square-feet and include a flat-screen TV, wet bar with mini fridge, microwave, and coffee maker with complimentary coffee and tea. Plush robes, hair dryer, iron, and ironing board are also provided. Parking is available for one vehicle with overflow parking available near Legacy Lodge. Complimentary golf carts are also available for transportation around the property.
Legacy Lake Houses
These 1,200-square-foot lake houses feature a king suite with a private bath, plus a second suite with two double beds and a private bath. There is also a living area with a sleeper sofa, separate dining area, a fieldstone gas fireplace, and a gas grill on the deck. Each lake house also comes with a washer and dryer and fully equipped kitchen with a full-sized refrigerator, oven, dishwasher, microwave, toaster, coffee maker with complimentary coffee and tea, and stocked with plates, bowls, silverware, and glassware. Hair dryer, iron, and ironing board are also available. Parking is available for two vehicles with additional parking adjacent to the Summer House/Venetian Pier. Complimentary golf carts are also available for transportation around the property.
ADA Facilities
The resort prioritizes accessibility to ensure a comfortable stay for all guests. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accommodations include accessible room types like the Legacy Lodge Accessible King, Legacy Villa Accessible Suite, and Accessible Lake House. Guide dogs and service animals are welcome, and the staff is trained to assist guests with visual impairments. Wheelchair assistance, golf carts for transportation, Braille signage, and more are available to enhance the experience for every visitor with accessibility needs.
We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to engage fully. To request an accommodation or for inquiries about accessibility, please contact Carlisa Beal at carlisa@gafcp.org or 404-420-7413.
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Amerigroup Community Care of Georgia helps improve health care access and quality for more than 600,000 low-income Georgians by developing innovative care management programs and services. Members are assured care that is not only accessible but also accountable, comprehensive, integrated, and patient-centered. Amerigroup Georgia provides ongoing community relations and outreach to encourage members to become active participants in their health care. Through health education programs, members are empowered to choose and sustain a healthy lifestyle.
GEORGIA FAMILIES 360
Amerigroup Community Care is Georgia Families 360°SM’s single care management organization in charge of coordinating care for children in Foster Care, children receiving Adoption Assistance and select youth in the Juvenile Justice system.
Wellroot Family Services, formerly The United Methodist Children’s Home, is one of Georgia’s longest-serving child welfare organizations. For more than 150 years, Wellroot has provided homes for children, teens, young adults, and families. Wellroot’s programs include foster care, family resiliency counseling, kinship care, transitional and independent living for young adults, and family housing.