At AVLF, our staff commits each and every day to bringing equal justice to all Atlantans.
We’re attorneys, fundraisers, social workers, activists, artists, accountants, and more. Some of us are transplants, and some of us are Atlanta natives. We’re all here to provide top-notch legal and social assistance to Atlanta families when they need it most.
Safe & Stable Homes Project
Staff Attorney, Safe & Stable Homes Project
Alexandria educate families on how to promote effective repairs and avoid evictions, the right to safe and habitable housing, and addressing issues such as indoor air quality.
She represents eligible clients in eviction defense and affirmative landlord-tenant cases. Additionally, Alexandria supports and advances AVLF’s housing programs throughout Fulton and Clayton Counties.
Community Advocate, Standing with Our Neighbors®
Managing Attorney, Saturday Lawyer Program
Sarah Babcock is the Managing Attorney of the Saturday Lawyer Program, which connects tenants experiencing housing issues with legal advocacy, information about their rights, and representation by pro bono attorney volunteers. Sarah supports clients and volunteer attorneys in advocating for safe, stable, and sanitary housing for all Atlanta residents.
Sarah joined AVLF after serving in leadership roles at Truancy Intervention Georgia (TIP), a child welfare organization, and Lawyers for Equal Justice, an incubator program for newer solo attorneys. Prior to joining the non-profit sector, Sarah was a litigation associate at Alston & Bird for six years, where she served on the firm’s Pro Bono Committee and received the 2015 F.M. Bird Award for her pro bono contributions. Serving as the Managing Attorney of the Saturday Lawyer program is a true “full circle” moment for Sarah, as her very first pro bono experience as a practicing attorney was volunteering with the Saturday Lawyer Program.
A native of Pennsylvania, Sarah is a graduate of Brown University and Emory University School of Law. She lives in Midtown with her husband, their two school-age children, and two cats.
Paralegal, Safe & Stable Homes Project
Angel started with AVLF as a volunteer paralegal with the Saturday Lawyer Program. Her love and passion for helping others led to her role here as a Safe and Stable Homes Paralegal with our Saturday Lawyer Program. Angel manages case placement and functions as the liaison for our volunteer attorneys and clients.
Angel obtained her Bachelor’s in Psychology from Georgia State University. She received a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Paralegal Studies from Georgia Piedmont Technical College, where she serves on the Paralegal Studies Board. Angel recently obtained her Master’s in Interdisciplinary Studies in Criminal Justice Administration from the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies at Georgia State University.
In her free time, Angel loves spending time with family, shopping, enjoying the newest restaurants, dancing in the rain, and kicking back with a good book.
Community Advocate, Standing with Our Neighbors®
Senior Paralegal, Safe & Stable Homes Project
Staff Attorney, Standing with Our Neighbors®
Sr. Community Advocate, Standing with Our Neighbors®
Nikki is a Community Advocate with AVLF’s Standing With Our Neighbors program. She serves the NPU-V area and is based out of Gideons Elementary School, Dunbar Elementary School, and Barack and Michelle Obama Academy.
Nikki developed a strong sense of devotion to the nonprofit sector while working in an educational setting. The experience ignited her passion for helping children and families improve their lives.
As an “army brat,” Nikki was born in Germany and moved to Atlanta in 1997. She received a B.A. from Clayton State University. In her free time, Nikki enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with her family and friends.
Managing Attorney, Housing Court Assistance Center
As the Housing Court Assistance Center’s (HCAC) Managing Attorney, Cassandre administers and oversees the day-to-day operations of HCAC, and provides limited legal representation or legal advice to tenants facing eviction and other landlord tenant disputes. At the HCAC, tenants can get immediate advice about the eviction process. HCAC provides tenants with the knowledge and resources they need to advocate for themselves throughout the eviction process
Prior to joining AVLF, Cassandre worked as an immigration attorney at Catholic Legal Services in Miami, Florida. She counseled and represented clients in numerous immigration proceedings such as Asylum, VAWA, and Humanitarian Parole. In addition, Cassandre dedicated her expertise to assist hundreds of Haitian immigrants apply for Temporary Protective Status in the United States after the assassination of Haiti’s president and the country’s deteriorating political crisis, violence, and a staggering increase in human rights abuses.
Before practicing at Catholic Legal Services, Cassandre worked at Georgia Legal Services Program. In that position, Cassandre worked as the Eviction Prevention Project staff attorney and defended low-income tenants in eviction actions and other civil matters.
She received her J.D. from Appalachian School of Law, her M.S. in Public Administration from Clark Atlanta University, and her B.S. in Paralegal Studies from Nova Southeastern University. Cassandre was born and raised in Montreal, Canada to Haitian parents. She is fluent in French and Haitian Creole. Outside of the office, she enjoys spending time with her nieces and nephews, hiking, and traveling.
Staff Attorney, Standing with our Neighbors®
Managing Attorney, Access to Counsel PILOT
Staff Attorney, Access to Counsel Pilot
Ethan is a staff attorney with AVLF’s Access to Counsel Pilot program. He defends tenants in eviction proceedings and advocates for individuals experiencing conditions issues in their homes. He works to prevent displacement, hold landlords accountable, and support volunteer attorneys.
Prior to joining AVLF, Ethan was an Assistant Public Defender with the Dekalb County Public Defender Office. He attended the City University of New York (CUNY) School of Law and is grateful to be representing longtime Atlanta residents in his hometown.
Staff Attorney, Standing With our Neighbors®
I am a staff attorney with the Standing with Our Neighbors Program. I have over 20 years experience in public interest law, where I have advocated for low-income communities in civil legal matters. I have practiced law in Florida, Washington State and California.
Volunteer Engagement Manager, Safe and Stable Homes Project
Susan Leonard is the Manager of Volunteer Engagement for the Safe and Stable Homes Project. In this role, she connects volunteers and law firms with the impactful programs of the Housing team to support the needs of the community while utilizing the experience and passion of attorneys, law students, paralegals, and other community members.
Susan has more than 10 years of experience coordinating volunteers to achieve the missions of various nonprofits in Atlanta. She gained the Certification in Volunteer Administration designation in 2017 and remains current with the designation and active in the volunteer engagement professionals community.
Intake Coordinator, Standing with Our Neighbors®
Shameka completes intakes for all potential clients with Standing With Our Neighbors. She follow ups with clients 90 days after their cases close and sending closed file correspondence to clients.
Eviction Navigator, Access to Counsel PILOT
Kelsie provides emotional and practical support to families experiencing displacement and housing insecurity. She assist families in navigating barriers and connecting them to resources to help them find stability in stressful situations.
Kelsie attended Georgia State University for Political Science. She is a certified 500 Hour Trauma Informed Yoga Instructor and uses this education to assist her clients find pockets of calmness in the midst of chaos.
Community Advocate, Standing with Our Neighbors®
As the SWON Community Advocate, Quentin collaborates with staff attorneys and community providers to focus on addressing housing instability in the Carver cluster neighborhoods.
He engages in relationship building with partner organizations and assists tenants with landlord tenant issues, including evictions, and repairs and conditions. Quentin earned a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Buffalo State College and earned a master’s degree in Public Administration from Hilbert College in New York. He grew up in Queens, in New York City.
Director, Standing With Our Neighbors®
Co-Director, Safe & Stable Homes Project
Crystal is the co-director of the Safe and Stable Homes Project, which provides legal representation and advocacy for people in landlord-tenant, eviction defense, and wage cases. She focuses on special initiatives and larger-impact efforts to promote affordable housing and anti-displacement measures in metro Atlanta. She serves as the managing attorney for the Eviction Defense program, including the City of Atlanta Pilot program providing “Access to Counsel” to tenants facing evictions.
Prior to joining AVLF, Crystal was a staff attorney and capital investigator at the Southern Center for Human Rights and an educator in Atlanta Public Schools. She obtained an undergraduate degree in history from Harvard College, a Master’s in Education from Georgia State University, and a Juris Doctorate from Harvard Law School.
Paralegal, Access to Counsel Pilot
Christan is AVLF’s newest Safe & Stable Homes paralegal. In this role, she is tackling issues that incubate systemic poverty in Atlanta.
Christan has lived in Atlanta for 13 years and currently calls Vine City home. She brings almost 10 years of paralegal experience to this role, along with a wealth of community service work with organizations such as Care, Hands on Atlanta, and the Empowerment Council. On the weekends, you’ll find Christan at a food drive, community clean-up, or at a workshop to help organize Atlanta’s communities. She also enjoys writing poetry, taking Afrikan Martial Arts classes, traveling, and relaxing with friends.
Community Advocate, Standing with Our Neighbors®
Administrative Assistant, Safe & Stable Homes Project
LeRoya Scott has worked as a Nonprofit Assistant providing administrative, clerical, and event coordinating support for various nonprofit agencies. Ms. Scott was born and raised in Rhode Island and has enjoyed living in Atlanta for over 23 years. She is a graduate of Rhode Island College (B.A.), Community College of Rhode Island (A.A.). And received a Certificate of Completion in Trademark Practice from the Patent Institute of Training (Atlanta), completed courses in Business Administration at Georgia State University, Davenport University, and attended numerous workshops to increase her skills in Philanthropy and Community Relations.
Warrick Dunn Charities, Inc. formerly employed her as an Administrative Assistant/Office Manager. And has completed a Sports/Entertainment Philanthropy Internship with The Giving Back Fund, a nonprofit management organization for Athletes, Entertainers, and Business Leaders, and worked as a Development Assistant prospecting leads and drafting grant and sponsorship applications with Successful Smiles of Texas; H.O.P.E., Inc. (Helping Other People be Empowered); Flying Change Equine Therapy nonprofit organizations. She also completed long-term temporary assignments as an Administrative Assistant for World Airways Airlines and Cooper Lighting.
Ms. Scott’s tenure includes Peachtree City Recreation/Special Events, Advisory Board Member, and Young Nonprofits Professional Network (YNPN) Finance/Fundraising Committee Member, including (YNPN’s) Atlanta Leadership Team. She has volunteered with local organizations to support her community, including Warrick Dunn Charities, Inc., Evander Holyfield Foundation, Tech Bridge, the Atlanta Falcons’ Community Relations/Youth Programs, Kids & Pros, Inc., Chick-fil-A Leadercast Convention, Peachtree City Classic, and Diva’s Running Series Marathons. Other community efforts involve participating as a panelist for “One Peachtree City,” a roundtable discussion panel providing input for county-related issues facing the community.
LeRoya expresses her love and devotion to her parents, brother, and sisters, a host of nieces and nephews, and the family’s pet dogs, Point Dexter and Prince Charming. Additionally, along with her family and friends, she enthusiastically supports military families overseas by collecting and donating to “Coupons to Troops.” In her free time, she enjoys playing Pickleball (a combination sport of table tennis, badminton, and tennis), bowling, and practicing her golf swing (on the driving range).
Paralegal, Housing Court Assistance Center
Angela provides assistance to the managing attorney for the Housing Court Assistance Center with drafting documents, maintaining and organizing files, tenant intake and fact-gathering. She supervises law students and paralegal volunteers.
Angela graduated of Georgia Piedmont College with an associates in Paralegal Studies and
graduate of Clayton State University, with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.
Community Advocate, Standing with Our Neighbors®
Community Advocate Manager, Standing with Our Neighbors®
Shamyya – also known as “Mya” – is the Westside Community Advocate. She was a Community Advocate at Thomasville Heights Elementary School for AVLF’s Standing With Our Neighbors™ program.
As a native of Atlanta, Mya has been an advocate for children and families for over ten years, serving in low-income communities. She is committed to and passionate about enlightening, educating, and supporting her community. Mya is dedicated to being a voice – and an agent of change – for the people.
Mya is a devoted mother to her four-year-old high-energy son, Karter. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, shopping, and spending time with her family.
Safe & Stable Families Project
Volunteer Engagement Manager, Safe & Stable Families Project
Lilli is the Volunteer Engagement Manager for the Safe and Stable Families Project- she’s responsible for recruiting, training, and overseeing volunteers for the Intimate Partner Abuse program, Guardian ad Litem program, and Family Law program.
She joined AVLF in 2014, has watched the organization grow from 10 people to nearly 50, and has been honored to train hundreds of attorneys and work with thousands of clients in that time. She graduated from the University of Georgia with a BS in Psychology and a minor in Sociology. In her free time, you can find her chasing her toddler around farmers markets and traveling.
Program Administrator, Intimate Partner Abuse Program
Brianna facilitates the virtual Temporary Protective Order process for petitioners and collaborates with legal advocates and the court staff to get petitioners scheduled for virtual ex parte hearings. Her specific responsibilities include processing documents, delegating intake assignments, conducting intakes, inputting data, and maintaining records.
She graduated with honors in 2017 with a Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration and a minor in Women’s Studies. In 2018, she earned her Master of Public Administration with a graduate certificate in Nonprofit Organizations and Community Governance.
Director, Legal Services
Cristina is the Director of Legal Services for the Safe & Stable Families Project. Cristina oversees the Intimate Partner Abuse Program, the Family Law Program, and the Guardian ad Litem Program. Together, these programs assist survivors of intimate partner abuse with an array of legal and social services.
Prior to her position at AVLF, Cristina served the low-income community of Atlanta for 12 years as an attorney with the Atlanta Legal Aid Society. Cristina obtained her Juris Doctor degree and a dual bachelor’s degree in Cultural Anthropology and Spanish from Mercer University.
Cristina was born and raised in Romania and has lived in the metro Atlanta area since 1996. She is passionate about animal rescue and serves on the Board of Directors for DREAM Dachshund Rescue.
Director, Social Services
Kenya is the Director of Social Services for the Safe & Stable Families Project. Kenya oversees the Social Work & Advocacy Program and the Standing with Survivors Program (which includes the mobile advocacy unit and outreach services). Together, her dedicated team provides essential resources, education, and support to survivors of intimate partner abuse.
Kenya has a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of South Carolina and a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from the University of Georgia. She is an active member of the National Association of Social Workers. Her passion lies in empowering others to recognize their worth and advocate for themselves.
Kenya is a proud Georgia native and enjoys cooking, thrifting, and DIY projects.
Program Manager, Standing with Survivors Program
Mary manages the Safe & Stable Families Project’s Social Work & Advocacy Program, which provides various resources and supports to help survivors of intimate partner abuse gain greater safety and stability. She also works directly with clients as part of the Social Work & Advocacy team, assisting clients in addressing concerns around housing, shelter, healthcare needs, counseling, emotional support, access to benefits, financial planning & assistance, and more.
Before joining AVLF, Mary graduated with a Master’s in Social Work and Master’s in Public Health from the University of North Carolina. She recently served in leadership in the Fulton County Family Violence Task Force and has previously worked in violence prevention education, research, and advocacy. She is a Licensed Master Social Worker and is committed to working against intimate partner abuse and supporting survivors. In her spare time, Mary enjoys baking pies and playing music.
Paralegal, Family Law Program
Community Legal Advocate, Standing with Survivors Program
Law Clerk, Family Law Program
Staff Attorney, Intimate Partner Abuse Program
Social Worker, Standing with Survivors Program
Melissa is the Standing with Survivors Social Worker, where she provides social service assistance to clients in the community. These services mirror the services provided to clients in the Intimate Partner Abuse Program but are mobile. Melissa also conducts outreach events to bring awareness and education of intimate partner abuse to the community.
Melissa was born and raised in Atlanta, GA. Melissa graduated from Georgia State University where she received her Bachelor of Social Work. In her spare time, she loves doing DIY projects at home, baking, and spending time with family.
Melissa’s passion involves building community relations and creating unique ways to connect with survivors in an innovative way so that they can get connected with the resources and support they need to build a life of safety and independence as they break away from the cycle of violence.
Housing Support Social Worker, Standing with Survivors Program
Managing Attorney, Intimate Partner Abuse Program
Grace serves as the Managing Attorney for the Intimate Partner Abuse Program. There, she provides legal assistance and representation to survivors of intimate partner abuse.
Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, Grace is committed to providing legal services to the Atlanta community. Before joining AVLF, Grace was a Staff Attorney at Atlanta Legal Aid. Grace received her J.D. from Emory University School of Law, graduating with the Pro Bono Publico Award. During law school, she worked with the Barton Child Law and Policy Clinic and interned with AVLF and Atlanta Legal Aid. Grace received a B.S.A. Honors Interdisciplinary Studies degree from the University of Georgia, graduating magna cum laude with Honors from the UGA Honors College.
Social Worker, Standing with Survivors Program
Mia is the Intimate Partner Abuse Program Social Worker, where she receives referrals for clients who have begun the process of filing for a Temporary Protective Order and works with clients for up to 6 months of wrap-around services. Mia is also the Safe & Stable Families Project Georgia Victim Legal Assistance Network (VLAN) representative.
Mia grew up in a small town in Alabama but relocated to Atlanta, GA with her husband and two children in 2020. Mia graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Social Work degree from Savannah State University and her Master of Social Work degree from Walden University. Since graduating and relocating, Mia has had the opportunity to work and provide Social Work services to many different individuals and populations. Mia has a passion for Social Work and working with children and families.
In her free time, she loves to indulge in self-care, volunteer at different events, shop, travel, spend time with her family and friends and binge watch her favorite shows.
Legal Assistant, Family Law Program
Administrator, Intimate Partner Abuse Program
Kayla Thompson is the Administrator for the Intimate Partner Abuse Program where she provides administrative oversight of the program and triages the needs of survivors of intimate partner abuse.
Kayla was a recipient of the Posse Foundation full-tuition leadership scholarship and earned her B.A. cum laude in Africana Studies from DePauw University.
One fact about Kayla is that she is a proud New York City native!
Paralegal, Intimate Partner Abuse Program
Charlette Woodall is the Paralegal for the Intimate Partner Abuse Program. Charlette mainly handles motions regarding protective orders and provides assistance to our volunteer attorneys for the program.
Charlette graduated from the University of West Georgia and obtained her B.A. in Philosophy. She also attended Georgia State University and obtained her Master’s in Criminal Justice Administration, focusing on creating more efficient and maintainable services while leading and managing criminal justice systems.
Charlette is an Atlanta native who is passionate about solving social issues that affect low-income communities in Atlanta.
Community Support & Partnerships
Director of Community Support and Partnerships
Sonya Humphries is AVLF’s Director of Community Support and Partnership. This position emerged from a collaboration with Partners for HOME, a nonprofit founded by the City of Atlanta to manage the Atlanta continuum of care for homeless services. Sonya is responsible for administering emergency financial assistance to clients who are on the verge of eviction or loss of necessary services such as gas or electricity.
Sonya is a lifelong Atlanta resident. She previously served as Assistant Director of Advancement Services and Donor Relations at Georgia Piedmont Technical College and was Institutional Advancement Coordinator at Atlanta Technical College. She is a graduate of Atlanta Metropolitan State College and Atlanta Technical College and a proud Walter F. George High School alumnus. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, decorating her home, and watching Cary Grant movies.
Program Manager - Community Support and Partnerships
La’Nette assess, coordinates, and leverages partnerships to connect tenants to supportive services, including but not limited to removing barriers to housing stability and equitable access to public benefits, employment resources, coordinating with children’s new schools to assist students in overcoming achievement obstacles precipitated by the displacement.
La’Nette graduated with honors with a degree in Business Management and was the TCSG Student of the Year for the entire state of Georgia. Using her platform, she has represented Atlanta’s disadvantaged and marginalized population on the floor of the Georgia Senate, The House of Representatives and in the office of Former Governor Nathan Deal.
She is a native of Syracuse, New York.
Community Advocate, Community Support & Partnerships
Community Advocate, Community Support & Partnerships
Amber provides education, advocacy and assistance with developing plans and connects clients to services needed. This includes but not limited to removing barriers to housing stability and equitable access to public benefits, employment resources, coordinating with children’s new schools to assist students in overcoming achievement obstacles precipitated by the displacement.
3-4 sentences about your education/achievements (optional):
She graduated from Benedict College. Amber’s major is Psychology with a Degree in Arts. While attending Benedict College, Amber was an advocate for domestic violence.
She is from Atlanta, Ga.
Program Manager, Community Legal Health
Courtney provides trauma informed crisis intervention and advocacy services to clients seeking assistance with filing a temporary protective order along with co-leading and supervising the SWAP MSW internship program. She serves as the VLAN navigator for the Georgia Victims Legal Assistance Network assisting with sending and receiving referrals from network partners.
Courtney graduated summa cum laude with a degree in Psychology, graduated with honors with a Masters of Social Work, and has received her LMSW. She is currently pursuing her LCSW.
Administration
Grant Writer
Sr. Marketing Manager
Deputy Director
Juan A. Figueroa joins AVLF as the new Deputy Director. Born in Ciales, Puerto Rico, Juan is a lifelong public interest advocate with a successful background in law, policy and civil rights at the national, state and local levels. His extensive legal career includes assignments as staff attorney for the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities; Assistant Attorney General for the state of Connecticut; President and General Counsel of the Puerto Rican Legal Defense and Education Fund (now Latino Justice, PRLDEF) in New York City; and Of Counsel to the Law Offices of David N. Feliu in Waterbury, Connecticut.
Mr. Figueroa served as State Representative for Hartford’s Third Assembly District and in 2010 became the first Latino in Connecticut to run for Governor. He was President of the Universal Health Care Foundation of Connecticut, served as Chief of Staff to Hartford Mayor, Pedro Segarra and served as the President and CEO of the Jefferson Foundation in Missouri. In 2021, he relocated to the state of Georgia where he has served as Interim COO of Chris 180 as well as Interim Executive Director of the Sapelo Foundation.
“We are thrilled to welcome Juan to the AVLF team,” said Executive Director Michael Lucas. “He brings with him incredible experience and a vast background that is already yielding new insights for AVLF. We are fortunate that he will now be leading our day-to-day operations.”
A former op-ed columnist for the Hartford Courant, his views and opinions have appeared in print and broadcast. His national news roster includes the New York Times, The Today Show, The O’Reilly Factor, Crossfire, Geraldo Rivera Show, Univision and Telemundo. Mr. Figueroa has received numerous community awards and recognitions for his tireless dedication to public service. He holds honorary degrees from CUNY Law School in New York and Charter Oak College in Connecticut.
Mr. Figueroa received his Juris Doctor from Santa Clara University in California and his Bachelor of Arts from Macalester College in St Paul Minnesota. He and his wife Helene reside in Stone Mountain, Georgia and have one daughter, Taina.
Finance Manager
Karen maintains accurate financial records and provide the organization’s management team with timely and accurate information. She also manages and maintains budgets, deposits, disbursements, and grant reporting inquiries from staff. Maintain monthly/quarterly reconciliations of all balance sheet and income statement accounts based on the closing schedule.
Karen graduated with a degree in Business Management and Accounting from Baker Business College. She has over 10 years of accounting experience working for several non-profits, including the Housing Development Corporation, Metropolitan Baptist Church, and Hasselbring Senior Center.
One personal fact about Karen is she had the opportunity to return to my country of origin while serving as an International Project Manager for Payless ShoeSource. The opening of the first five retail stores on the island was her responsibility.
Information Technology Manager
Executive Assistant
Executive Assistant & Chaos Coordinator. Nicole keeps up with the Executive Director, Michael Lucas, and Deputy Director, Juan Figueroa to make sure they’ve got the p’s and q’s of projects, processes, and people sorted out. She also helps the entire Director team with creative ideas and implements the practices by curating the right resources.
Outside of the office, her life is much of the same, only for her family of six humans and two dogs. Wife to Josh and Mom to two girls (23 & 19) and two boys (14 & 10). She’s like a pinball bouncing between college, baseball, and karate activities. “Now hiring: Clone”
Controller
Director of Human Resources
Kizzy joined AVLF in June 2024 as the organization’s Director of Human Resources, bringing over 18 years of HR experience in retail, government and non-profit positions. In her role, Kizzy oversees all HR functions for AVLF to include Talent Acquisition, Rewards & Engagement, and overall HR process improvement.
Kizzy earned her Bachelor of Science from Ga. State University and MBA from Kennesaw State
University.
Executive Director
Michael became AVLF’s Deputy Director in January 2014, and stepped into the role of Executive Director in 2020. Previously, he served as the Director of Housing and Consumer Programs, managing a variety of programs that provide legal representation to low-income individuals. He litigated in the areas of landlord-tenant law, unpaid wages, debt-defense, and debt collection.
Michael came to AVLF after working as a staff attorney for the Georgia Legal Services Program, representing low-income Georgians in a variety of civil matters. Prior to coming to Georgia, Michael was a fellow at Public Justice, P.C., a national public interest law firm in Washington, D.C. He also spent several years working for change in the Texas state legislature. Michael holds a Masters in Social Work from the University of Texas at Austin and a law degree from the University of California at Berkeley. He spent his final year of law school studying at Harvard Law School and clerked for the Honorable Catherine C. Blake of the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland in Baltimore before beginning his legal career.
Sr. Program Data & Evaluation Manager
Sr. Manager of Donor Relations & Annual Giving
Development Director
Libby is originally from Columbus, Georgia. She has served the Atlanta non-profit community for over 20 years in various capacities after starting her career in the Press Office of Governor Roy E. Barnes. Now six years with AVLF, Libby has seen the organization grow from a $1 million to $6 million non-profit with over 40 employees (she thinks there were 11 staff when she started). She is a graduate of Clemson University with a BA in Political Science (Go Tigers!), and in her spare time, enjoys cooking, gardening, and spending time with her pets. She lives in Decatur with her husband, Chad.
Sr. Manager of Grants
Director, Marketing and Communications
Office Manager
As the office manager at AVLF, Terri meet the demands of a staff of over 50 ensuring matters are handled expeditiously, proactively, and projects are followed through to a successful completion.
She manages inventory ensuring office supplies and printed materials are maintained while multi- tasking between departments and providing maintenance of office equipment and requesting repairs as needed. Terri is also the project manager for all in house celebratory events for staff.
