The Area Residence for Kids, Inc. (The ARK) provides comprehensive services in a safe and protected enviornment that facilitates the restoration and growth of children who are victims of abuse, neglect, abandonment, or troubled youth. The ARK is a 16 bed facility that operates 24 hours a day 7 days a week.  We accept kids ages 0-17 from DFCS and DJJ in the state of Georgia. Our facility focuses on providing stability, therapy, educational opportunities, and care during stormy times in children's lives.

Amy Thomas, Executive Director  athomas9147@yahoo.com

Amy was one of the first ARK staff hired and helped in the process of obtaining a license for the shelter. Amy has a Masters Degree in Psychology from Georgia College & State University. She is currently pursuing her Master's degree in Social Work (MSW) at Valdosta State University. Amy plans to use this degree to continue her advocacy for children at the ARK, in the community, and the state level.

Melony Moore, Administrative Assistant  melonymoore08@hotmail.com

Melony was employed with the ARK in January 2005 as well to help with the process of obtaining a license. She has proven to be a dedicated employee to the ARK and works diligently in maintaining the ARK's bookkeeping system. She is also the Certified Instructor for The Nonviolent Crisis Intervention for ARK. Melony is currently pursuing a degree in Accounting at Georgia Southern University.

Summer Faulk, Admissions Director sumrogers@hotmail.com

Summer started off at the ARK as an intern in January 2006 and became part of the ARK family in July 2006. She is a graduate from Mercer University with a Bachelors of Science in Human Services and is currently working on her MSW through Savannah State University. Summer acts as the child advocate for the ARK by accompanying children to court, family team meetings, as well as informing them of their rights.

Susan Garin, Program Director susangarin@yahoo.com

Susan was hired in July 2007 to take Leslie's place. Within the first six months of her employment she proved herself to be a team player. Susan came to the ARK from Community Mental Health of Middle Georgia where she worked for five years with children in the community. Her knowledge, behavioral techniques and desire to help others provides the children with a supportive, therapeutic environment where they are able to thrive and work toward achieving their goals.

Tammy Bethea, Aftercare Casemanager joyfulsound77@hotmail.com

Tammy became part of the ARK team in October 2005 to provide services through our Aftercare Program. Tammy has devoted many years of her life working with children and families at risk. She works part time with ARK, teaching anger management and stress management to past residents in the community. She also provides the parents with helpful resources and parenting techniques. She is currently pursuing her MSW at Valdosta State University.

Phone # 478-272-2100

Fax # 478-272-2464

1101-L Hillcrest Parkway #328

Dublin, GA 31021

Privacy Statement: ARK highly respects the privacy of all visitors. Visitors are not required to register or provide any personal information in order to access our site. We do not rent, exchange, sell or trade email, addresses or phone numbers. We do not share our database with any organization nor do we make our database available for purchase. Children are always welcome on our site so that they can learn more about us. However, we still encourage parental consent and supervision.

The ARK Administrative Staff

Executive Director- Amy Thomas, MS

Admissions Director- Summer Faulk, BS

Administrative Assistant-Melony Moore

Program Director- Susan Garin, BS

Aftercare Casemanager - Tammy Bethea, BS

Childcare Workers

Vaylanda Denson

Shawanda Smith

Ella Floyd

Gennie Stevens

Stephanie Stanley

Bernice Axson

Shanta Mack

Princess Williams

Michelle Kyler

Christy Brown

Peggy Oneal 

Carlo Thomas

Latoni Gilbert

Judy Howard

Kwanda Watkins

Food Service Manager

Virginia Hill

ARK Board of Directors

Cindy Alligood - Chairperson 

Lois Stroman - Chair-Elect

Fran Lundell - Secretary

Fred Rimmer - Treasurer

Susan Shuman

Cristi Jones

Emily F. Kight

Jim Crowdis

Louise Jones

Art Plowden

Wayne Templeton

Sarah Harper

Annie Bonner

Lisa Smith

Diane Bethea

Betty Jo Spivey

Margaret Edge

Bess Perry

Helen Martin

Becky Hines