Meet the Children First Board
Charlie Carabello
Board Chair
Charlie grew up near Reading, PA. He attended Washington & Lee University in Lexington, VA where he met his wife Joanna. After college they both worked for a short while in journalism in Danville, VA before Joanna took a job with the Athens Banner Herald. In 2001, Charlie began his current career in undergraduate admissions at the University of Georgia. He has remained in that office, having had several roles prior to his current position as an Associate Director of Admissions where he oversees much of the historical and projected data reporting. During his time at UGA, Charlie obtained his Masters of Education in Educational Administration and Policy. Joanna now works in Grant Development for Goodwill Industries of Northeast Georgia and the couple have two children (Adam 17, Vivian 14) who attend Clarke County schools. Charlie is a passionate cyclist and can be found most days pedaling around the local area.
Board Chair
Charlie grew up near Reading, PA. He attended Washington & Lee University in Lexington, VA where he met his wife Joanna. After college they both worked for a short while in journalism in Danville, VA before Joanna took a job with the Athens Banner Herald. In 2001, Charlie began his current career in undergraduate admissions at the University of Georgia. He has remained in that office, having had several roles prior to his current position as an Associate Director of Admissions where he oversees much of the historical and projected data reporting. During his time at UGA, Charlie obtained his Masters of Education in Educational Administration and Policy. Joanna now works in Grant Development for Goodwill Industries of Northeast Georgia and the couple have two children (Adam 17, Vivian 14) who attend Clarke County schools. Charlie is a passionate cyclist and can be found most days pedaling around the local area.
Molly Petner
Board Chair Elect
Molly is originally from Connecticut. She moved to Atlanta, Georgia in 2017 and currently lives in Athens, GA. Molly graduated with her Masters in Social Work from the University of Georgia in May of 2020. She currently works as the social worker for Children's Medical Services and as a child/adult therapist for the Divorce Resource Center of Georgia. In addition to serving on the Child First Board, Molly volunteers her time with the Athens Queer Collective. In her spare time, you can find Molly swing dancing, cooking, reading, hiking, or working on puzzles
Board Chair Elect
Molly is originally from Connecticut. She moved to Atlanta, Georgia in 2017 and currently lives in Athens, GA. Molly graduated with her Masters in Social Work from the University of Georgia in May of 2020. She currently works as the social worker for Children's Medical Services and as a child/adult therapist for the Divorce Resource Center of Georgia. In addition to serving on the Child First Board, Molly volunteers her time with the Athens Queer Collective. In her spare time, you can find Molly swing dancing, cooking, reading, hiking, or working on puzzles
Melissa Schofield
Past Board Chair
Melissa joined the CASA volunteer team in March of 2012. She has volunteered with the program as a CASA volunteer, Peer Coordinator Volunteer and then came onto the board in April 2019. She has been Board Chair since October 2019. Melissa has a BS in Sociology from the University of Georgia and has lived in Athens for over 30 years. She and her husband Joel have two adopted daughters. Melissa is very active at Tuckston United Methodist church. She also enjoys camping, tennis, and spending time with her family.
Past Board Chair
Melissa joined the CASA volunteer team in March of 2012. She has volunteered with the program as a CASA volunteer, Peer Coordinator Volunteer and then came onto the board in April 2019. She has been Board Chair since October 2019. Melissa has a BS in Sociology from the University of Georgia and has lived in Athens for over 30 years. She and her husband Joel have two adopted daughters. Melissa is very active at Tuckston United Methodist church. She also enjoys camping, tennis, and spending time with her family.
Ellie Young
Treasurer
Ellie is an attorney at Fortson, Bentley, & Griffin specializing in estate planning and estate administration. Ellie received her undergraduate and law degree from the University of Georgia, and is a member of the State Bar of Georgia. She is also a registered mediator with the Georgia Office of Dispute Resolution, and is accredited by the Department of Veterans Affairs to prepare claims on behalf of veterans. Ellie is a native of Oconee County and attended Oconee County High School. She enjoys Georgia football and spending time outdoors.
Treasurer
Ellie is an attorney at Fortson, Bentley, & Griffin specializing in estate planning and estate administration. Ellie received her undergraduate and law degree from the University of Georgia, and is a member of the State Bar of Georgia. She is also a registered mediator with the Georgia Office of Dispute Resolution, and is accredited by the Department of Veterans Affairs to prepare claims on behalf of veterans. Ellie is a native of Oconee County and attended Oconee County High School. She enjoys Georgia football and spending time outdoors.
Carol Bitner
Secretary
Carol relocated to the Athens Area in 1996 from Bucks County, PA and it was love at first sight! In September 2011, Carol joined Keller Williams Realty, as an associate broker and became an enthusiastic member of the family. Carol is passionate in giving herself to the local community. Carol and her team started donating 10% of their commissions to local charities as closing gifts for her clients. As a group, they enjoy introducing clients to local charities that assist children, animals, and individuals with special needs. Recently, she moved to Oconee County and is excited to be close to Downtown Athens and Watkinsville! She is looking forward to giving more to the community as a board member of Children's First/CASA.
Secretary
Carol relocated to the Athens Area in 1996 from Bucks County, PA and it was love at first sight! In September 2011, Carol joined Keller Williams Realty, as an associate broker and became an enthusiastic member of the family. Carol is passionate in giving herself to the local community. Carol and her team started donating 10% of their commissions to local charities as closing gifts for her clients. As a group, they enjoy introducing clients to local charities that assist children, animals, and individuals with special needs. Recently, she moved to Oconee County and is excited to be close to Downtown Athens and Watkinsville! She is looking forward to giving more to the community as a board member of Children's First/CASA.
