Bio coming soon!
Abby Higgs
Abby serves as the Safe and Stable Families (SSF) Program Administrator within the Safe Families Office. In this role, she provides administrative support for the Safe Families Office and assists with triaging the needs of survivors of intimate partner abuse.
Prior to joining AVLF , Abby interned with Partnership Against Domestic Violence, where she supported individuals impacted by intimate partner abuse. She graduated summa cum laude from Georgia State University with a degree in Sociology and a concentration in Social Justice. During her studies she earned the university’s Global Distinction honor in recognition of her commitment to global competence, intercultural engagement, and community involvement. Abby is currently pursuing her Paralegal Certification at Emory University and will complete the program in June.
Courtney Johnson
Courtney is now the Interim Legal Director of the Safe and Stable Families program and the managing attorney for the Family Law Program. The legal team provides services to survivors of intimate partner violence through the Safe Families Office, Guardian ad Litem Program, and Family Law Program. She previously served as the managing attorney for the Family Law Program. The Family Law Program provides direct representation, resources and advice/counsel to survivors of intimate partner violence while also supporting volunteer attorneys.
Before joining AVLF, she worked at Atlanta Legal Aid for 8 years focusing on representing low income community members in family law matters. She is a member of the Atlanta Bar Association Family Law board. Courtney obtained her Juris Doctorate from Howard University School of Law and her Bachelor’s degree from Spelman College. Courtney believes it is important to both advocate for and empower the clients she works with. She is a proud Midwesterner who enjoys hanging out with family and binging the latest tv shows.
Lilli Crowe
Lilli has held various titles across programs at AVLF since joining in 2014. As the Volunteer Engagement Manager for the Safe and Stable Families Project, she is responsible for recruiting, training, and supporting volunteers in AVLF’s Intimate Partner Abuse, Guardian ad Litem, and Family Law Programs, as well as developing and implementing trainings in the legal community.
Born and raised in Athens, Georgia, Lilli is passionate about advocating for community engagement and empowerment, and supporting survivors of intimate partner abuse. She earned her B.S. in Psychology from the University of Georgia.
Kenya Gould
Kenya oversees the operations of the Standing with Survivors program, which includes mobile advocacy, social work services, and community outreach. Through these efforts, her team delivers vital resources, education, and support to survivors of intimate partner abuse.
She brings years of experience as a victim advocate, supporting survivors as they navigate the criminal justice system and understand their rights. In addition, Kenya has served as a Social Worker, with the Division of Family and Children Services in both Georgia and North Carolina. She holds 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.
A proud Georgia native, Kenya is deeply passionate about empowering others to recognize their self-worth and advocate for themselves.
Jennifer Leaks
Jennifer Leaks is the Program Manager for Standing With Survivors, where she provides support, guidance, and expertise to the team as they navigate their work. In her role, she leads and supports the team in strategic planning, innovative thinking, growth, and collaboration to best serve survivors of intimate partner abuse.
Jennifer’s background includes recognition as a Kiwanis Award recipient for Outstanding Division I Student-Athlete Academic Excellence. She is also a Notary Public, an ABA Certified Paralegal, and a proud member of the Gate City Bar Association.
Outside of her professional work, Jennifer enjoys creating her own skin and hair care products, blending creativity and wellness in her everyday life.
Anajah McNish
Anajah is a Staff Attorney with the Safe Families Office, providing legal assistance and representation to survivors of intimate partner abuse.
Prior to joining AVLF, Anajah represented survivors of intimate partner abuse for over 6 years in the non-profit and government sector in Miami and Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Anajah received her Juris Doctor from University of Miami School of Law and obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree from Spelman College.
Melissa Olive
Melissa joined AVLF in 2023 as a Standing With Survivors Social Worker with the Safe & Stable Families program, where she provides trauma-informed crisis intervention, advocacy, and holistic support to survivors of intimate partner abuse. She conducts comprehensive needs assessments and connects clients to vital resources, including housing, healthcare, financial assistance, and legal advocacy. Melissa also leads strategic outreach efforts, strengthens community partnerships, and plays a key role in expanding AVLF’s mobile services through the SWS van. In addition, she supports program development by supervising MSW interns and contributing to strategic planning initiatives.
Born and raised in Marietta, Georgia, Melissa is deeply passionate about domestic violence advocacy, community engagement, and empowering survivors on their path to safety and healing. She brings a strong background in legal advocacy, foster care, and emergency shelter services. Melissa holds a Bachelor of Social Work from Georgia State University and is on track to receive her Master of Social Work from Walden University in November 2025.
Grace Power
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.
Mia Smith
Mia became a Social Worker with the Safe and Stable Families Program with AVLF in August 2023. Mia’s current role consist of providing wrap around services to clients by using a trauma-informed, client-centered approach. Mia works to build trust, coordinate care, and empower individuals and families toward safety and long-term stability.
Mia came to AVLF with a strong background in child welfare, intimate partner violence, and counseling services. Mia also has extensive experience in crisis intervention, trauma-informed care, and advocacy for survivors and families.
Mia holds a Master of Social Work from Walden University and a Bachelor of Social Work from Savannah State University. Mia is passionate about safety, healing, and empowerment, as she provides compassionate, client-centered support to individuals navigating complex challenges.