Who We Are

Participant Directed Advocates of Georgia (PDAG) originated from a heartfelt conversation between two parents united by a shared concern for their families' futures. Rick Thompson—parent and Executive Director of Champions Community Foundation—and Rita Young—parent and project consultant—found themselves asking the same pressing question: What will happen to the self-directed care model when parents are no longer able to manage it?

This pivotal discussion sparked the launch of a three-year initiative, bringing together a committed workgroup that included a self-advocate, families, and professionals. Their efforts encompassed extensive networking and research across multiple states, as well as presenting at the Applied Self-Direction Conference for three consecutive years. The project also fostered valuable collaboration with the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities and the Georgia Department of Community Health.

The culmination of this work is the establishment of Participant Directed Advocates of Georgia (PDAG)—a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to sustaining and strengthening the self-directed care model for future generations.

Rita Young, Executive Director

For two decades, Rita has held roles as a corporate trainer, public policy director, and coalition builder within multiple nonprofit organizations dedicated to serving individuals with developmental disabilities. She managed the Partners in Policymaking program in Georgia, worked as a grassroots organizer for the Unlock the Waiting List Campaign, and directed a training and awareness-building program for law enforcement, judges, and attorneys on the unique needs of people with developmental disabilities. Rita, a parent to two autistic adult sons, has operated as a freelance project consultant for the past decade, collaborating with diverse clients, including state agencies, nonprofits, and individuals. Rita is based in North Fulton.

Mitzi Proffitt, Deputy Director

Mitzi Proffitt resides in Brooklet, Georgia, alongside her husband, Jack, and their son, Joshua, a Georgia Southern University graduate with a developmental disability. Over the past quarter century, Mitzi has dedicated herself to assisting families in various capacities. For the past eight years, she has held dual roles as the VP of Support Services and the Parent Training Initiative Director at Parent to Parent of Georgia, providing invaluable support to parents and families affected by disabilities. Before assuming these directorial positions, she served as a Regional Coordinator, steadily advancing through the ranks to management and leadership roles over a seven-year period. Mitzi's extensive experience spans her involvement in numerous state and national councils and boards, dating back to the past 25 years or more. Notably, she chaired the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities for seven years and currently holds the position of chair on the Georgia Participant-Directed Advisory Council.

PDAG Founding Board Members

Rick Thompson - Advisory Board Member, Executive Director, Champions Community Foundation

Clementine Rivers - Board Chair 2025 Parent of Waiver Recipient and Advocate, 

Charlene Abercrombi Board Chair 2025, Parent of Waiver Recipient and Advocate, te

Kevin Stringfellow - Self Advocate and ICWP Waiver Recipient

Rena Harris - Community Advocate, Program Director of I/DD, Protection and Advocacy, The Georgia Advocacy Office