Executive Director: Diane Brantley
Diane Brantley is the Executive Director of Lydia’s Place. She grew up in Winder, Georgia, and now lives on her farm in Watkinsville. Diane is a graduate of the University of Georgia with a degree in Communications. She has been a part of the non-profit sector since 1992 as a volunteer or employee for several non-profit organizations including United Way, The YMCA of Georgia’s Piedmont, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and Bethel Haven. Diane served on the founding board of Lydia’s Place in 2017 and is very excited to be a part of this amazing organization.
Diane has been married to John for 35 years and they have 5 children and 2 grandchildren. In her spare time, she loves to play tennis, travel, spend time with family, and work on her farm where she raises sheep, chickens, and pigs. Her favorite part of her work is getting to know the students and also connecting Lydia’s Place to our generous community. We are helping to educate our community about the growing need for youth with housing insecurities.
Community Outreach Coordinator: Taylor Garner
Taylor Garner is our Community Outreach Coordinator at Lydia’s Place. She was born and raised in Georgia with her parents and two sisters. Taylor went to high school at Hebron Christian Academy in Dacula Ga, and later got her Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development with a Business Minor at Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee. She has been with Lydia’s place for a little over two years. One thing she loves about Lydia’s Place is not only the students but the relationships she builds with each of our donors and volunteers.
Director Of Student Services: Allyson Norris
Allyson Norris is the Director of Student Services at Lydia’s Place. She grew up in Louisiana and always knew she would be in a helping profession. She attended college where she earned a social work degree, then went to the University of Georgia where she earned her Master’s in Social Work. Allyson spent 21 years working in the medical field at AseraCare Hospice, Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital Emergency Department, and Hospice of Northeast Medical Center before finding Lydia’s Place. Her favorite part of her work at Lydia’s Place is seeing the good in humanity regularly. The way the community supports and gives to help the students is awesome. Another favorite thing is seeing the students supporting each other and helping one another achieve their goals
