STAFF

Tina Pinkston

Co-Founder
Executive Director

"I can't think of a more beautiful thing than loving a person who feels unlovable."

Chrissie Brown

Co-Founder
Marketing & Development Director

“Growing up as a latch key kid, I remember the feeling of isolation — I wish to provide a healthy alternative that fosters a feeling of belonging.”

Morgan Wright, MSW

Program Manager

"LIFT is a force for good in Catoosa County and I am excited to be a part of such a loving and positive center that is empowering students."

Taitlyn Chesser

Program Coordinator

"Adolescence is the time to discover and begin to develop into the person you hope to become. I am honored to be part of a place fostering this type of growth in each of our students."

Houston Nance

Support Coordinator

"Adolescence and young adulthood is a vast ocean; Difficult to navigate, frightening, and constantly shifting with the tides. I, along with LIFT as a whole, aim to be the lighthouse that may guide our youth through it all."

Heather Tate, MA

Development
Manager

"To hear the happiness in LIFT students' voices each afternoon makes my heart sing! LIFT creates a lasting impact on everyone who comes through the door. The work is purposeful, and that is important to me!"

Tonita Stickney

Office
Manager

Kim Jones

Front
Desk Clerk

Jora Burnett

Program
Assistant

Aiyana Loher

Program
Intern

board of directors

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Brandon Bell, MJA

LIFT BOARD President /          

Chief Law Enforcement Officer /          

Adjunct College Professor

“As a public safety professional I see many youth who are at a disadvantage and need LIFT to help mitigate their challenges.”

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John Francis, MSSW

LIFT Board Vice President /

Retired Executive Director

“‘When you help a child today, you write the history of tomorrow.’ LIFT’s legacy will, in part, be in writing the history of our community.”

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tammy thatcher

LIFT Board Treasurer /

high school teacher

“Yes, my students need help with school work, but if they found that help in a safe place full of love and support, so much more than grades would improve.”

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Babs Bell

LIFT Board secretary /

Entrepreneur

“Suicide is a real and scary issue for those who struggle to find happiness — I want to offer a light of hope to the younger generation.”

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Jessie Thornton

Owner and Founder         

Jessie Thornton’s         

United Karate Studio, Inc.

“I think LIFT’s mission speaks mostly of acceptance. It is inclusive and offers hope.”

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Sherry Vaughn, MSW

Masters in social work / 

Yoga instructor

“Being a mother of a son on the autism spectrum with severe anxiety, I know a youth center will help him and others feel accepted, find friends and have a place to go.”

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Marlin Gines, PE

Power Delivery
Engineering Manager /
Tetra Tech

“If we can identify the challenges and problems facing today’s youth yet offer no possible solutions, then we are part of the problem. I believe that LIFT provides a viable solution to help address some of the challenges facing today’s youth in a safe space.”

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Melody Nichols

Retired educator /

Former cea president

“After retiring from the public school system, LIFT has given me the opportunity to remain involved with our greatest asset, our young people. “

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Alayna Best

Program Officer /

McKenzie Foundation

“LIFT meets a vital need in our community for teens and young adults. By providing a space for these students to show up confidently and authentically, LIFT is creating young leaders and building a better collective future.”

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