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.”

Cathy has worked in the field of advocacy and social services for more than 20 years.  She is very passionate about working with children and families, with an emphasis on education and recruitment.  Cathy’s passion developed after becoming a foster parent over 30 years ago, and eventually an adoptive parent.  She has since worked in numerous positions assisting foster and adoptive families throughout the state of Georgia.  Cathy has also shared her wealth of knowledge and experience through the development of workshops, which she has presented all over the United States.  It is her goal to recruit foster parents that are willing to provide a temporary home for children experiencing instability and life’s uncertainties.  Cathy believes that every child deserves a safe and loving home.

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.

Telicia is native of Central Florida. She is a graduate of Rust College in Holly Springs, Mississippi with a bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration/Management. Telicia is also a graduate of Grantham University in 2015 with a Master’s Degree in Health Care Administration. Telicia has over 30 years of experience working with Children and Families in Florida and Georgia combined. She loves working with people and she has a passion for helping anyone in need. Telicia believes that “ If you raise your children, you can spoil your grandchildren, but if you spoil your children, you will have to raise your grandchildren.” Telicia is truly grateful to be a part of the Choices for Life of Georgia Team.

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.

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.

Sarah was born and raised in Atlanta, GA. She earned her Master of Social Work from Valdosta State University this past May of 2022 and has a B. A. in Sociology from Georgia College and State University. Sarah worked as an intern at CFL from 2020-2021 and is grateful for the opportunity to return as a therapist. Sarah has always been passionate about working with child and adolescent populations and has experience working with them in both outpatient and inpatient settings. Sarah’s goal is to be an advocate for mental health and see the efforts of her work improve the wellbeing of the children and the families she works with, creating a positive generational impact for the family as well as the community.

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.

Bio coming soon

Tori was born and raised in Michigan and recently moved to Valdosta in 2020. She received a dual Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology & Communication Sciences and Disorder from Western Michigan University in 2019. She has worked as an RBT(Registered Behavior Tech) previously, working with children and adolescents in a clinic or home. She enjoys working with children and making an impact on their life. Tori is passionate about making a difference and strives to encourage everyone to be the best version of themselves. In her spare time, she takes pleasure in hiking with her dog, reading, and traveling. Her goal is to help build confidence and provide support to children and adolescents in the community. 

Chardai was born and raised in Thomas County, GA, and she now resides in Valdosta, GA. She graduated from Valdosta State University in 2022 with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Anthropology. Her hobbies include cooking, reading, roller skating, and traveling. Chardai has always had a passion to teach and work with children/adolescents. “My favorite part about working with the kids at CFL is watching them slowly progress and blossom into their best selves.”

Hannah recently moved to Valdosta from Wilmington, North Carolina.  While living there, she received her Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Sociology from UNCW. Hannah has a passion for working with youth and has internship experience working in a juvenile detention center. She hopes to fulfill a long career dedicated to assisting youth in the emotional development process, as well as providing their families with the resources necessary to thrive.  

Lovye was born and raised in Tifton, Georgia. She received both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Social Work from Albany State University and has over five years of experience with working with adolescents. She believes change happens when people are given the support they need to draw on their strengths and realize their potential to live fulfilling and happy lives. Although there are many challenges and rewards at work; she will continue to enjoy working with adolescents and assisting them in making relationships that allow them to grow.

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.