About Us

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Founder & CEO

Lon, a native of Douglas County, was raised by a paralyzed father. From a young age, Lon understood the importance of caring for individuals with disabilities. Inspired by his father's resilience, Lon and his wife Lisa founded an organization to support people with developmental disabilities. In 1999, The Chanan Foundation became an approved Medicaid provider in Georgia. Starting from their home, Lon has guided the foundation through significant growth in the past twenty-five years. He is grateful for the opportunity to work with and learn from those they assist. Outside of work, Lon cherishes time with his family, enjoys activities on the lake, and loves exploring new destinations. 

Founder & Executive Administrator 

Lisa began her finance career. However, after becoming a parent, she desired a more fulfilling profession. Transitioning to caregiving, she partnered with Lon to establish The Chanan Foundation in their own personal home. These early experiences provided her with the expertise for her current role as a skilled administrator. Leveraging her background, Lisa excels in connecting with staff and meeting their needs. She efficiently manages the financial and executive aspects while ensuring compliance with changing regulations. In her free time, Lisa enjoys reading, spending time with family, and cherishing her role as "Nana" to her grandchildren.

CLS Director 

  Dianne has been a part of The Chanan Foundation for more than a decade. Starting as the office manager, she now possesses a comprehensive understanding of all service programs. In her role as the CLS Director, Dianne is committed to providing personalized care, overseeing private home care, and engaging in community-based activities on an individual level. She is also responsible for leading new employee orientation and various ongoing training sessions. Dianne's vibrant personality shines through as she encourages others to step out of their comfort zones and engage in activities beyond their daily routine. Moreover, she has a passion for music, delights in bringing joy to others, and has a knack for making people laugh.

Residential Director 

Lakeshia, a native of Hampton, Virginia, brings over 25 years of experience in the long-term care industry. While holding a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, she discovered her passion in long-term care. Currently licensed in Virginia and Georgia as a Licensed Assisted Living Administrator, she also serves as a licensed assisted living preceptor and medication aide. Joining The Chanan Foundation in 2021 as a Direct Support Professional, Lakeshia swiftly advanced to the role of Residential Director. She prioritizes fostering strong connections with clients, residential staff, and families. Lakeshia excels in all her pursuits, radiating genuine care for those around her. Expect to be inspired and empowered in her presence, as she motivates others to grow. When away from Chanan, Lakeshia dedicates her time to supporting women in need.

HR Specialist 

Hillary, who holds a B.S. in Psychology and boasts over seven years of management experience, has been an integral part of the Chanan team for more than four years. Transitioning for a more fulfilling role, she manages recruitment/onboarding, training/development, and employee relations, and has contributed to policy development. Hillary finds the most rewarding aspect of leadership in connecting with her team and fostering relationships. She excels in building trust with the staff, creating an environment where they feel at ease sharing with her. Outside of work, Hillary's passion for nature shines through as she enjoys hiking and discovering new places with her mom. Her current interests lie in learning about plants, gardening, and sustainability, with a dream of owning a small sustainable farm in the mountains. In her leisure time, Hillary cherishes moments spent with her close friends and their children.

Developmental Disability Professional    Amanda started her career as a teacher and has dedicated nearly a decade to supporting individuals with disabilities. With a B.S. in Psychology, she transitioned to Georgia from Florida in 2013 to help empower individuals and their families by connecting them to essential services and resources.

Amanda's passion for this work is deeply personal—she is the proud mother of Jacob, her son with a disability. Jacob’s journey has provided Amanda with invaluable insight and compassion, which she brings to her role at the Chanan Foundation every day.

Outside of her professional life, Amanda enjoys spending quality time with her family, attending concerts with her husband, and running in the mountains—activities that keep her grounded and inspired. Her personal experiences, combined with her professional expertise, make Amanda a dedicated DDP.

Hiram Day Program Director

Angela has dedicated many years to the disability field, beginning her career with hands-on support and gradually transitioning into a management role. Throughout her journey, she has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to improving the lives of individuals with disabilities. Angela's extensive experience has given her a unique perspective, allowing her to bring both empathy and practical solutions to her work.

Known for her kindness and unwavering dedication, Angela approaches every challenge with a compassionate heart, ensuring that every person she serves feels heard, respected, and supported. Her ability to connect with others and lead with empathy has made her an invaluable part of the Chanan Foundation team.

Registered Nurse

Kim has worked in healthcare since 2006, beginning as a paramedic before transitioning to an RN. She completed her BSN in 2018. Her experience spans Emergency, Case Management, and Psychiatric Nursing. At Chanan, she offers medical supervision, formulates healthcare strategies, and delivers hands-on nursing services to our individuals. Outside of patient care, she delights in spending time with loved ones, cooking, riding motorcycles, and exploring new destinations.

Appointment Coordinator

Michelle joined The Chanan Foundation as a direct support professional in 2016. Through dedication and hard work, she has progressed from roles such as home manager to her current position as appointment coordinator. With a bachelor's degree in psychology, Michelle has discovered a passion for the medical field. She plays a vital role in coordinating medical services with healthcare providers and pharmacies to ensure the ongoing well-being of those under our care. Michelle finds inspiration in Matthew 25:34-40, which reflects the essence of her work at Chanan. In her free time, she enjoys singing karaoke and participating in her church's women's ministry.

Quality Assurance Director

Chanda has been immersed in the disability field her entire life, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role as the Quality Assurance Director at the Chanan Foundation. Her lifelong dedication to improving the lives of individuals with disabilities fuels her passion for ensuring that the foundation consistently delivers high-quality services and care.

Outside of her professional responsibilities, Chanda enjoys spending time outdoors with her family, relaxing in the sun, and working on growing a small farm. She is also deeply involved in her community, serving faithfully in her church. Chanda’s strong commitment to both her family and her faith enriches her work, making her a compassionate and thoughtful leader at the Chanan Foundation.