LIFT Team - Lift Youth Center

Administrative 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.”

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

""Being able to provide support from behind the scenes for those who have such an impact on kids is such a honor."

Ringgold STAFF

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."

Houston Nance

Program 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."

Fort Oglethorpe STAFF

Anne Windham

Program Manager

"I believe places like LIFT are more essential than ever, providing a safe and empowering space for our youth to be seen, supported, and equipped to navigate today’s complex world with confidence and purpose."

Stephen Wakefield

Program Coordinator

“I have a heart and passion for helping young people feel seen and accepted and valued, and I’ve found that LIFT is filled with other people who are all driven to do the same! I’ve found my people.”

Courtney lewis

Support Coordinator

"I am so excited to see how LIFT will continue to meet the needs of the families we serve and am excited that I get to play a small role in such amazing work!"

board of directors

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.”

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.”

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.”

Sherry Vaughn, MSW

LIFT Board Secretary /

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.”

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.”

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.”

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. “

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.”