Our Team.
ATLAS is a non-profit based out of Boone, North Carolina. Our team is made up fully of volunteers who are passionate about supporting and empowering the next generation to create the future they want.
Marjon Ames Zimmerman, PhD ​ ​
Executive Director
marjon@atlas-edu.org ​
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As Executive Director of Achievement Through Liberal Arts & Sciences (ATLAS), Marjon brings more than 16 years of experience in higher education. As an undergraduate, she studied history and philosophy at the University of Missouri, earned Masters of Arts in History from Sussex University in England and the University of Missouri - Kansas City, and completed her PhD in History from the University of Mississippi in 2009.
She has taught at a variety of colleges and universities and has worked with first-generation students of varying levels of preparedness for college-level work.​
interns
Jullian Harrison ​
Spring 2023 Intern
jullian@atlas-edu.org ​
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Jullian is a Social Work intern at Appalachian State University after transferring from Western Piedmont Community College. He is excited to have the special opportunity to provide support for kids and young adults as they plan for their futures. He hopes to work with at-risk youth as a juvenile youth counselor after graduation.
Skylar hesla ​
Spring 2023 Intern
skylar@atlas-edu.org ​
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Skylar is a senior undergraduate student at Appalachian State University, studying Social Work. She is passionate about helping people find the right path for them, and providing them with the encouragement and support they need to do what makes them happy. Skylar is very excited to work with ATLAS to help high school students navigate the countless opportunities they will encounter while getting prepared for college, and hopes this experience will open the door to many different career possibilities for her after graduation.
Intern ALumni
sydney Childress ​
Fall 2022 BSW Intern
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Sydney graduated from Appalachian State University’s BSW program in December 2022. While working with the ATLAS team, she helped students navigate the admissions process and gain confidence in their knowledge of the college experience. She intends to pursue an MSW degree after graduation.
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ELiza King ​
Fall 2022 BSW Intern
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Eliza graduated with a BSW from Appalachian State University. As an intern for ATLAS, she provided support and utilized her knowledge about college to help potential college students prepare for their futures. She is starting a master's degree in Social Work in fall, 2023, and eventually wants to work for or create her own non-profit that helps those who are experiencing food insecurity.
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Ebube Bobby Tasie ​
Fall 2022 BSW Intern
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Ebube (AY-BOO-BAY) is an ATLAS intern alumnus that graduated with her BSW from Appalachian State University. As an intern for ATLAS, Ebube used her experience to assist other students pursuing higher education. She will be attending UNC-Chapel Hill's MSW program.
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Tyler Alexander
Spring 2022 BSW Intern
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Tyler is an ATLAS intern alumnus from Appalachian State University. With his Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Tyler is pursuing a career as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. While interning with ATLAS, he worked to provide support for students as they planned for their futures. He intends to pursue an MSW after graduation and eventually go into private practice.
Jadah Dishman ​
Spring 2022 BSW Intern​
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Jadah is an ATLAS intern alumna from Appalachian State University. Jadah graduated as a transfer student from Wingate University. During her time at ATLAS, she worked to provide guidance for students navigating the college application process. She hopes to work with children in the school system after graduation.
Jensen Wingfield ​
Spring 2022 BSW Intern
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Jensen is a Social Work intern at Appalachian State University after transferring from Central Piedmont Community College. She hopes to pursue a Masters in counseling after working in the Social Work field for a few years post graduation. She is thrilled to get the chance to intern with ATLAS, carving the path for high schoolers to have a smooth transition into college.
Katlyn Arnold ​
Spring 2022 MSW Intern ​
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Katlyn is a first year Master of Social Work student at Appalachian State University and received her undergraduate degree in sociology and political science at ASU in 2019. Katlyn has worked with many different populations in social work positions through out the years and, as an intern for ATLAS provided support for kids and young adults as they plan for their futures.
Board of Directors
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Evan Duff is the Provost and Sr. Vice President of Academic Affairs at North Carolina Wesleyan College. He has been working in higher education for the last 12 years; prior to that he worked in private industry for a global call center, as well as for a credit union. Evan obtained his bachelor’s degree in business administration, a master’s degree in general administration and his Doctor of Education in organizational leadership. Prior to that he was the Dean of Extended Education at the University of Mount Olive. He has taught at the undergraduate, graduate and doctoral level and has experience working in the NC community college system.
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Kate Greenberg (Board President) is the Executive Director for the Midwest for CARE USA, and is based in Chicago, IL. Kate received her Bachelors of Arts in Journalism from the University of Missouri.
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Marc Lerner is Associate Professor of History at the University of Mississippi in Oxford, Mississippi. His research and teaching focus on European history during the Enlightenment and Age of Revolutions. Originally from New York City, Marc attended the University of Chicago for his undergraduate studies and received his PhD from Columbia University.
Jennifer Poersch (Board Chief Financial Officer) is a Lobbyist and Partner at Hannegan Landau Poersch Rosenbaum Advocacy in Washington D.C. Jennifer received her Bachelor of Arts from Baker University in Kansas and lives in Alexandria, VA.
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Nina Rifkind is an attorney with a background in general litigation and non-profit formation and administration. Nina grew up in New York City, attended Yale University for her undergraduate degree, and went to New York University for her law degree. Nina currently lives in Oxford, Mississippi.
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Fred Sandborn (Vice President) is a Professor of Psychology and Assistant Director of the Honors Program at North Carolina Wesleyan College. Fred was a first-generation college student at Kansas Wesleyan University and received his doctorate at Kansas State University.
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Alex Howard is Vice President of Impact focusing on Health & Wellness for Dogwood Health Trust in Asheville, NC. Prior to this position he was the Assistant Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs at Appalachian State University. He received his bachelors of science in athletic training from High Point University, and both a masters and doctorate in Public Health from the University of Kentucky.
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Jennifer Kershner