My staff and I are proud to play a much needed role in helping children in the Therapeutic Foster Care system reach their goal of adoption or reunification. The growing need in this area of specialized care cannot be ignored and it is our goal to find a healthy home for each and every one of these children under our care. I have a great team of trainers and counselors, and I trust in their ability to serve our dedicated Treatment Parent Specialists and children.

Sara has been with Choices For Life of Georgia since 2009. Sara attended Alaska Pacific University in Anchorage, Alaska, where she received her Master of Science in Counseling Psychology. Sara is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Georgia, a Nationally Certified Counselor, Registered Play Therapist Supervisor, Masters Addiction Counselor, Board Certified TeleMental Health Provider and a Certified Professional Counselor Supervisor (CPCS). She has obtained extensive clinical, assessment and forensic experience while serving a multitude of culturally diverse populations for over 20 years. Sara has a passion for focusing on the needs of the community and working together to provide needed services through systemic collaborations.

Qualynn “Q” Wilson, a native of Chicago, Ill. (#1 Bears Fan!) and graduate of the University of Phoenix, comes with over 10 years of executive administrative experience and knowledge. She is very passionate, caring and willing to provide excellent service(s) to the community and those that reside in it.

Katorah is a graduate of Valdosta State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She has over 10 years of experience working with children in the community and residential settings. Katorah also has seven years of supervisory and managerial experience working with private and nonprofit agencies. She is excited to combine this experience and help Choices For Life of Georgia continue to meet standards and serve the children and families in the community.

Mariann received Associate’s degrees in Accounting and Business Administration from Laramie County Community College in Wyoming in 2001. Since then she has worked off and on in the banking world. Mariann is currently working towards a diploma in Health Information Management at Wiregrass Technical College in Valdosta, Georgia. She has been with Choices For Life of Georgia since October 2016.

Linda Jones was born in Texas and raised in the small town of Lovington, NM. She’s married to USAF Veteran. She has been married for 27 years and has two young adult kids. Being married to a military man took her to Guam in 1995 where they lived for almost five years. She is outgoing, friendly, and has a positive attitude. Linda recently joined the CFL team in early November of 2020. “This is something totally different than I’ve ever done before. It’s very interesting, I’m excited and happy to be a part of a team that brings positively to families, children, and the community.”

Nikki is from Naylor, GA. She has been in the Administrative field for over 15 years. She is soon to graduate with an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice. After graduation, Nikki plans to attend the University of Alabama to achieve a degree in Social Work. Nikki grew up farming and is a wife to her supportive husband and a mom to 3 amazing kids. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends. “I want to thank Choices For Life for making me part of the team!” 

Pam has been with Choices For Life of Georgia since 2009. She received a Master’s degree in Special Education – Mental Retardation/Early Intervention, Birth to Three Years in June 1997 from Valdosta State University. She has worked extensively with families and children who experience emotional behavioral problems, as well as special needs. Pam states, “I truly enjoy my job and look forward to coming to work every day.” Life is not measured by how many breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.”

Ramada joined the Choices For Life of Georgia family in the Fall of 2018. She is a graduate of Georgia Southern University and came with ten years of child welfare experience. Ramada is actively involved in several community service organizations and prides herself in caring for and helping others. Ramada lives by the motto “service before self” and strives each day to make a difference in the lives of others.

TaCara is a native of South Georgia. She is a graduate of Georgia Southern University with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and minors in both child family development and criminal justice. She has always had a heart and passion for helping others. She describes herself as “a creative that works with my hands and my heart.” She has had 5 years of experience working directly with children placed in DFCS custody as a Child Care Counselor at a residential facility. She now has the opportunity to continue making a difference in a different capacity. “I enjoy working with these children and their foster parents. It is so rewarding to see how much time, energy, and LOVE they shower on the daily. I am thankful to be a part of such a team.”

Rasha is a graduate of Valdosta State University with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She has over five years of experience working with children. Rasha has a passion for helping people and believes that everyone has the potential to reach their goals in life. She is a strong advocate for her clients and works tirelessly to help them overcome any obstacles they may face. Rasha is a skilled listener and has a gift for understanding the needs of others.

Brantley Wheeler is a native to South Georgia. Brantley received his Bachelor’s of Arts in German from Georgia State University and his Master of Social Work degree from Valdosta State University. He is also an alumni of the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange Program for Young Professionals. Brantley spent 12 months living in Germany and completed internships working with low income families. Brantley has been a member of our team since 2012. He has a passion to work with children and adolescents who have suffered abuse, trauma, loss and grief. “I never intended to work with children and adolescents when completing my Master’s degree. My concentration practicum placement was at an agency offering services to children and teenagers who have suffered physical and sexual abuse. My view of the world was quickly altered and I found a new calling in life. I quickly changed plans from working in adult mental health to becoming an advocate for those who had no voice.” Brantley enjoys time at the beach and traveling overseas. Future plans are to one day complete a PhD.

Jana is a native of South Georgia. She attended Valdosta State University where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Sociology and Masters of Social Work. Jana has worked with adults with developmental disabilities for seven years, children and families for nine years and four of those were with children and adults in crisis. Jana is trained in TF-CBT therapy and takes great pride in working with children and families. Her goal is to promote change within the family unit to prevent generational cycles and help children become strong, confident individuals.

Stacie is a native of South Georgia. She holds a BA in Sociology and a Masters in Social Work from Valdosta State University. Stacie began her career in 2009 working with adults suffering from severe and persistent mental illness. More recently, she has gained experience working with children, teenagers and families dealing with the effects of physical, emotional and sexual abuse. “After working directly with children who have been victims of abuse for almost a year, I can say I have become very passionate in my work with individuals suffering from the effects of trauma. I am constantly trying to expand on my knowledge in regard to trauma and how it affects the mind and body.” Stacie will soon begin working towards becoming certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Play Therapy.

Jenny is a native to the Greater Lowndes County area. She obtained a Master’s degree from Valdosta State University’s Marriage and Family Therapy program. She takes pride in having the opportunity to work alongside children and their families in discovering the knowledge and strength gained through life experiences. She views her opportunity to work with each family as a true honor.

Diana (she/her) received her Bachelor’s in Psychology from Valdosta State University in 2019, and a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2021. She also received a Diploma in Neuroscience and Psychopathology in 2018, and a Diploma in Psychoeducational intervention in children with special needs in 2020. Diana is passionate about working with children and adolescents, social justice, equality, and mental health.  As a counselor, I assist people through personal challenges, help ease emotional burdens, and empower them to achieve mental wellness.  The best thing about being a counselor and working with children is that you have the opportunity to be a part of a child’s life in such a powerful way.

Diana nacío y creció en México, y se mudo a Valdosta, GA en el año 2014. Diana tiene como objetivo cambiar el estigma sobre la salud mental, el cual nace a partir de los estereotipos que como sociedad hemos contribuido a construir. La terapia infantil es una herramienta que está a la disposición de todos los padres para ayudar a sus hijos a resolver los conflictos que desequilibran su bienestar. Un niño comprendido, guiado y apoyado, será un niño mejor preparado para enfrentar los retos y dificultades de la vida. 

Cindy Perryman (Cynthia Shepard Perryman), LCSW, joined the team at Choices for Life, Inc., as a therapist in the Winter of 2020. She graduated from Valdosta State University with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology in 1992 and a Master’s in Social Work in 1998. She went on to complete requirements for a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Cindy has over 22 years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults, families, and substance abuse populations in both inpatient and outpatient and school settings. She has provided therapy services in community mental health settings and in a private practice setting in several South Georgia counties. The majority of her professional life to date has been in public school settings as the school social worker for Berrien County Schools. Cindy is passionate about helping individuals to heal, improve and achieve.

Cody was born and raised in Tifton, Georgia, and moved to Valdosta in 2019. He received his Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Georgia Southern University in 2019 and is currently in his final semester of his Master of Social Work Degree (MSW). Cody is passionate about the success and wellbeing of the child & adolescent population as well as challenging the mental health stigma in our community. In his free time, Cody enjoys traveling and spending time with his family. His primary goals are to be an advocate for the children and adolescents he serves as well as offer evidence-based care to the community.

Robyn received her Bachelors degree in Anthropology with a minor in Religious Studies in 2016. After working in the school system, she went back to school and obtained her Masters in Social Work in 2019. Robyn has worked for various professions that focus on the needs of children and family, who she believes are the foundation of society. She has a passion for working with children and families to help them have their voices and concerns heard and maintaining strong bonds through understanding.

Kellie is currently obtained her degree in Social Work with a minor in Psychology from Brandman University. She has been working with Choices For Life of Georgia as an intern and has loved the time that she gets to spend here. She has over 20 years of experience working with families, adults, children and special needs. She has a passion for helping people overcome obstacles, difficulties and making the most of themselves. Her goal is to form a positive and constructive relationship with her clients and their families. When not working with clients and their families, Kellie volunteers at a local animal rescue where she has a passion for saving animals, rehabilitating them and finding them a home.

Taylor is a native of South Georgia. She is a graduate of VSU with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and minor in African American Studies. She also graduated with her Master’s of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy. Taylor is passionate about assisting families and children with making discoveries on various aspects they never knew existed. “During the Marriage and Family program, I was always assigned to adult individuals, couples and I was only assigned to one family. I did not have a lot of experience working with children in a therapeutic setting. But I decided to take a leap of faith and try working with children after graduating. I have to say, I am enjoying it very much.”

Ashli received a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology in May 2003 from Valdosta State University. She has worked as a contractor through DFCS doing wrap-around and homestead services, visiting clients (adults, adolescents and children) in their homes to provide Parent Aide services for a variety of life issues including educating individuals about appropriate parenting practices, and supervision of parent/child visitation for the last eight years. Ashli has completed CCFAs in addition to parental and adolescent fitness assessments. Ashli has been working as a paraprofessional for Choices For Life of Georgia focusing on the children and adolescents, addressing skill building, behavioral management and adaptive functioning skills since 2009. Ashli works closely with community partners to help develop and link youth and families to additional services, programs, and/or collaborative and natural supports that will assist children and families in our community.

Elizabeth was born and raised in the Berrien County area. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies from Young Harris College in 2020, and she has obtained her Masters of Social Work Degree (MSW). Elizabeth is passionate and excited about working with children and adolescents to help them grow through the challenges of their life to be the best version of themselves. She feels that children and adolescents can teach you so much about yourself while you are helping them as well. Elizabeth loves to travel and spend time with family and friends and giving back to her community.

Martrika was born in Rantaul Illinois. She moved to Valdosta Georgia at the age of 6. Martrika attended Wiregrass where she received her diploma in Medical Assisting/certificate in Esthetics. Martrika attended Georgia Military College then Capella University where she received her bachelor’s of Science degree in Psychology. Martrika is excited to link families to community resources while encouraging the use of coping and behavioral skills to improve the families/ children’s progress in the community, home, and school.

Lori Stubbs received her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Valdosta State University in 2020. As an LMSW, she has had the opportunity and honor to work with both adults and adolescents, specializing in Anger Management with a CAMSII certification. She has also had the privilege of working in the juvenile justice system, believing that all children deserve an outlet to communicate, grow, and learn together. As a mother of a special needs child, Lori understands the complexities of family life and looks forward to working with families and children. Her motto and favorite quote by Helen Keller is, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”

Cetoyia was born and raised in Valdosta, Georgia. Cetoyia is married to Travis Hall and has an adorable son named Titus. She graduated from Valdosta State University in 2017 with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Social Work from Walden University. Cetoyia has a passion for children and has worked with them in some capacity for about 15 years. She is passionate about making a lasting difference in the lives children and helping others to reach their goals by using their talents and abilities in a positive way.

Bio coming soon

Cheryl Gatewood Tolliver is a board-certified pediatrician. She has been practicing medicine for over 20 years.  She attended the Georgia Institute of Technology and received a Bachelor of Industrial Engineering Degree.  She also attended the University of Southern California and received a Masters of Science in Systems Management. She received her Doctorate of Medicine at Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta, GA followed by her Residency in Pediatrics at Orlando Regional Healthcare System in Orlando, FL.

Dr. Tolliver is married to Kevin Tolliver and is the mother of 4 adult children, Kevin Paul, Nicholas (deceased), Destiny, and Taylor. She has one Grandchild, Russell Tolliver.  She enjoys running, reading, gardening, and spending time with her dog, Zandy.

Zakiyyah Weatherspoon, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC is board certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and is the current residing president of the South Georgia Association of Nurse practitioners, a member of Georgia Nurses Association, American Nurses Association, American Association of Nurse Practitioners, Sigma Theta Tau nursing fraternity, National Council of Negro Women, and United Advanced Practice Registered Nurses.

Born and raised here in Valdosta, she graduated from Valdosta High School in 2001. From there she went on to Statesboro, GA where she attended Georgia Southern University. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing in 2005. She worked as an ER nurse for 6 years and part-time at a nonprofit inpatient hospice facility and volunteered her time as a sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE nurse) all while she pursued her Master of Science in Nursing with an emphasis in family practice. She obtained her MSN degree in 2011. She obtained her Doctorate of Nursing Practice and the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Degree in May 2021 both from Georgia Southern University. She was then employed at Valdosta Family Medicine from January 2012-December 2017. While working full-time there, she started her mental health role at Peaceway Counseling and Mediation Services, serving child and adolescent patients there in 2014. She then worked full-time at the local emergency department in her advanced practice role. She then started working with her love for mental health at Legacy Behavioral Health Services and sporadically filling needed shifts at South Georgia Medical Center’s Youth Care department both in Valdosta Georgia. She is now full-time with Valdosta Children’s Healthcare.

She was recently named Georgia’s state representative for AANP’s nurse practitioner of the year for 2019 for her community service involvement here in our community where she received this prestigious honor in June 2019 in Indianapolis, IN. She was also inducted into the Class of 2019 40 under 40 for Georgia southern University Alumni out of 210,000 alumnae that are under the age of 40.

Bio to come.

Bio to come.