JR Clark

JR Clark

President

Since his first year as counselor in 1999, JR Clark's love for the campers has driven him to seek more opportunities to provide recreational excellence to the special needs community.  Mr. Clark was elected to the Board of Directors in 2003 and has served since, the last 5 years as President of the Board.  

During his tenor as President, Camp Dream has experienced explosive growth by: Increased number of camping sessions, increased geographical reach, improved quality of service to the campers, increased notoriety/ public exposure and a 5-fold increase in number of campers served annually.

Mr. Clark uses his more than 40 years experience as a business owner to provide leadership, business acumen and resolve to continue the growth of Camp Dream into the future.  While JR is a testament to the strength of the Camp Dream Foundation's Board, he never takes himself too seriously, at Camp he is known as the 'goose pooper scooper'.  During his free time, JR is an avid Nascar Racing fan and is active in both the Georgia JCI Senate and the GA Jaycees Rebel Corps.

president@campdreamga.org

Venus Vaughn

Venus Vaughn

Treasurer

Venus Taylor Vaughn joined the Executive Board of Directors in the Fall of 2014.  Venus  is responsible for Camp Dream's consistent achievement of its financial objectives.  Some of her responsibilities include: managing the finances of the organization, providing monthly statements/ annual budget to the board for review, and maintaining financial policies and procedures.  

Ms. Vaughn is a Financial Analyst with 15 years of increasing experience in finance and accounting with a specific concentration in budget development, booking journal entries and grant administration.  Having spent many years working privately for local governmental agencies, Venus infuses a blend of corporate experience with real world knowledge.  Venus has worked with numerous charities and nonprofit organizations.  

Pictured here is Venus, with her 'twin' daughter Vanessa.  Venus loves giving back to her community wherever she is at, if not in Atlanta she's likely traveling the world to exotic destinations.   

treasurer@campdreamga.org

Valarie Dunn

Valarie Dunn

Secretary

Valarie Dunn has worked with the Camp Dream Foundation for the past few years, spearheading the annual Poker Run and organizing motorcycle groups to attend Camp Dream.  Valarie also volunteers her time snapping pictures at Camp and auxiliary events as Camp Photographer.  Valarie began serving as Secretary on the Executive Board in January 2014.  She is a fresh face to the Board and says, "I look forward to helping the Camp Dream Foundation take it to the next level!"

Mrs. Dunn is a mother and wife, residing in the Dallas, GA community.  Valarie also volunteers with Children's Restoration Network and Bikers Battling Breast Cancer.  She enjoys catching a Braves game with her family when she's not on the open road riding Harley's with her husband Jim.  

secretary@campdreamga.org

Kay Buchanan

Kay Buchanan

At Large

Kay Buchanan has been a cornerstone of the GA Jaycces and Camp Dream for as long as anyone can remember.  Kay has served in multiple roles within the Camp Dream Foundation, to include its President in 2004.  She remains the longest tenured active board member to-date.  

Kati K as many of us call her, is a seasoned Jaycee.  She has served as GA JCI Senate President in '02- '03 and as National JCI Senate Vice President in '14- '15.  Kay is a founding member of the Gray Jaycees and continues to mentor her local chapter.  Kay has received many awards and accolades throughout her impressive career.  In 2009, Kay was honored with the Jim Calder Award for the Most Outstanding National Senator of the Year; most recently she received the Donnie Alvis Memorial Award as Outstanding National Vice President of the Year.  

Ms. Buchanan is retired from the medical financial management industry.  She was most recently Financial Manager for the largest dental practice in Middle Ga, now her dentist for over 20 years.  Kay also has a mentally and physically challenged brother, Gary who just turned 59, and is his main caregiver.  Kay is extremely passionate about Camp Dream and is always eager to help out wherever she can.

Kati K will light up any room with her warm spirit and contagious smile.  When she's not actively advocating on the Camp's behalf, you may find Kay working in her garden or adding to her thimble collection.  Kay is also very active in her community church, volunteering her time wherever she is needed.

kaybuchanan@campdreamga.org

Charlotte Escobedo

Charlotte Escobedo

Medical Director

Charlotte Escobedo has served Camp Dream for 14 years in many different capacities, starting as a counselor in 2000.  Currently, Charlotte resides as the Medical Director on the Board.  At Camp, she oversees all medical personnel.  Charlotte brings 25 years of medical experience as both a Paramedic and an ER  Registered Nurse.  Her main goal, "to ensure the safety and well being of both the kids and the counselors".  

Ms. Escobedo is often called "Nursee Lady" by most of the campers and counselors.  Watch out, she is a major prankster and always gets even...  Charlotte's love of water is only second to her love for her camper's.  She never misses a pool session at Camp and can often times be found at the Beach with her dogs during her free time.  Charlotte is pictured here with her friend David, Wild West Theme in 2014.

medical@campdreamga.org

Beverly Taylor

Beverly Taylor

Programs Director

Beverly Taylor has served the Camp Dream Foundation for more than 17 years.  During this time, she has performed nearly every function at Camp Dream and currently oversees all Camp Dream Programs.   

Initially, Beverly worked as a Georgia Jaycees member to help raise funds to build Camp Dream, sharing the vision for the camp that was established by its founders. During her term as GA Jaycees President, Ms. Taylor brought more attention to the camp by recruiting more volunteers, engaging more chapters, and increasing the visibility of the camp within the Georgia Jaycees organization.

Ms. Taylor has also been the Camp Director or Associate Director for 13 of the 20 years the camp has been in operation. She was elected to the Board as Programs Director in 2010.  During her time as Camp/ Programs Director, Beverly has increased the number of sessions annually, established and enhanced the principal acceptance of all disability types and severity, improved and expanded Camp activities, increased professionalism of the staff and counselors, implemented programs to assist other non profits by providing children’s activities at their events.

Beverly answers to Miss B at Camp.  She has spent her entire vacation during the last 10+ years volunteering her time at Camp.  When Beverly isn't working tirelessly for Camp Dream you might find her spending time with her parents, catching a Braves game or eating her favorite Italian food at a nearby restaurant.  

beverlytaylor@campdreamga.org

Les Roberts

Les Roberts

Events Director

Les Roberts is one of the newest additions to the Camp Dream Foundation's Board of Directors.  Les brings a plethora of event fundraising experience to Camp Dream, having created and organized several large scale events like his signature Blueprint Project Atlanta.

Mr. Roberts joined the board in the Spring of 2014 to help the Camp Dream Foundation raise further awareness and funds for Camp Dream.  He is very philanthropic and believes that in order to achieve individual success one must be willing to serve and give back to others.  You must do your part for charity with passion and integrity.  Les has been involved with several major charities in and outside the Atlanta area, such as: March of Dimes, Salvation Army Disaster Relief, MS Research Centers, American Cancer Society, Children's Healthcare Atlanta and the ALS Foundation.

Les is pictured here with his pride and joy, daughter Peyton.  When Les isn't hanging out with Peyton or cheering on his Alabama, you will often find him at some of the best events in and around Atlanta.  

events@campdreamga.org

Yvette Pegues

Yvette Pegues

National Spokesperson 

Yvette is recognized as one of the Nation’s leading authorities on Traumatic Brain Injury and Arnold ChiariMalformation.  She has used her brain injury survivor-ship experience to Train, Integrate, Educate, & Re-Build for severely injured people to overcome trauma, rebuild their lives, family & community.  Yvette began working primarily in schools, alongside teachers, serving children with disabilities.  Today, her Adaptability Expertise is critical to Corporate Diversity Training, Military Reintegration and Construction Accessibility Services to help re-build lifestyle challenges for the differently-abled.  She is a Center for Leadership in Disability, Community Advisory Council at GA State University

Mrs. Pegues is the Founder & CTO (Chief Transformation Officer) of, Your Invisible Disability Group and thought leader of the 4/4’s Signature Program Pillars © forNewly Disabled and Diagnosed persons in her book, The Art of Adaptability.  She co-authored, My Mommy had Brain Surgery & I'm Okay! with her sons, Isaiah (7) and Elijah (5).  In April 2014, Yvette won the state title of Ms. Wheelchair Northern Georgia and qualified to compete as a National Finalist in ONE of only two pageants for women in wheelchairs, in the world.  On July 19, 2014, she became the 1st woman of color to WIN the title of “Ms. Wheelchair USA" in it’s 17 year history.  

Yvette 'walks-the-walk' so to speak, by overcoming her own disabilities on a daily basis.  Wherever you see her, you're likely to also find her extremely supportive husband and two boys.  When not advocating for the disabled, you may find Yvette watching or playing sports, she doesn't let her wheelchair keep her from leading the active lifestyle she desires.  One thing you're sure to notice about Yvette when you meet her is her shoes, often being complimented on them wherever she goes.  

yvettepegues@campdreamga.org

Gary Marshall

Gary Marshall

Interim Executive Director

Gary Marshall has worked with the Camp Dream Foundation as a volunteer and an advocate since early in 2013, most recently serving as Vice President on the Executive Board.  As Executive Director, he oversees all staff and operations of the Camp Dream Foundation and works closely with the Board of Directors to set goals and implement Camp Dream Foundation's strategic plan.

Gary is an active Jaycee member, having served in various leadership roles at the local, state and international levels of the Junior Chamber International.  He also currently serves on the GA Jaycees Foundation Board at the pleasure of the GA Jaycees.

Mr. Marshall is an entrepreneur, an avid basketball player, a husband and father of four boys.  When he's not advocating for Camp Dream, you might find him networking or coaching his boys in basketball or baseball.  

executivedirector@campdreamga.org
 

Sarah Al-Sherri

Sarah Al-Sherri

Marketing Associate

Sarah Al-Sherri is a recent transplant to Atlanta from Oxford, MS where she was born, raised and recently graduated her beloved Ole Miss in 2014 with an Integrated Marketing Communications degree.  Sarah managed a salon & spa while attending college.  She also interned as a social media/ marketing associate and marketing strategy associate while in school.  Sarah brings a wealth of understanding and experience in both Marketing and Communications to the Camp Dream Foundation team.

Ms. Al-Sherri is no stranger to volunteerism.  While working a full- time job, interning and carrying a full workload in college, Sarah still managed to volunteer at the Oxford-Lafayette Humane Society.  Sarah also supports UNICEF, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and the Susan G. Komen organizations.  

Sarah is a high energy individual, her youthful enthusiasm is most evident by the work she's doing for Camp Dream.  Wherever you may see Sarah, you're sure to be impressed by her quick wit and positive spirit.  

marketing@campdreamga.org
 

Danielle Hall

Danielle Hall

Program Development

Danielle Hall is one of the most passionate people you will ever meet.  Since childhood, Danielle has always dreamed of owning and operating a children's camp.  Throughout her career she has had the opportunity to work with several different types of camps, in various regions throughout the U.S.

Since earning her Masters in Social Work from Columbia University in NYC, Danielle has spent her entire career helping others.  Most recently she was the Director of Programs at the  the National Kidney Foundation where she successfully managed multiple health awareness, prevention, education, and screening programs. Through the NKF she also directed a one week medical camp for children with life saving organ transplants and on dialysis. Her career also includes employment with The S.L.E Lupus Foundation/Lupus Research Institute, The New York Academy of Medicine, and the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities.  

Danielle is currently an Independent Consultant with extensive experience in planning, designing, evaluating and managing programs to promote the health and well-being of individuals and communities. She specializes in program development and management of chronic disease prevention  and management, resource manuals, training/development, education programs, quality assurance, volunteer/mentoring programs, and case management. Danielle looks forward to using these skills with Camp Dream's programs. 

Danielle enjoys playing competitive tennis, and spending time with her girls Ella and Hannah- and husband Eric.

programs@campdreamga.org