Leadership Team
Founders
Diane and Glenn Keen
Diane and Glenn Keen are the Co-Founders of Circle of Friends, leading the organization with a shared commitment shaped deeply by their personal and professional experiences, including their journey as parents of an adult son on the autism spectrum, who is an active and cherished member of the Circle of Friends community.
Dr. Diane Keen, DNS, RN, CNE, Co-Founder and Executive Board Chairperson, earned her Doctorate in Nursing Science from Kennesaw State University (KSU) in 2017. She serves as an Assistant Professor of Nursing at KSU, where she coordinates Community Health Nursing and teaches Professionalism and Ethics. Her research focuses on well-being among neurodiverse young adults, older adults, intergenerational relationships, and community health.
With a nursing career spanning hospital care, community health, and home health case management, Diane is deeply committed to helping people live with purpose and independence. Her dedication to Circle of Friends is rooted both in her professional expertise and her experience as a mother of an adult son on the autism spectrum who is an active participant in the community. Diane treasures time with family and friends and loves outdoor adventures.
Glenn Keen, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, is the owner of Keen & Company, a financial services firm in Alpharetta. A CFP® professional, Glenn has guided hundreds of owner-managed businesses through growth and complex financial challenges. His forward-thinking approach to business strategy and financial stewardship shapes the strength and direction of Circle of Friends.
Glenn graduated Cum Laude from Kennesaw State University with a degree in accounting. In addition to spending time with Diane, their adult children, extended family, and the Circle of Friends community, he enjoys home renovation projects, hiking, kayaking, boating, and exploring the outdoors.
Together, Diane and Glenn bring heart, experience, and leadership to Circle of Friends, championing a mission where neurodiverse adults and their peers can thrive, flourish, and grow in community.
Core Team Members
-
Kaitie Bowker
Communications & Program Director
-
Phyllis Deeb
Administration & Volunteerism Director
-
Julie Wagner
Special Events Coordinator
-
Cheryl Mosley
Activities Coordinator
-
Tiffany Green
Flourish Café Manager
-
Kelly Melton
Merchandise Director
-
Meet Our Board
Behind Circle of Friends is a team of visionary board members who believe deeply in community, inclusion, and purpose. Get to know the leaders who help ensure every person has the opportunity to flourish.
-
Co-Founder and Board Chairperson
Diane holds a Doctorate in Nursing Science from Kennesaw State University, where she also serves as an Assistant Professor of Nursing. Her research focuses on well-being in neurodiverse young adults, older adults, intergenerational relationships, and community health. With a nursing career spanning hospital care, community health, and home health case management, Diane is committed to helping people live with independence and dignity. Her passion for Circle of Friends is both professional and deeply personal, inspired by her adult son on the autism spectrum who is an active part of the community. Diane loves connecting with others, cherishes time with family and friends, and enjoys outdoor adventures.
-
Treasurer
Robert began his career as a CPA with Ernst & Young before joining Aaron’s, Inc. as Vice President and Corporate Controller. He spent 31 years at Aaron’s, helping lead the company’s growth from under 200 stores in 1990 to over 2,000 locations and $4 billion in annual revenue, retiring in 2021.
He has served on the Board of the Cherokee Boys and Girls Club since 2014 and was formerly part of the Cherokee Young Life Committee. A graduate of Florida State University with a degree in accounting and finance, Robert enjoys spending time with his wife, adult children, and three grandchildren. His hobbies include mountain biking, hiking, and attending his grandchildren’s sporting events and activities.
-
Board Member
John brings more than 30 years of executive leadership experience in the retail industry, having served in top roles such as EVP of C&R Clothiers, CEO of Barbeques Galore, and COO of both Busybody Fitness and K&G Superstores. Since shifting into Atlanta real estate in 2002, he has earned multiple RE/MAX® honors, including Rookie of the Year and membership in the Million Dollar, 100%, and Executive Clubs.
John remains active in the business community through organizations such as the Atlanta Executive Forum, BNI, and the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce, and has served on several boards including the World Trade Center Atlanta and the Sandy Springs Perimeter Chamber.
In his personal time, John enjoys family, reading, golf, tennis, and following sports, and is dedicated to building strong relationships and giving back through mentorship and service.
-
Community Service Coordinator & Young Adult Representative
David serves on the Board of Directors as a neurodiverse young adult, ensuring that his peers are well represented. He offers valuable feedback to other neurodiverse adults and shares their perspectives with fellow board members, serving as a liaison.
He is passionate about Circle of Friends and looks forward to living and working alongside his friends in the future. David earned a diploma in Automobile Collision Repair from Georgia Northwestern Technical College and hopes to return to school to pursue a diploma in welding. An Eagle Scout with a strong work ethic, David was born with cerebral palsy and is deeply committed to the future of Circle of Friends.
-
Board Member
Heather Hackett-Hayes is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and the Owner and CEO of Spectrum Behavioral Associates in Atlanta, Georgia. She is also the founder of the Clarnita Cares Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting caregivers of individuals with disabilities. With over 30 years of experience, she has provided Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy across home, clinic, school, group home, and hospital settings.
Her work includes training staff and caregivers in the U.S., India, and Canada to implement evidence-based interventions. Heather has served on the Autism Speaks Gala Committee, the Board of Directors for Erin’s Hope for Friends, and is a founding board member of MDE School, a private school in Atlanta for children who are differently abled. She is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Behavioral Health at Arizona State University, with a focus on improving staff training and patient outcomes in the field of behavior analysis.
Partnering with Circle of Friends through either your financial contributions or your time and energy supports and sustains a meaningful community for neurodiverse adults. Thank you for helping make their life dreams come true.