Our Team
Lekotek is staffed by certified Lekotek leaders. Our dedicated, talented staff, combined with specially adapted teaching tools, form a powerful team to help children with disabilities accomplish skills often thought unattainable. Staff members have backgrounds in therapeutic fields, special education, and child development. They also complete training in assistive technology and Lekotek play techniques.
Staff
Helene Prokesch, B.A., M. Ed, Special Education
Currently: Founder and Executive Director,
Lekotek of Georgia, Inc. 1983 - Present
Member: Council for Exceptional Children
Past Experience: Teacher of children with physical and cognitive disabilities - Fulton County Schools
On Staff: Since 1983
Email: helene@lekotekga.org
Ellen Lindemann, B.S., M.S.
Currently: Assistant Director
Past Experience: Retired Executive with Southern Company
On Staff: Since 2008
Email: ellen@lekotekga.org
Peggy McWilliams, B.A. Teacher Certification
Currently: Lekotek of Georgia, Director of Technology Services
Past Experience: Service Coordinator United Cerebral Palsy Association, Teacher in Walton County
On Staff: Since 1992
Email: peggy@lekotekga.org
Maria Canaba, B.S. Ed. Recreation Therapist
Curr
ently: Bilingual Lekotek Leader at Gainesville Site; Babies Can't Wait Special Instructor
Past Experience: Recreation Therapist at Warm Springs
On Staff: Since 2006
Email: mecanaba@aol.com
Michelle Cast, B.A., M.A., Speech and Language Certification
Currently: Lekotek Leader at Cobb Site, Speech and Language Pathologist – Cobb County Schools
Past Experience: Speech and Language Pathologist – Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta
Email: michelle@lekotekga.org
Jennifer Johnston, M.Ed., Early Childhood Special Education
Currently: Private Consultant and Lekotek Leader at Gwinnett and Cliff Valley
Past Experience: Private Special Education Consultant
On Staff: Since 2007
Email: jennifer@lekotekga.org
Jackelyn Lamb, B. A., Education
Currently: Lekotek Leader at the Southside Site
Past Experience: Special education teacher with Dekalb, Gwinnett, and Coweta counties
On Staff: Since 2006
Email: jackelyn@lekotekga.org
Hannah Nabors, B. S., Child Life Specialist
Currently: Lekotek Leader at Gainesville Site
Past Experience: Child Life Specialist at Dream House for Medically Fragile Children
On Staff: Since 2011
Email: hannah@lekotekga.org
Lisa Nevitt, B. A., Psychology and Early Children Education
Currently: Lekotek Leader at Cobb Site
Past Experience: Teacher at The Elaine Clark Center
On Staff: Since 1997
Email: lisa@lekotekga.org
Kristen Popham, B.S. Ed. Recreation Therapist
Currently: Lekotek Leader and Compuplay Instructor
Past Experience: Teacher at The Elaine Clark Center
On Staff: Since 1998
Email: kristen@lekotekga.org
Board of Directors - 2011
Mindy Waitsman, Attorney (Chair)
Weissman, Nowack, Curry & Wilco, P.C.
Carol Salmons, M.A. Speech Pathology (Vice Chair)
Manager of Outpatient Rehabilitation
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta
Susan Wolkin, M.Ed. (Secretary)
Director North Metro Programs/Fulton Co. Schools
Stan Ruszkowski, C.P.A. (Treasurer)
Independent Consultant
Joel Ballew, B.A.
Sales Executive - Omega Benefits Group
Beth Burton, Attorney
State Attorney General's Office
John Cimaglia, CLU, ChFC
Retired - New York Life
Lisa Fuerst, Attorney
Pankey & Horlock LLC
Lynn Gardner, M.H.A.
Business Owner; Lekotek Parent
Nicole Lobisco, B.A.
Marketing Director - CEO Ventures
Bonnie Patrick, B.A.
Business Owner - Attached to Me; Lekotek Parent
Michael Price, B.A.
General Partner - CEO Ventures
Faith Richardson, B.A.
Cobb County Teacher; Lekotek Parent
Mike Terry, Director
Principal - Signature Baskets
Scott Thompson, Attorney
General Counsel – Piedmont Construction Group
Barbara Weissman, M.D.
Pediatric Neurologist at Children’s Healthcare
Associate Professor Pediatrics (Neurology) Emory
Note: One hundred percent of the board supports Lekotek financially, in addition to donating their time and expertise in various fields.
Funding Advisory Board
John Seidl (Chair)
Tom Catanese
Mac Cushing
Nancy Ford
Shawn Hardister
Sheldon Kay
Brian McGuire
Kathy McMillon
Erina Nichols
Janice Nodvin
Alex Roush
Fred Salmons
Ed & Teresa Shartar
Nicole Tripp
Carl & Susan Valentino
Craig Weitzel
Vickey Wile