Meet the Team

FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Tim has spent more than 30 years shaping innovative programs that help young adults bridge the gap between treatment and independence. His career began in residential and academic therapeutic settings across the country, where he developed a passion for practical, relationship-based learning. In 2011, he founded Brightstone with a vision to create a supportive, real-world community where neurodiverse young adults could build confidence, life skills, and lasting independence.

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Tim continues to take a hands-on approach to leadership, ensuring that Brightstone’s mission stays grounded in genuine connection and individualized support. His belief in experiential, action-oriented learning is at the heart of Brightstone’s success. In addition to leading the Brightstone team, Tim enjoys spending time outdoors with his daughters.

DIRECTOR OF GUIDED TRANSITIONS

Jamila leads Brightstone’s Guided Transitions program, helping young adults and their families navigate change with confidence and compassion. With over a decade of experience supporting neurodivergent individuals and complex family systems, she integrates therapeutic coaching with creativity, movement, and experiential learning. Her professional background spans wilderness therapy, foster care, and clinical practice, where she’s championed trauma-informed, strength-based approaches that emphasize connection over correction.

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At Brightstone, Jamila’s work centers on helping parents and young adults build communication, resilience, and trust—skills that extend far beyond the program. She is dedicated to increasing representation and understanding within therapeutic spaces, particularly around issues of diversity and transracial adoption. Outside of work, Jamila enjoys hiking with her dogs, fly-fishing, and exploring the restorative power of the outdoors.

DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS & OUTREACH

Aleshka is often a family’s first point of contact, guiding them through the admissions process with empathy and clarity. She brings over a decade of experience in behavioral health, representing a range of programs including adolescent treatment, young adult transitions, and wilderness therapy. Her deep professional knowledge is complemented by her personal experience as the parent of a neurodiverse adolescent, giving her unique insight into the challenges and hopes of the families she serves.

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Aleshka’s goal is to ensure that each family feels understood, supported, and empowered as they begin their Brightstone journey. She is inspired by Brightstone’s focus on practical skill-building and community integration as a pathway to independence. When not connecting with families, Aleshka enjoys playing piano, painting, exploring the outdoors with her children and poodle, and caring for her flock of backyard chickens.

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS & CLINICAL SUPPORT

Lauren serves as Brightstone’s Director of Operations and Clinical Support, where she oversees program organization, clinical supervision, and the implementation of best practices to ensure quality care. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Master’s degree in Social Work and more than 15 years of experience in mental health and recovery services.

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Lauren’s background includes directing clinical services at Brightstone, running her own private practice, and developing women’s treatment and recovery programs. In her current role, Lauren supports both clients and staff through mentorship, system development, and outreach. She is passionate about creating environments where young adults and families can thrive. Outside of work, Lauren enjoys time with her family and loves spending time at the lake.

PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Tato Gayflorsee helps shape the daily structure, staff support, and overall Brightstone experience that empower neurodivergent young adults to grow with confidence and independence. With nearly two decades of experience in human services, behavioral health, and case management, Tato brings deep expertise and a steady, compassionate presence to his work. He holds a B.S. in Psychology from Penn State University and a Master’s in Public Administration from Arizona State University, grounding his leadership in both clinical insight and public-service values.

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Tato’s journey at Brightstone began as a Residential Mentor, then grew as a Case Manager, and through his commitment to consistency, collaboration, and dignity for every individual, he stepped into this leadership role that supports both clients and staff. In his work, he focuses on continuity of care and trusted relationships — key ingredients for young adults to feel safe, challenged, and ready to take meaningful steps forward. Outside of Brightstone, Tato stays connected to his Liberian roots, enjoys community involvement, and values the relationships that continuously inspire his work.

ACTIVITIES COORDINATOR

Janet designs engaging, hands-on experiences that help young adults build confidence, connection, and real-world skills. She began her career in the helping professions while living just outside New York City, where she discovered a passion for empowering others through growth and exploration. After returning to Georgia, she joined Brightstone as a mentor and quickly found her calling in developing activities that blend learning, fun, and community.

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Janet’s warm, encouraging approach helps participants stretch beyond their comfort zones while celebrating each milestone along the way. She finds joy in witnessing the small moments of progress that lead to lasting independence. Outside of Brightstone, Janet is a devoted mother who loves traveling, staying active outdoors, and practicing her French.

CASE MANAGER

Bio coming soon!

LEAD MENTOR

Cole is lead mentor and has been with Brightstone Transitions since May of 2025. He has spent his career doing what comes most naturally to him: showing up for people when it matters most. With a background spanning healthcare, patient services, and direct personal care, they have built a professional life around the belief that genuine human connection is at the heart of all meaningful work.

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From supporting expecting mothers in finding resources for healthy pregnancies, to delivering medications and fitting patients for diabetic shoes as a pharmacy technician, to serving as a dedicated personal attendant for a quadriplegic individual, his work has always been defined by compassion, patience, and a quiet commitment to dignity.

His experience in claims and benefits at UnitedHealthcare further deepened his understanding of how healthcare systems work — and how to help people navigate them. Whether untangling insurance complexities or sitting with someone through a difficult moment, he tries to bring the same steady, caring presence. He considers himself a caretaker at heart, and that identity isn’t just a job description — it’s a calling he’s honored across every role he’s held.

Outside of work, he is a devoted cinephile who loves both watching and attending films, an avid reader, and a music enthusiast. He finds joy in cooking and in spending quiet time in nature. These passions reflect the same qualities he brings to his work: curiosity, attentiveness, and an appreciation for the richness of everyday life.

DIRECTOR OF BRAND & MARKETING

Kelley guides Brightstone’s brand and marketing strategies to ensure families and partners understand the impact of the organization’s work. She brings decades of experience building and leading brands across consumer, lifestyle, and wellness industries, including creative leadership roles at global brands and her own agencies, Group Creative and The Brand Set.

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Kelley has a track record of translating complex ideas into clear, engaging stories that resonate with audiences, strengthen connections, and inspire action. At Brightstone, she applies this expertise to elevate the organization’s mission, helping families feel seen, supported, and empowered on their journey. She is passionate about crafting messaging and experiences that reflect Brightstone’s values and the real-world impact of its programs. Outside of work, Kelley enjoys spending time with her husband and dog, hosting friends and family, painting, and traveling.

COACH & MENTOR

James Williams is a mission-driven professional whose career has been shaped by service, leadership, and a deep commitment to helping others. His background spans military service, public safety, education, and youth development, giving him a broad and practical understanding of leadership, safety, and human behavior. Over the years, he has served in roles including law enforcement, emergency communications, wilderness therapy, special education, and classroom instruction.

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Through these experiences, James has developed strengths in crisis management, trauma-informed care, youth engagement, and team leadership. His work has consistently focused on supporting individuals during challenging moments while helping them build confidence, resilience, and direction. He brings a calm, steady presence to his work and believes that accountability and empathy go hand in hand when guiding people toward growth.

James is currently pursuing his Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice at Georgia State University and holds an Associate of Arts in General Education from Fayetteville Technical Community College. His education, combined with extensive real-world experience, has shaped a practical, people-first approach rooted in respect, responsibility, and thoughtful decision-making.

Outside of his professional life, James is a devoted family man who values time with his loved ones and his loyal service dog, Jax. He enjoys sports, cooking, and music—interests that reflect his belief in balance, creativity, and connection. These passions help ground his work and reinforce his commitment to building stronger individuals, families, and communities. James is guided by service, shaped by experience, and committed to making a meaningful and lasting impact wherever he serves.

COACH & MENTOR

Alejandro Lopez brings experience working with adolescents and young adults in wilderness therapy programs, where he developed a strong passion for helping individuals build confidence, resilience, and practical life skills. His background in experiential and outdoor-based programming has shaped his approach to mentoring, emphasizing growth through real-world challenges, supportive relationships, and skill development.

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Alejandro graduated from Brigham Young University–Idaho in 2020 with a Bachelor of Science in Social Work. Through both his education and professional experience, he has developed a strong foundation in supporting young people as they navigate personal growth, mental health, and the transition toward greater independence.

At Brightstone, Alejandro enjoys working closely with clients to develop skills that support everyday success. He particularly enjoys teaching and coaching around topics such as mental health awareness, self-advocacy, executive functioning, and practical life skills like cooking. Alejandro believes that independence is built step by step, through encouragement, accountability, and opportunities to practice new skills in real-life settings.

Outside of his work with clients, Alejandro enjoys spending time outdoors hiking, playing board games with friends, and dancing. His approachable nature and enthusiasm for learning help create a positive and engaging environment where clients feel supported as they work toward their goals.

COACH & MENTOR

Kerry Baruch brings both professional training and deeply personal experience to her work supporting young adults and families. Originally from Cranston, Rhode Island, Kerry eventually made her way south to the Carolinas and Georgia, where she now dedicates her work to helping individuals build confidence, resilience, and meaningful life skills.

Kerry is a certified Life Coach, Personal Trainer, and Nutrition Specialist through the American Council on Exercise (ACE). Her approach integrates physical wellness, mindset development, and individualized coaching to support clients in building healthy routines and stronger self-awareness.

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Much of Kerry’s passion for this work was shaped by her journey as a mother to two remarkable children, Ezra and Emil. During their early years—when both were initially non-verbal and navigating speech and occupational therapy—Kerry devoted herself to learning how to best support children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Those years as a full-time parent and advocate gave her hands-on experience with the challenges and breakthroughs that families often face, and ultimately inspired her to expand that support to others.

Today, Kerry coaches and mentors young adults and adults, tailoring her approach to meet each individual where they are. She works both in group settings and one-on-one sessions, supporting individuals with life skills, personal development, and recovery-focused growth.

Known for her warmth, energy, and genuine love for people, Kerry believes growth happens best in environments where individuals feel encouraged, respected, and able to enjoy life along the way. She brings humor, heart, and a strong belief in each person’s potential to everything she does.

COACH & MENTOR

Robyn Pratt brings both academic training and a genuine passion for supporting young adults as they grow in confidence and independence. She graduated in 2024 with a Master of Science in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Brenau University in Gainesville. During her graduate studies, much of Robyn’s research focused on neurodivergence, trauma, and the role relationships play in personal development, with her thesis exploring attachment theory.

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Originally from Washington State, Robyn moved to Georgia in 2018 to begin her undergraduate studies and has remained in the Gainesville area ever since. Throughout her time at Brenau, she completed internships in clinical settings, including work within the school system, and spent several years working at the Brenau Library, where she developed a strong appreciation for research, learning, and helping others access the resources they need.

At Brightstone, Robyn enjoys working alongside clients as they develop practical life skills, build stronger relationships, and gain greater confidence in themselves. She values creating a supportive environment where young adults feel respected, understood, and encouraged as they take steps toward greater independence.

Outside of work, Robyn enjoys reading, learning about new areas of psychology, and spending time exploring the Gainesville community.