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Leading by Giving Back

BuckHaven's annual salute to neighbors who make volunteering job one.

Megan Nellen

Megan Nellen, a native of Buckhead, has had an incredible professional career in education. “I've been a teacher, a school principal, and currently am consulting with schools on curriculum design,” says Nellen,  “as well as supporting families who have students with learning differences, mainly dysgraphia.”

For Megan, ArtsNOW connects her passion for quality curriculum design and education and art integration.  "As an educator and consultant, I see the unique and transformative impact that ArtsNOW has on students and teachers. The integration of the arts builds creativity, critical thinking, and confidence in ways that meet the diverse needs of students across schools.”

Megan is also passionately involved with Casting for Recovery, an organization that provides free fly fishing and wellness retreats for women affected by breast cancer. “Seventy percent of the women who participate in our retreats have never attended a support group,” says Megan, “so it's a transformational weekend of healing and hope, along with the opportunity to learn a new sport and connect with nature in unique ways.” 

 “My life is so enriched by the people I've met through ArtsNOW and Casting for Recovery, and having a wider circle of friends and causes that I love and respect has only made my connection to my community within Atlanta and Georgia stronger.” 

Megan and her family will be headed to Perdido Key this Thanksgiving for a beach respite and maybe a little fly fishing. 

Sherry Cohen 

Sherry Cohen Grew up in Charlotte, North Carolina and graduated from UNC at Chapel Hill before moving to Atlanta for a job. “My husband and I raised our son here,” says Cohen, “and we were always involved in volunteering at his schools and activities.”  Sherry’s parents were active in their community and church in Charlotte, setting a strong example of the importance of helping others. Following their lead, giving back became a natural part of Cohen’s life and values.

“Volunteerism keeps me grounded by allowing me to step outside my daily life and appreciate the good that can be done for others, especially children.,” says Sherry.  The Cohens find great joy in supporting ArtsNow, which transforms education by integrating arts into the curriculum, as well as The Hambidge Center, a creative residency program in north Georgia. Together, these organizations make a lasting impact on education and the arts. “We live in a complicated world,” says Sherry, “giving back to our community and the causes we believe in can make a difference, even if one child or meal or class at a time.”

Jill MacRae 

After being away from Georgia for many years Jill MacRae and her family returned to Atlanta when she was an executive for Spanx.  

“I have always had a passion to give back to the Greater Atlanta, and Southeast areas," says Jill.  After being introduced to ArtsNOW, she became a champion on integrating arts into school curriculum.  MacRae has also had the wonderful opportunity to also serve on the Board of Directors for Atlanta’s Sheltering Arms for Kids, as Chairwoman of American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women Campaign and on the Industry Advisory Committee for No Kid Hungry.

“Volunteering has opened a world of giving back for my entire family, including my children," says Jill. “It is my greatest joy to watch them serve their own colleges and communities in the same way, all because they were able to witness what a difference giving back can make.”

Brian Waldman 

Brian Waldman, Brookhaven resident and chief investment officer at Peachtree Group, has a strong connection to Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities’ (ARMHC) mission of keeping families together, as both a cancer survivor and parent.

Shortly following his 40th birthday, Brian was diagnosed with colon cancer and endured the hardships and expenses of traveling for medical appointments and surgery. He developed a deep compassion for those facing similar situations who struggle with the logistics and costs associated with receiving critical medical treatment. Also, as a father of two children, who each have their own health needs, he has always been drawn to helping families during a moment of crisis.

Brian’s journey with the organization began in 2019, after hearing about their plans to build a new house next to the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta North Druid Hills campus. He realized this was an opportunity to offer his expertise in hospitality and instill hope in families with sick and injured children.

Since joining the organization five years ago, he has served on ARMHC’s Advisory Council and is currently a board member

My life is so enriched by the people I've met through ArtsNOW and Casting for Recovery