Jacqlyn Atkins was born and raised in Ypsilanti, Michigan. She completed her undergraduate education at Michigan State University and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology. While attending Michigan State, Jacqlyn had her first exposure to Montessori education as she served as the aftercare coordinator at Stepping Stones Montessori in East Lansing, Michigan for two years. Shortly after graduating from Michigan State, Jacqlyn moved to North Carolina to pursue a graduate education and earn a master’s in public health from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG).
Jacqlyn has more than twelve years of experience in the field of Public Health and has worked in a variety of public health sectors. Jacqlyn is currently the Program Manager for National Partnerships and Strategic Alliances with the American Heart Association. Jacqlyn became a MCHES (Masters Certified Health Education Specialist) certified professional through NCHEC (National Commission for Health Education Credentialing) in 2018. Jacqlyn has a passion for all things public health, specifically transformation of communities and health systems, and work focused on minority and underserved populations that lead to the elimination of health disparities and achieving health equity.
Jacqlyn is married to Daryl Atkins, a native of Camden, South Carolina. Daryl is a Mechanical Engineer who serves as a Military Program Manager at FN America in Columbia, South Carolina. Together they have two children (Taylor and Kensley). Taylor began attending MSC in in August of 2021, and Jacqlyn and Daryl look forward to Kensley attending as well. Jacqlyn loves to spend her free time with family, as well as reading, traveling, cooking, and boating!