OUR TEAM
BINDY AUVERMANN
Executive
Director & Founder
A native of Long Beach, California, Bindy Auvermann has crisscrossed the globe learning, living and helping. Following graduation from University of Texas, she worked for many successful years for top legal firms in Texas and in San Francisco, California. Bindy found her social calling while helping in orphanages in Southern Russia. When she settled in the Northern Georgia mountains she continued her desire to help young people succeed and grow by working with the Dawson County Mentoring Program. Bindy became the executive director of that program growing it over time into Next Generation Youth Development, Inc. A passionate supporter of Dawson County’s next generation; Bindy works tirelessly helping young people succeed and to fully recognize their potential. When not at the Clubhouse, Bindy spends her time with her husband, son and two Italian greyhounds.
Verónica is a graduate of Tufts University with a B.A. in Clinical Psychology and Child Development. She has dedicated her career to the service of others including roles with the Dept of Mental Health, Children with Special Needs, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta and the Georgia Campaign for Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention. Combining her background in psychology and social work with operational and leadership expertise, Verónica has served as Project Manager for the National Foundation of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and as Director of Community Action & Prevention Alliance. One of her proudest moments has been in her current role as Development Director for Next Generation, helping to open one of only three prevention clubhouses in the state of Georgia. Verónica presents at local and statewide conferences on Mindfulness and its effectiveness in building socioemotional resilience in youth.
Development
Director & Co-Founder
VERONICA
SANTIAGO-JOHNSTON
Amanda Luhman
Programs
Director
Amanda was born and raised on the Jersey Shore and earned her bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies before beginning her career as the owner and operator of a Curves for Women franchise in Belcamp, Maryland. She later pursued her passion for education, earning her teaching certification in Secondary English Education from Towson University and a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction. Amanda spent 13 years teaching sixth-grade Language Arts in Maryland before relocating to Georgia, where she transitioned into marketing and eventually joined the Next Generation team. Outside of work, Amanda enjoys hiking, biking, swimming, paddleboarding, and kayaking with her husband. She is also a vocalist in a local band and loves sharing her passion for music through performing.
Chase Tarte was born and raised in Brunswick, Georgia. He earned his Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice and Criminology from Georgia Southern University. After graduation, Chase gained experience in various roles, including serving as a Wellness Coordinator at The Joint Chiropractic and working as a Probation Officer. Ultimately, he transitioned from these positions to pursue a career where he could make a more positive impact on others.
Chase found an exciting opportunity as a Clubhouse Lead at V2 and is thrilled to be part of a close-knit team. He is particularly passionate about working with youth and taking on a mentorship role to help guide and support them. In his personal life, Chase is an avid gamer, a proud cat owner, and a coffee enthusiast.
.
Chase Tarte
Clubhouse
Lead
Abigail Hulsey
Prevention Specialist
Abbigail Hulsey was raised in Buford, Georgia, and is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Human Services Delivery and Administration at the University of North Georgia, with an expected graduation date of May 2027. Following the completion of her undergraduate degree, she plans to earn a Master of Social Work to further expand her knowledge and strengthen her ability to support individuals, families, and communities.
As a devoted mother of three, Abbigail is deeply committed to creating a brighter future for the next generation. Her personal experiences have fueled a passion for working with youth and advocating for those in need. She is dedicated to making a meaningful, lasting impact in the human services field through compassion, service, and a commitment to empowering others.