John is a semi-retired consultant with more than thirty year’s experience managing state and local government programs and departments in the Metropolitan Atlanta area. His consulting work focuses on criminal justice / juvenile justice reform efforts using evidence-based practices that optimize outcomes. Clients include federal, state, and local government entities as well as non-profit agencies. John has served as the Executive Director for two non-profit agencies and was a founding member of the Georgia Council of Court Administrators. He is currently a Senior Consultant with the National Drug Court Institute and trains local court systems nationally supported by the U.S. Justice Department. John has a long, successful history of working with the state government and legislature to advocate for adults with developmental disabilities and promote systems change. He lives in Flowery Branch with his lovely wife, Weda, and likes spending time with his daughters and grandchildren. One of John’s daughters receives support from Georgia Options in her own home, allowing her to develop a sense of independence and the opportunity for self-determination that is not available through any other provider in the state. John joined the Board to help support this work and to expand access to others.

Rita is a retired banker and former owner of a floral and gift shop. She has served in various volunteer roles with Georgia Options since its inception and is the proud mother of an adult daughter that receives services from the organization. Rita also serves on Georgia Options’ Quality Assurance Committee, promoting safe and healthy lives for the people supported.

Jason is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional and the founder of Ability Wealth Group. A consumer economics major from Alpharetta, Georgia, Jason graduated from UGA. Following his graduation, he made the not so difficult decision to stay in Athens, GA where he and his family continue to live today. In the years following graduation, Jason obtained his CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification to help families better plan for their future. In addition to his CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification, Jason maintains the Chartered Special Needs Consultant® designation. Christy and Jason’s son Drew who is a fun, loving, opinionated, and mess-making little boy is a fighter of a rare disease. This has led Jason and Christy to be advocates in all aspects of Drew’s life. If you ask Jason why he chose to help others in the special needs community, “sometimes your job finds you”. Jason is actively involved in the Athens community as past president of Rotary (2009-2010) and former president of L.E.A.D. Athens. Jason currently sits on the development committee of Extra Special People Inc. and is a board member for Georgia Options; a charitable organization that provides an opportunity for independent living for individuals with special needs. Jason is passionate about his community and the support that it brings other families who have loved ones with special needs.

Julia is a public service faculty member at the University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government, specializing in electric mobility and infrastructure. She has more than a decade of experience in environmental policy and government service, having worked in Florida and South Carolina before coming to Georgia. Her work focuses on developing pragmatic solutions to environmental challenges and creating a positive impact through sustainable infrastructure.

Julia joined the Board of Georgia Options to help individuals with special needs, including her stepdaughter, Izzy, have more opportunities to live independent and fulfilling lives. She is passionate about advocacy and ensuring that every person has the ability to thrive in a supportive community.

A graduate of the University of Florida, Julia enjoys spending time outdoors with her family. She and her husband, Ryan, love exploring National Parks and recently hiked to the top of Hurricane Hill in Olympic National Park with their four daughters, ranging in age from 9 months to 11 years old.

Melissa is a Board Member of Georgia Options and an active member of the Casino Night committee. This is her first time serving on a nonprofit board, and she is excited to contribute to the organization’s mission.

A graduate of Columbus State University—though it was Columbus College when she attended—Melissa is passionate about supporting individuals with disabilities in gaining the independence they deserve. She believes everyone should have a space to call their own, and she admires Georgia Options’s dedication to making that a reality.

Melissa’s greatest passion is her family; and she enjoys spending quality time with them. A fun fact about her—she lived in Alaska for five years and loved the adventure of life in the Last Frontier!