Executive Director

Monira Silk has been a staple in the Athens parent community since she founded a small eco-conscious baby shop and parenting center named reBlossom in 2010 after the birth of her first daughter. Before that, she was a photojournalist and ESOL teacher, but she felt a calling to help families making the transition to parenthood. As the first one of her friends to have a baby, becoming a mother was a hard transition and she realized she needed to create a safe space where parents could meet and parent together. In 2021, Monira founded Athens Parent Wellbeing as a natural extension of reBlossom as the need for mental health related services for parents became evident through the personal connections made through daily interactions at her shop and from her own experience as a Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders survivor. Monira brings over a decade of leadership and momentum in helping people flourish into the parents and humans that they wish to be.

President

Laura moved to Athens in 2006 to attend UGA’s School of Social work to obtain her Master’s in Nonprofit Management and Leadership. Since then, she has been fully ingrained in Athens’ nonprofit world, working at Nuci’s Space for 7 years and then moving to UGA, where she held several development-focused roles until 2022. She currently holds a position in Advancement and Alumni Engagement at Emory University, working remotely from Athens. She calls herself a “professional do-gooder” and has particular interest in mental health, DEI, and maternal wellbeing initiatives. She believes wholeheartedly in the mission of APW and began volunteering as a TheraMama in March of 2021 before joining the Board in December 2021. She brings her personal experience with PPD and mental health struggles to the board, along with her extensive nonprofit experience.

Vice President

Michelle Monroe is mama to two young daughters and a strong supporter of perinatal mental health. She works to help all parents find their village of support and strength. Michelle has worked in public school education since 2008 and believes in the power of neighborhood schools. Michelle is a proud founding board member of Athens Parent Wellbeing and loves being a Theramama to anyone in need. 

Secretary

Heather Clark has lived in the Athens area since 2005 and graduated from the University of Georgia with degrees in Psychology and Child & Family Development. As mama to three little girls and a survivor of postpartum depression and anxiety, she felt a strong connection to the mission of Athens Parent Wellbeing and is proud to serve as a founding board member. Heather is Secretary of the Board for APW, and participated in the TheraParent peer support program as a TheraMama from 2021-2022.

Treasurer

Theresa Owen Pippin is a founding board member for Athens Parent Wellbeing and serves as Treasurer for the organization. After having her daughter in 2018, Theresa found great comfort through reBlossom's many support programs. Wanting to "pay this forward," Theresa became a TheraMama to provide peer support to parents in need. She brings her professional and volunteer experience with outreach and development to the APW board.

Taneisha S. Brooks is a native of Athens, Georgia. She is a graduate of Cedar Shoals High School class of 2001. She attended Athens Technical College and obtained her associates degree in Business Administration in 2011 and her associates degree in Accounting in 2012. Taneisha received her Grant Writing Certification from the University of North Georgia (UNG) in 2017. She is the owner of Gold Standard Solutions where she provides services such as grant writing, grant readiness, grant research, and notary and administrative services. Taneisha is also a Realtor®️ with Calhoun Realty Group out of Keller Williams Greater Athens. Taneisha is proud to be a part of an organization that strives to help those in need of mental health support. Because of her own personal struggles in the past, it’s important for her remind others that it’s okay to not be okay. 

Hannah Costantino is a registered nurse & graduate of the University of Georgia’s Masters of Public Health program.  These days, she is best known as Mom to her three young children, four dogs, ten goats, and chickens.  As a survivor of postpartum anxiety, she knows the value of mental health support firsthand.  She welcomed her daughter in the early days of pandemic life and empathizes with those who are navigating parenthood during these unprecedented times. Hannah is a founding board member of Athens Parent Wellbeing and a proponent of both public and mental health in the greater Athens community.  She is a TheraMama for APW and loves supporting and encouraging parents on their journey.

Hi my name is Erika. I am originally from Peru, but Athens became the place that I call home in October, 2005. I married my high school sweetheart in February, 2009 and we are blessed to have two kids- Daniela (November, 2011) & Lucas (January, 2019). After arriving in Athens, I graduated from Clarke Central High School (May, 2008). I have had the opportunity to work different roles within the Clarke County School District since July, 2010. I have always taken positions where I could best serve the people who need help the most. I love to listen to music, dance, drink coffee, and treat myself to the occasional milkshake from Chick-fil-A.

Lindsey Hughes has been a part of the Athens community for the last 16 years. She is a mama to two boys. Her first birth was anything but empowering, sending her into the world of birth work after surviving PPD/PPA. She became a fierce advocate of support and education throughout the perinatal period, certifying as a Labor Doula in 2015 and a Certified Professional Midwife in 2022. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Counseling as well as a Bachelor's in Midwifery. The mission of APW folds beautifully into the work she is already doing in the community as she guides families through all the transitions that pregnancy and birth bring. 

Kishonia Lumpkin is a native of Athens, Georgia. Mother of 3. She serves Athens and surrounding counties as a Realtor and Co leader of a Girl Scouts troop. Becoming a mom during the pandemic made her realize and appreciate how much of a village she truly had during such difficult and challenging times. APW mission aligns so well with the passion she has in helping others establish their support system. She loves those connections that make this big old world feel like a little village.

Shannon is a licensed associate professional counselor and mom of a toddler. She moved to Athens in 2018 while completing her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. In her professional career Shannon has specialized in working with children as young as 4 years old who are experiencing mental health symptoms. She is a firm believer that parents mental health is as important as their children’s mental health. Shannon is excited for this opportunity to help other parents build their village and take care of their own mental health. 

Kelsey moved to Athens from the Atlanta area to attend the University of Georgia, where she met and married a native Athenian. After 7 years in Charlotte, NC, they are excited to have returned to Athens, GA in 2022 to start their family, which currently includes a 1.5 year old daughter and cat. Kelsey was grateful to receive support from APW throughout her pregnancy and the first year of her daughter’s life. She firmly believes that it takes a village to raise a child, and to raise a parent, and that APW is an integral part of our village here in Athens!