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Who We Are

The Cottage is the only Sexual Assault Center and Children’s Advocacy Center in Athens-Clarke County, Georgia, providing free and confidential support to survivors and their families. Our team of trauma-informed experts, trained advocates, and clinicians offers crisis intervention, forensic interviews, therapy, advocacy, and referrals, walking alongside each person with compassion, professionalism, and respect. Rooted in community and committed to empowering survivors with choices, we work to create a safer, more informed Athens for today and for future generations. Our Athens-area community is ever-changing, but everyone—long-term residents, newcomers, and short-term residents—has a place at The Cottage.

Mission & Vision

Mission

The Cottage raises awareness and facilitates the healing of individuals, families and communities affected by sexual violence and child abuse.

Vision

We believe in the dignity of the individual, the ultimate right to make choices, advocacy for every person and the ability to heal.

Values

Respect

We create a culture of inclusiveness where every voice matters and is heard.

Integrity

We are committed to personal and professional accountability and ethical practices in all we do at The Cottage and as ambassadors in the community.

Empowerment

We provide individuals with the tools to make choices and decisions that promote their own hope and healing.

Collaboration

We actively engage in partnerships with agencies and communities in order to better serve our clients and meet The Cottage’s mission. 

Community Engagement

We believe that individual wellness is essential to a healthy community. We work to provide communities with education, awareness, and training to understand and prevent sexual assault and child abuse.

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Staff

Our staff is made up of compassionate, trauma-informed professionals dedicated to providing high-quality care, advocacy, and support to survivors and families in our community.

Executive Director

Linnea Ionno, MPA

she/her/hers

Linnea received her Bachelor of Arts in History with minors in Art History and Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies from the University of Connecticut. She went on to complete her Master of Public Administration with a certification in Nonprofit Management at the University of Georgia. Linnea worked as an Outreach Advocate and Community Involvement & Volunteer Coordinator at Project Safe, a local nonprofit working to end domestic violence. Linnea first started working with the Cottage as a Hotline Volunteer and On-call Advocate in 2015. In 2017, Linnea was hired to be the Advocate for Adult Services before transitioning to the Director of Adult Services in 2018. In 2022, Linnea became the Executive Director and is honored to lead this incredible nonprofit!
Phone: 706-546-1133 Ext: 222
Email Linnea Ionno, MPA

Victim’s Assistance Program & Outreach Coordinator

Lori Karr

she/her/hers

Lori has a Bachelor’s Degree from The University of Georgia in Child and Family Development. She has worked with children and families for over fifteen years in a variety of settings. She joined our team as the Family Advocate in September of 2009 and has since been trained in Finding Words Georgia to also conduct forensic interviews. Lori currently works with the Victim’s Assistance Program for The Cottage, which provides assessments and therapeutic interventions to child and adolescent survivors of child abuse. Lori also provides support and education to caregivers and is an authorized trained facilitator in the Darkness to Light Stewards of Children training program as well as Protecting Our Children and Prevent Child Abuse’s Circles of Safety.
Phone: 706-546-1133 Ext. 221
Email Lori Karr

Director of Children’s Advocacy Center

Annelise Allgood, LCSW

Annelise is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who received both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Social Work from the University of Georgia. She was born and raised in Athens Clarke County. She has spent much of her professional career assisting children and families through crisis intervention, treatment planning, resource acquisition, and mental health therapy. Annelise oversees all clinical services for the child and adolescent program and provides family advocacy to caregivers and families. She is nationally certified in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and provides therapy services to children and adolescents who have experienced trauma.
Phone: 706-546-1133 Ext. 229
Email Annelise Allgood, LCSW

Community Engagement Coordinator & Executive Assistant

Destiny Loyd, MSW

she/her/hers

Destiny received her Bachelor’s Degree in International Affairs and her first master’s in Conservation Ecology & Sustainable Development from the University of Georgia. Destiny later completed a Master’s in Social Work also at UGA. Before joining The Cottage, Destiny served in various roles, from being a Lead Program Coordinator for the UGA Mentor Program to a Southeast Regional Fellow and Legislative Fellow for Citizens’ Climate Education. Destiny was a prior intern for UGA’s Student Care & Outreach Unit and Project Safe, Inc. Destiny is dedicated to serving the Athens community and engaging with community partners and supporting The Cottage’s volunteers.
Phone: 706-546-1133 ext. 223
Email Destiny Loyd, MSW

Director of Sexual Assault Center

Sarah Howard, LMSW

she/her/hers

Sarah received her Bachelor Degree in Psychology and her Master of Social Work degree at the University of Georgia. Before joining The Cottage, Sarah worked as a Clinical Research Coordinator at Emory University, working with individuals diagnosed with severe mental illness. Additionally, Sarah worked briefly as a Child and Adolescent Counselor in the Athens community. Sarah was both a prior Intern and an On-Call Advocate at The Cottage before becoming the Director of the Sexual Assault Center in 2022. Sarah is passionate about working collaboratively towards both prevention and healing from sexual violence.
Phone: 706-546-1133 Ext: 224
Email Sarah Howard, LMSW

Advocate for Adult Services

Rachel Abbruzzi

she/her/hers

Rachel received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology with a minor in Sociology from the University of Texas at El Paso. Rachel dedicated her time working with impoverished communities, navigating systems to supply families with resources, education, and safety. Before joining The Cottage, Rachel served as a victim advocate with the Athens-Clarke and Oconee County District Attorney’s Offices and has deep compassion for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence. Rachel participates in various community organizations and values an interdisciplinary approach with partner agencies. Rachel serves as an Adult Advocate and works to establish a safe space for adults who have endured sexual violence at any point in their lives.
Phone: 706-546-1133 EXT: 227
Email Rachel Abbruzzi

Forensic Interviewer & MDT Coordinator

William “Rocky” Donaldson

William H. “Rocky” Donaldson retired in December of 2016 as a Supervisory Special Agent in Behavioral Analysis Unit III, Child Victim Unit, National Center for the Analysis of Violent Crime, Critical Incident Response Group, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), FBI Academy, Quantico, Virginia. Prior to joining the FBI, Rocky spent three years as a Police Officer with the City of Atlanta, Georgia Police Department, in which he served as a sworn Police Officer; developed and implemented protocols and strategies as a member of the Olympic Planning Task Force for the 1996 Summer Olympics; and interviewed and investigated applicants as a member in the Background/Recruitment Unit. After retiring from the FBI, Rocky and his family relocated back to Georgia, deciding on Oconee County to reside. Recognizing the importance of The Cottage’s mission and with a desire to apply his education, training and experience, Rocky first volunteered with The Cottage before joining the staff.
Phone: PHONE: 706-546-1133 EXT. 230
Email William “Rocky” Donaldson

Creative and Communications Partners

Communications Coordinator
Rachel Allen

Rachel Allen Media Services

Grant Writer
Laura Green

Ovation Funding Solutions

Creative Partner to the Board
Kat Farlowe
2026 Board of Directors

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Board of Directors

Our Board of Directors is a committed group of community leaders who provide strategic guidance, stewardship, and oversight to ensure The Cottage remains strong, accountable, and mission-focused.

  • Stephanie Rountree, Ph.D. Board President

  • Katie Darby Hein, Ph.D. Board Vice President

  • Santerica Davis Board Treasurer

  • Shannon Mahoney Board Secretary

  • Laura Ng, Ph.D. Board Member-at-Large

  • Kyle Oliver Board Past President

  • Andrea Livingston Chair of Events Committee

  • Celia Eicheldinger

  • Valerie Greer

  • Kathryn Smith

  • Courtney Hinson, NP

  • Chris Griner, CPA

  • Troy Potts

  • Missy Jackson, WHNP-BC

  • Angela Hurtt

  • Katie Green, Ph.D.

Do you know someone who would make an excellent board member for The Cottage? Please let us know by filling out the form below.

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Accreditations & Accolades​

The Cottage is proud to hold Candid’s Platinum Transparency Seal and accreditation from both Children’s Advocacy Centers of Georgia and the National Children’s Alliance. We are also a member of the Georgia Network to End Sexual Assault, demonstrating our commitment to trusted, high-quality, survivor-centered care.

Contact Us

History

The Cottage began in 1974 as the Athens Rape Crisis Line, started by local activists who believed our community could and should show up for survivors. What began as a volunteer-run hotline answering calls around the clock grew into the first anti-sexual assault organization in Georgia and a founding member of the Georgia Network to End Sexual Assault.

The volunteer-run hotline grew into the Rape Crisis Center of Northeast Georgia, later becoming the Sexual Assault Center of Northeast Georgia, Inc. Over the years, we expanded services, partnered with Athens-Clarke County Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (ACC-SANE), added a Child Advocacy Center, and became a collaborative partner within the Family Protection Center, always evolving to meet the needs of children, adults, and families impacted by sexual violence. In 2009, we became “The Cottage,” named for the little blue house that symbolizes safety, care, and community.

Today, The Cottage serves Clarke County with a 24/7 crisis hotline, survivor advocacy, child advocacy services, prevention education, and community training. What started as neighbors supporting neighbors continues today, with deeper roots, stronger partnerships, and an unwavering commitment to walking alongside survivors every step of the way.

2025 Impact

Sexual Assault Center

210 adults of all backgrounds and identities received advocacy and services

LGBTQ+ Clients
0
Trafficking Survivors
0
College Students
0
Experiencing Homelessness
0
Living with Disabilities
0
Incarcerate
0

Gender Identity

176

Female

22

Male

8

Nonbinary

3

Transgender

1

Unknown

Race & Ethnicity

102

White

40

Black

26

Latinx

9

Multi-Racial

6

Asian

1

Native American

Law Enforcement Reports​
0
Forensic Medical Exams​
0

2025 Impact

Child Advocacy Center

436 children of all backgrounds received support

Gender Identity

293

Female

141

Male

Race & Ethnicity

221

Black

86

White

60

Latinx

53

Multi-Racial

16

Other
Therapy Sessions with Children​
0
Caregivers received support
0
Forensic Interviews of Children
0
Medical Exams Accompanied
0

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