Congratulations to the class of 2008!

AADD is proud to present the 2008 class of Partners in Policymaking. Graduation was held at the Doubletree Club Hotel on Saturday, May 3rd with over 120 guests in attendance.Special thanks to Dottie Adams, Stacey Ramirez, Linda Blackwell, and Ameenah Rasool. Each Partner spoke to the audience on how they will take their Partners experience and help others. This is a class full of pure energy!

The graduates and their specialties or areas of interest are:

Adrianne McCullom, Douglasville: Educator, network builder.
Angie Saylors, Marietta: Passionate; not afraid to ask difficult questions.
Audrey Smith, Flowery Branch: Expert in education law; woman of style.
Ayoca Freeman, Hartwell: Author; supports families getting support.
B.J. Kelley, Lithonia: Realtor; interest in social and recreation opportunities for adults.
Carolyn Wall, Lilburn: Support coordinator; deep caring for others.
Cathy Fletcher, Marietta: Engineer; expert in cochlear implants; self advocate.
Charles "Ray" Washington, Stockbridge: Realtor; interest in lobbying.
Cynthia Branch, Lawrenceville: Member, Gwinnett Navigator Team; works for social justice.
Dave Zilles, Sandy Springs: Award winning advocate; works well with legislators.
Deborah Malone, Rome: Legislative advocacy; worked on HB 540 this session.
Debra Gibson, Snellville: Business owner; interested in learning more about GA budget.
Dianne Edwards-Andrews, Savannah: Connector; runs Navigator Team in Chatham County.
Dorothea D. Cadet, Union City: Heart for ministry; works for Chick-Fil-A.
Elizabeth S. Goodrich, Decatur: Expert in Olmstead; self advocate; works well with facts and stats.
Heather Murray, Augusta: Optimist; strategist; helps with IEP's.
John Edward Dallas, Decatur: Seeking inclusion through bridge building and diversity; GCDD staff.
Judith Steuber, Kennesaw: Mentor, Cobb County; hard working grandmother.
Julie A. Beem, Marietta: Writer; adoption; communication director.
Karen Cook, Rome: Business owner; Navigator Team, Floyd county.
Kathy Harwell, Rome: Retired special education teacher; Navigator Team, Floyd county.
Katrina Watson Washington, Stockbridge: Works for CNN; has fierce determination.
Lisa M. Robinson, Marietta: Job coach; employment is her specialty.
Melinda Smith-Pace, Columbus: Grant writer; Navigator Team leader.
Nancy E.W. Sellers, Atlanta: Dignified; has contacts within civil rights.
Patricia A. Wilson, Hiram: Trainer for nuclear industry; sibling.
Raissa Chandler, Fayetteville: Trainer; wants to be the Clark Howard for disabilities; DMA-6 expert.
Sampaguita Tate, Atlanta: SB10 leader; works well with those in power.
Sandra Humphreys, Rome: Parent to Parent; PLC North GA coordinator.
Sharon Capers, Grayson: ER nurse, expert in DD and Mental Health.
Stephanie Shapiro, Tucker: Works for Focus; believes institutions are not for anyone!

To email a graduate, click on their name. If you wish to contact any of the class members, they ask that you put "Partners" in the subject line so your message will not be filtered out as spam.