Línea de atención de crisis e información 24/7: 1-877-363-1912

Quiénes somos

The Cottage es el único Centro de Defensa de Agresión Sexual y Centro de Defensa de Menores en el condado de Athens-Clarke, Georgia, que ofrece apoyo gratuito y confidencial a los sobrevivientes y sus familias. Nuestro equipo de expertos especializados en trauma, defensores capacitados y profesionales clínicos ofrece intervención en crisis, entrevistas forenses, terapia, defensa y referencias, acompañando a cada persona con compasión, profesionalismo y respeto. Arraigados en la comunidad y comprometidos con empoderar a las personas sobrevivientes ofreciéndoles opciones, trabajamos para crear un Athens más seguro y mejor informado, tanto para hoy como para las generaciones futuras. Nuestra comunidad del área de Athens está en constante cambio, pero todas las personas —residentes de toda la vida, recién llegadas y residentes temporales— tienen un lugar en The Cottage.

Misión y visión

Misión

The Cottage concientiza y facilita la recuperación de personas, familias y comunidades afectadas por la violencia sexual y el abuso infantil.

Visión

Creemos en la dignidad de la persona, el derecho fundamental a elegir, la defensa de cada individuo y la capacidad de sanar.

Valores

Respeto

Creamos una cultura de inclusión en la que cada voz importa y es escuchada.

Integridad

Estamos comprometidos con la responsabilidad personal y profesional y con prácticas éticas en todo lo que hacemos en The Cottage y como representantes en la comunidad.

Empoderamiento

Proporcionamos a las personas las herramientas para tomar decisiones que fomenten su propia esperanza y recuperación.

Colaboración

Participamos activamente en colaboraciones con agencias y comunidades para servir mejor a nuestros clientes y cumplir la misión de The Cottage.

Participación comunitaria

Creemos que el bienestar individual es esencial para una comunidad saludable. Trabajamos para ofrecer a las comunidades educación, concientización y formación para comprender y prevenir las agresiones sexuales y el abuso infantil.

Apoyando a sobrevivientes desde hace más de cincuenta años.

Nuestra historia

The Cottage comenzó en 1974 como la Línea de Crisis por Violación de Athens, fundada por activistas locales que creían que nuestra comunidad podía y debía estar presente para las personas sobrevivientes. Lo que empezó como vecinos voluntarios que atendían una línea telefónica de crisis las 24 horas se convirtió en un salvavidas para quienes se vieron afectados por la violencia sexual y en la primera organización contra las agresiones sexuales de Georgia. La organización también ayudó a establecer lo que hoy es la Georgia Network to End Sexual Assault (GNESA), fortaleciendo la defensa en todo el estado.

A medida que crecían las necesidades de la comunidad, también lo hacía el trabajo. La línea de voluntariado evolucionó hasta convertirse en el Rape Crisis Center of Northeast Georgia y, después, en el Sexual Assault Center of Northeast Georgia. En la década de 1990, incorporamos un Centro de Defensa de los Menores a nuestra misión, ampliando los servicios para apoyar mejor a niños, adultos y familiares no ofensores. Mediante una colaboración continua —con colaboradores como Athens-Clarke County Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (ACC-SANE) y el Family Protection Center—, The Cottage reforzó su compromiso de ofrecer atención basada en el trauma, defensa y acceso a la recuperación.

En 2009, la organización pasó a llamarse “The Cottage”, en referencia a la pequeña casa azul que ha llegado a representar seguridad, cuidado y comunidad. Es más que un lugar: es un reflejo de lo que ocurre cuando una comunidad decide creer y acompañar a las personas sobrevivientes en su proceso de recuperación.

Hoy, The Cottage presta servicio al condado de Clarke con una línea de crisis 24/7, defensa para sobrevivientes, servicios de defensa de la infancia, terapia, educación preventiva y formación comunitaria. Lo que comenzó como vecinos apoyando a vecinos continúa hoy, con raíces más profundas, alianzas más sólidas y un compromiso inquebrantable de acompañar a las personas sobrevivientes en cada paso del camino.

Acompañando a sobrevivientes en cada paso del proceso de recuperación.

Personal

Nuestro equipo está formado por profesionales compasivos y con enfoque basado en el trauma, dedicados a ofrecer atención, defensa y apoyo de alta calidad a las personas sobrevivientes y a las familias de nuestra comunidad.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Forensic Interviewer & Multidisciplinary Team 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 where 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: 706-546-1133 EXT. 230

Forensic Interviewer, Therapist, and Advocate

Alexa Pfannkuche, LMSW

she/her

Alexa is a Licensed Master Social Worker who earned her BSW from the University of Georgia and then her MSW from The University of Southern California. In 2020, Alexa interned at The Social Empowerment Center in Jefferson, GA and provided supportive services to children and their families who have experienced trauma and adversity. Alexa was also a previous intern at The Tree House in Winder, GA and provided trauma focused clinical services to children and adolescents who have experienced abuse. In 2025, Alexa became a full time employee at The Tree House and started conducting forensic interviews in addition to providing therapy services. Alexa is certified in trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy and trained in ChildFirst protocol, motivational interviewing, problem solving therapy, expressive arts therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy.
Phone: 706-546-1133 ext. 223

Family Advocate and Therapist

Olivia Hayes, MSW

she/her

Olivia earned her Bachelor of Science in Human Services from Southern New Hampshire University and subsequently obtained her Master of Social Work from Louisiana State University. She began her tenure with The Cottage as an intern and now serves as a Family Advocate and Therapist. Prior to joining The Cottage, Olivia worked as a substitute teacher within the Clarke County School District and as a social worker providing services to residents in a nursing facility. Having resided in Athens for more than 20 years, she demonstrates a strong commitment to serving the local community and fostering collaborative relationships with community partners.
Phone: 706-546-1133 ext. 225

Colaboradores creativos y de comunicación

Coordinadora de comunicación
Escritora de subvenciones
Socio creativo del Consejo
Consejo de Administración 2026

Liderando juntos para construir una comunidad más segura y saludable.

Consejo de Administración

Nuestra junta directiva es un grupo comprometido de líderes comunitarios que aporta orientación estratégica, administración y supervisión para garantizar que The Cottage se mantenga fuerte, responsable y centrado en su misión.

¿Conoce a alguien que sería un excelente miembro de la junta directiva de The Cottage? Por favor, contáctenos.

Acreditaciones y reconocimientos

The Cottage se enorgullece de contar con el Sello de Transparencia Platino de Candid, así como con la acreditación tanto de Children’s Advocacy Centers of Georgia como de la National Children’s Alliance. Asimismo, somos miembros de la Georgia Network to End Sexual Assault, lo que demuestra nuestro compromiso con una atención confiable, de alta calidad y centrada en los sobrevivientes.

Impacto de 2025

Centro de Agresión Sexual

210 adultos de todos los orígenes e identidades recibieron defensa y servicios

Clientes LGBTQ+
0
Sobrevivientes de trata
0
Estudiantes universitarios
0
En situación de sinhogarismo
0
Con discapacidades
0
Encarcelados
0

Identidad de género

176

Femenino

22

Masculino

8

No binario

3

Transgénero

1

Desconocido

Raza y etnia

102

Blanco

40

Negro

26

Latinx

9

Multirracial

6

Asiático

1

Nativo americano

Informes policiales​
0
Exámenes médicos forenses​
0

Impacto de 2025

Centro de defensa de menores

436 niños y niñas de todos los orígenes recibieron apoyo

Identidad de género

293

Femenino

141

Masculino

Raza y etnia

221

Negro

86

Blanco

60

Latinx

53

Multirracial

16

Otro
Sesiones de terapia con niños​
0
Cuidadores que recibieron apoyo
0
Entrevistas forenses a niños
0
Exámenes médicos acompañados
0

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