Staff

Olivia Long, MPH, Executive Director

Olivia has served as the Executive Director of AIDS Athens since January 2007. After earning her Master's degree in Public Health from Emory Unverisity, Olivia has amassed over 10 years of experience in program development, management and evaluation, grant writing, fundraising and financial management. During her time at AIDS Athens, Olivia has secured over 10 new grants and grown the organization by over 30%. Under her leadership the organization has also expanded its programs to offer new services to the clients and the community. Olivia also serves on several boards, committees and coalitions in town such as UGA's LGBT Resource Center, the Northeast Georgia Homeless Coalition and the Athens Resource Center for the Homeless.

Cassandra Bray, Assistant Director

Cassandra has been employed by AIDS Athens for over 4 years. She has worked in the field of HIV/AIDS since 1988. Building on her degree in Urban Studies from Georgia State University, Cassandra has extensive experience in case management. Recently, Cassandra has assumed a leadership role in addition to her direct services role at AIDS Athens. She adminsters the Housing Opportunity for Persons With AIDS (HOPWA) funds for housing assistance and supportive services; provides management assistance to the Executive Director; and provides case management to clients.

Justine Sher, LCMSW, Case Manager II

Justine has been a Case Manager at AIDS Athens for over 5 years. In addition to case management at AIDS Athens, she works in collaboration with the local HIV clinic performing medical case management two days a week. She also conducts prevention and outreach activities within the community. Justine can be contacted to schedule a presentation on HIV/AIDS, a mobile testing event, or an outreach activity. Justine has been recognized for her years of commitment to fighting HIV/AIDS and constantly builds upon her reputation for excellence.

Elisa Zarate, LMSW, Client Services Coordinator II

Elisa started her service with AIDS Athens as a Master of Social Work intern in 2006. Along with case management of clients, Elisa coordinates the majority of the supportive services provided by the agency. She coordinates support groups, trainings and educational programs, peer counseling, the buddy program, clothing closet, and much more.  Elisa also manages our undergraduate interns in the field of Health Promotion and Social Work.

Libby Fennel, MA-NPO, Residential Services Coordinator

Libby joined AIDS Athens in January 2009 as the Residential Services Coordinator. A graduate of the University of Georgia, Libby has resided in Athens for the past six years. Her primary work at the agency is administering and managing the Shelter Plus Care Housing Program and the Employment Training Program.

Linda Whitestone, Client Services Coordinator I

Linda joined AIDS Athens in November 2007 as the Residental Services Coordinator. Linda has over 15 years of apartment management experience.  She left her full-time position to return to school; however, she currently works part-time with the agency managing the food pantry and nutritional meals program.

 Jason Bennett, Case Manager I

Jason joined AIDS Athens in August 2009 as a Case Manager for clients living in Walton and Barrow county (City of Atlanta region). Currently, Jason is in his final year in the University of Georgia's Bachelor of Social Work program. Jason has been an AIDS Athens' volunteer since September 2007 in a variety of roles. Most notably, he has served as a peer counselor, HIV test administrator, and peer facilitator for the Substance Abuse Support Group.

Vicki Long, Office Assistant

Vicki joined the AIDS Athens team in February 2010 as the new Office Assistant. Vicki has over 20 years of office adminstration and bookkeeping experience. She relocated to Athens from the Atlanta area in 2005. Her primary work at the agency is the day-to-day financial management and working with volunteers.