STAFF
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.”
Babs Bell
LIFT Board secretary /
Owner of a fern and a feather
general store
“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.”
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.”
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.”
Marlin Gines, PE
Department Manager /
Burns & McDonnell
“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. “