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.
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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.
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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
our Team
Neil Shorthouse
President &
Co-Founder
Neil 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 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.
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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.
JAMAR JEFFERS
CHIEF DEVELOPMENT AND PARTNERSHIPS OFFICER
Dr. Jamar Jeffers is a seasoned fundraising and business development expert with over 20 years of experience. As founder and principal of JEFFCO LLC, he specializes in nonprofit annual fund campaigns, executive coaching, board resource optimization, prospect research, community engagement, and marketing audits.
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Dr. Jeffers has held notable leadership roles, including Georgia State Executive Director for Susan G. Komen, Managing Director of Development at Emory University, Vice President of Institutional Advancement at Atlanta Technical College, and Director of Development for Breakthrough Atlanta at The Lovett School. His extensive background in fundraising, strategic planning, and community engagement directly aligns with Partners in Change’s mission to empower individuals and build stronger communities.
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He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations and an MBA in Management from Delaware State University, along with a Doctor of Business Administration in Marketing from Argosy University. His doctoral research explored hip-hop culture as a marketing strategy in Atlanta’s beverage industry.
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An active community leader, Dr. Jeffers is a member of the Delaware State University Alumni Association, the Council for Advancement and Support of Education, and the Association of Fundraising Professionals. He also proudly represents Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. A Philadelphia Eagles fan and hip-hop aficionado, Dr. Jeffers firmly believes Jay-Z is the greatest rapper of all time.
JOEY BROWN
lead TEAM COORDINATOR
Joey 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.
AMINATA GADJI
VOLUNTEER RECRUITMENT Specialist VISTA
Daughter of Senegalese Immigrants, Aminata is a first-generation college graduate from The Bronx. She joined Partners in Change as a volunteer through the Americorps VISTA program.
As PIC Volunteer Recruitment Specialist, Aminata works closely with community volunteers interested in becoming PIC Volunteer Life Coaches. She also creates connections with Volunteer Partner Organizations to increase PIC's reach.
As a recent graduate of CUNY Hunter College, Aminata holds a BS in Public Health Sciences and is passionate about community work and health communication. In her free time Aminata loves attending classes at her local mosque and being out in nature. Aminata plans to pursue her Masters in Public Health this upcoming year, and hopes to continue working in non-profit organizations similar to PIC that are focused on community assets. Her favorite quote is “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”
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.
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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 SUPPORT
VISTA
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. She joins Partners In Change as an AmeriCorps VISTA member after previously serving as a VISTA member from 2018-2019 in the public school system.
Her role as Team Support includes supporting coaching teams 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.
Joanne Louis
Manager of institutional Effectiveness
Joanne joins Partner In Change hoping to help adults in community live their best life by fulfilling their goals. Joanne is a double owls graduate of Kennesaw State University earning a BBA in Management and a MBA, and currently completing a MEd in Educational Administration and Policy at the University of Georgia and is a Certified Professional Coach
Joanne is dedicated to serving the community as a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. where she earned the Volunteer of the Year award, National Coalition of 100 Black Women, The Junior League of Atlanta, Inc., EBC Toastmasters, Top Ladies of Distinction, and National Association of Parliamentarians
An active nonprofit board member and community leader she serves in a variety of nonprofit boards including Out of Hand Theatre, The United Way Women United, State Charter School Foundation, Kennesaw State University Alumni Association, National Black MBA Association, Association of Coach Training Organizations, Atlanta Realtors Association.
Joanne is a graduate of the Georgia Women’s Policy institute class of 2021, and a graduate of The Atlanta Women’s Foundation Inspire Atlanta Program
A native of Haiti, Joanne currently lives in Georgia and enjoys Atlanta’s arts scene, reading and traveling
Tarin love
MARKETING AND OUTREACH SPEACIALIST VISTA
Tarin Love serves as the Marketing and Outreach Specialist for Partners in Change, leveraging her extensive background in communications and change management. With a Master’s degree and certification in Prosci Change Management, she excels at crafting engaging narratives that resonate with diverse audiences. Tarin is dedicated to enhancing the organization’s visibility and impact through strategic marketing initiatives.
In her role with PIC, Tarin develops targeted messaging and professional materials that highlight the transformative coaching model of Partners in Change. Her decade-long experience in digital media has equipped her with the skills to create authentic online presences for brands, utilizing analytics to measure success and refine outreach efforts.
Passionate about empowering individuals, Tarin plays a crucial role in showcasing the unique benefits of PIC’s member-led coaching approach. Outside of work, she enjoys exploring beauty trends, experimenting with new recipes, and embarking on travel adventures, all while fostering connections that inspire growth and change.
CERISSA WATSON
DIRECTOR OF MEMBER OUTREACH
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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We recognize and thank all of our treasured partners for their support and their commitment to our mission.
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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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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