REACH

Aakeem Woodard

Director of Juvenile Youth Services

Meet Aakeem Woodard, a seasoned professional with a passion for transforming the juvenile justice system and empowering youth. With extensive experience as a consultant for the Barton Juvenile Justice Law Clinic at Emory University and as a Sentencing Consultant for the Georgia Public Defenders Office, Aakeem has been instrumental in ensuring fair representation for clients.

Jawara Mars

Chief Senior Assistant District Attorney, Middle & High School Student Liaison

Jawara Mars has served the Fulton and DeKalb County communities as a prosecutor for his entire 8 year career.

Lashawnda Woods-Roberts

Senior Assistant District Attorney, Truancy Court Lead and Reach Coordinator

Meet Senior Assistant District Attorney Lashawnda Woods-Roberts. In her multifaceted role as Truancy Court Lead and REACH Coordinator, Lashawnda is a dedicated advocate for the rights of victims, while also representing the State before the Fulton County Juvenile Court. Her primary focus is on ensuring the best interests of children aged 16 and under, who appear before the Court due to delinquent behavior.

Candyce Makins

Behavioral Health Coordinator

Meet Candyce Makins, the REACH Behavioral Health Coordinator with a passion for the social and emotional development of all children, and a profound devotion to our special education youth community.

Yolanda Shorthouse

REACH Coordinator

Yolanda Michelle Shorthouse is a skilled, creative, and knowledgeable professional with a proven track record in program management, coordination, and operations. As a proud mother of her adult sons Xavier and Caleb, she brings a deep understanding of family dynamics and effective communication across all age groups.

Rhonda Heckard

REACH Coordinator

Rhonda Heckard, a native Californian, was born and raised in Los Angeles. After graduating from University High School, Rhonda began her career in the Special Education Program for the Los Angeles Unified School District, where she worked as an Assistant Teacher.