Pam joined the Georgia Options family in 2017. As Executive Director, she is responsible for making sure the people we support have quality services that meet their individual needs, whether through internal quality improvement or external efforts. Pam developed tenacity in 10 years as a high school English teacher, which helped prepare her for her next job: mom and advocate for people with disabilities. Pam further developed leadership skills working as a special education Parent Mentor. Pam has a B.S. in Education from the University of Georgia. She is also a graduate of Partners in Policymaking and is a trained Person-Centered Planning facilitator. Pam belongs to the Georgia Parent Mentor Partnership and is a member of Winterville First Baptist Church. Pam is a proud mother of two and grandmother of three and loves to cook, draw, and read historical fiction. She also plays the piano. Pam says of Georgia Options, “Everyone at Georgia Options supports our belief that people with disabilities deserve to live lives they choose for themselves. Diverse personal experiences, unique talents and skills, and a common commitment to our mission keep us constantly changing to meet the needs of the people we support. It’s hard work, but nobody does it better than we do.”

With over 17 years of experience supporting and advocating for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), I currently serve as a Coach Specialist II at Georgia Options. In this role, I provide training, oversight, problem-solving strategies, and performance reviews for assigned staff—while also serving as a role model for current and aspiring coaches.

I’m committed to lifelong learning and professional development. I regularly attend training events and annual conferences to stay up to date with best practices in IDD services. I also proudly serve on the DSP Advocacy Council Board, an organization dedicated to advocating for and empowering Direct Support Professionals across Georgia.

My training includes Supported Decision-Making, Person-Centered Thinking, Mindset Development, and Crisis Prevention Intervention. I also hold certifications in Social Role Valorization and have completed DSP I & II TAP programs through the University of Georgia.

Kathy Sloan brings over 40 years of diverse nursing experience to Georgia Options. She earned her BSN from the Medical College of Georgia in 1978 through the SONAT program, followed by a Master of Nursing and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner certification from Emory University.

Her career has included working with children with congenital heart disease at Egleston, serving as a case manager at the Medical University of South Carolina, and mentoring nursing students in various clinical settings. After retiring from full-time nursing, Kathy found the perfect fit for her skills and passion in a part-time RN role at Georgia Options—continuing to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others.

She resides at Lake Burton in the northeast Georgia mountains and enjoys lake life, traveling, and spending time with her family—including her son and daughter-in-law in Columbia, SC, and her playful yellow lab, Magnolia.

Nikkie has been with Georgia Options since 2017, starting as a Direct Support Professional and becoming our Scheduling Coordinator. Nikkie manages schedules for almost 100 direct support professionals at a time, making sure everyone is where they’re supposed to be when they’re supposed to be there. Nikkie also supervises our Floating DSPs and sends them where they’re most needed. Nikkie started working with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in 2006 as an Activity Director for a day program in New Jersey. She moved into a House Manager position with another organization and in 2015, moved to the lucky state of Georgia. She continued her career in Georgia working as a Direct Support Professional and Senior House Manager with various other organizations and joined the Georgia Options team in 2017. Nikkie has an Associate’s Degree in Social Work and would like to pursue a degree in Behavioral Science. She is one of the youngest members of the Elks Lodge and loves to sing. Nikkie loves what Georgia Options stands for, and believes that everyone, no matter their disabilities, should live a full life, a life they want to live with whom they want to live. Nikkie looks forward to the future of Georgia Options and being part of it.

Cathy Kesterson, a Madison County native, is the proud mother of two—her late daughter Kyla, who had cerebral palsy, and her son Ben, who is currently in college. Caring for Kyla was a life-changing journey that deepened Cathy’s passion for supporting individuals with disabilities.

Through the challenges and the joys, Cathy found purpose and connection within the disability community. She continues to be inspired by the strength and spirit of those she meets through her work.

Today, Cathy serves as the Community Outreach Specialist at Georgia Options, where she shares her experience and compassion to help others live full, self-directed lives. She also leads the Development Department, where she enjoys planning special events and building meaningful connections with community partners and supporters to advance Georgia Options’ mission.

Emily has been with Georgia Options since 2014, and currently manages our Medicaid billing, complex funding requests, and electronic visit verification system. Emily’s career with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities began in the school system as a Special Education K-5 teacher in Greene County. Emily did her first tour with Georgia Options as a Community Support Coordinator from 2009-2011. After working as a Special Education Teacher for Clarke County, she returned to Georgia Options in 2014 and has been with us ever since. Emily has a B.S. in Psychology and B.A. in Anthropology from the University of Georgia, with minors in Spanish and Geology. Emily also has a Master in Teaching specializing in EBD/Autism from Piedmont College. Emily was also an athlete in college, playing intramural softball and tennis. She enjoys hiking, traveling, going to the beach, and spending time with her family. I enjoy working in my yard! She enjoys traveling and has visited many countries including Russia, Georgia (the country), Italy, France, Germany, Czech Republic, Netherlands, England, Wales, Ireland, and Kenya. She boats, fishes, and water skis in the summer on Lake Lanier. Emily is dedicated to Georgia Options because “we see people as individuals and strive to honor the person’s own choices about their lives. We are there to support and provide assistance in achieving goals and living the most typical life and the greatest life possible. I can’t imagine doing it any other way.”

Lucy joined Georgia Options in April 2020 as a Direct Support Professional and decided to use her extraordinary organizational skills to become Compliance Coordinator in August 2021. Lucy is a native of Sao Paolo, Brazil, and brings an extensive background in Corporate Housing in Latin America. Lucy loves working at Georgia Options because the organization “cares and supports people with disabilities to live in their own home and have an amazing life experience. It’s a wonderful opportunity to help people accomplish their dreams.” In her off time, you’ll find Lucy on the beach.

A proud University of Georgia Double Dawg, Kristina holds a strong foundation in Therapeutic Recreation, which has guided their career in working with diverse populations.

She has extensive experience working with individuals with disabilities, having spent two summers at Camp Twin Lakes and completed a practicum at the Shepherd Clinic, where they assisted adults with various challenges. Additionally, as an elementary school teacher in Clarke County she taught students with disabilities.

Beyond her professional background, Kristina is driven by a deep passion for working with children, spending time outdoors – whether hiking or relaxing by a lake or beach – and enjoying art, sports, and good company. Her love for community, family, dancing, and music fuels their holistic approach to health and wellness.

The opportunity to join Georgia Options felt like a perfect fit, as it combines Kristina's dedication to supporting people with disabilities and their excitement for making a meaningful impact. Always up for a challenge, Kristina continues to bring energy and enthusiasm to the role—and can still pull off a handstand, cartwheel, and flip on a trampoline!

Octavia Wood joined Georgia Options in October 2024 as the Recruiting and Onboarding Specialist. Though new to the Georgia Options community, she brings over six years of experience in human resource management, backed by an Associate Degree in Human Resource Management from Brenau University.

Before transitioning into HR, Octavia spent 12 years as a Youth Development Professional with the Boys and Girls Club of Jackson County, where she cultivated a passion for helping others grow and thrive. Her dedication and people-first mindset have made her an invaluable member of the Georgia Options team.

Since joining, Octavia has successfully hired and onboarded over 30 employees, quickly making a significant impact. She’s taken ownership of her role and continues to shape it with energy, professionalism, and heart. Octavia loves being part of the Georgia Options mission and takes pride in making a difference in the lives of the people we serve.