OUR HISTORY
In 1996, several private, non-profit agency directors gathered together to found what is now the MAAC collaborative. They were driven to create "a new way of doing business" in the field of behavioral healthcare. Their vision was to create a seamless continuum of care to address all of the needs of the child, adolescent and family while reducing treatment "failures" and uncoordinated multiple placements. By teaming together to create a continuum, each agency maintains their individuality and expertise in the service areas they uniquely provide. This team approach eliminates the duplication of services across multiple agencies, reducing the risk of becoming "spread too thin".
Today, eight non-profit behavioral healthcare providers are united to serve children and families through MAAC, with a scope of services ranging from assessments to intensive psychiatric care, adoptions to residential group homes, therapeutic foster care to maternity care and much more. All agencies believe in best practices for children and most of the MAAC agencies are accredited by a nationally accreditation body.
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OUR SERVICES INCLUDE: |
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• In-home and Wraparound |
• Intermediate Residential
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| OUR MEMBER AGENCIES |
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OUR AFFILIATE MEMBER AGENCIES |
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OUR STAFF |
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HEATHER ROWLES: Executive Director Heather Rowles, MPA has been the Executive Director of the Multi-Agency Alliance for Children (MAAC) since 2004. She was the only full-time employee when she became the Executive Director and since then has doubled the MAAC population and MAAC has 6 full-time staff. She has served on numerous committees including Georgia Chapter Chair for Foster Family-based Treatment Association, Embrace Operating Committee, Co-Chair of Georgia KaleidaCare User Group, and the Child Placement Conference Committee. She served on the MAAC Clinical Team from 1998-2004 prior to being the Executive Director and has over 12 years experience in Child Welfare. SANDY CORBIN: Wraparound Director Sandy is the MAAC Family Services Director. She has over 25 years of experience in mental health and residential treatment- all with kids and families. Sandy holds a Bachelor of Social Work degree from Buffalo State College and a Master of Social Work degree from San Diego State University. She has been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker since 1994. ERICA DAVIS: Wraparound Supervisor Erica has extensive experience working with children and adolescents with mental health and substance abuse diagnoses in the community. She is inspired by shaping the lives of young people one youth at a time. Erica received her Master of Arts Degree in Community Counseling from Clark Atlanta University. She is now the Hi-Fidelity Wraparound Supervisor with MAAC. LYSA MOORE: Care Coordinator Lysa Moore is the new Care Coordinator for the CBAY (Community Based Alternatives for Youth) Program here at MAAC. She is a Georgia native, and is very passionate about serving her community. She attended the University of Virginia, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. She has experience working with youth and families, as she comes to MAAC from Creative Community Services, one of the partner agencies, where she served as the Intake Coordinator for the TFC Program and as a MAAC Clinical Team Member. She is excited about being a part of the CBAY initiative, and she looks forward to continuing to serve our youth and families in need. SHERENA WILSON: Care Coordinator Sherena received a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and Human Services from Claytons State University. Sherena has experience working for the Department of Family and Children Services as a Protect and Placement Specialist. Sherena is considered a national leader and advocate for children growing up in the foster care system; working with innumerable foster care youth and public officials across the country. Sherena joined the MAAC team in 2009 as a Care Coordinator for the High Fidelity Wrap Around Program. AMINA WELLONS: Care Coordinator Amina Wellons is a Michigan native, who joined the MAAC team in February 2010. Amina is a Care Coordinator for the Community Based Alternatives for Youth (CBAY) and Hi-Fidelity Wraparound programs. Amina has experience working for the Georgia Department of Family and Children Services as a Specialist with the Office of Child Protection. Amina is a proud alumna of Clark Atlanta University, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Social Work, with a concentration in child and family. Amina loves working with children, adolescents and families. Amina is enthusiastic about serving the community and enjoys being a part of the MAAC family. MICHELLE HOWARD: Care Coordinator Michelle is a Florida native who joined the MAAC team in March 2010. She has 13 years experience in working with adolescents and families for the State of Florida and 3 years experience as a Supervisor for the State of Georgia Department of Children and Family Services. Michelle holds a Bachelor degree in Social Work and a Masters degree in Counseling and Psychology. As a former clinician, Michelle exuded dedication and a genuine care for the families she serviced. She is eager to develop and/or participate by representing MAAC as a Care Coordinator and is excited about being a team member of the MAAC/CBAY family. SHAWANA ADAMS: Care Coordinator Shawana is a new Care Coordinator for MAAC and is thrilled to be with the team. She has experience working for the Department of Family and Children Services for 5 years as a Foster Care Ongoing and Placement/Adoptions Specialist. Shawana is very motivated by seeing families and youth thrive from obstacles within their lives. She received a Bachelor of Science in Social Work from Georgia State University. She is currently working on her Master of Science in Psychology and is expected to graduate Spring of 2011. She enjoys working with the youth and their families and is excited about continuing to serve them. CHISHA MERCER: Care Coordinator Chisha is a New Jersey native who joined the MAAC team in July 2010. She has earned a Bachelors degree in Sociology and recently earned her Masters degree in Counseling. Having worked in the social services field for 7 years, she has worked with New Jersey’s Division of Child and Behavioral Health Services helping children and families with emotional, mental and behavioral health challenges. Five of those years include using the wrap around model with the Care Management Organization. As a new resident of Georgia she is excited about being able to utilize the wrap around skills that she learned in New Jersey to help the youth of Georgia. ANDRE' BLANCHARD: Intake Director Andre is the MAAC Youth and Family Services Coordinator. He has over 15 years of experience in mental health and residential treatment. He gained the majority of his experience working with one of our partnering agencies. He has served on the MAAC Clinical Team from 2003 until accepting a full time position with MAAC. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Columbus College and a Master of Social Work from Clark Atlanta University. TORI MACKALL: Intake Coordinator Tori Mackall is new to the MAAC agency. Although, he is no stranger to the social work profession. In addition to the desire to make a difference; Tori brings with him a Bachelors Degree in Social Work and over ten years of experience working with children and families. Tori is excited to be joining the MAAC team and he looks forward to continuing to make a difference in the lives of children and families.
BETTY SESSIONS: Office Manager Betty Sessions has been the Office Manager for MAAC since 2006. Prior to working for MAAC, she was the financial assistant for one of our member agencies for over five years. She has over 9 years of experience in administrative/financial support for non-profit agencies. Betty is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s Degree in Technical Management with a concentration in Accounting and will be graduating in 2010. MEG MCCONNELL: Administrative Assistant Meg McConnell is the MAAC Administrative Assistant. She obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at Georgia College and State University. Prior to working for MAAC, she was a foster home family consultant for one of our member agencies. Meg has experience in working with youth and families in crisis. JESSICA COHEN: Quality Assurance Coordinator Jessica Cohen is the MAAC Quality Assurance Coordinator. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Writing and Linguistics and Master of Education degree in Counselor Education, both from Georgia Southern University. Prior to working for MAAC, she was a Utilization Review Coordinator and Clinician at Savannah Counseling Services. SARAH BESS HUDSON: Project Coordinator, GA EmpowerMEnt Sarah Bess Lee Hudson, MSW – obtained a Master of Social Work degree in 2002 from GA State University with a focus in community partnerships and consensus organizing. Sarah Bess has worked alongside youth self-advocates as an adult supporter (in various capacities) on issues impacting youth and young adults in the foster care system for 9 years. Sarah Bess serves currently as the Project Coordinator for GA EmpowerMEnt – Hearing the “ME” in the voices of GA’s foster youth, a statewide youth leadership development and advocacy initiative through youth-adult partnership for current/former foster youth between ages 14-26+.
Anthony Reeves joined the MAAC staff in 2007 as the Assistant Project Manager for EmpowerMEnt. Anthony has worked with countless youth and public officials across the country on behalf of young people in foster care. Anthony earned his Associates degree in Electronic Computer Technology and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Technical Management. He is actively involved in reaching out to teens to help empower them and has worked hard to help children better understand the juvenile court process. |
