Category: Stories

Staff Spotlight: Meera Solomon, LMT, CES

Meera is an oncology massage therapist specializing in breast cancer rehabilitation. She has been a licensed massage therapist since 2007. Meera combines her experience working in both spas and clinical settings to provide an experience that blends the best of both worlds—relaxing and therapeutic, safe and effective. Prior to joining the staff at TurningPoint in […]

Patient Perspective: BJ

Hi my name is Betty Jane (BJ) and I live in Marietta, GA. In March of 2015 I was diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer. Since everyone in my immediate family has had cancer, I decided to have a double mastectomy. After my operation, I was told by my surgeon and oncologist that I needed […]

Patient Perspective: Delphyne

… Only problem was the breast removal had left her with a pretty bad case of lymphatic cording and limited mobility of her right arm. As luck would have it, someone told me about TurningPoint Breast Cancer Rehabilitation, a Sandy Springs nonprofit that provides clinical and evidence-based rehabilitation for women with breast cancer, including physical […]

Patient Perspective: Dianne

This past summer I was diagnosed with stage 2 invasive breast cancer.   It was a shock to me and my family.  But my two daughters and my husband were with me every step of the way – from deciding on a surgeon, lumpectomy surgery, and three weeks of radiation. I love to garden, and am […]

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Dawn Fowler

Dawn Fowler, LMSW
Counselor

Dr. Dawnovise (Dawn) Fowler, LMSW, is a breast cancer survivor and former TurningPoint client. Through her company, the Vow of Wellness, LLC., Dr. Fowler is looking forward to developing new programs and advancing existing services to meet the psychosocial support and emotional wellness needs of TurningPoint’s clients.

Dr. Fowler is a graduate from Spelman College with a B.A. degree in Economics. She earned her MSW from The University of Chicago, and Ph.D. in Social Work from Howard University. Prior to joining CDC, Dr. Fowler was an assistant professor in social work and taught graduate-level coursework, including human/organizational behavior theory, social justice, and research for clinical practice. Dr. Fowler has previously served as the principal and co-investigator on projects funded by the NIH’s Institutes on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and the Dell Corporation. She has led various programs and projects related to trauma and violence for over 20 years.

In 2011, Dr. Fowler joined CDC’s Division of Violence Prevention in the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control as a Behavioral Scientist. She served as Team Lead for CDC’s national Rape Prevention and Education Program since 2014. Dr. Fowler contributed a program scan regarding CDC’s efforts with U.S. colleges and universities to the First Report of the White House Task Force to Protect Students on Sexual Assault. She also developed a federal inter-agency project between CDC, DOJ/OVW, and NIJ to conduct a campus-based sexual assault climate survey for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Dr. Fowler served as project lead for CDC’s campus sexual assault prevention action planning project in partnership with the American Public Health Association (APHA). In 2022, she became the Chief of the Community Engagement Science and Interventions Section in the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR/CDC).

Dr. Fowler has presented at national/international conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals. Her diverse skill set and expertise have resulted contributions to program management, leadership, evaluation and research, teaching, and training. Dr. Fowler’s professional interests include a trauma-informed approach to public health and service delivery, health equity for high-risk and underserved communities, diverse/inclusive workforce development, and effective program implementation, evaluation, and leadership.

In her leisure time, Dr. Fowler enjoys spending time with her awesome daughters and family, community service, yoga and fitness, and baking her grandmother’s recipe homemade pound cake recipe for family and friends.

Kathryn Olive, PT, DPT, CLT
Physical Therapist

Kathryn graduated with her B.S. in Health & Exercise Science from Wake Forest University in 2007 and went on to receive her Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree from Washington University in St. Louis in 2010.  Prior to joining TurningPoint in 2021, Kathryn spent ten years working in a hospital-based outpatient orthopedic clinic in Charlotte, NC.  During this time, she utilized a movement system impairments approach to treatment in conjunction with manual therapy and dry needling techniques.  Throughout her career, Kathryn’s practice specialty and passion have been in women’s health care with an emphasis on pelvic health, pregnancy and post-partum, lymphedema and breast cancer care.  She served as an item writer for the ABPTS Specialist Certification examination for Women’s Health Physical Therapy and had the opportunity to present a poster presentation at APTA’s Combined Sections Meeting in 2011. Kathryn is a Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Women’s Health Physical Therapy, Certified Lymphedema Therapist, an APTA Certified Clinical Instructor, and STAR Clinician Certified.  

 

TurningPoint is a special place because it enables me to pursue and advance my passion for women’s health through direct patient care, research, and educating both medical and non-medical peers about the critical importance of breast cancer physical therapy care. 

Something fun no one knows about me is that I love long-distance running while pushing my young kids in the jogging stroller, and dream of running the Boston Marathon one day (but maybe not with a jogging stroller)!  

Bob Bachrach, BBA
Governance Vice Chair

Bob Bachrach, BBA is Governance Vice Chair of TurningPoint. Bob also serves on the Executive Committee. Bob received his Bachelor of Business Communications from Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York. As a member of the Atlanta community for more than 35 years, Bob has been active in several organizations, including nine years as a women’s business mentor with the Pathbuilders, 9 years as a Board member and officer of Jewish Family and Career Services, for 4 years a member of the Deans Advisory Board for Coles College of Business at Kennesaw State University and is currently a member of the Advisory Board of the Department of Marketing.

As Executive Director & COO of Congregation Etz Chaim, Bob provided the day-to-day management of the fiscal, physical and administrative affairs of the synagogue. The Bachrach family has been members of Etz Chaim since 1987. Bob was on the Board of Trustees from 1998 until 2008. During this time, he held various positions, culminating in his role as the synagogue president from 2006 to 2008. Bob was a passionate layleader and transitioned this enthusiasm to the role of a synagogue professional.

Mike Kozel
Board Chair

Mike Kozel is Board Chair of TurningPoint. Mike also serves on TurningPoint’s Executive Committee. TurningPoint has been dear to Mike for many years. For 15 years, Mike has chaired golf tournaments to benefit TurningPoint and has raised over $360,000.

Volunteering for non-profits has always been a way of life for Mike. He’s served on the Junior Achievement Board and multiple board leadership roles for Men’s Golf Association at various golf courses; all with fundraising activities. In addition to this, Mike has worked with the United Way in a variety of roles.

On the professional front, Mike is an experienced high-tech executive who can deliver bottom-line results. His track record in sales, marketing and channel development has helped enhance the reputations of such firms as NCR, SAP, IBM, Siebel and John Deere, to name a few.

Mani Young
Board Chair

Mani Young is Board Chair of TurningPoint Breast Cancer Rehabilitation. Mani Young is Vice President of Product Management at LexisNexis Risk Solutions. She has over 25 years of technical and product expertise in managing complex and high revenue solutions. Her technical proficiencies allow her to look at products in an innovative manner that result in better profitability, revenue and positively affecting the company’s bottom line. As a former TurningPoint patient, Mani is passionate about spreading awareness about how TurningPoint can change patient recovery times, educate with evidence-based answers and improve the lives of breast cancer patients. Mani currently lives in North Atlanta with her husband and twin girls. She enjoys golf, tennis and gardening.

Mallory Mark, PT, DPT, CLT, CES
Clinical Director

Mallory received her B.S. in Health Science from the University of Dayton in 2014 and is a 2016 graduate of Chatham University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program. Following graduation, Mallory worked in an inpatient rehabilitation setting with both the neurologic and oncology population. She moved to Atlanta in 2019 and joined the TurningPoint Breast Cancer Rehabilitation team, where she now specializes in providing evidence-based care to individuals impacted by breast cancer. During her time at TurningPoint, Mallory has curated and instructed various patient monthly educational events and served as an instructor for a weekly exercise class. Additionally, Mallory has co-authored a paper titled” Meeting the Rehabilitation and Support Needs of Breast Cancer Patients During Covid-19: Opening New Frontiers in Models of Care Delivery” published in the journal of Rehabilitation Oncology in October 2020. She has also presented at Michigan’s APTA Fall Conference in 2020 as well as APTA Combined Sections Meeting, with both a platform and poster presentation. Mallory is a Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Oncologic Physical Therapy, Certified Edema Specialist and Lymphedema Therapist, and an APTA Certified Clinical Instructor and member of the APTA Oncology section. 

TurningPoint is a special place because I get to play a small role in the patient’s journey to recovery and witness their transformation from diagnosis to survivorship.  

Something fun no one knows about me is I grew up riding and competing in equestrian three-day events which include dressage, stadium and cross country jumping. I still enjoy riding today!  

Lisa Hubbard, RD, LD
 Dietitian

Lisa is a registered and licensed dietitian who has been working with TurningPoint since 2011. Originally from Northwest Indiana, Lisa moved to Georgia in 1993 and called it home 26 years. Lisa is a graduate of Purdue University and has been a dietitian for 28 years with 23 of those years focusing on cancer. She loves working with cancer patients and has worked in all aspects of cancer treatment, from chemotherapy to radiation to survivorship, and even helping caregivers support their loved ones. Lisa is passionate about helping others achieve their health and wellness goals. Lisa hosts monthly virtual education events for TurningPoint about the impact of nutrition on cancer. Outside of TurningPoint, Lisa is an avid runner. In her free time, she likes to refinish old furniture. 

TurningPoint is a special place because I feel that everyone who walks through our doors is treated like a member of our own family.  

Something fun nobody knows about me is that I like to flip old furniture.  I love shopping for cheap/ugly/unique furniture. I then transform it into a one-of-a-kind piece with a little paint/ stain or new upholstery. It’s my favorite thing to do to unwind outside of running.

Lisa Barker, LMT
Oncology Massage Therapist

Lisa left the corporate finance world to pursue a vocation that would positively impact the lives of those around her. She is passionate about helping others create a healthy balance in their lives by relieving pain, stress, or providing healing restorative massage. In addition to treating her private clients, Lisa has provided massage therapy in a variety of settings: working alongside a chiropractor, assisting physical therapists, and being part of a team in a massage clinic. Lisa has also partnered with A New Daly Beginning, a non-profit organization whose mission is empowering and caring for cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers through calming skin therapies and therapeutic bodywork. She has volunteered at several breast cancer retreats providing safe, therapeutic massages to the participants. In her free time, Lisa enjoys reading, hiking, traveling, and hanging out with her 2 dogs.   

TurningPoint is a special place because everyone in the organization truly cares about providing the best, individualized care for each patient that comes through the door.  A true team effort. 

 Something fun no one knows about me is that I owned and rode a Harley Davidson motorcycle for a few years. 

Jessica Waterman, PT, DPT, CLT, CES
Physical Therapist

Jessica has more than twelve years of experience in the field of women’s health, oncology and orthopedics. Jessica graduated from Emory University with a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology. She then continued her education at Duke University where she received a Doctorate in Physical Therapy. After working in the field of women’s health for many years, Jessica decided to narrow the focus of her practice to treat women and men with breast cancer. She feels that the best part of her job is empowering patients to feel their best. Jessica is a Certified Edema Specialist, a Certified Lymphedema Therapist and is STAR Clinician Certified.   

TurningPoint is a special place because it’s made up of an incredible team of clinicians and staff who share a common passion for treating women and men with breast cancer. We are fortunate to be able to provide one-on-one specialized care for the whole person in a warm, supportive and caring environment.    

Something fun no one knows about me is that my family has two rescue dogs and we’ve fostered several more! 

Barbara Grant, CPA, MST, CVA
Board Treasurer

Barbara Grant, CPA, MST, CVA is Board Treasurer of TurningPoint. Barbara also serves on the Executive and Finance Committee. Barbara is a Consulting Principal with PYA, P.C., a national CPA firm that specializes in the healthcare industry. With over 30 years of professional experience, Barbara serves hospitals, physician groups, and other healthcare providers. She has extensive experience in the areas of valuations, mergers and acquisitions, hospital-physician arrangements, medical practice operations, and strategic planning. Barbara has a BA in Secondary Education/English and a BS in Accounting, both from University of Maryland, and an MS in Taxation from Southeastern University. She is a certified public accountant and certified valuation analyst.

A native of Washington, DC, Barbara now lives in Atlanta with her husband. She has an adult son and one grandson, who live in Boston. Barbara learned about TurningPoint firsthand when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2013. She also serves on the Board of Andee’s Army, a non-profit organization dedicated to funding the recovery and rehabilitation of children who have sustained brain and spinal cord injuries.

Janae Finley, PT, DPT, CLT, CES
Physical Therapist

Janae received a BS in Exercise Science from Georgia State University in 2008 and graduated with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Emory University in 2012. Following graduation, she worked as an orthopedic physical therapist for 6 years and came to TurningPoint Breast cancer rehabilitation in 2019. Janae now specializes in the evidence-based treatment of patients with breast cancer and has a passion for reducing and eliminating disparities that exist in healthcare. Janae has participated as a lead moderator in the first of four national forums aimed at reducing disparity in breast cancer survivorship and has partnered with local and national outreach programs to provide equitable care while reducing access as a barrier to care. Janae has co-authored a paper titled” Meeting the Rehabilitation and Support Needs of Breast Cancer Patients During Covid-19: Opening New Frontiers in Models of Care Delivery” published in the journal of Rehabilitation Oncology in October 2020. Janae has presented at the APTA Combined Sections Meeting with a platform and poster presentation in 2020. Janae is a certified edema specialist and an APTA Certified Clinical instructor. As a breast cancer survivor Janae brings a unique patient perspective into treating, caring for, and connecting with all patients. 

TurningPoint is a special place because it helped guide me through a tough time in life; and, provided me with a way to give back to other women on their breast cancer journey. 

Something fun no one knows about me is I love to paint. 

Hannah Afify, PT, DPT, CLT, CES
Physical Therapist

Hannah obtained a BA in Exercise and Sport Science from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2014 and a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from The George Washington University in 2017. She started her PT career at an outpatient clinic in Decatur, GA where she began working with patients in the oncology population and patients with limb loss. Hannah achieved several certifications in the outpatient setting, including Dry Needling, IASTM and blood flow restriction training. Here she developed a love for working in Oncology Rehab and started a program within her company to improve patients access to care. After almost 4 years, she continued her career at TurningPoint Breast Cancer Rehabilitation.  Since working at TurningPoint, Hannah has become an APTA Certified Edema Specialist and continues her work in providing evidence-based care to patients of all walks of life. She is passionate about improving patient’s access to quality care and promotes this through participation in community events, guest lecturing at local universities and through her APTA certification as a Clinical Instructor.  

TurningPoint is a special place because it creates a space where patients receive the best-evidence care, can ask questions, and be themselves—whomever that may be, at whatever point on their journey that is.   

Something fun no one knows about me is… my first belly dancing lesson was at age 12. 

Emily Schwenk, BHS
Administrative Coordinator

Emily is a graduate of the University of Kentucky where she received her Bachelor of Health Sciences in Clinical Leadership & Management. Through her education she learned how to be a competent, effective leader working to enact change in health care management and beyond. She was born and raised in the Greater Atlanta Area and has returned to her home state after college as a resident of Brookhaven. Emily’s experience includes working with healthcare related non-profits as well as administrative work in a larger hospital setting. These experiences and her current role at TurningPoint have sparked a passion in Emily for working with and being a part of patient’s journeys who have been impacted by cancer. In her free time, she loves to binge watch TV shows, travel to new places and spend time with friends and family.  

TurningPoint is a special place because we get to experience growth physically, emotionally, and mentally in our patients every day. 

Something fun no one knows about me is despite my lack of singing ability, I auditioned for American Idol when I was 15. 

Carrie Kozel, PT, DPT, CLT, CES
Senior Physical Therapist

Carrie holds a Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sports Science from The University of Georgia and a Doctorate of Physical Therapy from The University of North Georgia. Prior to joining TurningPoint, she was involved in research in women’s health and worked in numerous pediatric settings. She presents both locally and nationally and is published in the field of physical therapy. She also has been published for her work in the cancer research field. Over the last 10 years, she has used her diverse skill set to help meet the physical and functional needs of breast cancer patients and survivors. Carrie advocates for this patient population by teaching both physical therapy students and clinicians. She is a certified lymphedema therapist and member of the Academy of Oncologic Physical Therapy of the American Physical Therapy Association. 

TurningPoint is a special place because we care for the complete person. We are here to support everyone who walks through our doors both physically and emotionally. Our goal is to help our patients find physical and emotional healing so that they can get back to the things they love. 

Something fun about me is that I have a zipline in my backyard…that I ride when my children beg me. 

Carmelita White, BSHCM
Administrator

Carmelita is an experienced healthcare professional with over 16 years of experience in healthcare leadership and holds a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management. She attributes her strong work ethic and value of people to her Midwest upbringing as she is a native of Kansas City, MO. Carmelita comes to TurningPoint with a servant’s heart and a desire to align herself with an organization that is committed to serving others with dignity, quality care, and advocating for those in need. Carmelita is an inducted member of The National Society of Leadership and Success (Park University Chapter) and an active member of Rotary International. Carmelita is a devout Christian who believes that to lead one must follow, to serve one must be a servant, and to inspire one must be inspired. As a mother and a grandmother, it is important that Carmelita’s legacy is to leave an imprint on the hearts of those that she encounters. 

TurningPoint is a special place because we walk in and live out our mission on a daily basis. 

Something fun no one knows about me is that I always wanted to be a motivational speaker. 

Arelis Cortés
Community Engagement Manager

Arelis attended Lanier Technical College and earned a certificate in Accounting. After her schooling, Arelis took time to travel and engage in community volunteer work. Born in Puerto Rico, Arelis writes and speaks fluent Spanish which is a great asset for our office. Arelis does a lot of the ‘behind-the-scenes’ work at TurningPoint managing all our social media, community fundraisers and many of our education events. Arelis is a social butterfly and loves to engage with the community; you’ll usually see her at TurningPoint events. In her spare time, she is fully committed to community volunteer work and owns a small pet-sitting business. She is also a music junkie and most likely was somewhere over the weekend listening to live music. Arelis’ motto in life is “Being with nature can change your nature” so she finds time to hike often to decompress.              

TurningPoint is a special place where I am constantly reminded that healing is more than physical. I often see individuals come in afraid, sad and in pain and they leave smiling, confident and feeling better. TurningPoint’s dedication to treating patients with compassion and as individuals makes me so proud to be part of this amazing nonprofit.   

Something fun that no knows about me is that I am learning Indonesian. Apa kabar? 

Allison Brazelton, PTA, BS, CLT, CES
Physical Therapist Assistant

Allison Brazelton is a Physical Therapist Assistant at TurningPoint Breast Cancer Rehabilitation. Allison received her Bachelors of Science degree from Murray State University in Murray, Kentucky. Following her degree from Murray State Allison obtained her Physical Therapist Assistant degree from Daymar Institute in Clarksville, Tennessee. Following graduation Allison and her husband, Patrick, moved to Atlanta. Allison then began her career in an outpatient orthopedic setting in the metro area. Allison later joined the TurningPoint family in January of 2019. Since starting at TurningPoint, Allison has conducted many educational events, served many patients and has expanded her knowledge of the breast cancer community. Allison has co-authored a paper titled” Meeting the Rehabilitation and Support Needs of Breast Cancer Patients During Covid-19: Opening New Frontiers in Models of Care Delivery” published in the journal of Rehabilitation Oncology in October 2020. Allison is a Certified Edema Specialist and Lymphedema Therapist. Currently, Allison leads a weekly virtual exercise class called Commit to be Fit. Allison was born and raised in Western Kentucky, her and her husband have one son named Jones and a golden retriever named Sadie. As a family they enjoy hiking, biking and grilling in the backyard. 

TurningPoint is a special place because it gave me a family when I needed one.  

Something fun no one knows about me is that I once held the school record for Triple Jump at my high school.

Naynette Kennett, BS, MSW, PHD, LCSW
Counselor

Dr. Naynette Kennett, LCSW, is a Lecturer at Kennesaw State University in the Department of Social Work and Human Services. She earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Kinesiology from California State University, Fullerton, a Masters of Social Work from California State University, Long Beach and PhD in Social Work from the Whitney M. Young, Jr., School of Social Work at Clark Atlanta University. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California, Georgia, and Tennessee. She teaches undergraduate and graduate courses (MSW & DSW) in human service and social work programs.  Currently, she owns a private practice that offer services in all three states. Her clinical practice experience includes providing mental health services to children and families in foster care, crisis hotline, medical social work, individual, group and family therapy, and psychiatric mobile response team. Her research interest includes, cultural competence and clinical practice, trauma and mental health, chronic illness and the impact on mental health, and infant mental health. In her free time, she enjoys playing and traveling with her three children and Miniature Schnauzer, Cali. 

TurningPoint is a special place because I continue to do what I love and enjoy doing, working with women and helping them to thrive as a breast cancer survivor. Healthy survivorship involves self-care, self-compassion, and self-love.   

Something fun no one knows about me is that I love to travel. I traveled to Chile for a language immersion program to learn Spanish.  

Thomas P. Smith, BS, MS
Board Secretary

Thomas P. Smith, BS, MS is Board Secretary of TurningPoint. Thomas also serves on the Executive and The Pink Affair Committee. Thomas P. Smith is a seasoned public relations and communications practitioner, having worked across multiple industry sectors for more than two decades. Currently he advises entrepreneurs, along with healthcare and nonprofit clients in a consulting capacity, assisting them with strategic communications planning and execution, development and production of collateral materials, network marketing, social media, and traditional media relations.

Previously he worked for 11 years with the public relations firm A. Brown-Olmstead Associates as a senior account manager, and four years with the Metro Atlanta Chamber as a marketing/communications manager and director of public information.

His mother passed away from breast cancer in 1978, so TurningPoint’s mission resonates in a very personal way.

A Chicago native, he is a 1993 graduate of the School of Communications at Northwestern University where he majored in communication studies. He received a master’s degree in journalism from Northwestern University in 1995. He resides with his family, two dogs, and two cats in Atlanta.

Dana Barrett
Pink Affair Committee

Dana Barrett is a Fulton County Commissioner.  She is a former tech executive, small business owner, and award-winning TV, radio, and podcast host.  Dana has always been an outspoken advocate for equality and ethics and, a determined self-starter.  She is a graduate of Cornell University and moved to Atlanta in 1988 when she began her career in technology.  In 2010,Dana felt called to do work that had a bigger impact, so she switched gears parlaying her business and technology experience into a daily talk radio show where she used her platform to tackle difficult conversations around ethics, gender, and race. Passionate about supporting women and minority-led businesses and exposing workplace inequities, Dana included regular interview segments on her show and appeared several times as a guest on HLN to discuss sexual harassment and the gender pay gap. She has written for Forbes, hosted a TV show on Atlanta’s NBC affiliate, and in 2020 she was the Democratic nominee for Congress in Georgia’s 11th District. Active in the community, Dana serves on the board of Inspiredu, a non-profit that works to bridge the digital divide, and after surviving breast cancer herself became the official spokesperson for TurningPoint Breast Cancer Rehabilitation where she now also serves on the board.

Kathy Smith, BS

Kathy Smith, BS serves as Chair of The Pink Affair Committee. Kathy L. Smith was a founder and former Executive Director of the Leadership Johns Creek program for adult leaders living or working in Johns Creek. Prior to taking on this part-time position in 2009, Kathy worked in the corporate world of technology for 20+ years. When her son entered elementary school Kathy retired from corporate America and became a full-time “volunteer” for several organizations including Boy Scouts of America, Georgia PTA and Zeta Tau Alpha (ZTA) fraternity. As a ZTA alumna, Kathy became involved in supporting the fight against breast cancer in 1992 when the Fraternity changed the focus of their national philanthropy to “breast cancer education and awareness”.

In 2001 the ZTA North Fulton Link Alumnae Chapter began hosting an annual fundraiser, entitled The Pink Affair, to benefit local nonprofit organizations associated with breast cancer. Beginning in 2007 TurningPoint became one of several beneficiaries of the event. The relationship between the alumnae chapter’s Pink Affair Committee and TurningPoint quickly became a “partnership” of friendship and support. In 2013 the two organizations joined forces and The Pink Affair became TurningPoint’s signature annual fundraiser. Kathy continues to volunteer as The Pink Affair Committee Chair.

Kathy received a BS in Business Administration from The University of Tennessee. She has one son and the best daughter-in-law in the world. Now retired, Kathy enjoys living in Dawsonville on Lake Lanier with her little dog, Dixie.

Shawn Phillips
Finance Committee

Shawn Phillips serves as the Vice President of Sales Transformation for NCR Global Banking. He is responsible for the strategic direction and execution of NCR’s transformation to an ‘as-a-service’ organization.  With over 25 years of experience, Shawn has helped many organizations expand beyond their traditional business models. Prior to joining NCR, he held leadership positions at leading global IT and Management Consulting firms. 

As a results-driven leader, Shawn’s mantra is People, Process, and Execution. He leads his team with a dedication to delivering exceptional customer experience. As a founding member and former co-president of the NCR Black Professionals Forum, Shawn is committed to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.

Melody Willis
Billing Coordinator

Melody has over 10 years of experience in the medical field in insurance verification, billing and financial assistance for patients. Melody also has over 12 years experience in accounting and finance. She is the founder of the non-profit Overcoming Butterflies, which was birthed from years of domestic violence. Melody loves empowering and motivational speaking. Outside of work she enjoys being a wife, mother, and grandmother.

Something fun no one knows about me is that I love to sing and cook for my family and friends.

Courtney Holmes, PTA
Physical Therapist Assistant

Courtney received her Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology from Georgia Southern University in 2016. She then went on to obtain her Physical Therapist Assistant degree from South University in Savannah in 2019. The last three years, she has spent working in an outpatient orthopedic setting. She has just recently joined the TurningPoint family. She looks forward to the opportunity of continued learning that TurningPoint has to offer.

 

TurningPoint is a special place because I get to work with incredibly courageous women and men and to help in a small way during a difficult journey.

Something fun that no one knows about me is I love to rollerblade, although I have taken some nasty falls.

Jyoti Patel, PTA
Physical Therapist Assistant

Jyoti has 14 years of experience as a Physical Therapist Assistant. She received her Bachelor of Science degree from College of Charleston, SC and then moved home to Florida and got her Associates degree in Physical Therapist Assistant from Broward Community College in 2008. She has experience in both, in- patient and outpatient settings, and experience with geriatric and pediatric rehabilitation with both neurological and orthopedic conditions. Jyoti also has experience with Aquatic therapy for neurological and orthopedic conditions. Jyoti moved to Georgia from Florida in 2014 and joined the Turning Point team. She has been to be able to use her clinical skills to provide compassionate care for patients with breast cancer and has assisted in educational events and with exercise classes. Jyoti is a Certified Edema Specialist and ACE certified personal trainer for post rehab patients.

TurningPoint is a special place because our team works as a family and our goal is to provide the best care for our women and men, physically and emotionally, as they go through their breast cancer journey.


Something fun no one knows about me is that I love art and crafts

Tara L. Hall
Executive Director

Named Executive Director of TurningPoint in February of 2022, Tara is responsible for leading the strategic direction of the organization, including collaborative efforts and partnerships, program development, community relations, private and public-sector fundraising and resource development.

Tara has extensive non-profit experience including 15 years in leadership roles empowering countless individuals and families overcome the trauma as refugees from war torn countries, homelessness, domestic violence, sexual assault, torture & trauma and human trafficking. As a results driven non-profit executive recognized for creating and expanding quality programs helping underserved populations, Tara is deeply committed to improving the lives of persons suffering crisis. Nevertheless, what compels Tara in her work of advocacy is the core value she shares with TurningPoint improving the well-being and survivorship of both men and women with a breast cancer diagnosis.

Tara has a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Human Relations with a specialization in Counseling from Atlanta Christian College now known as Point University. She holds several non-profit certifications through the Georgia Center for Non-Profits, Georgia Coalition against Domestic Violence and the National Association for State Community Service Programs.

Tara has held memberships and affiliations with the Georgia Council to ending Homelessness, the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition-Georgia Chapter Advisory Committee. South Fulton County Coalition of Service Providers, The Women’s Policy Group, Council of Volunteer Administrators, Fulton County Domestic Violence Task Force, Fulton County Fatality Review Committee, Forsyth County Domestic Violence Task Force, The Women of Color Network, and the Child Abuse Protocol Committee of Forsyth County.  Tara served as a board member of the Georgia Community Action Agencies (GCAA), Henry County Interfaith Coalition and Co-Chair of the Georgia Department of Human Services State Coalition of Refugee Stakeholders.

Anne Arwood, MBA, MPH

Anne Arwood is an experienced business consultant with a demonstrated history of working in the higher education industry as well as in healthcare settings. She is currently working as an early-stage entrepreneur focused on healthcare and retail industries. She is also a professor in public health management at the Rollins School of Public Health. Anne earned a Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy from Duke University and holds a Master’s degree in both Public Health as well as Business Administration from Emory University. Anne serves on the board of Eyes, Ears, Nose & Paws as well as the Duke Atlanta Alumni Board.

 

Anne came to TurningPoint Breast Cancer Rehabilitation having personally faced a battle with breast cancer at a young age. She is excited to join the Board of Directors to support other women undergoing this difficult journey.

Marlena Murphy, APC, NCC
Clinical Mental Health Counselor
Community Advocate

Marlena is a graduate of Richmont Graduate University where she received a MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and certificates in Marriage & Family Therapy and Sex Therapy. Prior to beginning graduate school, Marlena’s desire was to provide mental health therapy for breast cancer patients and survivors. She is honored to be able to sit with men and women to understand the mental and emotional needs to help navigate their personal breast cancer journey. Marlena’s experience in advocacy began while undergoing treatment for triple-negative breast cancer. She serves as a Patient Advocate for My Style Matters, a Winship Patient & Family Advisor and works as a Program Manager for GRASP- Guiding Researchers and Advocates to Scientific Partnerships. Marlena enjoys making connections with others. That is why her position as a Community Advocate is gratifying. Connecting with other survivors and assisting them to obtain needed services at TurningPoint brings her so much joy. In her free time, she loves to spend time with her teenage daughter working on jigsaw puzzles.

 

TurningPoint is a special place because we are passionate about assisting our patients on their healing journey and enjoy working with each other. As a patient-turned employee, I have seen first-hand how loving the environment is for patients and staff.

 

Something fun no one knows about me is I Iike matchmaking people to find love.

  

Lois Rusco, MBA

Lois Rusco, MBA, Lois has been an entrepreneur for over 20 years. She has started and operates 3 profitable businesses. Recently, she sold her virtual office company and is now focusing on charity work. Lois’ has a BBA in Accounting and an MBA in Marketing/Management. Her background also includes work with large consumer packaged goods companies in accounting, finance, sales, marketing/brand management, and she also worked in public accounting (former CPA), and business consulting with BDO. Lois has supported TurningPoint through prior sponsorships and believes in its mission as she has family and friends who have and continue to battle breast cancer. Lois is the Treasurer, she also chairs the Finance and Development Committees focusing efforts on raising awareness of TurningPoint.

Jason A. Bernstein
Partner

Jason A. Bernstein is a partner and co-chair of the Data Security and Privacy group at the law firm of Barnes & Thornburg LLP. His practice focuses on data privacy, technology transactions, and intellectual property. He has an undergraduate degree in chemistry from Vanderbilt University and his law degree from the University of Miami. Jason has been practicing law for 37 years. He has had his own law firm, been in-house counsel with two companies, and has been a director of business development for a large contact lens manufacturer.

Jason has served on the board of directors of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, HealthMPowers, the Georgia chapter of the Product Development and Management Association. He is currently the Chair of the Privacy & Technology Section of the Georgia Bar. He is also on the advisory board of Public Broadcasting Atlanta (WABE/WPBA), Dad’s Garage Theatre Company, and the Pro Bono Partnership of Atlanta.

Pat J. Royak

Pat J. Royak, BS, Patricia serves on the Finance and Governance Committee and also The Pink Affair Committee. For more than 30 years, Patricia, CEO of Atlanta-based Royak Consulting, has worked as an innovative global executive. She collaborates to transform the human capital and platforms of public and private equity owned middle market firms. She has achieved success by recruiting talent that optimizes the brands stories and capabilities across the Omnichannel. This results in exponential profit and revenue growth in Asia, Europe, and North America. Royak has been at the helm of several leading apparel, intimates and health and wellness brands starting up divisions or acquiring new companies. These include diverse cross-functional leadership roles as COO of Marena Group, SVP of Maidenform, President of Calvin Klein Jeans, President of Liz Claiborne Europe and various leadership roles with Levi Strauss & Co.

She is a former Chair of the Board for nonprofit TurningPoint Breast Cancer Rehabilitation and recently joined the Board of Directors for the Tommy Nobis Center. She served as a member of the Strategy, Finance and Fund-Raising committees for American Heart Association, Promise Project, United Way and the American Cancer Society.

She graduated from Salisbury University in Maryland, where she serves on the Board for the Perdue School of Business as well as, their Shore Hatchery, Shark Tank, competition as judge. She resides in Atlanta with her husband Jack and son John Robert.

Sunny Roesel, CPA

Sunny Roesel, CPA is a Financial Executive and Controller for Greif, Inc., a global manufacturer of industrial packaging. She has over 25 years of experience in Finance and Accounting in the manufacturing, healthcare, and telecom industries. Sunny earned a BS in Accounting from Auburn University, a Master in Business Administration from Kennesaw State University and is a certified public accountant.

A native of Birmingham, AL, Sunny has lived in Atlanta since 1998 where she met her husband while working at BellSouth. She has two teenage sons, both in high school, and two adorable labradoodles. She is the Treasurer of her son’s Boy Scout Troop and a member of Greif’s philanthropic Contribution Committee. Sunny learned of TurningPoint when her husband was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2019 and received therapy after undergoing a single mastectomy and radiation therapy.

Amena Mitchell, MBA, CSM, CSPO
Marketing and Development Committee

Amena Mitchell, MBA, CSM, CSPO serves on the Marketing and Development Committee. Amena is a Management Consultant specializing in Information Technology. She is a native of Cleveland, Ohio, who has resided in the metropolitan Atlanta area for over twenty years.

Amena received a BBA from Mercer University, and an MBA from Kennesaw State University. She has an extensive volunteer history in Atlanta, within organizations such as The Junior League of Atlanta, YearUp Atlanta, and The National Coalition of 100 Black Women, as well as being a graduate of Leadership DeKalb, and United Way VIP.

Amena was a patient at TurningPoint in 2013 because of Breast Cancer related complications and has supported the organization every year thereafter.

Dr. Kim Lipscomb, MD

Dr. Kim Lipscomb, MD serves on The Pink Affair Committee. Dr. Lipscomb, a native of Jacksonville, AL, is a board-certified OB/GYN and Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialist in private practice at Northside Maternal-Fetal Specialists, an affiliate of Obstetrix Medical Group, Inc. in Atlanta, GA. She specializes in the care of women with high risk and complicated pregnancies and serves populations of women in greater Atlanta and surrounding cities, as well as remotely via telemedicine. Prior to joining her current practice in 2006, she spent 10 years as full-time associate faculty at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, serving as division chief of Maternal-Fetal medicine at UCLA Olive View Medical Center. She is currently a standing member of the Quality Improvement and Perinatal Services committee for the department of OB/GYN at Northside Hospital, where she leads in setting policies and standards for the Women’s Center. She is the current chair of the Northside Hospital Professional Relations committee. A family and personal experience with breast cancer drives her passion to educate women about early breast cancer detection, as well as educate and support breast cancer patients through treatment and healing. Her personal experience with TurningPoint was essential to her recovery and return to normal activities. Dr.Lipscomb obtained her medical degree from Howard University in Washington, D.C. She completed her OB/GYN residency and her Maternal-Fetal Medicine fellowship at LAC/USC Women’s Hospital in Los Angeles, CA. She resides in Atlanta with her family.

John Flagel, CFA
Finance Committee

John Flagel, CFA, is a Senior Investment Consultant at Aon. John leads a team of professionals that provides investment consulting services to pension plans, endowments, foundations and defined contribution plans. He works together with clients to build the foundations for successful investment programs – a common understanding of the needs of the fund, a careful design of the investment structure and close attention to manager selection and monitoring.

John and his wife, Lisa, have three children and reside in East Cobb. In 2002, John’s wife, Lisa became a Breast Cancer Survivor while living in Florida. After recently learning about the services TurningPoint Breast Cancer Rehabilitation offers, John knew he wanted to support his wife and other women fighting to restore their quality of life by volunteering on the Board. John serves on TurningPoint’s Finance Committee.

Thomas Diasio, CPA
Finance Committee

Thomas Diasio, CPA, serves on the Finance Committee. Thomas Diasio is a retired Partner of EY for 40 years. He specialized in information systems controls, auditing and security. He is also a CPA. Currently, he is a consultant for EY working internationally. His former clients included many multinational and international companies. Tom resides in Atlanta with his wife who is a breast cancer survivor and former patient of TurningPoint. Tom graduated in Accounting from Auburn University.

Marlene DeSimone, BS
Development and Marketing Committee

Marlene DeSimone, BS, serves on both the Development and Marketing Committee. Marlene is the President of MMD Healthcare Consulting. As a healthcare consultant, she primarily focuses on commercialization, marketing, patient adherence, engagement and advocacy strategies with biopharmaceutical and medical device companies. Marlene has extensive healthcare industry experience in marketing, sales, executive leadership management, payer markets, disease management and business development. She earned a BS Degree in Nursing from The American University in Washington, D.C. and resides in Milton, GA with her husband and two children. Marlene is a breast cancer survivor and former patient of TurningPoint. She has great passion for helping breast cancer patients served by TurningPoint.

Jill Binkley, PT, MSc, CLT, FAAOMPT
Program Director and Founder

Jill is Program Director and Founder of TurningPoint Breast Cancer Rehabilitation. Jill has extensive experience as a clinician and educator in the fields of breast cancer rehabilitation, orthopaedic physical therapy and manual therapy. She is a Certified Lymphedema Therapist and a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapy. She has over 25 peer-reviewed publications and has presented locally, nationally and internationally on outcome measurement in physical therapy and breast cancer rehabilitation. As a breast cancer survivor, Jill is a passionate advocate for increased attention to the unmet physical and emotional side effects of breast cancer treatment and the role of rehabilitation and exercise in improving the quality of life of breast cancer survivors. Jill is a member of the Academy of Oncologic Physical Therapy of the American Physical Therapy Association and serves on the Editorial Board of Rehabilitation Oncology. Jill is active and loves to row, be outdoors and throw bumpers with her Golden Retriever, Sydney.  

TurningPoint is a special place because we deeply understand the pain and grief that is breast cancer. We walk alongside women and men going through this journey and provide a place of healing – physically, emotionally and spiritually.  

Something fun that no one knows about me is that I love to sew and made a lot of my own clothes (some cringeworthy) when I was a teenager. I have transitioned to designing Halloween costumes for my grandson.