UB Staff

Tonia Jones
Upward Bound Director

Mrs. Jones is an alumnus of the UGA Upward Bound Program that she currently oversees.  She has worked with the program for several years and enjoys seeing the students matriculate through the program.  Her desire is to see every first generation and low income student go to college.

Cora Gartrell
Program Specialist II

Ms. Gartrell has worked for TRiO programs for many years.  She truly enjoys working with high school students and assisting them with their educational goals. She currently serves Banks, Jackson and Wilkes Counties high schools.  She enjoys reading and baking during her spare time.

Vernetta Johnson
Program Specialist II

Ms. Johnson received her bachelor degree in Social work from Ball State University and Masters in Sociology from Clark Atlanta University.  She has been with the Upward Bound Program since June 2005; serving Clarke, Madison, and Oglethorpe Counties. Ms. Johnson brings over 20 years of experience working with young people. Her goal is to ensure that each student graduate high school and go on to some form of post-secondary education. Her motto is "Preparation + Opportunity = Success."

Bridget Larsen
Curriculum Specialist

Mrs. Larsen is the newest addition to the Upward Bound staff. She received her Master of Education degree in Guidance and Counseling from The University of Georgia. She has experience with counseling both adolescents and families, and has been a facilitator for several teen groups. Mrs. Larsen has particular interest in the educational needs and assessments of adolescents.

Jacqueline Gholston
Administrative Assistant II

Mrs. Gholston has worked with Upward Bound since 2001. Her responsibilities include updating and maintaining the program participant's file as well as entering information and maintaining the program's database, plus various other duties. Besides her work, Mrs. Gholston enjoys decorating, reading, cooking, and spending time with her family!

Ann Jackson
Administrative Assistant II

Ann has worked with TRIO for sixteen years. Her duties include payroll, data entry, recordkeeping, travel arrangements, budget expenditures and reconciliation to name a few.