​​Stephanie Brown
Chief Executive Director

Stephanie joined The FUN Club in 2016 as the Director of Resource Development. Stephanie oversees The FUN Club's strategic direction and daily operations including; the delivery of programs and services, finance, resource development, recreational activities, fundraising events and community outreach. In 2018, Stephanie became the President & Chief Executive Director of the organization.  In addition, Stephanie also serves as the Executive Director of The FUN Club Board of Directors.

​Stephanie graduated from the University of North Georgia with a BBA in Marketing & Management.  Stephanie was employed with Buford City Schools at Buford High School from 2005 - 2016 as the school's academic & athletic financial bookkeeper.
During the summer months of her high school & UNG college years, Stephanie worked as a lifeguard & camp counselor at Will-A-Way special needs camp located inside Fort Yargo State Park in Winder, Ga. which began her desire to become involved with the special needs community in some capacity in her future. 

Stephanie and her husband, Mike Brown, live in Buford, Ga and are the proud parents of two children, Preston & Keighly. 

[email protected]
Val Lipscomb 
Day Program Coordinator / Admin Assistant

Val joined the Friends U Need Club full-time in April 2023.  She previously held the position of assistant closing coordinator for a local home builder. Val graduated from Georgia State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism with a concentration in Public Relations.
Val has been a supporter of the FUN Club for many years.  She and her family have volunteered numerous times over the years.  Val is so excited to be a full-time member of the FUN Club family!

Val and her husband Geno live in Jefferson and are the proud parents of Caroline and Carson.

  [email protected]

Michelle Palmer
Marketing & Events Assistant

Michelle joined the FUN Club in 2023 as the Marketing and Events Assistant. She graduated from The University of West Georgia with a Bachelors Degree in Organizational Leadership. Michelle has previously worked as the Guest Services and Engagement Director at a local North Point Ministries Church campus.
Michelle is thrilled to be part of The FUN Club and is looking forward to the future. She brings her experience in engagement initiatives and events to spread our story in the community.

Michelle and her husband, Drew Palmer live in Cumming and they are the proud parents of Daniel, Peyton and Mason Palmer. 

​[email protected]
Kelly DeLoach
Day Program Aide / Teacher

​Kelly joined the Friends U Need Club team full-time in August 2022 after retiring from 31 years of teaching K-5.  
Kelly graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education, then went on to earn her Masters in Early Childhood Education from University of West Georgia and Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership from Lincoln Memorial University.  She has taught grades K-5 for the past 31 years and recently retired from Education in Buford City Schools.  Kelly also coached tennis during her time at Buford City Schools.  
Kelly has been a supporter of the FUN Club for many years and she and her children have volunteered numerous times over the years. She is very excited to be a part of this amazing organization and is looking forward to the future. She brings her experience in education to help enrich the lives of each FUN Club member through learning and exploration.  
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Kelly and her husband, Ryan DeLoach live in Flowery Branch and they are the proud parents of Cameron and Kennedy. 

[email protected]
Maggie Grennan
Day Program Aide / Teacher

Maggie Grennan started working full time at the FUN Club in 2024. She is passionate about the FUN Club mission and eager to learn from our FUN Club members and staff. Maggie Graduated with her Associates degree from Weber State University and studied Social Work at the University of Utah before graduating from Atlanta Dental Assisting School. She has volunteered in classroom settings and tutored in Special Education classes. 
Maggie and her husband Timothy Grennan moved to Georgia from Utah in 2023 and currently live in Suwanee. 

[email protected]
Thereza Smith
Day Program Aide / Teacher
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Thereza is passionate about serving others and empowering individuals to reach their full potential. With a background as a Director of Marketing, she brings expertise in strategic marketing and program development, along with a creative approach that enriches the lives of those she serves. She also holds certificates in Christian Leadership and Coaching for Christlikeness from the College of Athens in Georgia.


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Thereza and her family have proudly supported and volunteered with FUN Club since April 2024. She and her husband, Jarrod, live in Jefferson, Georgia, with their son, Maxum.

[email protected]

Meet Our Board of Directors

Jamie Thigpen
Jodi Bryant
Wendy Cunningham

Vickie Thigpen

DJ Hardee
Not Pictured: Melissa Bowen