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.
Katey Mishler – Development Director
Katey Mishler is a dynamic advocate with a profound commitment to positive change. As a proud Third Culture Kid (TCK), Katey was raised in SE Asia and spent her growing up years participating in community non-profit work in the developing world. Katey has navigated diverse cultures throughout her life, bringing a unique perspective to her role. Prior to joining United Way, Katey served as Executive Administrative Coordinator, Advocacy Coordinator and Donor Relations Manager at MedGlobal, a global 501c3 medical humanitarian relief organization, utilizing her skills to provide critical assistance in areas affected by war and crises in 11 countries. Her experiences have honed her community collaborative skills, allowing her to seamlessly integrate into environments and respond quickly to community needs. In addition, Katey looks forward to her donor relations role with United Way, having successfully cultivated meaningful relationships with supporters in her previous roles. Katey leverages her talents to support initiatives that aid our local communities, foster unity, and enhance donor engagement. Katey‘s journey as a TCK, coupled with her background in non-profit humanitarian relief, underscores her dedication to addressing the unique needs our communities are facing.
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.
Tammy Warren – Mobility Mentor
Tammy has lived in Oak Ridge since 2014. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Services Management and a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling. With 17 years background, Tammy has dedicated her career to working with children and families in foster care and residential programs. She is enthusiastic about using her experience to support individuals and families in her own community. Beyond her professional endeavors, Tammy is actively engaged in various activities within her church community. She cherishes moments spent with her husband, extended family, and their three beloved dogs.
Lori Wilson – Office Administrator
Lori is a proud native of Cincinnati, Ohio where she received a degree in Paralegal Studies from the University of Cincinnati. She also received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Master of Science in Nonprofit Leadership and Management from Walden University. Lori has a diverse professional background that includes over 15 years working in the legal field. She also has several years experience in the nonprofit sector working as an executive assistant, volunteering in her community and serving in her church. A majority of her career has been owning and operating a small business designing wedding flowers in the Cincinnati and Knoxville areas. Lori is passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of those she serves in her community. She loves spending time with family, traveling to tropical destinations, flower gardening, swimming, and is an extreme nature enthusiast.
