Dianne Callahan
Development Director
Dianne’s first career was Cummins Filtration; her second career, and the one she just retired from, was the Cookeville-Putnam County Chamber of Commerce. She appreciated and was thankful for the two very different careers, but she knew there was a job she would enjoy even more. As a young girl growing up in Monterey and attending Monterey’s First Baptist Church, she felt a calling to serve those in need. Heart of the Cumberland was a stand-out ministry to her because grief is painful, and grief is universal. Dianne was able to witness Heart of the Cumberland’s mission in action when she volunteered to be a co-facilitator for a mom’s support group in the fall of 2020. She knew from that special experience she wanted to continue to serve in this ministry.
Dianne was hired as Development Director in February 2021. Her prior position as the Chamber’s Member Development VP prepared her for this new role. Her goals are to raise awareness of Heart of the Cumberland and to recruit more volunteers. More volunteers enable us to serve more children, teens, and adults through their grief journeys.
The most special things in Dianne’s life are her relationships. First, of course, is God and then family and friends. A great day for Dianne is to be with her loved ones no matter what the activity – just being together is a blessing. She loves to work and considers co-workers her family, too. She believes God certainly saved the best for last when she was blessed with the opportunity to be part of this ministry.
Kim Mendoza
Program Manager - COMMUNITY GROUPS
Through the prompting of a precious Heart of the Cumberland volunteer (Carol Rashke), Kim was invited to initially join the Heart of the Cumberland team in June of 2012. She worked as Administrative Assistant and then as Donor Relations Manager until December 2014. While recovering from bilateral knee replacement surgery, it became apparent that Kim’s mother was beginning to need more assistance. Along with her family, they decided to become the full-time caregivers her mother needed due to a vascular dementia diagnosis. Several months after heaven became her mother’s home, the door opened for Kim to return to Heart of the Cumberland in January 2019.
Kim and her husband, Lito, have two daughters. She enjoys cooking, spending time with her girls, and driving her husband around Center Hill Lake while he lake-surfs. Kim is a graduate of TTU, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management.
It is her honor to serve the people of the Upper Cumberland region as Program Manager for Heart of the Cumberland’s Christ-centered community groups.
MaKayla Ramsey
PROGRAM MANAGER - BEST GROUPS
God brought MaKayla to Heart of the Cumberland after the loss of her son. She attended one community group session and realized this was a ministry she was called to be a part of. She applied and was hired as the BEST Groups Program Manager in March of 2023.
MaKayla found hope in Christ that does not waver even after losing her son. She wants to offer that same hope to children who are grieving.
MaKayla is originally from Smithville, TN. She moved to Cookeville after meeting her husband at TN Tech and graduated in 2015 with her BA in Psychology. She and her husband have two children, one of which is in Heaven.
She has found much healing and restoration through the community groups, grief camp, and BEST Groups. She feels called to serve God in whatever way is needed for this amazing organization.
LACEY SMITH
Program Assistant - BEST GROUPS
With a deep love for Jesus and a heart for children, Lacey brings both passion and purpose to her role at Heart of the Cumberland. She spent six years teaching elementary school, where she first witnessed the life changing impact of BEST Groups on her students. As both a participant - attending grief groups alongside her two sons - and a volunteer, she experienced firsthand the healing and joy the BEST Groups can bring.
God led her to Heart of the Cumberland to serve in a greater way, and she is excited to pour into the lives of children and families through this ministry. She is devoted to walking alongside others in their grief journeys, offering hope and encouragement through her faith and personal experience.
Lacey is married and a proud mother of two boys. Her life is centered around faith, family, and helping children grow emotionally, spiritually, and relationally.
Tammy Wilson
Executive Director
Tammy originally became involved with Heart of the Cumberland in 2012 by serving as treasurer on the Board of Directors. Her years of service with Heart of the Cumberland, along with her financial and non-profit experience led her to the position of Executive Director in 2019. Tammy’s desire to be in service to others keeps her focused on the mission of Heart of the Cumberland.
Tammy enjoys gardening and being outside in nature. She and her husband, Chris, have one daughter.
Heart of The Cumberland Board Members
Front Row (LR): Nancy Flatt (Secretary), Jill Horner, Sissy Vick (Treasurer), Jeanette Crawford
Back Row (LR) Tony Michael, D.K. Hall, John Rust (Chairman), Jimmy Davis, Tommy Hann (Vice Chairman)
Journey of hope tn advisory committee
Journey of Hope TN Advisory Committee - left to right, Nancy Flatt, Tammy Wilson, Monica Walker, Molly Cornwell, Paula King, Mae Fowler, Sissy Vick.
