FOCUS Staff

Frances is a FOCUS parent and a licensed social worker in Georgia. She cares deeply about access to services for those in need. Frances most enjoys attending FOCUS activities with her family and loves meeting new families at FOCUS events. Friday night share group is also one of her favorites! Frances hopes to lead FOCUS into a bright future by continuing to serve as a vital place of community for children with disabilities and their families.

Email Frances at [email protected]

 

Frances McBrayer

Like many of the other FOCUS staff, Patty volunteered for FOCUS before coming on staff. Her sister Anna found FOCUS after the premature birth of her son, Nick, in 1989. Their big Greek family surrounded Anna and her family after Nick’s birth, but they did not know exactly what to do to help. FOCUS helped Anna find resources and information after Nick was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, and Anna became a regular at share group. Patty volunteered with Anna at the very first FOCUS fashion show, then she helped at the dinner dance, and soon after was recruited as the office manager. Patty’s family continues to support FOCUS, out of gratitude and admiration for the wonderful children and families.

Email Patty at [email protected]

Patty Vastakis

My name is Peter Otim, and I am delighted to join the FOCUS family as the Program Director. I’ve spent the past 9 years doing non-profit work; serving as a youth development advocate. My previous experiences have afforded me the opportunity to have different perspectives and how to both lead and follow when appropriate. I have a passion for non-profit, and I truly believe that it takes a village for all of us to thrive. I look forward to working with the amazing FOCUS staff to optimize our mission and effect in every community we serve. On the academic side, I have a bachelor’s degree from Georgia College & State University and a master’s degree from Augusta University. My biggest accomplishment outside of my professional field is my two wonderful children. When I am not working, I am most likely spending time with my kids and wife, Kayla. My family and I are very excited to be a part of the FOCUS family!

Email Peter at [email protected]

Peter Otim

Jaide is best known as “Axel’s mom” and comes to us with much knowledge about parenting a medically complex child. Through her life, she’s lived in Tennessee, Roswell, and CHOA! In August 2018, at age 2, Axel earned his angel wings; Jaide is excited to stay in the FOCUS Family and to help other parents and children. As a Parent Coordinator, Jaide will plan and implement Share Groups and FOCUS on Moms, Hospital Support, and Workshops & Conferences and will assist with Day Camps, Family Activities and other programs.

Email Jaide at [email protected]

Jaide Camacho

Milligan Burroughs Hall joined the FOCUS team in 2023. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Hawaii and a master’s degree from McAfee School of Theology at Mercer University. Milligan has a history working, leading, and programming summer camps, and she will coordinate FOCUS summer day camps, family camps, Saturday respite childcare, and family activities. Milligan lives in Atlanta with her husband, Jonathan. She loves reading, enjoys playing with her senior dog, Theo, and watching movies.

Email Milligan at [email protected]

Milligan Burroughs Hall

Kimberly began her time at FOCUS in 2017 as an office intern/FAST Fins coach/respite volunteer. Now as our Teen and Young Adult Program Coordinator, she is back and excited for her journey here. Kimberly has her Bachelor’s degree in social work and Sociology from the University of North Georgia, and has several years of work and involvement in the special needs field. Her passion for the community FOCUS serves is deeply rooted as her brother is on the Autism Spectrum, as is her nephew. Her favorite part about her role is creating bonds with the teens and singing songs at every event. In addition to her role at FOCUS, her most important roles are being a mom to her first baby, Holly, and wife to her best friend Austin. When not working, Kimberly enjoys yoga and walks with her family, as well as eating lots of Mexican food and drinking all the coffee. 😊 If you have any questions regarding the TYA Program or Swim Team please contact her at: [email protected]

Kimberly Dominguez

Devi Knapp is a mom, wife, friend, daughter, artist, photographer, art educator, blogger, baker, mental health advocate… the list can go on! Devi has volunteered, first with the Fragile Kids Foundation and now with FOCUS; she especially loves helping with art projects for our FOCUS moms! When not at work or with her family and friends, she can be found blogging about the ups and downs of living with mental illness (see her blog “Yet Another Hot Mess”), doing photography, reading, or baking.

Email Devi at [email protected]

Devi Knapp

Celia came to know FOCUS through the programs that her children attended when they were young.  She had several years of experience in marketing and with writing business proposals for the private sector, so she was asked to use these skills at FOCUS, with special emphasis directed towards submitting grant requests to funding organizations. Celia enjoys taking hikes with her family and spending time outdoors with them, especially on beautiful sunny days.

Email Celia at [email protected]

Celia Lawton

LaShayla Clark is really excited to join the FOCUS family as the Development and Communications Coordinator. LaShayla is an experienced marketing professional who has participated in various roles in the nonprofit sector to include fundraising and development, program development, and volunteer management. LaShayla enjoys spending time with her family, being in nature, listening to podcasts, exercising with kettlebells, and dancing.

Email LaShayla at [email protected]

 

LaShayla Clark