Athens THRIVe at Family Connection - Communities In Schools
Our Mission
Athens THRIVe seeks to foster collaborative community partnerships to promote family permanency and healthy outcomes within the child welfare system by expanding access to services, strengthening caregiver relationships, empowering parents, and promoting policies that support environments for families to flourish.
Our Vision
Athens THRIVe is dedicated to building a community where all families can succeed by cultivating an environment that is empowering and supportive. With a vision to transform child welfare systems through trauma-informed practices and interdisciplinary collaboration, Athens THRIVe partners with child welfare agencies to address child and family adversity as a public health issue. By creating conditions that promote whole family well-being, our goal is to simultaneously address the needs of parents and children who are court-involved or at risk of child-welfare involvement.
Athens THRIVe Infant-Toddler Program Site in Georgia
Mindworks Georgia, in collaboration with the Center of Excellence for Children’s Behavioral Health at the Georgia Health Policy Center, is pleased to announce that Family Connection – Communities In Schools of Athens has been selected as the first Athens THRIVe infant-toddler court program in the state.
By establishing community-based infant toddler court programs based on the Safe Babies Approach, Athens THRIVe is hoping to create a well-coordinated, child welfare and court system that strengthens families, prevents child maltreatment, and advances long-term health and development.
“A child’s first three years are the most important in their life for brain development and building emotional connections,” says Renee Johnson, executive director of Mindworks Georgia and associate project director at the Center of Excellence for Children’s Behavioral Health. “We know that during this critical time period, targeted, compassionate interventions can make a lasting impact. Mindworks is thrilled to be able to support establishing infant-toddler court programs as part of our mission to connect the dots across the children’s behavioral health system of care and aligned partners to improve access and outcomes for Georgia families.”
Family Connection – Communities In Schools of Athens will collaborate with systems serving children, youth, and families within the Western Judicial Circuit jurisdiction, Athens-Clarke County Juvenile Court for the first Georgia THRIVe infant-toddler court program that will serve families in Clarke County throughout the cities of Athens, Winterville, and a portion of Bogart and Hull.
Christina Thompson, Community Coordinator, Athens THRIVe
(706) 614-0226
Our Team
Nautica is a Peer Engagement Advocate with the Athens THRIVe Infant and Toddler Court Program. She provides parent peer mentorship, advocacy, and support to families navigating the child welfare and court systems, helping caregivers build stability, confidence, and meaningful connections. As a mother of two boys she has had to navigate a dependency case and is a person in long-term recovery. Nautica brings lived experience that allows her to meet families with empathy, understanding, and without judgment.
“I understand the challenges parents face when working toward reunification, personal growth, and long-term well-being.”
She believes every family deserves support that is respectful, empowering, and rooted in hope. Nautica is passionate about walking alongside parents as they strengthen protective factors, build healthy relationships, and access resources that support both parent and child development. She is committed to creating safe spaces where caregivers feel seen, heard, and supported throughout their journey. Nautica strives to help families recognize their strengths, celebrate progress, and move forward with confidence and lasting change.
Parent Engagement Advocate, Athens THRIVe(762) 366-8369 | thrive.pea@fc-cis.org
Nautica Pope
Stacy
Hello, my name is Stacy! I am an intern at FC-CIS Athens THRIVe. I am a BSW student at the University of Georgia, and I want to work with children and families keeping them safe from neglect and harm. I want to eventually make my way to working Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. For now, I am learning about the court system and how we can help parents reunify with their children. This experience at Athens THRIVe has taught me many valuable skills such as building rapport, connecting agencies with my clients, and understanding struggles which I will take further into my career. When I'm not interning, at class, or work, you can find me walking at a nearby park, scrapbooking, or doing oil pastels.
BSW Intern 
Katie
My name is Katie Stephenson. I am currently in the advanced standing master's program in social work at UGA. I received my BSW at Georgia State with a minor in psychology. I have worked with children for over 3 years, during which I learned that I have a passion for their well-being. During my BSW internship, I had the opportunity to work at an afterschool program, supporting children’s development and emotional well-being.
Since I started my MSW internship at FC-CIS Athens THRIVe, I have also discovered my interest in working closely with parents. I have enjoyed building relationships with families and providing support to create a strong environment for the whole family. When I graduate in the spring, I am interested in pursuing a career that works with new parents and children.
Other than my academics and career goals, I like to paint and cross-stitch in my free time. I also love taking care of my three cats.
MSW Intern 
Online Support for Fathers
Your role as a father is powerful. Even during hard times, your presence and effort can make a lasting impact on your child’s life. ProFathering15 helps you take meaningful steps toward being the dad your child needs— at your own pace, and on your own time.
Whether you’re working toward reunification or building a better future, this course is here to help support you every step of the way!