Executive Director : Kelly Brannen
Kelly Brannen grew up in Henry County GA and attended Clayton State University. After working for The University of Georgia Cooperative Extention right out of College teaching for the 4-H program, Kelly went into full-time ministry with Campus Crusade which took her to West Africa. Upon returning to the states, Kelly moved to Clarkston GA, to be a missionary in the most culturally diverse square mile in the country. She created her own organization that matched refugee families to American families to help the refugees assimilate. After that, she worked for Friends of refugees and then St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Wanting to be near family, Kelly made the move to Athens in April of 2022 and was blessed with her current position as Executive Director of Lydia’s Place. Aunt to 4 amazing kiddos, Kelly enjoys movie nights with the family, exploring new places, traveling, gardening (or the thoughts of gardening), and studying permaculture.
Programs Coordinator: Taylor Garner
Taylor Garner is our Programs 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 a year. 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 on a regular basis. 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.
