Our Team
Meet some of the people that help make our organization exceptional.
Beth Malanoski
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
When the opportunity to become Executive Director at Exceptional Futures came about, Beth knew it was a chance to bring together her skills and experience with a cause deeply rooted in her life. Beth and her husband have three children. John, their middle child, and heart of the family, has autism and recently aged out of public schools at age 22. Beth and her family are living the aging out experience that Exceptional Futures seeks to remedy. Beth has 35 years of corporate and non-profit experience building communities, connecting people with available resources, and developing and implementing programs and events.
Susan Keeney
PROGRAM DIRECTOR & CO-FOUNDER
Susan spent 22 years as a special education teacher in Gwinnett County Public Schools, including 17 years in elementary special education and 4 years teaching life skills to post-high school young adults. She earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Georgia and her master's degree from Grand Canyon University. Throughout her career, Susan was passionate about helping students develop the skills and confidence to succeed beyond the classroom. At Exceptional Futures, she enjoys continuing that mission by supporting adults as they build independence, meaningful relationships, and fulfilling lives. Outside of EF, Susan enjoys spending time with her family and traveling.
Claire Mason
Family Navigator
Claire was a special education teacher in Gwinnett County Public Schools for 5 years where she taught students with moderate autism. She has always had a strong passion for parent advocacy, always aiming to see things from the family's perspective to ensure no parent felt uninformed or unaware. She has taken this passion and made it her every day at EF, helping families transition from school-based to adult services with support and guidance. Outside of EF, Claire enjoys reading, antiquing, and spending time with her husband and son.
Jonathan Day
Site Leader, Lawrenceville
Jonathan retired from Gwinnett County Public Schools in December 2024 after a 31-year career as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal. He earned both his bachelor's and master's degrees from Georgia State University. He is grateful to have found a rewarding second career at Exceptional Futures, where building relationships with members, families, and staff has brought him a renewed sense of purpose and joy. Outside of EF, Jonathan and his wife enjoy attending concerts and traveling to see their favorite bands.
Christian Hardage
Site Leader, Marietta
Christian spent 17 years as a special education teacher in Paulding County Public Schools. Throughout her career, she often wondered what opportunities awaited her students after high school and felt called to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young adults and their families. Joining Exceptional Futures was the perfect opportunity to continue that mission. She loves spending her days with members and is known for her compassion, kindness, and positive spirit. She values the relationships she has built and is grateful to be part of a community that empowers adults to thrive. Outside of EF, Christian enjoys spending time with her husband and two sons, buying more art supplies than she probably needs, and taking Pilates classes.
Our Board
BJ Benton | Board Chair, United Pump and Controls
Tara Arnett | Norfolk Southern
Jamie Bortak | Wells Fargo Advisors
Craig Camuso, Past Chair, CSX Transportation
Chris Carter, Executive Committee | Vantage Realty Partners
Bill Crane | CSI Crane
Erin Goodman | Gwinnett County Public Schools
Dominique Hearnes, Community Leader
Kisean Smith | Airgas
Mary Weaver | NetExpat
Wallace Watanabe, Executive Committee | Brasfield & Gorrie
Join our Junior Board
The Exceptional Futures Junior Board is a social committee dedicated to raising money and awareness for Exceptional Futures. Young professionals on the Junior Board, typically in their 20s and 30s, have an opportunity to gain board experience as next-generation leaders while giving back.
Among other activities, the Junior Board hosts the annual Pickleball for a Purpose tournament in May.
Serving on the Junior Board is a springboard to a lifetime of community leadership and involvement. To learn more and get involved, please click here.
