Our team leans into the challenges of this beautiful, life-changing, and messy work.
We lean on each other for support, we look to each other for inspiration, and we work together to create a better world so all may live their best lives.
The Team
Executive Leadership
Nicole Coning
Chief Executive Officer
Pam Frye
Permanency and Adoptive Services Director
Keith Bailey
Training Director
Lillian Hampton
Foster Parent Training and Homestudy Director
Michelle Whaley
State Contracts Director
Rebecca
Lehmicke
Clinical Director
Andrea Knight
Administrative Director
Allison Douglas
Resource Center Manager
Alyssa Loy
Occupational Therapist
Nicole Coning, Chief Executive Officer, has over 23 years of experience in the child welfare field - specifically in the area of pre and post adoption support, family preparation for prospective foster and adoptive caregivers, and program development and administration. She also provides leadership as the Tennessee Site Implementation Manager for the Quality Improvement Center for Adoption and Guardianship Support (QIC-AG), a federally funded cooperative agreement sponsored by the Children’s Bureau. Nicole serves as a member of Harmony’s Executive Team; she has been with the agency since 2008. Most recently, Nicole served as the Director of the 2017 National Permanency Conference after previously leading the preparation and planning for the 2015 ASAP National Post-Adopt Conference.
Pam Frye joined Harmony in 2002 after 15 years of providing direct services and program management at a local community mental health center in Knoxville. She earned her Master’s degree in Counseling and Educational Psychology in 1995 from the University of Tennessee while working a full time job. With professional experience in mental health and the personal experience of being an adoptive parent, Pam brings a unique perspective to her work. In her role as Director of Permanency and Adoption Services, Pam enjoys supporting the work that we do by supporting the people who do the work. Pam oversees programs related to child permanency and foster and adoptive family assessment. Pam sees it as a privilege to be able to work directly with birth, adoptive, kinship caregivers, and foster families. Since 2010, Pam has been heavily involved with the implementation of clinical programing at Montvale.
Keith has served as the Training Director for Harmony Family Center since 2016 and has over 30 years of experience working with children and families. He has served children in residential treatment and foster care and has worked as a Consultant for the University of Tennessee’s Social Work Office of Research and Public Service, where he trained child welfare staff and foster parents, developed curricula, and offered technical support. He has trained and consulted across the U.S. and Canada as an independent consultant and on behalf of the Child Welfare League of America and the National Technical Assistance Center.
Keith earned a B.A. in Psychology from Tennessee Wesleyan College, an M.Div. from Duke University, and an M.S. in Child Development and Ph.D. in Human Ecology, with a concentration in Child and Family Studies, from the University of Tennessee. Additionally, he is a Professionally Certified Trainer for Therapeutic Crisis Intervention and is a Mentor for the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT) as well as a ChildTrauma Academy Fellow.
Lillian Hampton, BSW, 15 years experience in the child welfare field-in direct care, case management, and training. Lillian previously served as the Program Manager for Harmony’s Foster Parent Training West Region. Most recently, Lillian was invited to join the Executive Team as the Foster Parent Program Director in fall 2019 and now oversees Foster Parent Training and the Homestudy program.
Michelle received her Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Social Work from East Tennessee State University and is a Licensed Advanced Practice Social Worker. Her professional experience includes over 20 years of work with children and families in Tennessee. Michelle was trained in Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) in 2014 through Texas Christian University, and was certified as a TBRI Educator in 2015. She completed Circle of Security Parenting training in 2015 and is a registered Parenting Facilitator. Michelle recently completed the Child Trauma Academy’s Phase II Certification in the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics and EMDR training. She was the former Clinical Manager of Harmony’s Adoption Support and Preservation Program prior to moving into the Family Preservation Director position.
Rebecca has worked with children and families throughout her life in different capacities from crisis intervention to children’s ministry, and now as the Clinical Development Director. She has an undergraduate degree in Child and Family Development from the University of Georgia and a graduate degree in Mental Health Counseling from Asbury Theological Seminary. She is licensed in the state of Tennessee as a professional counselor and has been trained in several modalities including NMT Phase I. She enjoys being outside, trying new restaurants, and all the Hallmark movies. She is married to Alex and has a daughter, Magnolia, and a 5lb dog, Bear.
Allison Cooke Douglas is the Resource Center Manager at Harmony Family in Knoxville, TN. She has been a teacher and trainer for over a decade; starting her career as a Montessori trained early childhood educator. After becoming a foster parent and seeing the need for trainers with lived experience, Allison become the lead training specialist in Knox County, TN facilitating Parents as Tender Healers (PATH) classes for prospective foster parents. She has been president of the Knox County Foster Care Association, regional representative to the Tennessee Foster and Adoptive Care Association, team member on a Breakthrough Series Collaborative project focusing on trauma assessment and treatment for children under 4 and is a trainer for Tennessee’s Building Strong Brains: ACEs Initiative. Allison is certified in The Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics Phases I and II, as well as in the Neurosequential Model in Education. She loves presenting at conferences and workshops and supporting children and families healing from trauma. Allison and her husband Jonathan are grateful to share their lives with their four children, adopted via foster care.
Andrea has over 25 years of progressive Human Resources experience. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administrative from Chadwick University in Birmingham, AL. She was a 2017 member of Leadership Blount, serves as Board Member on the Blount County Chamber of Commerce where she also leads the HR Focus Group. Andi previously served as Secretary and Executive Team member for Family Promise of Blount County, Director of Programs and Diversity for the Tennessee Valley Human Resources Association (TVHRA), Blount County Education Foundation, Coulter Grove Intermediate School PTO, United Way of Blount County Allocation Panel, and Habitat for Humanity of Blount County.
Alyssa joined the team in 2022 to provide occupational therapy at Harmony's Therapeutic Services office. She graduated from Western Michigan University in 2017 with a Masters in Occupational Therapy, and received her bachelors degree in Interdisciplinary Health Services. Alyssa has over 3 years of experience working as a licensed OT working with pediatrics in an outpatient setting. She moved to Tennessee while completing her field work in the Knoxville area, and currently resides in Maryville with her husband and little boy.
Alyssa Sparks
FOCUS Regional Case Coordinator
Alyssa has an MSSW from University of Tennessee Knoxville. Before moving to Harmony in February of 2020, she provided counseling to children involved in the foster care system as well as worked with families to reunite with children. Alyssa has a strong passion for helping children reach permanency.
Amanda Chagnon
FOCUS - East/Smoky/Knox
Amanda Chagnon is a Regional Case Coordinator for Harmony’s FOCUS program. She provides services to the Knox, Smoky and East Regions. She has been with Harmony since 2014. Amanda received her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee, majoring in Sociology and Psychology. Prior to joining Harmony, Amanda worked for the TN Department of Children’s Services (2003-2014). Her expertise is working with full guardianship youth and foster/adoptive parents. While at DCS, she finalized over 500 adoptions. Amanda’s other professional experience includes: working as placement specialist, teaching PATH and writing home studies. She sits on a variety of professional panels, projects and workgroups re: adoption and permanency. Amanda is proud mother, who is heavily involved in her community.
Amanda Felts
Statewide Foster Parent Trainer
Amanda Felts lives in Dickson, Tennessee with her husband and son. She has 10 years of experience working with children and families. She received her Bachelor of Social Work degree from Austin Peay State University and has been training foster parents since 2016. Her previous experience includes case management with foster children and birth families, foster parent recruitment, and home study writing for the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services and other agencies. Amanda joined the Harmony family in January 2020.
Caroline Murphy
Individual and Family Therapist
Caroline Murphy, LPC-MHSP, earned her BS in Psychology at the University of Georgia and her MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of North Georgia. Upon graduating, Caroline spent a year working at a ranch in Colorado that provided teens with experiential learning opportunities, such as riding horses, hiking and going on college visits. Originally from Atlanta, GA, Caroline started her counseling career in Knoxville providing intensive in- home services to children and their families. Caroline’s passion for many years has been to share the therapeutic power of horses, animals and nature with others, and was PATH certified as a therapeutic riding instructor in 2011. Caroline joined Harmony in 2020 after visiting Camp Montvale for a training and realizing that her dream to practice equine assisted therapy could become a reality. Caroline has training in EMDR, TF-CBT, SMART, and is Natural Lifemanship Level 1 trained.
Charlotte Coffer
Receptionist
Charlotte Coffer is a Knoxville native and UT graduate with a B.S. in Communications Broadcasting. Before joining Harmony Family Center, she was the Event Marketing Manager at Scripps Networks Interactive for close to 20 years. In her free time Charlotte enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, shopping, listening to music and working on various home projects.
David Bracey
FOCUS - South Central
David Bracey, BA, is a Regional Case Coordinator for FOCUS in the South Central Region of Tennessee. He received his Bachelor’s degree from Martin Methodist College. David has 20 plus years experience in the social work field. His experience consists of residential programs, therapeutic foster care, and specializing in adoptions.
Deborah Dial
Home Study Program Manager - East Tennessee
Deborah is the Home Study Program Manager for the Eastern side of Tennessee. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Education/Human Services from the University of Tennessee. Prior to joining the Harmony team, Deborah worked for the Department of Children’s services (2003 -2021) as a foster care case manager, foster parent support case manager, and foster parent support team leader. Deborah is certified in the POPS (Profile of Parenting Study) home study method and is a certified Child and Family Service Review reviewer. Deborah is an active member in her community and served 5 years as the chairperson for the Family Advisory Council at East Tennessee Children’s Hospital.
Elissa Farrar
ASAP Family Therapist
Elissa first joined the Harmony team in fall 2019 as the Animal Assisted Therapy Intern, and now serves as an ASAP Family Therapist. She graduated from Harding University with a B.S. in Psychology and from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville with a M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Elissa's previous professional experience includes providing counseling services to kids, adolescents, and young adults.
Emilee Headrick
Strategic Planning and Evaluation Manager
Emilee has served at Harmony since 2015 in a variety of roles including Montvale grounds support and two years with the ASAP program. She now works as the Strategic Planning and Evaluation Coordinator. She also manages the internship program and assists the Board of Directors and Executive Team with administrative responsibilities. Emilee holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Tennessee Tech University and a Master’s in Social Work from The University of Tennessee.
Franny Alexander
Resource Center Coordinator
Franny Alexander has been an adoptive and foster mother for over 10 years. She currently serves as support to the Resource Center and FOCUS programs. Additionally, Franny facilitates and leads the FUSE parent support groups in the East Tennessee area. Franny is certified as an Educational Advocate.
Hannah Grisham
ASAP Family Therapist
Hannah Grisham, M.Ed, is a Family Therapist with Harmony’s Adoption Support and Preservation program. Hannah received her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Mississippi State University and her Master’s degree in Counselor Education from the University of Mississippi. She has experience working with children and adolescents in a school-based setting and in a training clinic that specialized in Play Therapy.
Hannah Lozano
Executive Coordinator
Hannah Lozano, MSW began her journey with Harmony as a graduate student intern in 2020 before officially joining the team as Executive Coordinator in 2021. She works directly with the Strategic Planning & Evaluation Manager and provides support to the CEO in tasks related to strategy, capacity building, communication, and reporting. She earned her Bachelor’s in Psychology from St. Edward’s University in Austin, Texas and her Master’s in Social Work from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, with a concentration in Organizational Leadership and a certificate in Trauma Treatment. She has experience in policy analysis with the Texas and Tennessee state legislatures and previously worked in social science research, focusing on community trauma, maternal mental health, and child emotion regulation. She is an alumna of the Council on Social Work Education and Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration Master’s Minority Fellowship Program. She is originally from Houston, Texas.
Heather Butcher
FOCUS Program Manager
Heather is the FOCUS Program Manager, serving clients throughout Tennessee. She received her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee. Heather has over 20 years of experience in the field of adoption and foster care. Her previous work experience includes the Department of Children’s Services where she was employed as a Child Protective Services Assessment worker as well as front line staff in a boy’s juvenile delinquent group home. Prior to coming to Harmony, Heather served as a Resource/Adoption Coordinator for Omni Visions, specializing in therapeutic foster care and special needs adoptions. Heather is certified in the POPS (Profile of Parenting Study) home study method and is also one of Harmony’s certified trainers on the ropes course & climbing wall. Heather is an active member of the Southeast Tennessee Alliance for Children and Families (SETACF) in the Tennessee Valley DCS region.
Holly Smith
FOCUS Permanency Specialist
Holly graduated with her undergraduate degree from Tennessee Tech University with a Human Ecology degree and a concentration of Child Development and Family Relations. She has worked in the foster care system since graduating from TTU in 2015. Holly returned to school to obtain her Masters in Social Work and graduated from University of Tennessee in 2019. Throughout her career, she has worked in preventative services, therapeutic foster care, and as an Adoption Specialist. Holly joined the Harmony Team in January of 2020 as a FOCUS Permanency Specialist. Outside of work, she enjoys being able to spend her time in the outdoors, traveling, and visiting her family in East TN.
Jahna Golly
ASAP Family Therapist
Jahna is originally from southwest Florida. She earned her Master’s degree in Clinical Counseling Psychology at Evangel University, in Missouri. Her educational and clinical background focused on children, specifically from hard upbringings. Jahna's clinical work is focused on foster care, adoption and trauma related challenges. She has a therapy dog in training named Barley June. Outside of work, Jahna enjoys spending time with her nephews, going to church, and being creative!
Jamaiya Luttrell
FOCUS Regional Case Coordinator
Jamaiya Luttrell is a Regional Case Coordinator for Harmony’s FOCUS program. She provides services to the Smoky Mountain Region. Jamaiya received her BSSW from Lincoln Memorial University in 2015. Jamaiya has experience with residential programs, therapeutic foster care, and was cross-trained for the TN Department of Children’s Services as their floating case manager. Outside of work, Jamaiya enjoys spoiling her two fur babies, learning about astrology, and traveling.
Jennifer West
FOCUS - East/Smoky/Knox
Jennifer West, MA, is a Regional Case Coordinator in the East Region for the FOCUS program. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English Literature at Maryville College and a master’s degree in Counseling at the University of Montana. Her professional experience ranges from coordinating campus volunteer programs to serving as a bereavement counselor with hospice programs.
Jimmy Lane
Montvale Property Coordinator
Jimmy Lane is the Property Coordinator at Harmony Family Center's Camp Montvale. Jimmy grew up in Louisville, TN and currently resides in Maryville. He has a diverse array of experience in Farming, Horticulture and Residential Construction and Maintenance. While not working, he enjoys his time spent with family, friends, mission work as well as several outdoor activities such as camping, hiking and jeeping.
John McGlothin
ASAP Family Therapist
John graduated from Richmont Graduate University in 2016 and has been working in the counseling field since 2015. Prior to starting at Harmony in early 2019, he spent much of his clinical experience in mandated treatment working with juveniles, substance abusers, and sex offenders. He sat with a number of hurting people who experienced significant loss in their own lives and had caused similar loss in the lives of the people around them. Through the Adoption Support and Preservation program, John is able to step into the generational cycle of hurt and work to interrupt similar patterns of pain from happening.
Judy Lewis
Statewide Foster Parent Trainer
Since 2001, Judy has worked with children and families through various case management and training positions with both DCS and a therapeutic foster care agency. She joined Harmony in 2016 on the Foster Parent Training team as the Foster Parent Trainer for the Northeast DCS region then moved into the role of Foster Parent Training Manager for the East Grand Region of Tennessee in July of 2017. She has a BA in Psychology from the University of Tennessee.
Kelly Braden
Compliance and Accountability Coordinator
Kelly Braden has been a part of the Harmony Team since 2007, where she serves as Coordinator in the Compliance and Accountability Program (CAP). Before joining the social work field in 1994, Kelly worked briefly as a court reporter and also spent several years in the banking industry. Her first role in social work was providing scribe services to therapists at a local mental health agency. This work initiated the passion of wanting to help children and families live their best lives. Away from work, Kelly enjoys spoiling her two bulldogs, spending time with family, and traveling.
Kim Bracken
Statewide Foster Parent Trainer
Kimberly Bracken has 20 years of experience working with children and families. She received her Bachelor of Social Work degree from Harding University and has been training foster parents since 2005. Her previous experience includes: developing curricula, Child Protective Services with the Arkansas Department of Children Services, working with at risk youth through the court system in White County, Arkansas, and providing developmental screenings on kids birth to age six in Southwest, Tennessee. Kimberly is honored to work with foster parents in West TN and desires to make a difference in the lives of children who come from hard places.
Kristi Kulesz
ASAP/GSAP Program Manager - East
Kristi grew up in Oak Ridge, TN and holds a LMSW with the state of Tennessee, earning her master’s degree in clinical social work in 2004 from UTK. Go Vols! She originally worked full-time with Harmony beginning in 2006 for over seven years in various programs and capacities including Adoption Support & Preservation (ASAP), Harmony Assessment Resource Team (HART), pre-adopt curriculum and family camp development, and Harmony’s leadership team. Kristi then worked as an independent contractor for Harmony in DCS and private home study programs. She rejoined the Harmony team full-time in January 2020, and now serves as the ASAP/GSAP Program Manager - East. Kristi has certification and training in several evidence-based clinical treatment models and is currently working towards certification in the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT) and LCSW licensure.
Lenna Allen
ASAP Family Therapist
Lenna received her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Social Work from the University of Central Florida. Her professional experience includes over 20 years of clinical experience working with a diverse range of children, adolescents, and adults experiencing issues related to trauma, attachment, adoption, and crisis situations. Lenna has been a Family Therapist within the Adoption Support and Preservation Program at Harmony Family Center for 12 years, providing a continuum of in-home services including psycho-education, support, and individual and family therapy.
Leslie Hale
FOCUS Northeast
Leslie Hale, BSW, is a Regional Case Coordinator for the FOCUS program in the Northeast Tennessee Region. Leslie earned her BSW at Lincoln Memorial University. Her work experience consists of over 22 years of experience in the child welfare field. She has worked in preventative services, therapeutic foster care, case management, trainer/recruiter for perspective foster/adoptive parents, and in adoption services.
Leslie Bowden Nack
Community Engagement Coordinator
Leslie Bowden Nack, Community Engagement Coordinator, holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing and public relations from the University of Tennessee. Leslie has spent her career in non-profit management and communications. Most recently, she worked on Harmony’s training team as a Foster Parent Trainer and is certified to train TN KEY and foster parent post-approval courses. Leslie and her husband, Andy, are parents to five; including four children by adoption, three of those via foster care. As an adoptive mother, Leslie has keen understanding for the importance of Harmony’s work across the state. She uses this expertise to communicate Harmony’s mission, raise awareness and serve families through parent coaching.
Lorie Krauss
FOCUS - Upper Cumberland
Lorie has over 20 years experience working in the child welfare system and holds a BS Degree in Sociology from Tennessee Tech University. As a birth child in a foster home at the age of 15, she experienced life with children in therapeutic foster care. After graduating, she went on to work with the Relative Caregiver Program, in DCS as an FSW, as a PATH Trainer and now as the Upper Cumberland FOCUS RCC for Harmony.
Marsha Sliker
Fiscal and Office Coordinator
Marsha Sliker has been with Harmony for 4 years and has been a part of non-profits involving children such as Boy Scouts of America, Family Promise of Blount County and Habitat for Humanity for over 15 years. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Carson Newman College and has more than 12 years of experience as an office manager and 10 years as a corporate accountant. Having been a previous foster parent she interacts with foster and adoptive families that she works with on a personal level.
Megan Ferryman
Marketing and Development Manager
Megan Ferryman earned a BBA from the University of Kentucky in Marketing and Management and minored in sociology. She was a part of the first cohort of Social Enterprise Scholars, focused on creating positive change through entrepreneurship and business. Megan has previously served as one of Harmony's Therapeutic Riding Instructors, and is certified by the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) International. Currently, she serves as the Marketing and Development Manager and is responsible for overseeing the branding and content of the organization.
Miranda Mitchell
ASAP Family Therapist
Miranda Mitchell earned a BSW and MSW from ETSU with a focus in family therapy. She has worked with children and families in one capacity or another of 10 years. Miranda has been with Harmony since July 2017 and serves as a Family Therapist and Adoption Preparation and Guardianship trainer in the Northeast Region.
Nicholas Owens
Statewide Foster Parent Trainer
Nicholas received his Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Liberty University and pursued his Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University. He has worked with children from the state since 2011 with roles such as houseparent, campus supervisor, and family specialist. In 2017, he came to Harmony to become the East Foster Parent Trainer. Nicholas loves being part of the Harmony team and feel blessed to work with foster parents and help them as they provide for children. He currently resides in Knoxville with his wife and enjoys traveling and exploring nature.
Nicole Pillar
ASAP Family Therapist
Nicole Pillar obtained a Master’s degrees in Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology from Lewis University Romeoville, Illinois. Her previous professional experience includes working as a therapist for adolescents in residential, group homes, and high risk children and families. She is trained Therapist in Theraplay, EMDR and ARC. Nicole currently serves as a Family Therapist with the Adoption Support and Preservation program.
Odessa Krech
FOCUS Permanency Specialist
Odessa is originally from upstate New York but has called Tennessee home for over twenty years. She has a bachelor’s degree in Human Services from Medaille College and started a Master’s in Social Work at the University of Albany before relocating to Tennessee. Odessa worked for Mental Health Department for 15 years prior to moving to Tennessee and worked for 17 years with the Foster Parent Support in DCS Central Office until she retired in June, 2020. She has one son Jeremy who is 33 and a daughter in law, Melissa, who live in Murfreesboro. Odessa hopes to be with Harmony until her next retirement in a few years. She is presently working with the FOCUS Permanency Team specializing in Subsidized Permanent Guardianship.
Rachael Rathe
FOCUS Regional Case Coordinator
Rachael is an East Tennessee native that graduated in 2013 from The University of Tennessee Knoxville. Rachael was inspired to work in foster care after working with children and teens as a volunteer from 2008 to 2013. Rachael's ideal self-care day involves snuggling on a couch with her kitties (Tabitha, Fergus, and Rufus) while enjoying a good movie or book. She also enjoys galavanting around conventions concerning all things nerd and geekery, camping, painting, and caring for her fish.
Robert Morgan
FOCUS Recruitment Videographer
Robert Morgan, BFA, MDIV, is responsible for Video Productions for the FOCUS Program and agency at large. He received a Baccalaureate from Texas Christian University in Radio/TV/Film and a Master’s of Divinity from Vanderbilt University as well as a diversity of experience in human services ranging from hospital chaplaincy to community mental health.
Sarah Jolly
FOCUS Permanency Manager
Sarah received her Bachelor’s of Social Work Degree from Western Kentucky University in 2009. Her previous work experience includes managing therapeutic foster care and independent living programs for 3 ½ years in Kentucky before relocating to Tennessee. She then worked at the Department of Children’s Services for 4 ½ years as a Family Service Worker and Permanency Specialist before joining the Harmony family part-time in 2018 and transitioning to full time in 2020. Sarah and her husband of 10 years and I have 3 young children who keep their lives interesting.
Shannon Arrington
FOCUS Permanency Specialist
Shannon serves Harmony as a Permanency Specialist with the FOCUS program. She has a Bachelor's Degree Human Services from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and an M.Ed. Degree in Special Education from Vanderbilt University. Shannon is the proud mom of a son and daughter, both adopted.
Sinead Doherty
ASAP Family Therapist
Sinead graduated with a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and School Counseling, with a certificate in Grief, Trauma and Loss from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. She has training in child centered play therapy, EMDR, ARC, and holds Phase I NMT certification. Her research and clinical experiences have focused on children with incarcerated parents, the juvenile justice system, and children who have experienced trauma, working in both clinical and school settings.
Stephanie Haun
Regional Case Coordinator
Stephanie joined Harmony in 2021 as a Regional Case Coordinator with the FOCUS program, primarily serving the Knox Region. She spent 14 years as a Family Service Worker / Supervisor with the Department of Children’s Services working with children in foster care and is passionate about finding permanency for children and youth. Stephanie has a BA in Psychology from the University of Tennessee. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, reading, furniture remodeling, and musical theater.
Steve Gellinger
Fiscal Director
Steve Gellinger is the Fiscal Director and Accounting Coordinator at Harmony. Steve joined Harmony in 2008, and is responsible for managing and maintaining everyday financial accountability and oversight to the agency, working closely with the CEO and Program Directors. Steve maintains current, up-to-date, and accurate financial reporting and budgets, including the general ledger, payroll, accounts receivable and accounts payable functions. He is responsible for preparing for and engaging in fiscal audits conducted by outside auditors as well as submitting monthly and quarterly state and federal financial reports. Prior to Harmony, from 1992 to 2007, Steve was the accountant for multiple companies within the grove operations of a large citrus company in Florida, where he worked closely with the CFO and President. Steve has a Bachelors Degree in Accounting.
Talia Duncan
Statewide Foster Parent Trainer
After graduating from Carson-Newman University in December 2013, Talia worked in adult mental health and taught parenting and anger management classes. She later worked as a care coordinator working in home with foster children before becoming the organization's licensing and recruitment administrator. Through this work, she found her love for training and began working at Harmony in August of 2017.
Tekoa Penrose
FOCUS Case Coordinator
Tekoa graduated from Southern Adventist University with both her Bachelors and Masters in Social Work. Prior to working at Harmony, she was a supervisor at an outpatient mental health facility. Before that she worked for a therapeutic foster care agency for 7 years in different capacities from case manager to Team Lead. She also has experience working with incarcerated juveniles providing CBT and DBT. Tekoa has a passion for adoption and finding forever families!
Timitra Nelson
FOCUS Permanency Specialist
Timitra Nelson joined the Harmony team in January 2020 as a FOCUS Permanency Specialist. She holds a B.S. in Psychology and has worked in the field of mental health and foster care for 20 years. Timitra has a passion for children and youth and enjoys the rewards of seeing them reach permanency.