Tim Moore, Executive Director & Community Leader
After graduating from Hastings College (Nebraska) in 2007 with a degree in religion and media, Tim felt a call to live and work with people with disabilities in L’Arche New Zealand. He quickly fell in love with L’Arche's vision, which only grew deeper as Tim spent time as an assistant in a L’Arche house in Washington, D.C. Tim moved to Atlanta in 2009 to begin a Master of Divinity degree at Candler School of Theology at Emory University. Because of his experience of living in community with adults with disabilities, the principle questions that guided his theological reflection were around the L’Arche ethos. Tim graduated in May of 2012 with a concentration in Church and Community Leadership that focused on teaching and formation as a way of transformation.
Tim joined L’Arche Atlanta as one of the founding assistants in August 2012 where he brought his experience in two previous L’Arche communities to help give shape to the new rhythms of community life in Atlanta. By May of 2013, he had shifted to a hybrid role as a half-time live-in assistant and half-time Associate Director of Development; in this role he helped L’Arche Atlanta reach its 2013 financial goals. Tim was named L'Arche Atlanta's Executive Director & Community Leader in June 2014.
After graduating from Hastings College (Nebraska) in 2007 with a degree in religion and media, Tim felt a call to live and work with people with disabilities in L’Arche New Zealand. He quickly fell in love with L’Arche's vision, which only grew deeper as Tim spent time as an assistant in a L’Arche house in Washington, D.C. Tim moved to Atlanta in 2009 to begin a Master of Divinity degree at Candler School of Theology at Emory University. Because of his experience of living in community with adults with disabilities, the principle questions that guided his theological reflection were around the L’Arche ethos. Tim graduated in May of 2012 with a concentration in Church and Community Leadership that focused on teaching and formation as a way of transformation.
Tim joined L’Arche Atlanta as one of the founding assistants in August 2012 where he brought his experience in two previous L’Arche communities to help give shape to the new rhythms of community life in Atlanta. By May of 2013, he had shifted to a hybrid role as a half-time live-in assistant and half-time Associate Director of Development; in this role he helped L’Arche Atlanta reach its 2013 financial goals. Tim was named L'Arche Atlanta's Executive Director & Community Leader in June 2014.
Matthew Collins, Director of Residential Services
Matthew grew up in a family devoted to faith and inclusion. Matthew’s father is the minister of a congregation that is committed to the full inclusion and integration of disabled persons. Matthew’s mother is a school nurse who serves an elementary school that has that district’s highest concentration of students who live with physical, developmental, and/or learning disabilities. Matthew’s oldest brother, Jeff, lives with Cerebral Palsy. One of Jeff’s greatest passions is karaoke. Additionally, Matthew himself is a Peer Specialist certified through Georgia’s DBHDD. Matthew feels fortunate to bring his formation to the service of L’Arche Atlanta’s transformative community of mutuality and belonging.
Matthew joined the L’Arche Atlanta community in January 2019 after several years of directing the vocational services department of a nationally recognized psychiatric treatment center. Prior to that, Matthew spent several years directing a nonprofit organization that promoted the mental, physical, and spiritual wellbeing of adults marginalized by persistent mental health challenges, severe poverty, and housing insecurity. Matthew holds a Master of Divinity from the Candler School of Theology at Emory University, a graduate certificate in Aging Studies from Florida State University, a BA in Communication from the University of West Florida, and an AA in Liberal Arts form Pensacola Junior College. Lastly, while completing his undergraduate education Matthew also served as a vehicle mechanic in the Air Force Reserves.
For questions about our residential services, contact Matthew at matthew@larcheatlanta.org.
Matthew grew up in a family devoted to faith and inclusion. Matthew’s father is the minister of a congregation that is committed to the full inclusion and integration of disabled persons. Matthew’s mother is a school nurse who serves an elementary school that has that district’s highest concentration of students who live with physical, developmental, and/or learning disabilities. Matthew’s oldest brother, Jeff, lives with Cerebral Palsy. One of Jeff’s greatest passions is karaoke. Additionally, Matthew himself is a Peer Specialist certified through Georgia’s DBHDD. Matthew feels fortunate to bring his formation to the service of L’Arche Atlanta’s transformative community of mutuality and belonging.
Matthew joined the L’Arche Atlanta community in January 2019 after several years of directing the vocational services department of a nationally recognized psychiatric treatment center. Prior to that, Matthew spent several years directing a nonprofit organization that promoted the mental, physical, and spiritual wellbeing of adults marginalized by persistent mental health challenges, severe poverty, and housing insecurity. Matthew holds a Master of Divinity from the Candler School of Theology at Emory University, a graduate certificate in Aging Studies from Florida State University, a BA in Communication from the University of West Florida, and an AA in Liberal Arts form Pensacola Junior College. Lastly, while completing his undergraduate education Matthew also served as a vehicle mechanic in the Air Force Reserves.
For questions about our residential services, contact Matthew at matthew@larcheatlanta.org.
Megan Denton, Director of Development & Communications
Megan and her husband have been involved with L’Arche Atlanta since shortly before the first L'Arche house opened in 2012. They were delighted that summer to host two gentlemen from Poland for the L’Arche International Assembly, and they began participating in L’Arche Atlanta community events soon afterward. Beginning in September 2014, Megan volunteered as the committee chair for the community events committee, helping to create a fun and welcoming environment that introduced L’Arche’s unique gifts of hospitality to a broader community.
Megan joined L'Arche Atlanta's team in January 2018 after working nine years at Calvin Edwards & Company (CEC), a philanthropic consulting firm that advised major donors on how to give to nonprofit organizations more effectively, where she gained familiarity with the inner workings of a variety of nonprofits and in strategic development and donor communications. The research and evaluation work she did played a key role in encouraging major donors to contribute millions of dollars to nonprofits around the world. It is her great joy to now apply her skills and experience toward the fulfillment of L’Arche Atlanta’s vision and to help others see what she sees in this beloved community.
For questions about volunteering with L'Arche, giving to L'Arche, joining the L'Arche Luminaries, Heart of L'Arche Society, or our community council, or to schedule someone from L'Arche to speak at your event, please contact Megan at megan@larcheatlanta.org.
Megan and her husband have been involved with L’Arche Atlanta since shortly before the first L'Arche house opened in 2012. They were delighted that summer to host two gentlemen from Poland for the L’Arche International Assembly, and they began participating in L’Arche Atlanta community events soon afterward. Beginning in September 2014, Megan volunteered as the committee chair for the community events committee, helping to create a fun and welcoming environment that introduced L’Arche’s unique gifts of hospitality to a broader community.
Megan joined L'Arche Atlanta's team in January 2018 after working nine years at Calvin Edwards & Company (CEC), a philanthropic consulting firm that advised major donors on how to give to nonprofit organizations more effectively, where she gained familiarity with the inner workings of a variety of nonprofits and in strategic development and donor communications. The research and evaluation work she did played a key role in encouraging major donors to contribute millions of dollars to nonprofits around the world. It is her great joy to now apply her skills and experience toward the fulfillment of L’Arche Atlanta’s vision and to help others see what she sees in this beloved community.
For questions about volunteering with L'Arche, giving to L'Arche, joining the L'Arche Luminaries, Heart of L'Arche Society, or our community council, or to schedule someone from L'Arche to speak at your event, please contact Megan at megan@larcheatlanta.org.
Becca Van Galder, Home Life Leader & Community Events Coordinator
Becca was introduced to L’Arche when a family friend invited her to an event during the International Assembly in 2012. Though she did not become involved with the community immediately, that event inspired Becca to read and learn more about the philosophy of L’Arche communities. After graduating from Spring Hill College, Becca spent two years in the Jesuit Volunteer Corps in Arizona and Texas. As a Jesuit Volunteer, Becca experienced life in intentional community and worked with children with disabilities in the foster care system.
Becca’s love of community brought her to L’Arche in May 2017. After two years living in the house as an assistant, she transitioned to the House Coordinator role in 2019. As L'Arche's Home Life Leader & Community Events Coordinator, Becca holds the primary responsibility for coordinating house logistics (staff scheduling, house events, etc.), tending to the physical safety and maintenance of the house and vehicles, extending hospitality to visitors, and building community engagements with the larger L'Arche community, primarily through community events. Her favorite part of living in L’Arche is having the opportunity to build relationships with so many wonderful people -- especially at the community events!
Becca was introduced to L’Arche when a family friend invited her to an event during the International Assembly in 2012. Though she did not become involved with the community immediately, that event inspired Becca to read and learn more about the philosophy of L’Arche communities. After graduating from Spring Hill College, Becca spent two years in the Jesuit Volunteer Corps in Arizona and Texas. As a Jesuit Volunteer, Becca experienced life in intentional community and worked with children with disabilities in the foster care system.
Becca’s love of community brought her to L’Arche in May 2017. After two years living in the house as an assistant, she transitioned to the House Coordinator role in 2019. As L'Arche's Home Life Leader & Community Events Coordinator, Becca holds the primary responsibility for coordinating house logistics (staff scheduling, house events, etc.), tending to the physical safety and maintenance of the house and vehicles, extending hospitality to visitors, and building community engagements with the larger L'Arche community, primarily through community events. Her favorite part of living in L’Arche is having the opportunity to build relationships with so many wonderful people -- especially at the community events!
For questions about our community events or CONNEXIONS meet-ups, please contact Becca at becca@larcheatlanta.org.
Lis Barrett, Care Coordinator
Lis was born and raised in Alabama and has called Georgia home for the past 15 years. She has spent the last 14 years supporting people with disabilities, the last two of those at L'Arche. As Service Team Leader, her primary responsibility is to support our contracted nurse, attending to the physical health and wellness of our Core Members through medical documentation, medication administration and refills, and medical appointment management.
Lis values having daily one on one personal connections with the people she supports and being part of an inclusive community. When she isn’t working, she enjoys spending time with her son and her partner, reading, gardening, and being outdoors.
Lis was born and raised in Alabama and has called Georgia home for the past 15 years. She has spent the last 14 years supporting people with disabilities, the last two of those at L'Arche. As Service Team Leader, her primary responsibility is to support our contracted nurse, attending to the physical health and wellness of our Core Members through medical documentation, medication administration and refills, and medical appointment management.
Lis values having daily one on one personal connections with the people she supports and being part of an inclusive community. When she isn’t working, she enjoys spending time with her son and her partner, reading, gardening, and being outdoors.
Veronica Apecena, Spiritual Life Coordinator
Veronica was introduced to L’Arche in 2012 after moving to North Carolina where her husband studied theology at Duke University. Learning about the L’Arche vision inspired her committed involvement over several years to Reality Ministries, a Durham organization that creates space for adults with and without developmental disabilities to build friendship in mutuality and authenticity. It was there where her life became intimately intertwined with the experience of disability and where she and her husband adopted their first child.
From 2015 to 2018, Veronica and her family lived in Uruguay where they worked with the Methodist Church. They had a unique opportunity to cultivate a new faith community that centered around and illuminated the gifts of young people with developmental disability. She also created and led disability awareness and anti-ableist initiatives and trainings.
In 2018, Veronica and her family moved to the metro Atlanta area, and they quickly became involved with L’Arche Atlanta. In 2019, Veronica and her husband adopted their second child. Both of their children have disabilities and, as a family they form a small United Nations – the United States, Argentina, Hong Kong, and China (and Uruguay if you count the dog).
In the summer of 2021, Veronica lead a summer activities program for L’Arche Atlanta’s current and future Core Members. In January 2022, Veronica joined L’Arche Atlanta as the Spiritual Life Coordinator. She is in the process of getting a Master of Arts in Disability Studies from City University of New York (CUNY).
Veronica was introduced to L’Arche in 2012 after moving to North Carolina where her husband studied theology at Duke University. Learning about the L’Arche vision inspired her committed involvement over several years to Reality Ministries, a Durham organization that creates space for adults with and without developmental disabilities to build friendship in mutuality and authenticity. It was there where her life became intimately intertwined with the experience of disability and where she and her husband adopted their first child.
From 2015 to 2018, Veronica and her family lived in Uruguay where they worked with the Methodist Church. They had a unique opportunity to cultivate a new faith community that centered around and illuminated the gifts of young people with developmental disability. She also created and led disability awareness and anti-ableist initiatives and trainings.
In 2018, Veronica and her family moved to the metro Atlanta area, and they quickly became involved with L’Arche Atlanta. In 2019, Veronica and her husband adopted their second child. Both of their children have disabilities and, as a family they form a small United Nations – the United States, Argentina, Hong Kong, and China (and Uruguay if you count the dog).
In the summer of 2021, Veronica lead a summer activities program for L’Arche Atlanta’s current and future Core Members. In January 2022, Veronica joined L’Arche Atlanta as the Spiritual Life Coordinator. She is in the process of getting a Master of Arts in Disability Studies from City University of New York (CUNY).
Rita Haggerty, Office Manager
After a long career in television journalism, Rita began her second life helping others more directly working with L'Arche Atlanta. Rita and her husband Mike have been long time supporters of the L'Arche Atlanta community; their advocacy efforts began in earnest over 20 years ago. Rita is a graduate of the Georgia Partners in Policymaking program and a former board member of Citizen Advocacy of Atlanta & Dekalb, Inc.
After a long career in television journalism, Rita began her second life helping others more directly working with L'Arche Atlanta. Rita and her husband Mike have been long time supporters of the L'Arche Atlanta community; their advocacy efforts began in earnest over 20 years ago. Rita is a graduate of the Georgia Partners in Policymaking program and a former board member of Citizen Advocacy of Atlanta & Dekalb, Inc.
L'Arche Atlanta Board of Directors
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Executive Committee
Jim Swartz, Chair Labor & Employment Attorney, Seyfarth Shaw LLP |
Ray Krawczyk, Treasurer Assistant Vice President of Revenue Operations, MIMEDX Group, Inc. Brandon Maxwell, Secretary Principal, Henri Group |
Members at Large
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Haqiqa Bolling
Retired Professional School Counselor Marilyn Hammond Communications Consultant Robbie Harris Realtor, Beacham & Company Jasmine Terry Okafor Development Specialist, Association for Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE) |
Alan McNabb
Attorney, Georgia Heirs Property Law Center Rev. Mary Anona Stoops Pastor, North Decatur Presbyterian Church Dr. Khalia Williams Assistant Dean of Worship & Music, Candler School of Theology Alan Yorker Retired Psychologist & Teacher |
L’Arche Atlanta Advisory Council
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Trace Haythorn
Gué Hudson Elisabeth Marchant |
Mary Margaret Oliver
Elizabeth Pearce Shannon Powell Lizanne Stephenson |
become a L'Arche Luminary today! |
Contact UsPhone: 470.582.0008
P.O. Box 2359 Decatur, GA 30031 |