Meet the Team
Executive Director
-
Barbara@CirclesCobb.org
Prior to joining Circles Cobb, Barbara served as Donor Services Manager for Cobb Community Foundation, building strong community relationships with funders, nonprofit agencies, volunteers, and professional advisors. She achieved the Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy® (CAP®) designation in 2021, is a steering committee member of Cobb Executive Women, and formerly served on the Estate Planning Council of North Georgia board. Barbara has been a homeschool mom, the Corporate Services/HR Manager for two logistics tech start-ups, and District Manager for a national retail outlet chain.
Barbara has always had a passion for helping others - she is a community volunteer and currently serves as a small group co-leader for regeneration at North Metro Church in Marietta. She has been married to her husband John for over 25 years and they have two adult sons.
Program Manager
-
Cynthia@CirclesCobb.org
With more than 20 years of experience in leadership, coaching and ministry-based development, Cynthia has a deep passion for helping people grow and thrive. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Morgan State University and a Master of Divinity from Luther Rice University, and is a certified personal development coach who uses principles of positive psychology to help individuals move forward with clarity and purpose.
Guided by a strong commitment to equity, Cynthia is passionate about creating spaces where people feel seen, supported, and able to flourish – an alignment that feels right at home within Circles Cobb’s mission.
Childcare Coordinator
-
Elaine learned the value of nurturing young lives through love, patience, and compassion at an early age while working at her mother's home childcare center. Today, she is committed to creating positive environments where children and families feel supported, valued, and empowered to thrive.
Elaine combines experience in corporate administration, ministry leadership, and early childhood education. She earned her Early Child Care Associate Certification while serving as Assistant Executive Director at Indelible Impressions Learning Center and has also led after-school sewing and art programs in Cobb County schools. Through her creativity, compassion, and dedication to service, she helps children discover their potential and envision a bright future.
Elaine has been married to her husband, Vincent, for over 30 years, and together they have served in youth leadership and ministry. She is the proud mother of their son, Micah. She also serves as a youth ministry leader and children's choir director at Elizabeth Baptist Church Smyrna. Elaine is passionate about serving children, youth, and families with care, encouragement, and respect.
Circles Coach
-
Nichelle is a passionate community-minded leader with over a decade of experience serving individuals, families, and communities. She is gifted in administration, teaching, and faith-based leadership, and is passionate about helping people find hope, practical support, and opportunities to thrive.
Nichelle is a proud mother of two adult sons and enjoys expressing her creativity through various creative hobbies, baking, and watching movies. She is also the proud dog mom of Chance, her 12-year-old companion. Above all, Nichelle's heart is to serve others and use her gifts and faith to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those around her.
Operations Manager
-
Krista@CirclesCobb.org
Krista is the Resource Coordinator for Circles Cobb, where she oversees volunteer recruitment and coordination, and leads the childcare team. She joined Circles Cobb as part of the childcare team before the first cohort began in 2023. With a wealth of experience and a deep passion for working with children and serving others, Krista is an asset to the organization.
Before her role at Circles, Krista was a preschool teacher at Hillside Preschool and Academy, where she created a nurturing environment for young learners. Additionally, she homeschooled her children for eight years, further honing her skills in child education and care.
Krista is an active member of Revolution Church and supports community initiatives such as Hope for Christmas and Give a Kid a Chance. She has been married to Malichi for 26 years and is the proud mother of two sons.
Krista’s dedication to service and love for children make her an invaluable member of the Circles Cobb team.
Training Facilitator
-
Nikky@CirclesCobb.org
As the Training Facilitator for Circles Cobb, Nikky brings both professional expertise and lived experience. Having journeyed through the Circles Cobb program as a Circle Leader and graduate, she understands firsthand the courage, perseverance, and commitment it takes to create lasting change. Her passion for equipping others is rooted not only in what she has learned, but in what she has lived.
Nikky is a Certified Mental Health First Aid instructor, a Community Resiliency Model (CRM) Trainer, and the Preschool Ministry Director at Cumberland Community Church. She is passionate about helping individuals and families build resilience, strengthen relationships, and discover the hope that comes through meaningful connection and support. Nikky considers it a privilege to walk alongside others as they rewrite their stories, believing that lasting transformation happens when practical tools and a caring community come together.
Onboarding Navigator
-
Vahnesa brings strong experience and a passion for community development to the Circles Cobb team. She holds a Bachelor's in Marketing from the University of West Georgia and a Master's in Human Services from Walden University. She is dedicated to strengthening underserved populations with the use of wraparound services and collaborative efforts within the community.
She is a Human Resources Professional for a local school district focusing on compliance frameworks and budget management. Her previous roles include being a Program Director for a group home, where she worked closely with youth in foster care, and as a Finance Coordinator for her family’s Church. A proud AmeriCorps Alum, Vahnesa has expanded her commitment to community service internationally by working in Haiti, where she established a neighborhood hub that serves as a place for local residents to fellowship.
She is very family oriented, enjoys event planning and crafting, and loves solo traveling. She always has a smile on her face.
Resource Coordinator
-
Intern@CirclesCobb.org
Deja is currently obtaining her bachelor's degree in Information Systems at Kennesaw State University. She has been actively involved with Circles Cobb through the KSU Service Fellowship Program, serving as the Data Operations Intern before being promoted to Resource Coordinator. As a dedicated college student, Deja has taken on leadership roles such as Community Service Director and President of Black Women Empowered. She is also a member of the National Council of Negro Women and Women in Technology and serves as a service site leader, volunteer, and volunteer/community service chair for the Department of Student Volunteerism and Service at Kennesaw State University.
Deja is deeply passionate about serving others and her community. This passion is reflected in her commitment to various service initiatives and leadership roles, where she consistently strives to make a positive impact. Her dedication to community service is a way of life, driven by a genuine desire to uplift those around her and contribute to meaningful change. Through her involvement with numerous organizations and programs, Deja has built strong relationships within her community.
A Big Thank You to Our Sponsors
