LEADERSHIP TEAM

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​Julie Wade, Executive Director
Julie Wade is lawyer by training who has served Savannah’s non-profit community since 2017.  As Executive Director of Park Place Outreach, a teen homeless shelter, she added new programs and doubled the budget to be able to serve more youth more comprehensively.  She is also a member of the Board of Directors for Georgia WIN List, Shepherd Higher Education Consortium on Poverty and Board Chair of Savannah Downtown Business Association.
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A Georgia native, Julie attended UGA for undergrad and law school.  She clerked for a federal judge and practiced law in Hawaii, Massachusetts, and Savannah.  She currently provides legal services for non-profits to build capacity and ensure compliance.  Julie is a graduate of Leadership Georgia, Leadership Southeast Georgia, and Leadership Savannah and has been recognized as a UGA 40 Under 40 and a Bulldog 100 business.  For 10 years, Julie served as an elected member of the Savannah Chatham County Board of Education, representing District One. 

Email: [email protected]

​LaToya D. Scott, Residential Director
LaToya is fiercely passionate about serving those in need through empowerment and education. She has been in the human and social services field for 12 years and has devoted her career to supporting vulnerable populations to enhance their overall well-being. LaToya graduated from Armstrong Atlantic’s State University and obtained her bachelor’s degree in liberal studies with a minor in Criminal Justice. With her substantial experience, LaToya has developed shelter operations, enhanced policies and procedures, participated in accreditation processes, and implemented staff training regarding safety, emotional intelligence, cultural competency, and person-centered care. Through employment with non-profit youth residential organizations, LaToya developed a passion for working with abused and neglected youth who have developmental disabilities, mental health diagnoses, and other significant traumatic experiences.
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LaToya is an active member of Empowerment City Church where she serves as an Executive Administrator and Praise and Worship Leader and is a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. LaToya is a 2023 graduate of Step-Up Savannah Neighborhood Leadership Academy and a 2023 graduate of United Way of the Coastal Empire’s BIPOC Nonprofit Leadership Symposium. LaToya enjoys attending her sons extracurricular sporting events, singing, writing music, shopping, and spending time with family and friends.


​Email: [email protected]

Kate Templeton Edwards, Outreach Coordinator
Kate is a 2022 graduate of The University of Georgia where she obtained her Master of Public Health degree. Her undergraduate degree, also from The University of Georgia, is a B.S. in Health Promotion and Behavior with minors in Spanish and Music (Voice). Kate is a Savannah native. 

Since starting with Tharros Place in August of 2022, Kate has educated more than 16,000 individuals about human trafficking, signs to look out for, risk factors, and how to make reports. 

Outside of work, Kate volunteers at The Savannah Children's Theatre, is a member of Savannah Rotary East, is a Certified Professional Coach through the International Association of Professional Recovery Coaches, is mentor for students in the UGA Mentor Program, recently completed the Step-Up Savannah's Neighborhood Leadership Academy, and is currently enrolled in The United Way of the Coastal Empire's Board Readiness Program. 

​Email: [email protected]

Makala Owens, Human Services Professional
​Makala Owens is our Human Service Professional and a returning Savannah native who is excited to assist with creating a culture of courage among the human trafficking victims that Tharros Place will serve.

Makala initially earned her Bachelor of Social Work Degree from Troy University before returning to school and obtaining her Master of Social Work Degree from Capella University. Makala had the opportunity to intern with Savannah Chatham CASA while completing her BSW before she transitioned into working with a non-profit hospice agency, Hospice of South Georgia in Jesup, GA. Makala comes with a strong background in case management, community resource navigation, creating continuity of care, and working with diverse groups of individuals with varying backgrounds. Makala has a love for helping others succeed and is passionate about the mission statement of Tharros Place.

​Email: [email protected]

Ti'Airra Hill, Residential Case Manager
Ti'Airra Hill is the dedicated Residential Case Manager at Tharros Place. With a passion for supporting and empowering minor survivors of human trafficking, Ti'Airra brings a wealth of experience and compassion to her role. She is committed to providing personalized care and guidance to each resident, ensuring they receive the support they need to heal and thrive in a safe and nurturing environment.

Email: [email protected]​

Jenn Steele, Education Coordinator
Jenn Steele is the Education Coordinator for Tharros Place. Jenn comes to us with a background in counseling. Jenn has worked as an advocate to stop child abuse and neglect teaching warning signs in school settings to children, has experience counseling in in-home settings, and she has worked as a school counselor at the elementary and high school level. As a military spouse, Jenn has had the opportunity to collaborate with a multitude of people across different states and settings and brings a wealth of information about problem solving and governmental oversight. Jenn most recently completed a Master’s in Human Rights Studies from Columbia University and is excited to hit the ground running protecting the right of girls from sexual exploitation.
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Email: [email protected]​

Gabriella Marvaldi, Development Manager
Gabriella is the Development and Volunteer Manager at Tharros Place, where she is passionate about planning events and creating meaningful experiences for our residents through our life skills program. After relocating to Savannah from New Jersey, she graduated from the Savannah College of Art and Design in 2023 with a degree in Social Strategy and Management. She began her professional journey with Tharros Place in December 2023, marking a wonderful start to her career.

As a former Team USA figure skater, Gabriella has represented our country at the international level and enjoys sharing her knowledge and passion for the sport with the next generation of skaters in the community. Outside of work, she loves spending quality time with her two dogs.

Email: [email protected]

Jada Washington, AmeriCorps VISTA
Born and raised in Philadelphia, PA, Jada has been dedicated to community service since the age of 12, even contributing to mural projects with Mural Arts Philadelphia. She believes in creating opportunities for every community she joins and lives by "Treat others how you want to be treated." 
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Now based in Savannah, GA, Jada is a college student, HUD Housing Counselor, and new mother. She is passionate about helping others, embracing creativity, and lifelong learning. Outside of work, she enjoys music, videography, painting, writing, and dancing in the rain. She strives to “be better today than yesterday” and is excited to make a meaningful impact with her team.
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Email: jada@tharrosplace.com
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