OUR MISSION
Partners in Change pairs trained volunteer coaches with under-resourced adults desiring to assert greater control over circumstances and challenges holding them back.
THE ACORN
Partners in Change chose its logo with thoughtful intention. The acorn is a symbol of strength and growth, reminding us all that the seeds we sow today have exceptional potential. Its heart "stem" represents compassion, and the many diamonds of the acorn cap represent the cherished community partners who make our work possible. Finally, we included clasped hands to emphasize our belief in the transformative value and power of a sincere relationship along life's journey.
OUR STORY
In 1972, Partners in Change (PIC) co-founder Neil Shorthouse co-created Communities in Schools (CIS). Today, CIS is the nation's leading dropout prevention program, operating in thousands of schools in 25 states and engaging with 1.6 million children, most of whom are living in poverty.
Over the years, Neil came to see adults as the lynchpin for the transformation of economically-struggling communities. Having witnessed the long-lasting impact of intentional, personal support for youth, Neil shifted his focus to adults whom he saw as keys to community strength and success — creating Partners in Change in 2019.
PIC takes coaching's proven track record of success for executives and college students and brings that potential to under-resourced adults. PIC focuses on the power of supportive partnerships and invests in the existing capabilities of individuals who want to move their lives forward.
It’s never too late to become what you might have been.”
George Eliot
19th century English novelist, poet, and journalist
Board of directors
Board Chair
Julius Coles
Former director of Andrew Young Center for Global Leadership
Board Member
Corrie L. Davis, PhD
Georgia State University, Sr. Associate Provost for Faculty Affairs; Professor of Cultural and Behavioral Science
Board Member
Scott doyne
ICF-certified career coach, author, and public speaker; Former Senior Vice-President at Turner Sports and Bleacher Report
Board Member
Keith Eigel, PhD
Leaders Lyceum, owner and founder
Board Member
Neil Shorthouse
Partners in Change co-founder and president;
Communities in Schools co-founder
Board Member
Von Aislee Smith
Tax Attorney
V. Aislee Smith, Esq.
Board Member
Josh Wolf
Co-Founder MODMAX; Founder CargoSprint
Board Member
Doris Yon
Southern Company Gas CX professional; DEI Champion
internal leadership
Neil Shorthouse
President &
Co-Founder
Neil Shorthouse is president and co-founder of Partners in Change (PIC). PIC was inspired by Communities In Schools (CIS) of which Neil is also the co-founder. As a premier organization supporting children, families, schools, and communities, CIS places caring adults into healthy relationships with children whose academic success and social well-being are threatened. Today, CIS operates in thousands of schools in 25 states, engaging with 1.6 million children.
Partners in Change shifts the focus to adults — pairing trained volunteer coaches with other adults seeking to self-empower and improve their lives and circumstances.
For more than 50 years, Neil has worked to improve educational opportunities for disadvantaged youth and their families through his efforts at CIS and other nonprofit organizations. He serves on the boards of several organizations, including Leadership Foundations, Georgia Appleseed Center for Law and Justice, Rotary Club of Atlanta West End, and Georgia Piedmont Technical College. Neil continues to work on programs focused on strengthened communities, the betterment of their residents, and improved learning experiences for their children.
Neil is married to Patty Pflum and has lived in the Grant Park section of Atlanta since 1971. They have four children, nine grandchildren, one great granddaughter, and are members of St. Luke's Episcopal Church in downtown Atlanta.
Kathleen C. Bryant
CHIEF OPERATIng AND ENGAGEMENT OFFICER
Kathleen Bryant joined Partners in Change after ten years leading development and engagement efforts at The Lovett School and High Meadows School. Prior to that role, Kathleen was a lead consultant with Non-Profit Leadership, providing board recruitment, fundraising, and vision development and training to over 25 local, state, national, and international clients, including CHRIS 180, The Coca-Cola Foundation, Georgia Budget and Policy Institute, Girls Incorporated, WomenWork! Metro Atlanta Recovery Residences, Advocates for Bartow's Children, and EARTH University in Costa Rica.
At Partners in Change, Kathleen has led the development and implementation of PIC's innovative coaching model, messaging vehicles, external relations, and operational systems. Kathleen also oversees PIC's volunteer partner organization outreach, coaching team support, and the training and stewardship of our volunteer coaches.
Kathleen received her BA in Psychology from UCLA and a Masters in Community Development and Urban Planning from Georgia State University. Kathleen moved to Atlanta from Los Angeles with her husband David in 1992. They love our city, live in Decatur, and enjoy good food, time with friends, hiking, travel, and treasured time with their two young adult daughters and their spouses.
CERISSA WATSON
DIRECTOR OF MEMBER SUCCESS
Cerissa Bartlett Watson is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 15 years of experience in mental health, program development, and managed care. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Child & Family Development from Georgia Southern University and a Master’s in Professional Counseling from Argosy University.
Throughout her career, Cerissa has been a driving force in behavioral health and social work programs, working with nonprofit organizations and one of the nation’s largest managed healthcare companies. Over the past decade, she has led transformative initiatives, including managing her company’s largest behavioral health program, achieving measurable results for individuals and communities. Her experience in creating impactful programs and building meaningful connections is deeply aligned with Partners in Change’s mission to empower individuals and foster lasting change.
Cerissa is passionate about helping people overcome challenges and realize their full potential. Her dedication to fostering meaningful transformation extends beyond her professional role into her community, where she inspires others through her leadership and service.
A devoted wife and mother, Cerissa lives in College Park, GA, with her husband and three children. She enjoys cooking and watching sports with her family, treasuring these moments as opportunities to create lasting memories and strengthen bonds.
Jasmine BROWN
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP SPECIALIST VISTA
Jasmine Brown is excited to serve as a Community Partnership Specialist VISTA with Partners in Change. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Business Management at Western Governors University, where she is strengthening her skills in leadership, strategic planning, and organizational growth.
Jasmine's professional background includes experience in project management, and marketing within the tech industry. She enjoys building relationships, solving problems, and helping organizations create a greater impact in the communities they serve.
What excites Jasmine most about serving with Partners in Change is the opportunity to create meaningful connections and support initiatives that make a lasting difference in the community. She looks forward to learning, growing, and contributing to the organization's mission throughout her service year.
Outside of work and school, Jasmine enjoys traveling, reading, and spending quality time with her family. She also loves opportunities to learn new things, discover new places, and overall expand through new experiences.
JOEY BROWN
lead TEAM COORDINATOR
Joey Brown joined Partners in Change (PIC) after a career in media. He is from the Atlanta area and spent a decade in Los Angeles before returning to Atlanta in 2019. He has a BA in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Georgia.
Joey volunteered at Reading to Kids while in Los Angeles, which inspired him to take an interest in his local community. That inspiration and a desire for social change motivated him to switch career paths. Once he learned about Partners in Change’s mission and work in the community, he wanted to join the team. His work as our Lead Team Coordinator is spent supporting coaching teams and helping maintain PIC’s mission.
Joey lives in Decatur with his wife Carrie and children, Isaiah and Elsie. They love exploring all the fun areas of Atlanta and have yet to say no to a delicious meal.
Bri Clark
MARKETING AND OUTREACH SPECIALIST VISTA
Bri Clarke joined Partners in Change after more than four years of experience as an Atlanta-based marketing professional. A proud East Atlanta native, she began her career while in college as a restaurant host and steadily advanced into a Marketing and Catering Coordinator role, where she discovered her passion for strategic communication, community engagement, and brand development.
While attending Georgia State University, Bri served as the Social Chair for College Girls Rock, an organization dedicated to motivating, empowering, and inspiring young women to pursue postsecondary education. In this leadership role, she organized engaging events that brought college women together through book signings with bestselling authors and content creators, networking and bonding experiences, mental health awareness initiatives, and other programs designed to foster personal growth and community.
Bri's passion for marketing is rooted in the power of social media to connect, educate, and inspire. She has helped clients strengthen their digital presence and grow their brands across platforms including TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook.
As she works toward earning her Google Digital Marketing & E-commerce Professional Certificate, Bri is excited to use her creativity and digital marketing expertise to elevate the Partners in Change mission of substantially reducing poverty by empowering individuals and strengthening communities.
Outside of work, Bri enjoys practicing yoga, traveling, and roller skating.
MICHELLE DICKINSON
VOLUNTEER RECRUITMENT SPECIALIST VISTA
Michelle Dickinson is an Atlanta, Georgia native who is passionate about serving her community and empowering others through education, mentorship, and meaningful connections. She joined Partners in Change as a volunteer through the AmeriCorps VISTA program, where she is committed to helping strengthen communities one relationship at a time.
As PIC’s Volunteer Recruitment Specialist, Michelle works closely with individuals interested in becoming PIC Volunteer Life Coaches. She also builds partnerships with local organizations and community leaders to expand volunteer opportunities and increase PIC’s reach and impact.
In addition to her work with Partners in Change, Michelle serves as a Special Education Paraprofessional at an all-girls charter school, where she enjoys supporting scholars and helping them grow both academically and socially. She is currently pursuing her degree in Elementary Education at Western Governors University (WGU) and plans to continue advocating for children and families through education and community service. In her free time, Michelle enjoys volunteering, spending quality time with her family, and finding new ways to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Her favorite saying is, “Be Human, Be Humble, Be Happy!”
STEVEN DORSEY
TEAM SUPPORT VISTA
Steven Dorsey is originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He studied at LaRoche University in Pittsburgh and received a Bachelor of Science degree. After graduation, Steven relocated to the Washington, DC area to work in IT for MCI Telecommunications, serving as a systems engineer for 10 years.
Steven has managed high-profile IT projects at companies such as AT&T, Macy’s technology, United Healthcare, PNC Bank, and Delta Airlines. After his son was born, his family relocated to metropolitan Atlanta and Steven continued work as a Project manager.
After 20 years, Steven decided to become a certified life coach through Fowler International and started his coaching business, Ayanda Life Coaching.
Steven supported many of his clients pro bono and then chose to serve as a volunteer life coach with Partners in Change. As a PIC Team Support VISTA, Steven appreciates the opportunity to expand his community impact by providing personal support to PIC Coaches and Members as they pursue their partnership journey. Steven has a grandson and a granddaughter and enjoys traveling and helping others.
LATARSHA HOLDEN
TEAM COORDINATOR TRAINING SUPPORT
As Founder and CEO of Phoenix Rising, Dr. LaTarsha Holden has 16 written books, created workshops, and changed the trajectory of countless men’s and women’s lives through her inspirational speaking and empowerment coaching. Dr. Holden continues her journey by providing a practical blueprint for success drawn directly from her personal life experiences.
Dr. Holden’s extraordinary story of transforming her own life from being homeless with six children, uneducated, and underemployed to a sought-after speaker is her inspiration for reaching back to teach others that they have the Power to Rewrite their Story! Her story is one of persistence and success. She ran for City Council in 2017, and went from a GED to receiving her Doctorate in Leadership Studies.
Dr. Holden has received many accolades and was featured on Major News network when she was named GA/National Mother of the Year for 2020 by American Mother’s Inc. Dr. Holden was featured in the Heart of a Champion docuseries by the Women’s Professional Basketball Association. She received a City of Atlanta Proclamation as an Emerging Leader and has received the distinct honor of Ambassador for her humanitarian work. Dr. Holden has been featured in several magazines, interviewed on countless radio broadcasts, and been nominated as a National Top Influencer for 2020.
At Partners in Change (PIC), Dr. Holden applies her life experience and leadership knowledge to actively support and encourage our PIC coaching teams, and she is a valued partner in our PIC Coach trainings. Dr. Holden has six grown children, all of whom are accomplished in their lives, and grandmother of four.
kendra kelly
team coordinator
Kendra Kelly is a National Board Certified Counselor, Licensed EMT Responder, and Public Health and Wellness Consultant with years of experience working with youth, adults, organizations, and families.
Her Partners in Change role as Team Coordinator includes supporting coaching teams and coach trainings and helping maintain PIC’s mission. She brings with her into this role a knack for holding space for others’ process in personal development and change, along with natural qualities of curiosity, compassion, and creativity in how she supports others.
Her professional past work focused around building pathways to “whole-person” and holistic healing, growth, and fulfillment, while fostering creativity and a sense of collective positive impact in her roles in Georgia’s foster care system and in managed care behavioral health programming.
Kendra has developed strong leadership skills and a deep sense of duty from her 16 year military experience, which she brings to her work in community health and well-being. This has instilled in her resilience and adaptability, enabling her to effectively support others through various challenges.
Kendra enjoys spending time with her spouse and pets at home, or exploring new adventures locally or while traveling. She indulges in frequent self-care that balance out her work in community care and inspire others to create moments to nourish themselves self through acts of love, radical rest, mindful movement, creativity, and play.
jocelyn paez
development manager
Jocelyn Paez believes that true innovation is born from bringing diverse perspectives to the table. As the Development Manager at Partners in Change, she is responsible for sharing the story of PIC's transformative coaching model and building a community of supporters to ensure that mission thrives.
Before joining Partners in Change, Jocelyn built a unique career path centered on empowering others. Her journey began in the classroom, where she spent 14 years as an elementary educator and leader before founding her own learning and development consulting firm.
This practical experience is backed by a BA in Sociology and a Minor in Art and Visual Technology from George Mason University, as well as a Master's in Educational Technology from Michigan State University. This blend of hands-on and academic experience has equipped Jocelyn with a rare ability to translate big ideas into compelling stories that inspire action.
Our Partners
The mission and vision of Partners in Change (PIC) rely on all-important partnerships between our Coaches and community members, and between PIC and our valued partners in the community.
PIC greatly appreciates our Volunteer Partner Organizations — such as corporations, colleges, non-for-profits, and faith groups — who connect us to volunteers interested in becoming Partners in Change Coaches.
We are grateful to our Community Partner Organizations — community-based groups — who recommend to PIC their clients who are interested in working with a PIC Coach and becoming a PIC Member.
We recognize and thank all of our treasured partners for their support and their commitment to our mission.
Partners in Change Training Partners
Thank you for sharing your expertise and guidance in the development and execution of our PIC Volunteer Coach Training.
Partners in Change Collaborative Partners
Thank you for your engagement and commitment as we pursue our shared vision for supporting those living in poverty.
Official Partner
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Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated
Alpha Pi Zeta Chapter
Partners in Change Funding Partners
We are grateful for our individual and organizational funding partners who
share and empower our vision to enable social, personal, and
economic upward mobility for all individuals.
PARTNERS IN CHANGE Individual Donors
Anonymous, Reggie Beaty, Kathleen Bryant, Julius Coles, Victoria Crawford,
Cynthia Culbreath, Laura Deisley, Keith Eigel, The Glustrom Family Foundation,
Joseph Kellogg, John Lanigan, Calandria Lee, Rita Lee, Ellen Marshall, Barbara Martin, David Peterson, Alexandra Roddy, Butch Rodriquez, Richard Rowe,
Patty Pflum and Neil Shorthouse, Dan and Margy Smith, Michael Wakefield,
Denise Walker, John and Sue Wieland