About Us

Our staff is professionally trained and has over 40 years of combined experience in the domestic violence field. IWH has helped residents and clients from over 50 countries on six continents. Our staff speaks over 11 languages and have access to translation services for 140 languages.

First Responders

IWH is a state-certified domestic violence/sexual assault center. We are available to assist first responders, such as police, fire and rescue, and healthcare professionals, as part of a multi-disciplinary team to ensure the safety and well-being of victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.


If you need additional information, contact (770) 413-5557

Our Board

Joanna Helsby
Board Chair

Deputy Chief ADA, Dekalb County

Keri Ware
Chair Elect

Attorney, Wilson, Morton & Downs

Jared Purcell
Vice President

Director, Method

Sara Bass
Secretary

Attorney, Pierford

Robert Sumners
Treasurer

Bennett Thrasher LLP

Carina Buchwald

Development Manager, Planned Parenthood SE

Cristina De Zulueta

Children's Healthcare of Atlanta

Wes Gifford

Dempsey, Lord Smith LLL Financial Services

Yolanda Mack

Deputy District Attorney, Fulton County

Gabrielle Rogers

VP, Marketing at Growing Leaders

Our Staff

Tonya Ferguson, PhD, LCSW

Executive Director

Karen M. Dickey, MAcc

Finance Administrator

Samantha Boyle

Overnight Shelter Coordinator

Alexis Colonel

Shelter Assistant

Madisen Gowan

Victims' Advocate

Caitlyn Maher

Shelter Assistant

Cristina Mora

Shelter Operations Manager

Laura M. Mora

Victims’ Services Manager

Andrea Reyes

Shelter Manager

Drea Williams

Victims’ Advocate