PLAN of Georgia, established in 1992 is a non profit organization based in metro Atlanta that was created by families to help other families challenged by a common concern:
How can we best plan for the present and future care of a family member living with mental illness or developmental disabilities?
PLAN of Georgia works with families to provide the best quality of life possible for their loved ones in the present and throughout their lifetime.
We assist individuals 18 years of age and older with severe and persistent mental illness; those with intellectual disabilities; and the at-risk elderly (i.e., people over 65 who are experiencing compromised functioning, impairments in thinking and memory and organization difficulties.) We provide continuity of care through care management, which includes coordination and connection to vital resources, ongoing monitoring and advocacy. We hep provide medical, financial and social stability. PLAN works with the existing service providers to provide excellent care for your loved one. We help you take back the role of family member versus caregiver.
Patricia Clarke is a professional social worker with 15 years of experience in the social service field. She began her journey in the field by providing volunteer services with homeless families at the Atlanta Day Shelter for Women and Children. She pursued her passion for social work and graduated with a Master of Social Work degree from Georgia State University in 2001. Her background includes therapeutic mental health counseling, biopsychosocial assessments, outreach, training, advocacy, life/health coach, and case management. She has worked in various settings in the areas of: child welfare; low income/homelessness adults; HIV/AIDS permanent supportive housing; community/home-based behavioral health; hospital-based adult mental health; residential substance abuse treatment; and residential group homes for children. She is passionate about helping individuals overcome any barriers, obstacles, or challenges to help them improve their quality of life. On her spare time, Patricia enjoys spending time with her family, providing volunteer services for homeless individuals/families, and creating handmade African arts and crafts.
Larry Goodman is a licensed professional counselor, who has dedicated his career to providing services to adults with psychiatric and developmental disabilities in the Atlanta area. He served as PLAN of Georgia’s Executive Director before moving into a Care Manager role to focus on the delivery of direct services to PLAN’s clients , and now combines delivery of direct services with oversight of clinical and administrative operations. of the program. Prior to coming to PLAN, Larry served for over 25 years as the director of Northside Hospital’s program for adults with severe and persistent mental illnesses. A native of Chicago , he is a an avid sports fan and enjoys writing and cooking.
Trina Sumlin is a financial manager with over 25 years of service. Trina began her career in the Public Housing Social Services Division where she was a Renting and Occupancy Specialist. However, with experience and determination, a blueprint was formed for additional goals and aspirations. In addition to her work with PLAN of Georgia, Trina is an entrepreneur in the mental health field, and the owner a company that provides representative payee services to adults with psychiatric disabilities. Among her strengths are organizational and interpersonal skills. During her spare time, Trina enjoys reading, spending time with family/friends, and watching movies.
Brian Starie is a peer specialist, with 20+ years of experience providing services to consumers in and around the metro-Atlanta area. Brian started his career in residential services and moved onto to supported employment in more traditional drop in centers, and in person all around the Atlanta community. Brian has worked to help many consumers find lasting employment and maintain or find better jobs to gain better pay, in more fulfilling roles. Starting his career in 1993 he has enjoyed leadership and direct services provider experience with the state of Georgia, Northside Hospital and Briggs & Associates. He believes strongly in self-determination and choice for people getting the services they need as well as the burgeoning area of trauma and it’s relation to mental health and system dysregulation. Brian also has provided services for people on a face-to-face basis in their homes as a peer specialist to assist with GA ACT Team support. In his free time, Brian enjoys gardening, photography, writing poetry, playing guitar, and yoga.
Susie has served as president of the board of National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Northside Atlanta, where she teaches the Family-to-Family workshop. She is also on the board of NAMI Georgia. Because PLAN of Georgia has been an indispensable component to her son’s path to recovery, Susie is committed to securing its future and ex
Susie has served as president of the board of National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Northside Atlanta, where she teaches the Family-to-Family workshop. She is also on the board of NAMI Georgia. Because PLAN of Georgia has been an indispensable component to her son’s path to recovery, Susie is committed to securing its future and expanding its reach, so that more families can get the help they need.
Attorney Burgess received her B.A. from North Carolina State University, an M.A. from the University of South Florida and her J.D. from Georgia State University. Known for her excellence in representation, Attorney Burgess specializes in Social Security Disability Law for adults and children. She brings to the Social Security Disability
Attorney Burgess received her B.A. from North Carolina State University, an M.A. from the University of South Florida and her J.D. from Georgia State University. Known for her excellence in representation, Attorney Burgess specializes in Social Security Disability Law for adults and children. She brings to the Social Security Disability practice her compassion, quest for justice, enthusiasm and desire to help others. By doing so she’s been able to make a positive difference in the daily lives of people who need help the most.
Attorney Burgess has been the featured speaker for several organizations, support groups, and the local bar association. She serves on the Board of Directors for PLAN of Georgia, the Hypersomnia Foundation and Special Needs Cobb. She is also a member of the Georgia and Cobb County Bar Associations, the National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives (NOSSCR) and the National Organization of Veterans’ Advocates (NOVA).
Elliott has served on the board of directors for St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Atlanta, and as the senior warden of that vestry. In addition, Elliott has served as past president of the board of directors for Canterbury Court, a continuing care retirement community in Atlanta. He is responsible for Skyline Seven Real Estate’s Investment
Elliott has served on the board of directors for St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Atlanta, and as the senior warden of that vestry. In addition, Elliott has served as past president of the board of directors for Canterbury Court, a continuing care retirement community in Atlanta. He is responsible for Skyline Seven Real Estate’s Investment Sales Division and is one of Atlanta’s top commercial real estate sale producers. Elliott volunteers at Crossroads Community Ministries, an agency that assists people experiencing homelessness in becoming more economically and personally stable.
Art is the Senior Advisor for Food Safety, Division of Foodborne Waterborne & Environmental Diseases at the Center for Disease Control. He is the former Director of the CDC Food Safety Office. He has been a CDC Epidemic Intelligence Service officer and the Chief of the Communicable Disease Division, Hawaii Department of Health. He cur
Art is the Senior Advisor for Food Safety, Division of Foodborne Waterborne & Environmental Diseases at the Center for Disease Control. He is the former Director of the CDC Food Safety Office. He has been a CDC Epidemic Intelligence Service officer and the Chief of the Communicable Disease Division, Hawaii Department of Health. He currently serves on the Executive Committee of the National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods. He is also a CDC Liaison to the ILSI North America Board of Trustees, the Center for Produce Safety Board of Directors and the Food Safety Summit Education Advisory Board. He is a Fellow of the American College of Preventive Medicine and board-certified in General Preventive Medicine and Public Health. He has a BA from Oberlin College, an MPH in International Health and Epidemiology from the University of Hawaii; and MD from the University of Maryland.
Carol, a graduate of Stephens College and the University of Georgia, is a retired third grade school teacher. She has been an advocate and volunteer with NAMI Georgia and NAMI Northside for twenty-six years including helping to source guest speakers, plan their annual fundraiser and teach the “Family to Family” classes. Their son was diag
Carol, a graduate of Stephens College and the University of Georgia, is a retired third grade school teacher. She has been an advocate and volunteer with NAMI Georgia and NAMI Northside for twenty-six years including helping to source guest speakers, plan their annual fundraiser and teach the “Family to Family” classes. Their son was diagnosed with mental illness at age seventeen. The Olden family has been working with Larry Goodman or PLAN ever since. Carol says: "I can't imagine getting through the last five years without Larry's and the Plan of Georgia's help. Plan of Georgia is a much needed service to us and so many."
Sarah is a Certified Elder Law Attorney with Hill & Watchko, LLC in Alpharetta, Georgia. An Atlanta native, Sarah earned her law degree from the Wake Forest University School of Law in 2008. Sarah’s practice areas include traditional estate planning; long-term care planning, including Medicaid benefits for nursing home care and Depar
Sarah is a Certified Elder Law Attorney with Hill & Watchko, LLC in Alpharetta, Georgia. An Atlanta native, Sarah earned her law degree from the Wake Forest University School of Law in 2008. Sarah’s practice areas include traditional estate planning; long-term care planning, including Medicaid benefits for nursing home care and Department of Veterans Affairs pension benefits; special needs trust planning; and trust and estate administration. She is one of only eleven Certified Elder Law Attorneys (“CELAs”) in the state of Georgia. Sarah’s primary areas of focus is helping seniors and their families navigate the complex maze of long-term care and incapacity planning and planning for individuals with special needs.
Mary Lou served as a board member for Fulton Science Academy Charter High School. Mary Lou is the mother of a PLAN client, a NAMI member and an advocate for better mental health services in Georgia, She was a catechist at St. Bridget Catholic for many years. Now retired, she was an Advanced Research Technical Leader for Kimberly Clark
Mary Lou served as a board member for Fulton Science Academy Charter High School. Mary Lou is the mother of a PLAN client, a NAMI member and an advocate for better mental health services in Georgia, She was a catechist at St. Bridget Catholic for many years. Now retired, she was an Advanced Research Technical Leader for Kimberly Clark and Exide Technologies responsible for development of new materials.
Richard serves on the board of directors for Mt. Vernon Unitarian Church in Alexandria VA. He is graduate of Emory law school and the St. Mary Seminary .He is licensed to practice law in Georgia and Washington DC. Richard began his legal career as a lawyer with Emory's community legal service center doing poverty law, then worked as a lab
Richard serves on the board of directors for Mt. Vernon Unitarian Church in Alexandria VA. He is graduate of Emory law school and the St. Mary Seminary .He is licensed to practice law in Georgia and Washington DC. Richard began his legal career as a lawyer with Emory's community legal service center doing poverty law, then worked as a labor lawyer for 30 years, and afterwards represented professional associations in Washington.
Copyright © 2023 PLAN of Georgia - support for people with mental illness in Atlanta - All Rights Reserved.