About Us

---

Founder & CEO

As a native of Douglas County, Lon was born to a paralyzed father. At a young age, Lon recognized the need and importance of caring for those with a disability. Through his father's example, Lon realized that there is nothing that those with disabilities can not achieve when given the opportunity and correct accommodations. So, as a husband and wife team, Lon and Lisa set out to develop an organization to offer services for individuals with developmental disabilities. In 1999, The Chanan Foundation became an approved Medicaid provider for the state of Georgia. Beginning in his home, Lon has led The Chanan Foundation to see tremendous growth over the last twenty-three years. He is thankful to God for the blessing it is to work with, but most importantly, learn from those we serve. Lon enjoys spending time with his family, being on the lake, and traveling to new places. 

Founder & Executive Administrator 

 Also a native of Douglas county, Lisa began her career in the finance sector. After having children, Lisa desired to pursue a job with a more fulfilling purpose. Lisa decided to serve children and adults inside her home while working with Lon to create The Chanan Foundation. These years provided her with the knowledge and skills for her to be the effective administrator she is today. Through her experience, Lisa has a keen ability to relate with employees and recognize our individual personal needs. Lisa maintains all financial and executive needs of the company. In addition, she strives to keep The Chanan Foundation in compliance with the continuous development of state and local policies. On her off days, you can find Lisa reading a good book, spending time with her family, and spoiling her granddaughter. 

Programs Director 

With over fourteen years at The Chanan Foundation, Tammy has moved through various supervisory and management roles. In her time with us, Tammy has developed policies and procedures, created the current day program curriculum, organized systems and processes to provide a consistent and efficient workflow, and worked with each oversight entity to ensure compliance with all applicable rules and standards. As the Programs Director, she lays and maintains the groundwork to support the company to maintain compliance and provide high-quality services. Tammy‘s passion is watching people grow, learn, enjoy life, and fulfill their dreams! She enjoys being a safe place for others to be themselves and learn to highlight their strengths and gifts while identifying areas they would like to improve. You will find her collecting turtles in her spare time and spending time with her 11 grand and three great-grandchildren.

CLS Director 

  Dianne has been with The Chanan Foundation for over ten years. She began her career as our office manager and now has direct knowledge of all service programs. Serving as our CLS Director, Dianne is devoted to the personalized care of individuals as she oversees private home care and community-based involvement on a one-to-one basis. Dianne also leads our new employee orientation and many of our ongoing employee training. Dianne has a fun spirit and enjoys helping others come out of their shell and participate in activities outside of their typical day. In addition, she is a music lover and enjoys making people laugh. 

Day Program Director

With over twelve years with the Chanan Foundation, Wanda has worked in various roles, including group homes, independent living, supported employment, day center lead, and now director of the Douglasville  Day Program. Wanda coordinates with caregivers, families, social services agencies, and medical professionals to plan a detailed care program for our CAG services. Wanda does an excellent job training and utilizing our day program staff to address our individuals' social and educational needs. Wanda has a creative spirit that provides our individuals with many learning and recreational activities in the day program and community. Wanda's motto is "You must be willing to do things that others are not doing today."

Developmental Disability Professional    Chanda has been associated with The Chanan Foundation for several years. However, she began her professional work in addiction and mental health. Later she realized that it was time to come back home and join the Chanan family. Chanda holds a bachelor's in Psychology and a Master's in Organizational Leadership. Currently serving as our DDP, Chanda coordinates and oversees all Individual Support Programs including behavior support plans. She monitors all aspects of service by observing individuals, reviewing progress, and revising goals as needed. She also has a hand in the intake process and welcoming new individuals to The Chanan Foundation. Chanda enjoys working with students at her church and spending time outdoors with her husband and daughter outside of work. 

Residential Director 

 Lakeshia is a native of Hampton, Virginia, bringing over 25 years of experience in the long-term care industry. She has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice but found joy in the long-term care industry. Currently, LaKeshia holds a license in Virginia and Georgia as a Licensed Assisted Living Administrator. LaKeshia is also a licensed assisted living preceptor and a licensed medication aide. She came on board with The Chanan Foundation in 2021 as a Direct Support Professional but was quickly promoted to Residential Director.  Lakeshia works to build great relationships with the clients, residential staff, and families. She continues to shine in every endeavor, and you can genuinely feel her love for those around her. Anytime you’re around LaKeshia, expect to be encouraged and equipped to become a better you. If she’s not serving seniors, you can always find her helping broken and barren women.  

Registered Nurse

Lisa graduated from SIUE with her BSN in 1998. she obtained her RN license in 1999 and worked at Atlanta Medical Center in the mother/baby unit from 1999 to 2015. She also worked as a private duty nurse for a  family from 2015 until 2020. Lisa served as a triage nurse up until coming to the Chanan Foundation. Lisa monitors the health and safety of individuals receiving services through The Chanan Foundation. She closely monitors our individuals' medical profiles to recognize and prevent medical concerns. She also offers appropriate delegation and supervision of our staff as they administer medication and perform proxy caregiving-related tasks. Lisa's family is her motivation to continue to provide excellent care for those around her. In addition, she enjoys crafting and spending time with her husband and keeping up with her three active sons and dog. 

Appointment Coordinator

Michelle started at The Chanan Foundation as a direct support professional in 2016. Michelle has held various positions through her hard work and determination, including home manager and her most current role, appointment coordinator. Michelle holds a bachelor’s in psychology but has recently found a love for the medical field. Michelle aids in the ongoing administrative care of those we serve by coordinating ongoing medical services with doctor’s offices and pharmacies. Michelle points to Matthew 25:34-40 as the heartbeat of what she does at Chanan. Michelle likes to sing karaoke and serve in the women’s ministry at her church in her spare time.

HR Specialist 

Hillary holds a B.S. in Psychology and over seven years of management experience. Hillary has been with Chanan for over two years after making a move to do something more rewarding. Hillary oversees recruitment/onboarding, training/development, and employee relations and has also assisted in policy development. Hillary says that getting to know the staff and building relationships is the most enjoyable and vital part of leadership. Hillary does a great job of earning the trust of our staff and allowing them to feel comfortable talking with her.

Hillary loves nature and likes to spend time hiking and exploring new places with her mom. She is currently trying to learn more about plants, gardening, and sustainability. She dreams of owning a small sustainable farm in the mountains. Hillary also enjoys spending time with her best friends and their kids.

Office Manager

Tami started with the Chanan Foundation in 2016. She has a background in finance. In her current role, Tami provides administrative assistance and manages the office for day-to-day operations of The Chanan Foundation. She serves as the primary contact for our internal offices and maintains our welcome area. Tami is a great asset to the workflow of the office by ensuring that all systems are in place and running appropriately. She works diligently to have a great professional relationship with staff, clients, and the families of the ones we serve. Tami enjoys spending time with her husband, six children, and three grandchildren. When Tami is not at work, she enjoys every ounce of time she gets making memories with family.