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."

Tonita Stickney

Office
Manager

Elizabeth Mackler

PROGRAM
ASSISTANT

Kim Jones

Front
Desk Clerk

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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Sherry Vaughn, MSW

LIFT BOARD Vice President /

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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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 /

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-web

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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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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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.”

John Francis BW

John Francis, MSSW

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.”