esp Savannah officially launches this week, and we’re bringing joy to your city in a big way! Meet our beloved coffee cart, Java Joy, at pop-up events across the city, spreading smiles and pouring delicious sippables.
Java Joy provides meaningful employment to individuals with disabilities, and we’re thrilled to kick off this journey in Savannah. From private gatherings to public pop-ups, they are available for events in the Savannah community starting NOW! Come get a taste of the joy this week:
Pouring from 9-10 am at 18 W Bryan St, Savannah, Georgia
Say hello to Nick Palumbo, Alderman District 4 – City of Savannah
Pouring from 9-10:30 am at 110 Park of Commerce Drive, Suite 100, Savannah, Georgia
Pouring from 2:45-4:15 pm at 413 W Montgomery Cross Rd, Savannah, Georgia
Come say hello to Bert Brantley, the CEO of Visit Savannah
Be a pioneer of change! We're thrilled to share that esp is coming to Savannah, GA! You are invited to be part of this groundbreaking journey from the very beginning by joining our fundraising campaign. Your support will not only help us establish esp in this new city but also pave the way for transformative impact and inclusive opportunities for all. Let's make history together – donate today and be a catalyst for positive change in our newest esp community!
Want to learn more about esp Savannah? Please complete the form below
In pursuit of our vision, the organization has spent the last 35+ years creating a blueprint for what a successful “ESP community” looks like. With thousands of families needing ESP’s support, the organization is now poised to use this blueprint to scale its transformative work to other communities across the Southeast.
Meet the Savannah Champion Board
Becky S. Brown, MS, CCC-SLP
Becky and her family have been in Savannah since 2011, creating deep roots and connections in the community. Originally from West Virginia, she now calls Georgia home. Becky is a Speech-Language Pathologist at Coastal Pediatric Therapies. Her special interests include treating children with disabilities, autism, as well as working with children who have language and learning disabilities, receptive and expressive language delays, articulation concerns, auditory processing issues, and limited social skills. Becky’s daughter, Maryn, receives OT, PT, and ST at Coastal Pediatric Therapies. Becky enjoys all that the coast has to offer and cannot wait to bring esp to Savannah!
Anna F. Salter, MS, CCC-SLP
Anna is a native Savannahian, Georgia Tech graduate, and speech-language pathologist (SLP) with nearly 10 years of experience with the pediatric population. Following her return to Savannah after her undergraduate career in Atlanta, she went on to earn her master’s degree and become an ASHA-certified SLP. Outside of the treatment room, Anna has taken on more responsibility in the growth of Coastal Pediatric Therapies. She believes wholeheartedly in the mantra “A little progress every day, adds up to big results!” Outside of work, Anna enjoys traveling and spending time with her family and friends. She is excited to be a part of the ESP Savannah venture!
Kearney Fender
Kearney grew up in Savannah and taught school in her hometown for 35 years. A graduate of Georgia Southern College with a degree in Early Childhood Education and a Masters degreefrom Armstrong State College, she focused her career on early learners and the importance of a child’s personal development. Kearney joined Coastal Pediatric Therapies in 2019 as the Director of First Impressions and serving the families in a variety of ways. She enjoys being around children, reading good books and being with family and friends.
Caroline Gillespie, MSW/MA
Caroline has been visiting the greater Savannah area with her family since 1998 and made Savannah her official home in August of 2023. Caroline earned a dual-master’s degree with a Masters of Social Work from New York University and a Masters of Arts in Child Development from Sarah Lawrence College. Currently, Caroline works at Joye Psychology & Wellness to provide mental health services to children and their families. She uses play therapy techniques, expressive arts, and child-centered approaches to encourage personal growth and address behaviors and emotions. She is also currently working to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Registered Play Therapist. In her free time, Caroline loves to be outdoors, travel, spend quality time with her family and friends, and cheer on the Georgia Bulldogs! She loves being a part of the ESP community and is excited to bring ESP’s joy to Savannah!
Kathleen Benton
Dr. Kathleen Benton, Chief Executive Officer, Hospice Savannah, Inc.
Kathleen Benton is the CEO at Hospice Savannah, Inc. She is heavily involved in the region through volunteer advisory board roles and professorships at Armstrong State University and the Mercer University Medical School. Dr. Benton has a master’s degree in medical ethics and a doctorate in public health. She has authored and reviewed many publications relevant to the topics of palliative care, ethics, hospice, and communication. Her first publication, a children’s book entitled Daniel’s World: A Book about Children with Disabilities, is the closest to heart. She lives her vocation, passionate about helping families through ethical decision-making processes. She resides in Savannah with her husband, Rex, and her three children, Julia Grace, Jack, and Andrew.
Julia Grace Benton, Junior Board Member
Julia Grace Benton is a student at St. Vincent’s Academy. She previously attended Blessed Sacrament. She enjoys volleyball, tennis, and leadership opportunities. Julia Grace has been volunteering with kids who have special needs for that last eight years through social therapy, peer mentoring, buddy camps, and coaching. She is the first junior board member of the esp organization.
Tonya Brantley
Born and raised in Stockbridge, GA, Tonya graduated from The University of Georgia with a degree in Health and Physical Education. She also has a masters degree in Post Secondary Education. Tonya spent 27 years as a public school health and PE teacher before retiring and moving to Savannah in 2023. She and her husband Bert were introduced to esp by their two daughters, both students at UGA and have volunteered through esp Athens. Tonya is excited about esp Savannah because she knows the difference it will make in our community not only for the families it will serve but also for all who support those families.
Laci Culbreth
Experienced educational leader with a Bachelor’s in Communication and a Master’s in Special Education. With 13 years in the education sector, I am dedicated to supporting students with learning differences. As the Head of School at Chatham Academy, I specialize in creating inclusive environments, leveraging specialized training in the Orton-Gillingham approach and ADHD instruction. Our newest program, The Connection Center, supports students with Autism Spectrum Disorder by providing academic, social and behavioral support. My goal is to empower neurodiverse students to achieve academic success through personalized educational strategies.
Allie Finnegan
Allie is originally from central Illinois, but met her husband Brian at Georgia Southern University. Her family moved back to Savannah after living in the Atlanta area for over 5 years. Brian and Allie have 2 young girls, the oldest of which has a rare genetic disorder called Williams Syndrome. They have been advocating for their daughter by spreading awareness through fundraising and sharing their story to help other parents feel less alone on the journey that comes with parenting a child with a disability. Allie owns House Of Colour Central Savannah and on the weekends you can find her at Forsyth Park or at the beach with her family. She is so thrilled to be a part of a life changing organization like ESP for families in the Savannah area!
Jenny Mayo
Born and raised in Savannah, GA, Jenny Mayo is deeply rooted in her community. She holds a
BBA in Finance from Georgia Southern University and was the branch manager of BB&T Bank
in Savannah for 8 years. Jenny is married to Todd Mayo, the Vice President for Omega
Construction, and together they have two wonderful children, Lara Kate and Will. Her
commitment to advocacy shines through her work with individuals with special needs,
particularly her love for an extra special girl with autism. In her free time, Jenny enjoys playing
tennis, spending days at the beach with her family, and cheering on her son at his sports
events. She is passionate about making a difference and is thrilled to be a part of the ESP
Savannah community.
Elizabeth Poston
Born and raised in Savannah, GA, Elizabeth Poston proudly calls it home. She graduated magna cum laude from the University of Georgia with a degree in Mass Communications and has spent 15 years as a media buyer for AdMAX Advertising, after working for agencies in Savannah and Atlanta. Elizabeth and her husband, Wade, a Savannah-based dentist, are devoted to family, enjoying weekly gatherings with both sides. They are proud parents to two daughters, Annslee and Pearson. Annslee, 13, was born with a rare chromosome deletion and has been receiving therapy since infancy.
Driven by a passion for inclusion, Elizabeth and Wade are dedicated advocates for bringing esp to Savannah, believing it will transform their daughter’s life and create a lasting positive impact on the community.
Wade Poston
Dr. Wade Poston is a 2nd generation dentist practicing in his home town of Savannah, Georgia. An alumnus of Benedictine Military School, the University of Georgia, and the Medical College of Georgia, he’s committed to both his profession and his community. Dr. Poston is an active member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, the Exchange Club of Savannah, and the Savannah Quarterback Club. Inspired by his older daughter Annslee, who was born with special needs, Dr. Poston is passionate about supporting the differently-abled community. He and his wife, Liz, are proud parents to Annslee and their younger daughter, Pearson.
Matt Wilmot
Matt Wilmot is a partner at HunterMaclean, focusing on healthcare and corporate law, representing individuals and companies throughout the healthcare industry in matters ranging from state and federal regulatory compliance to mergers and acquisitions. He holds a J.D. from the University of Georgia School of Law and a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Georgia. He lives in Savannah with his wife, Lindsey, and their son. Matt is inspired by ESP’s mission to create transformative experiences for individuals with disabilities and their families and helping to build a more connected and inclusive community in Savannah.Matt Wilmot is a partner at HunterMaclean, focusing on healthcare and corporate law, representing individuals and companies throughout the healthcare industry in matters ranging from state and federal regulatory compliance to mergers and acquisitions. He holds a J.D. from the University of Georgia School of Law and a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Georgia. He lives in Savannah with his wife, Lindsey, and their son. Matt is inspired by ESP’s mission to create transformative experiences for individuals with disabilities and their families and helping to build a more connected and inclusive community in Savannah.
Seeds of hope are being planted for esp Savannah thanks to our founding donors:
Majorie and Mark McClain | Kim and Myles Gillespie | Vincent and Rosemarie Ferraro | Teresa Fusile | Linda and Roy Mulholland | Anna and Jonathan Salter | Janie Gordon | Emily Kehoe | Becky and Ric Brown | Martha Waters
