Atlanta– The Division of Family and Children Services recently named county directors for Clayton, Brooks, Lowndes, Liberty and Long Counties.

Clayton County DFCS:
Dr. Nia Cantey was named as director for Clayton County DFCS. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, a master of social work degree from Florida State University, and a doctor of philosophy in conflict analysis and resolution from Nova Southeastern University.

She has served in numerous positions with DFCS, most recently serving the Georgia Independent Living Program (ILP) Manager. She has also served as Director of DFCS’ Home Based Services Unit, as a Planning and Policy Development Specialist, and as a Social Services Supervisor and Social Services Case Manager with Fulton County DFCS. Her experience also includes serving as Director of the Tennessee State University Center on Aging and as an Associate Professor of the Mid-Tennessee Collaborative Master of Social Work (MTC-MSW) Program.

Dr. Cantey began her appointment as Director of Clayton County DFCS on Oct 1.

Lowndes and Brooks County DFCS:
Gail Finley was named as director for Lowndes and Brooks. Ms. Finley has been with the Division for 25 years. She started her career as a case manager for Adult Protective Services (APS) in Cook County then served as the lead Child Protective Services (CPS) investigator, supervisor then administrator in Lowndes County.

Ms. Finley holds a bachelor of arts degree in general studies with a concentration in sociology and psychology from Valdosta State University. She also holds a master of theology degree from Liberty University.

Ms. Finley began her new role on Nov. 16.

Liberty and Long County DFCS:
LaToya Hunt was named director for Liberty and Long DFCS. Ms. Hunt has been with the Division since 2007 and currently serves as a District Manager (Regions 9 and 12) with the Special Investigations Unit. Previously she served as a supervisor for Fulton and Dekalb Counties and as an administrator with Gwinnett County DFCS. Ms. Hunt holds a bachelor’s degree in social work from Mississippi State University.  

Ms. Hunt began her new role on Dec. 1.

DFCS is responsible for the investigation of reports of child abuse; recruitment of foster homes for abused and neglected children; issuance of SNAP, Medicaid, TANF and childcare assistance to low-income families; assistance for out-of-work parents to help them get back on their feet as well as multiple support services and programs to help families in need.