Greg Cole
Executive Director
Greg has spent over 30 years working at the intersection of faith and money. As a church pastor and stewardship consultant—and later as a nonprofit resource development professional—he has helped people connect how they use their material resources with their values and faith commitments.
While working for Habitat for Humanity, Greg developed a strong interest in place-based community development, particularly concerning poverty reduction. He is thrilled to work at Emmaus House, an organization dedicated to making measurable, systemic changes that have the power to transform lives.
Greg earned a Master of Divinity degree from Harvard Divinity School and a Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management from the University of North Florida. He also holds the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential.
Greg is a member of the 2022 class of Leadership Atlanta and recently completed the Strategic Initiatives in Nonprofit Management executive education program at Harvard Business School. He is the Treasurer of the Harvard Club of Georgia. Greg serves on the Covenant Community, Inc. Board of Directors and the Vestry at All Saints’ Episcopal Church, Atlanta. He’s also a member of the advisory councils for the Islamic Speakers Bureau and the Atlanta Speech School. Email Greg.
Kenya Thompson
Director of Leadership Development & Education
Kenya has spent more than 15 years working in educational leadership. During that time, she has developed and implemented programs to address the diverse needs of the communities she’s served. As a priest, educator, and advocate, Kenya is dedicated to removing barriers that prevent people from utilizing their gifts and living up to their full potential. She is inspired by the biblical imperative: love your neighbor as you love yourself.
Kenya attended college at Howard University and received her Master’s in Education from American University. After graduating from the Candler School of Theology at Emory University in 2016, Kenya worked at Emmaus House as Director of Leadership Development. She was responsible for overseeing the Road Episcopal Service Corps and Youth on the Move. In her current role, she also works with the seniors “555” group. She has served as a Deacon at Emmaus House Chapel and, more recently, the Associate Rector for Christian Community at Holy Innocents’ Episcopal Church in Sandy Springs, Georgia.
Rev. Kenya chairs the advisory committee at the Church of the Common Ground and serves on a number of committees with the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta, including the Commission on Human Trafficking.
Kenya loves traveling and going to festivals. In her spare time, she enjoys digging through record store crates, collecting and listening to vinyl albums. She is married to Malcolm Thompson, her high school sweetheart. Email Kenya
David-Lee Mattison
Director of Economic Opportunity
David-Lee has more than two decades of combined experience working with unhoused individuals, as well as providing HIV prevention education and risk-reduction counseling services. He’s worked extensively with the LGBTI+ community, engaging high-risk racial and ethnic minority populations in nontraditional venues.
David-Lee is a certified National Behavioral Interventions Trainer for the Center of Disease Control (CDC) and the Georgia Department of Health. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Tourism and Hospitality Management from Norfolk State University.
As an active member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, he’s passionate about improving the quality of life for everyone in his community.
When he’s not working, David-Lee enjoys time in the yard and creating new recipes. Email David-Lee.
Beverly Banks-Greene
Office and Facilities Manager
An Atlanta native, Beverly is a proud graduate of Spelman College (B.A.), earned a master’s in mass communications from the University of Georgia.
Beverly, who joined the Emmaus House staff in 2009, keeps things running smoothly and efficiently by managing the office, building, and grounds.
When not working at Emmaus House, she can be found at her son’s soccer game or swim meet, or painting with acrylics or watercolor. Email Beverly.
Rakia Reeves
Program Manager, Youth on the Move
Rakia was born and raised in the Peoplestown neighborhood. She has a passion for and dedication toward youth development and empowerment. Growing up, Rakia was involved in many of Emmaus House’s youth programming and volunteer opportunities, including Summer’s Away, Camp Mikel, and Christmas holiday programs.
A true Peoplestown community advocate, Rakia has harnessed her talents and passion around youth work and development through her involvement with several neighborhood associations and organizations such as Atlanta Workforce and Development, Camp Best Friends, and Moving in the Spirit.
Rakia earned a B.S. in sociology from Savannah State University. While studying at Savannah State, Rakia’s life passion for dance and music shined through her role as an auxiliary dancer. In her spare time, Rakia loves to spend time with her daughter making crafts and jewelry. Email Rakia.
Phenixx Adams
Program Manager, Supports for Success
SaPhenixx "Phenixx" Adams is a Georgia native born and raised in East Atlanta. Phenixx has a passion for advocating for underserved communities. She has spent the last several years building a network of resources to aid Metro Atlanta residents.
With a Master of Arts in Clinical Counseling from Brenau University, Phenixx specializes in trauma-informed care and therapeutic interventions. Phenixx has the unique understanding that you must look at an individual's experiences fully to assist them with progressing toward their goals. Phenixx's work has aided the following populations: unhoused youth and adults, domestic violence survivors, clients living with AIDS/HIV, and low-income Atlanta residents.
She is determined to bring equitable access to mental health and social resources to residents of Metro Atlanta. Phenixx is ecstatic to continue her efforts at Emmaus House, serving the heart of Peoplestown. Email Phenixx.
Sonia Doyle
Program Assistant
Sonia has lived in the Peoplestown neighborhood since she was a teenager so she has a special connection to the clients she serves. She understands the hardships of our community and has experienced it first hand as she initially visited Emmaus House in need of resources for her family. While working at Emmaus House, Sonia grew passionate about spreading awareness of the resources and support available to those in our community who are in need.
When asked what she enjoyed most about working at Emmaus House, Sonia expressed, “I understand hardship, so I want to make sure my clients are aware of the programs and resources within our community. We have the YMCA, library, Fulton Atlanta Community Action, CHRIS 180, and more, but our community doesn’t know all that is available to them, so it’s my job to let them know.” Email Sonia.
Herman Shackleford
Buildings and Grounds Coordinator
Shack grew up in Peoplestown and attended youth programs at Emmaus House. He has been on staff for over 20 years. His areas of responsibility include landscaping, cleaning, assigning work to and supervising the work of community service workers, driving, and assisting with setup for meetings. In his spare time, Shack enjoys gardening, fishing, and traveling.