A Community Devoted To Ensuring That No Child Is Left Behind Or Overlooked
Waymark is a community committed to seeing, supporting, and standing beside youth in foster care, because no child should feel forgotten. Too many young people in the foster system face instability, isolation, and an uncertain future. We’re here to show them another way their story can end.
Why Do We Do What We Do? It’s Simple:
Every Child Should Know They Are Important, Valued, and Loved
Moved By God’s Love,
Called To Serve
At Waymark, our passion for youth in foster care is rooted in God’s unwavering love. We believe every child is created with purpose, immeasurable worth, and a future filled with hope.
Because of this, we are called to step into their lives, walk alongside them, and be a reflection of Christ’s love, offering stability, encouragement, and belonging to those who need it most.
We love because He first loved us. (1 John 4:19)
Every child deserves to be seen, known, and loved.
Our mission is to be the hands and feet of Jesus to youth in foster care.
Our Story
Waymark began in 2008 when founder, Tasha Whitener, along with a dedicated team, launched the first Royal Family KIDS Camp in Woodstock, GA, serving 28 children in foster care. Inspired by her work as a CPS caseworker and church leader, Tasha and her husband, Doug, felt called to do more.


Realizing that a single summer camp wasn’t enough, they expanded their efforts to offer year-round support. In 2009, they founded a nonprofit (originally named Kids Cubed) to provide mentoring, life and job skills training, and other programs to help youth in foster care thrive.


Over the years, their work continued to expand to include teen camps, life and job skills training, trauma-informed training, and mentorship programs. In 2018, the organization rebranded as Waymark, a name that better reflects their mission to guide youth toward hope, healing, and a brighter future.


Today, Waymark serves over 800 youth each year through camps, mentoring, training, and family support, all grounded in the life-changing hope found in Christ.
How Waymark Helps To Build A Brighter Future
Connect
Meaningful Relationships that Last
We build lasting connections through mentors, peers, and trusted adults, ensuring no child faces life alone.
Equip
Preparing for a Successful Future
We provide life skills, career readiness, and hands-on learning to prepare youth in foster care for adulthood.
Support
A Lifeline Through Every Challenge
With trauma-informed care, licensed counselors, and vital resources, we offer stability through every obstacle.
Passionate Hearts, United for Change
Meet the Team Behind the Mission
Tasha Whitener
Founder & Executive Director of Waymark
Tasha leads our programs and staff with a heart for empowering youth in foster care. Her vision has created and expanded initiatives that build life skills and lasting connections. Tasha is passionate about equipping people to make a meaningful difference in the lives of these incredible young people.
Doug Whitener
Co-Founder & Director of Development
Doug oversees fundraising, donor engagement, and community partnerships. Through strategic development, events, and meaningful relationships, he broadens the organization’s impact. His work creates opportunities for others to support the mission of Waymark.
Christee Franklin
Director of Program Operations
Christee brings years of experience teaching, organizing, and supporting church and community programs to her role. She is passionate about the organization’s mission and dedicated to creating lasting impact in the lives of children and families.
Angel Mahr
Director of Community4Youth
Angel recruits, trains, and equips mentors to lead Compass Groups that support over 170+ youth in foster care across Atlanta. She is passionate about helping vulnerable youth discover their God-given purpose and value.
Amber Way, MA, APC, NCC
Director of Clinical Support & Volunteer Training
Amber is a Clinical Mental Health Counselor with over 15 years of experience in the nonprofit sector of supporting youth in foster care impacted by childhood trauma. She equips volunteers and youth with the resources & relationships needed to thrive.
Peyton Whitener
Director of Teen Programs & Community Engagement
Peyton brings over a decade of firsthand camp and ministry experience and a heart for serving youth in foster care. He is committed to equipping teens with tools for growth while fostering meaningful community connections to make it all possible.
Julie Welborn
Royal Family KIDS Camp Program Director
Julie has years of experience in children’s ministry. She leads volunteer training and camp programming to create life-changing moments for kids in foster care. Her therapy dog, Willie, also brings comfort and joy to Waymark events.
Mollie Huebner
Marketing & Messaging Coordinator
Mollie shares stories of hope and transformation to spread awareness and inspire involvement. Blending creativity and purpose, she supports Waymark’s mission of giving hope and a brighter future to vulnerable youth.
Kate Mickler
Program Intern
Kate is passionate about helping young people grow in their faith. She supports our youth events, mentorship programs, and Royal Journey Camp, while pursuing a deeper calling to serve the next generation.
Interested In Partnering With Our Ministry?
Invite Us To Come Share With Your Group
We love sharing our mission with churches, community groups, clubs, and organizations that want to make a difference. Invite us to speak and learn how your group can be part of bringing hope to youth in foster care.
Whether through volunteering, giving, or advocacy, there’s a place for everyone to get involved. Let’s partner together to change lives!
Board of Directors
Waymark’s Board of Directors is a team of passionate leaders who guide our mission with wisdom and integrity. Their diverse expertise helps ensure our programs are impactful, sustainable, and grounded in our values.
Advisory Board
Waymark’s Advisory Board is made up of trusted experts and community leaders who offer insight, support, and strategic guidance. Their experience helps us grow thoughtfully and stay focused on serving youth with excellence.
Alumni Advisory Board
Our Alumni Advisory Board is made up of individuals who have experienced Waymark’s programs firsthand. Their lives have been transformed, and now they’re using their voices, stories, and leadership to help shape our work and inspire others on a similar journey.
• Mary-Kate Burson - Chairman
• Christina Perez - Advisor
• Edward Tsui - Advisor
• Axyl Burch - Advisor
• J.C. Powers - Advisor
• Alex Byrom - Advisor
