Ada Hernández-Bell – Executive Director
Ada brings nearly two decades of dedicated service within the non-profit sector here in East Tennessee. With a degree in Psychology from King College, Ada’s journey has spanned from hands-on engagement with at-risk children and families to creating trauma informed training protocols and compliance measures for foster parents. Ada has served as Executive Director of CASA of East Tennessee and as the program writer and launcher of A Loving Option Adoption, a program under Catholic Charities of East Tennessee. Beyond her professional endeavors, Ada is actively invested in community non-profits as Chair of the Peace Committee for the Downtown Knoxville Rotary, mediating family disputes as a Volunteer Family Mediator at the Community Mediation Center, and advancing fundraising practices, support, and continuing education as President of the Great Smoky Mountain Association of Fundraising Professionals.
Nicole Campbell – Resource Development & Outreach Director
With a long history of volunteerism, Nicole began her professional career in social services with the State of Florida, where she provided education and care coordination for pregnant women and families with young children. She later developed a vocational rehabilitation program for individuals in recovery at a halfway house, where she also served as the women’s counselor. Since moving to Tennessee in 2006, Nicole previously worked with Catholic Charities of East Tennessee, focusing on housing needs for seniors and respite for caregivers, while also managing several volunteer initiatives and the annual Angel Tree program. Nicole’s recent experience in the for-profit sector, specializing in business growth/development and partner success for companies nationwide, fuels her passion for relationship-building in her current role at United Way. Outside of work, Nicole enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, is actively involved in her church, and is a dedicated Tampa Bay sports fan.
Melinda Holder – Mobility Mentor
Melinda has been an East Tennessean since 2004 and is a graduate of The University of Tennessee with a degree in Child and Family Studies, Psychology, and Integrated Communications. Melinda has been an advocate for families affected by substance abuse disorder and foster care as well as helping to build community in Oak Ridge schools, serving on various boards the past six years. In addition to being a Mobility Mentor, she is a spiritual and recovery coach and supports her husband Matt who is the director of a local recovery ministry. As an advocate for substance abuse prevention and reducing stigma, Melinda serves as chair to the Metro Drug Community Coalition. She also serves her faith community as a commissioned Stephen Minister. Strength, perseverance, and hope are interwoven in her story and as a Mobility Mentor she finds it a privilege to help others experience the same. While Melinda loves to serve the community, the ones she loves to serve the most are her husband and three children.
Kate Kerekes – Office Administrator
Kate grew up in Oak Ridge, attended Oak Ridge High School, and graduated from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville with a B.S. in mathematics. She loves numbers, spreadsheets, and organization, and is thrilled to be able to put those loves to good use in running the office and assisting clients. Outside of the office, Kate enjoys time with her husband and three boys, and is the outreach administrator for her church. You may also see her around town as she runs with local running groups.