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Meet our team of
leaders, listeners, reconcilers
and problem solvers.

Christy Betz

Program Lead Giving Grace

Christy Betz

Christy began volunteering with REMERGE in 2012 and soon discovered her ability to network and mobilize people to respond to neighbors in need. Christy has directly helped to serve more than 5,000 individuals and families in the metro-Atlanta neighborhood.

Sylvia Broome

Program Lead Sweet Auburn Friends

Sylvia Broome

M.T.S., Columbia Theological Seminary

Sylvia has worked in ministry since 1996. After working with an innovative shelter in New Orleans she realized what can be accomplished when people share life together living as neighbors, rather than a sterile “fixing” model. This experience began to transform the way she approaches life and ministry. Sylvia has been with REMERGE since 2011.

Kiersten Brydie

Communications REMERGE

Kiersten Brydie

M.A., Georgia State University

Kiersten has a background in strategic social media management and diversity programming in the Higher Education sector. Kiersten is focused on developing the stories of culture, community and social change in the Atlanta area.

Anna Cable

Consultant + Coach, Entrepreneurship Programming Community Building Studio

Anna Cable

Anna is a strategist, impact innovator, and coach with a particular focus in catalytic philanthropy, social enterprise, and creative social impact financing. She is a natural connector and catalyst, of people and ideas, often joking that her superpower is harnessing the power of the two F’s—finance and feelings. She currently is an independent consultant working both with those deploying assets and those building ideas, while also pursuing her own social entrepreneurial passions.

Daniel Henry

Lead Docent Community Museum and Studio Host

Daniel Henry

Dan has noted that coffee, community and warmth brought him to REMERGE. He serves as our Immersive Experience Accomplice and enjoys exploring the neighborhood, art and culture. Outside of REMERGE, Dan also serves as a Consultant for Emory CFAR Community Liaison Council.

William Massey

Program Lead and Founder, ColorATL Chief Curator, Sweet Auburn Community Museum

William Massey

William is a freelance artist, sculptor, and creative entrepreneur. William moved to Atlanta in 2013 and began his art career, from glassblowing, to teaching art to homeless youth, to public art installations on the Beltline. He now is a force of creative connection in Atlanta – utilizing the power of art to pursue social and racial reconciliation, build community, and comfort those in hardship.

Grace Gardner

Director of Arts and Culture Sweet Auburn Community Museum, ColorATL

Grace Gardner

Grace has a background in arts administration and community engagement. She is passionate about utilizing art to disrupt conventional schools of thought, cultivate community, and shape and tell the story of Sweet Auburn. B.A., Emory University
Bem Joiner

Bem Joiner

2021-2022 Arts and Culture Fellow Co-Founder, Atlanta Influences Everything
Founder, The Rayne Crew, LLC.

Bem Joiner

Bem Joiner believes in Atlanta. Born and raised in the city, he has a pure passion for its people and its progress. He majorly contributes to what makes culture in Atlanta, cool and captivating. Bem has managed and consulted a variety of lifestyle brands and designed meaningful programs for clients like Sprite, Mississippi Dept. of Education, truth.com, Jack Daniels, Nissan, the National Black Arts Festival and countless others.

Amy Odle

Finance Manager REMERGE

Amy Odle

Amy serves as the organization’s Bookkeeper. She is a graduate of Western Washington University where she studied Recreational Therapy. Amy’s passion is in working with older adults with dementia.

Benjamin Graham

Senior Associate Sweet Auburn Friends

Benjamin Graham

Ben started with Remerge 2021. He uses his lived experience and peer support to connect with his friends in need. His passion and love for people along with lessons he’s learned while experiencing similar challenges allows him a genuine trustworthy connection to the community.
Lavonya-Jones_236-x-236-6 (2)

Lavonya Jones

Program Lead Community of Reconcilers

Lavonya Jones

Lavonya is passionate about entrepreneurship as a solution to economic injustice and inequality. An Atlanta native, Lavonya is currently an Entrepreneurship Instructor for Morehouse College and the Director of Student Programs for the Morehouse Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center where she serves students at Minority Serving Institutions around the country, creating pathways for them into entrepreneurship, technology, and venture capital.

Andy Odle

Executive Director REMERGE

Andy Odle

M.Div., Anderson School of Theology
Ph.D., King’s College, University of Aberdeen (Scotland)

Under Andy’s leadership, REMERGE has become an effective leader in building communities of dignity, imagination and inclusion. He has over 30 years of ministry and nonprofit experience. Andy is the editor and a contributor to the book Joining Lives: A Primer in the Ministry of Reconciliation (Eugene: Cascade Books, 2017).

Luna Pendleton

Client Relations Manager Giving Grace

Luna Pendleton

Luna has always had a passion to becoming the change. Since childhood, she would spend time volunteering and helping wherever she saw fit. Luna spent a decade in the legal field before beginning non profit work to connect individuals while educating others on how to elevate in spite of their environments. Her goals are to gift hope, confidence, and inspiration to single parents. She hopes to share skills of entrepreneurship while impacting the lives of others.
nathan penner 2

Nathan Penner

Director of Experiential Learning REMERGE

Nathan Penner

Ph.D. Fuller Theological Seminary

Nathan is bringing his decade of experience working with nonprofits across the US, Africa and Asia along with his PhD in Inter-cultural Studies to launch the Remerge Institute for Communities of Peace. He is passionate about building community and bringing people together to facilitate deeper learning and understanding.

Emily Simmons

Director of Operations REMERGE

Emily Simmons

M.S., Brandeis International Business School

Emily brings a depth of operational experience, as well as technical expertise in international economic development. She is passionate about people, inclusion, and designing systems and processes that reflect the dignity of all people and help bring wild ideas to life.

Board of Directors

Paul Hamalian, M.Div., M.B.A.

Treasurer, Board of Directors

VP of Strategy & Operational Effectiveness, Habitat for Humanity International

Leah Moore

Secretary, Board of Directors

Marketing and Creative Director, Facilitec

Andy Odle

Executive Director,  REMERGE

Bill Schnitzer, M.B.A.

Chairperson, Board of Directors

Owner, Quality Fabricators

CFO, Community-Guilds –STE(A)MTRUCK

Catherine Slocum-Somuah

Board of Directors

Senior Manager for Resource Development, Southface Institute

Felecia Smith, M.DIV.

Board of Directors

Executive Pastor, Community Church

Founder, Metamorphosis Ministries, Inc

Ken Thompson

Board of Directors

Business Litigator, FisherBroyles

Advisory Board

Mary Baker-Boudissa, M.A.

Advisory Board

Field Associate, SME Equity Education, Public Consulting Group

David Clark, M.B.A.

Advisory Board

Founder, Telescope

Anna Ferguson

Advisory Board

Operations, Wealth MD

Kimberly Majeski

Advisory Board

Founder, Stripped Love and Preacher Girl School

Associate Professor, Anderson University

Cherie Ong

Advisory Board

Co-founder and Principal of Good Places 

Jay Rouse

Advisory Team

Artist in Residence, Crossings Community Church

Owner, Jay Rouse Music Company

LeJuano Varnell

Advisory Board

Executive Director, Sweet Auburn Works

Larry Webb

Advisory Board

Owner, Southern Smiles Dental Associates

Board of Directors

Paul Hamalian, M.Div., M.B.A.

Treasurer, Board of Directors VP of Strategy & Operational Effectiveness, Habitat for Humanity International

Paul Hamalian, M.Div., M.B.A.

Paul is the Treasurer of the Board of Directors for REMERGE. He is the Vice President of Strategy and Operational Effectiveness for Habitat for Humanity International. He has a B.S. from California Polytechnic University, a Masters of Divinity from Gordon Conwell Seminary and an Executive M.B.A. from the University of Michigan. He has over 20 years of leadership experience in international development at all levels: community, national, regional and global. His core strengths are finding solutions to complex challenges, thinking strategically while ensuring critical details are addressed, leading by listening, incorporating ideas of diverse stakeholders, and learning new skills. Paul is married with three children.

Leah Moore

Secretary, Board of Directors Marketing and Creative Director, Facilitec

Leah Moore

Leah Moore currently works as Marketing and Creative Director for an architectural interiors firm called Facilitec. Her background is in graphic design with extensive experience in designing and leading projects in a variety of industries including technology, real estate, hospitality, retail, and healthcare. After working in the agency world for 7 years, she started her own company where she contracted for 15 years before headed back to work for Office Interiors and Facilitec.

Andy Odle

Executive Director, REMERGE

Andy Odle

Andy is the Executive Director of REMERGE. He is a native of Anderson, IN and has a B.A. from Anderson University and an M.Div. from Anderson School of Theology. He earned his Ph.D. in Moral and Practical Theology (Theological Ethics) from King’s College, University of Aberdeen in Scotland. Under Andy’s leadership, REMERGE has become an effective leader in building communities of dignity, imagination and inclusion. He has over 30 years of ministry and nonprofit experience. Andy is the editor and a contributor to the book Joining Lives: A Primer in the Ministry of Reconciliation (Eugene: Cascade Books, 2017). Andy is married to Amy and they have three daughters and one son.

Bill Schnitzer, M.B.A.

Chairperson, Board of Directors Owner, Quality Fabricators
CFO, Community-Guilds –STE(A)MTRUCK

Bill Schnitzer, M.B.A.

Bill is the Chairperson of the Board of Directors for REMERGE. He has held several key positions with large corporations including Kraft Foods, ZEP Manufacturing, and Georgia Pacific prior to acquiring Quality Fabricators® in Atlanta, GA. His ownership in this small business allows him the time to give back to the community. In addition to his work with REMERGE he is also a board member and volunteer at TEDxPeachtree, and the CFO/COO of Community-Guilds –STE(A)MTRUCK – a mobile maker space in Atlanta. Bill and his wife Rita live in Atlanta. They have two children and one grandchild. Bill is a foodie, soccer and hockey fan, loves to bike ride, and practice yoga.

Catherine Slocum-Somuah

Board of Directors Senior Manager for Resource Development, Southface Institute

Catherine Slocum-Somuah

Catherine serves on the Board of Directors for REMERGE. She hails from sunny Florida but has made Atlanta her home. She has a B.S. in Communications from Florida State University and a Masters in Public Administration from Georgia State University. She is currently a Senior Specialist for Neighborhood Revitalization for Habitat for Humanity International in Atlanta, GA. She has worked at organizations that fight for women’s and children’s health and rights, advocate against sex trafficking, and promote the arts. She is most passionate about justice and community development. Catherine and her husband Peter live in Atlanta.

Felecia Smith, M.DIV.

Board of Directors Executive Pastor, Community Church
Founder, Metamorphosis Ministries, Inc

Felecia Smith, M.DIV.

Felecia serves on the Board of Directors for REMERGE. She is the Executive Pastor for Community Church. Felecia has a B.A. in Religion from Wesleyan College and a M.Div. from Candler School of Theology at Emory University. She has been honored by the Program of Black Church Studies at Emory for being the first African American woman graduate of the School of Theology. She was also honored by the Black Student Caucus and received the first “Felecia Pearson Smith Alumna Trail Blazer Award.” Felecia is an ordained minister of the Church of God in Anderson, IN. She has served as the President/CEO of the Shenango Valley Urban League, Inc, and the Director of the Bonner Office of Community Service and Student Development at Spelman College. She is the author of “My Hair. . . My Marriage.” Felicia is the founder of Metamorphosis Ministries Inc., focusing on the spiritual emotional health of women.

Ken Thompson

Board of Directors Business Litigator, FisherBroyles

Bill Schnitzer, M.B.A.

Ken serves on the Board of Directors for REMERGE. He is an attorney with FisherBroyles as a Business Litigator. He is a graduate of Howard University School of Law, J.D., Cum Laude and Florida A&M University; B.S., Business Administration. At FisherBroyels, Ken is responsible for representing and advising corporate, government, non-profit, entertainment and individual clients in a variety of practice areas, including complex commercial disputes, technology and intellectual property matters, franchising/licensing disputes, employment practices and medical malpractice. Before FisherBroyles, Ken was General Counsel of a global software solutions provider with over 9000 customers in over 100 countries. He was also Of Counsel with Carlton Fields LLP and a Senior Associate with Troutman Sanders LLP. Ken began his legal career as a Judge Advocate with the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps.

Advisory Board

Mary Baker-Boudissa, M.A.

Advisory Board Field Associate, SME Equity Education, Public Consulting Group

Mary Baker-Boudissa, M.A.

Mary serves on the Advisory Board for REMERGE. She serves as chair of the Civilian Review Board and is a member of the policy council for Head Start in Anderson, Indiana where she resides with her children. Mary is a graduate of Harvard University and also holds a Master of Arts in Educational Psychology. She has over a decade of experience in nonprofit leadership, grant writing, communications, and program development. She is committed to developing programs and services that improve the lives of underserved women and children. She is also active in raising awareness about and promoting initiatives that aid in the prevention of trafficking, exploitation, and abuse of the most vulnerable.

David Clark, M.B.A.

Advisory Board Founder, Telescope

David Clark, M.B.A.

David serves on the Advisory Board for REMREGE. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering from Tennessee Technological University and an MBA from Presidio Graduate School. He is a senior consultant with 16 years driving organizational effectiveness and strategy execution for clients operating at the intersections of business, civil society, and government. David has worked in 9 countries and taught strategy, operations, and entrepreneurship courses with a focus on sustainable business, corporate social responsibility, and social enterprise for graduate students at Lipscomb University, Mercer University, and Presidio.

Anna Ferguson

Advisory Board Operations, Wealth MD

Anna Ferguson

Anna serves on the Advisory Board for REMERGE. She is a native of Jamestown, NY. Anna has a B.A. from Anderson University where she studied Management with a concentration in Nonprofit Leadership. Anna originally joined the REMERGE team in 2016 before leaving in 2019 to pursue a career in the private sector. She is passionate about learning from others and breaking down misconstrued stereotypes.

Kimberly Majeski

Advisory Board Founder, Stripped Love and Preacher Girl School
Associate Professor, Anderson University

Kimberly Majeski

Kimberly serves on the Advisory Board for REMERGE. She is an Associate Professor of Biblical Studies and Christian Ministries at Anderson University and is a co-host for Viewpoint, a syndicated radio program for Christians Broadcasting Hope. Kimberly is an ordained minister of the Church of God in Anderson, IN and has completed post graduate education at the University of Notre Dame and the Anderson School of Theology. Additionally, Kimberly is founder and CEO of Stripped Love, a not-for-profit ministry empowering women in sex trade to walk out of fear and into love. Kimberly and her husband Kevin reside in Anderson, Indiana with their son Max.

Cherie Ong

Advisory Board Co-founder and Principal of Good Places

Cherie Ong

Cherie is a former member of the Board of Directors for REMERGE and currently serves on our Advisory Board. Cherie holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting and Finance from the University of Melbourne and an M.A. from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Illinois. She is the Co-founder and Principal of Good Places, a firm that develops properties with mission and community impact at its forefront. She works directly with property owners, residents, artists, historically significant neighborhood churches, and nonprofits advocating for innovation in affordable housing and commercial spaces. She is also a Business and Development Consultant in Atlanta, GA.

Jay Rouse

Advisory Board Artist in Residence, Crossings Community Church
Owner, Jay Rouse Music Company

Jay Rouse

He has toured extensively in the US and abroad with Sandi Patty as her Music Director and accompanist. He recorded her American Songbook project in London, traveled to Japan and Korea, and Carnegie Hall. Additionally, Jay has worked with many Christian artists, among them Bill and Gloria Gaither, the Gaither Vocal Band, and most recently VERITAS. All this he has done while serving as vice-president of Publishing at PraiseGathering Music Group and composing some of Christian music's top-selling choral anthems. He is one of the leading arrangers, orchestrators and producers in the industry. All of this has created a body of work that comprises more than three hundred octavos and over fifty best-selling choral musicals.

LeJuano Varnell

Advisory Board Executive Director, Sweet Auburn Works

LeJuano Varnell

LeJuano Varnell LeJuano serves on the Advisory Board for REMERGE. He is the Executive Director of Sweet Auburn Works, the preservation-based economic development organization created to protect and enhance the commercial and cultural legacy of the Sweet Auburn Historic District. LeJuano received a B.A. in Economics from Morehouse College and an M.S. in Finance from the Carroll School of Management, Boston College. Mr. Varnell brings more than 18 years of private sector operating and finance experience in Africa, Asia and the US to this role, and has employed those skills to create a career of using private capital to solve difficult market problems. He is an avid outdoorsman, and when not hiking or biking, enjoys cooking with his friends and family.

Larry Webb

Advisory Board Owner, Southern Smiles Dental Associates

Larry Webb

Larry serves on the Advisory Board for REMERGE. He has been active with our Central Atlanta Community for over six years. He began his family oriented dental practice, Southern Smiles Dental Associates, in Clayton County, Georgia over 30 years ago after graduating from the University of Mississippi School of Dentistry. His past activities in the local community include being a Board Member to Trinity Community Ministry, Former Board Member to Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Clayton County Rotary Club, and the YMCA. Besides dentistry, he loves the outdoors, music, and his family – especially his wife Cindy and their children Sellers, Yates, and Jesse.

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