Thank you for sharing this additional information about Lesley! I'll integrate her credentials as a USA Weightlifting Coach and her event curation experience in the east Atlanta metro area into the "About Us" section.

The Visionaries Behind R2Sustain

A Destined Partnership

What began in the choir stands and youth groups of Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Woodlawn, Ohio has evolved into a powerful collaboration dedicated to healing and transformation. Despite the years between them, Denell and Lesley's paths were destined to reconnect when they both eventually made Atlanta their home. A chance encounter at Whole Foods in Snellville reignited their connection, and when Denell approached Lesley about creating a business plan for what would become R2Sustain, their complementary strengths and shared vision aligned perfectly.

Meet Our Leadership

Denell, our founder and visionary, brings her expertise as a Registered Nurse specializing in behavioral health and an ordained Reverend of Spiritual Consciousness (May 2024) to R2Sustain. Her educational foundation includes degrees from Tuskegee University (B.S.) and Georgia State University (M.Ed.), creating a powerful blend of academic knowledge and practical expertise. As a gifted musical artist and poet, Denell creates multidimensional healing experiences that touch mind, body, and spirit.

Lesley Henderson-Sanders, our Executive Director, brings over 15 years of dynamic business experience to R2Sustain. As the CEO of Seven21 Designs, she has helped countless clients transform ideas into thriving enterprises. Her impressive background includes a decade in the multi-family housing industry where she managed over 1,500 properties and consistently increased company Net Operations Income by 3% month-over-month.

Lesley is also the Founder, President, and Board Member of Melanin Fitness Nation, and a certified USA Weightlifting Coach, bringing professional fitness expertise to our wellness initiatives. An accomplished event curator throughout Covington, Conyers, Lithonia, Lawrenceville, Snellville, and Loganville, she has deep connections throughout the east Atlanta metro area and a proven ability to create meaningful community experiences.

Lesley attended Alabama State University and later transferred to Auburn University Montgomery, Lesley is a published author of poetry, with her work featured in regional press including Voyage ATL. Her exceptional skills in marketing, branding, event planning, and business development ensure that R2Sustain's message of healing and transformation reaches those who need it most across metro Atlanta.

United in Purpose

While both have achieved significant individual success, Denell and Lesley's collaboration at R2Sustain represents a perfect alignment of purpose and passion. Their shared history—beginning in Cincinnati and reuniting in Atlanta—creates a foundation of authentic connection that extends to every participant in the R2Sustain experience.

Together, they've built more than a wellness organization; they've created a movement dedicated to helping Atlanta adults navigate life's challenges with grace, authenticity, and renewed purpose. Their complementary strengths create a holistic approach to healing that addresses the full spectrum of human needs—emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual.

The story of R2Sustain continues to unfold—with each participant writing their own chapter of healing and transformation.