Working as educators, family counselors, social workers, and nonprofit executives, we were inspired by the resilience of youth who had faced unthinkable hardships—and the difference one trusted adult could make.
Seeing a gap in school services and educational equity, a nonprofit CFO, social worker, and mental health counselor (the “3 Jennifers”) come together to found COR.
COR receives 501(c)(3) nonprofit status.
COR launches its first programming—prevention education trainings—plus meal delivery and weekly grocery distributions to assist students and families amid COVID-19.
COR celebrates its first graduating class with a drive-by graduation celebration.
Virtual Social, Emotional, and Ethical (SEE) Learning curriculum for social-emotional education was implemented in a 9th grade English class. Renovations are finalized for COR’s spaces including the HUB, CORner Store, and Teachers’ CORner, office, and meeting areas.
COR introduces after-school “HUB Hangs,” a safe space for youth to convene and socialize. SEE Learning curriculum for social-emotional education is implemented. The after school program expands to include prevention training programs and African Drumming.
COR supports historic Forest Cove relocation project, providing advocacy and care coordination to families in crisis, and adds a Forest Cove Advocate to the team. At Carver’s request, renovations begin inside the academic building to create COR’s new mini HUB.
Mini HUB launches within the academic building. COR introduces Power of Prevention trainings at every grade level. Team expands to include five staff members.
COR expands to Price Middle School and hires a Program Director to lead its expanding initiatives.
“Courage is a heart word. The root of the word ‘courage’ is cor—the Latin word for heart. In one of its earliest forms, courage meant ‘to speak one’s mind by telling all one’s heart.’”
– Brené Brown
At the heart of everything we do is courage—derived from the Latin word COR. For us, courage isn’t just about bravery; it’s about leading with heart and vision. We believe in a future where our students can thrive. Even when doubt arises—whether from the world or within our students themselves—we lead with heart. With courage, we embrace this work, knowing the impact we make is both profound and far-reaching.
Our students and families are our priority.
They deserve to be treated with the utmost respect and dignity.
We provide quality services.
We don’t do things halfway.
We are strength-based.
We believe that people are doing their best.
Solution-focused.
We don’t give up when things get hard.
Focus on our mission.
Everything we do ties back to our why.
Safety first.
We value and create safe spaces for our youth and our staff.
We value the community in which we serve.
We prioritize supporting BIPOC, females, and historically excluded small businesses.
Always belearning.
We are committed to ongoing personal and professional development.
Jennifer believes strongly in making connections for positive change, especially with and among women looking to make a difference. After earning degrees in Business Administration and Taxation, and a CPA license, Jennifer had a successful career working in the tax departments of Ernst & Young, First Data, and The Coca-Cola Company. She later joined the non-profit world – first as a volunteer and ultimately, as a finance executive. She co-founded COR because after many years in this capacity, she saw an immediate need to address the severe gap in educational opportunities afforded to students across varying schools and neighborhoods in Atlanta. She has now led COR for over five years.
Jennifer is dedicated to empowering communities, removing barriers to access, and working with youth and their families to help them discover their strengths and overcome challenges. Her approach focuses on prevention and early intervention, harm reduction, and ensuring the voices of youth are brought to the forefront. With over a decade of experience, she has developed school-based mentoring programs that have reached hundreds of unaccompanied youth and students experiencing homelessness across 12 Fulton County high schools. A national speaker, Jennifer shares her innovative approaches to engaging youth and encourages other nonprofits to follow suit.
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and COR’s co-founder, Jennifer brings a unique blend of vision and action to her work with Atlanta’s most underserved students. She thrives at the intersection of strategic growth and hands-on engagement, remaining deeply passionate about fostering meaningful change for the youth she serves.
As a high school teacher in underserved schools for almost a decade, Justine has had a front row seat to the myriad challenges faced by students and families historically excluded from education systems. She also experienced the many barriers teachers and schools face when attempting to advocate on behalf of families.
When Justine left the classroom to raise her son, she had no idea her next chapter would lead her back to Carver in a new role as COR’s first development officer. Now, she is passionate about championing COR’s mission and vision, working to secure the funding and support needed to expand COR’s impact and reach even more students and families in our communities.
Isis Wilson is a dedicated licensed master social worker with a strong commitment to community development and social justice. She holds a Master of Social Work degree from Georgia State University, specializing in community partnerships. Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, Isis recognized the need for advocates within her community early on, which fueled her passion for social work.
Her work is driven by a deep commitment to mental health advocacy, empowering individuals with the tools to promote their well-being and advocating for children’s rights. Throughout her career, Isis has continuously worked to ensure that marginalized communities receive the resources and support they need to thrive. Outside of her professional work, you’ll catch her spending time with her family, painting, and watching her favorite sports.
Coming Soon!
Jennifer believes strongly in making connections for positive change, especially with and among women looking to make a difference. After earning degrees in Business Administration and Taxation, and a CPA license, Jennifer had a successful career working in the tax departments of Ernst & Young, First Data, and The Coca-Cola Company. She later joined the non-profit world – first as a volunteer and ultimately, as a finance executive. She co-founded COR because after many years in this capacity, she saw an immediate need to address the severe gap in educational opportunities afforded to students across varying schools and neighborhoods in Atlanta. She has now led COR for over five years.
As a high school teacher in underserved schools for almost a decade, Justine has had a front row seat to the myriad challenges faced by students and families historically excluded from education systems. She also experienced the many barriers teachers and schools face when attempting to advocate on behalf of families.
When Justine left the classroom to raise her son, she had no idea her next chapter would lead her back to Carver in a new role as COR’s first development officer. Now, she is passionate about championing COR’s mission and vision, working to secure the funding and support needed to expand COR’s impact and reach even more students and families in our communities.
A proud native Atlantan, Anthony is a graduate of the legendary Morehouse College, where he learned that excellence isn’t just expected, it’s a way of life. He went on to earn a Master of Science in Social Administration from Case Western Reserve University, further fueling his commitment to service and leadership.
For more than 30 years, he has dedicated his professional life to supporting youth and emerging adults through roles in both the nonprofit and government sectors. He firmly believes that young people are not just our future, they are our present, and they deserve adults who are fully invested in their growth, dreams, and even their occasional eye-rolls.
With a heart rooted in positive youth development, he brings passion, experience, and a good sense of humor to the COR team. Partnering with the school community, he works to prepare youth for a future that demands resilience, creativity, and a strong sense of self. After three decades in this work, he has learned one important truth: when you empower young people, they end up teaching you just as much, if not more than, you teach them. And honestly, he wouldn’t have it any other way.
Isis Wilson is a dedicated licensed master social worker with a strong commitment to community development and social justice. She holds a Master of Social Work degree from Georgia State University, specializing in community partnerships. Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, Isis recognized the need for advocates within her community early on, which fueled her passion for social work.
Her work is driven by a deep commitment to mental health advocacy, empowering individuals with the tools to promote their well-being and advocating for children’s rights. Throughout her career, Isis has continuously worked to ensure that marginalized communities receive the resources and support they need to thrive. Outside of her professional work, you’ll catch her spending time with her family, painting, and watching her favorite sports.
Brianna Hilton-Isaac has worked in youth development and social services for over 10 years. After changing her major to sociology, in undergraduate school, Brianna’s passion for social equity, justice, and advocacy began. She believes that one’s well-being is closely tied to environmental aspects, and the community support they have access to can make all the difference in the quality of life that they live.
Brianna holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from Georgia State university, and is studying to become a Licensed Master Social Worker. She also holds a certification as a Registered Behavioral Technician, providing ABA therapy for children on the spectrum.
Joel Carrick is someone who loves connecting with people and making a difference in his community. Originally from North Carolina, he spent several years living in Seattle before relocating to Atlanta. He enjoys using his voice and creativity to share stories and inspire others through youth engagement and as a content creator for social media.
Joel is passionate about travel and exploring new places, always looking for ways to learn and grow. One of the causes he cares most about is reducing food waste by helping get extra food to people who need it the most.
With years of experience in retail management and the military, Joel strives to bring a strong work ethic, leadership skills, and a team-first mindset to everything he does. He currently serves in the Army Reserve and has enjoyed the opportunity to serve others and see the world through a different lens.
Jennifer is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and the co-founder of COR, where she now supports communications in a contractor role after previously serving as Chief Program Officer. She runs her own therapy practice full time, bringing her expertise in prevention, early intervention, and harm reduction to both her clinical work and community efforts.
With over a decade of experience, Jennifer has built school-based mentoring programs reaching hundreds of youth experiencing homelessness and unaccompanied minors across Fulton County. A national speaker, she continues to share her innovative approaches to engaging youth and equipping communities to break down barriers and foster lasting change.
Deputy Chief Assistant District Attorney,
Diversion and Community Alternatives Programs
Dekalb County District Attorney’s Office
Manager, Alliance Customer Experience
Standards - Technology
Delta Airlines
Higher Ed Advocate & Adjunct Professor
African American Women’s History
North Carolina A&T State University
Former Executive Director
Gift Planning for Emory University and
The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta
Director of Employee Relations
Gwinnett County Public Schools
Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist
Sales
Buckhead Beef
Current donor/volunteer
COR Alumni
COR Parent
Community member/teacher
Development
Current COR Student
Higher Education Expert
Governance
Current donor/volunteer
COR Alumni
Governance
COR Parent
COR Parent
Community member/teacher
We're always looking for exceptional people to join our staff.
