Step into the vibrant world of Marielle Lovecchio, the passionate Director of the Tennessee Alliance for Economic Mobility at the Martha O’Bryan Center. In her role, Marielle isn’t just leading the charge; she’s crafting a future where thriving communities and impactful change are the norm.

For Marielle, collective impact isn’t just a phrase; it’s a guiding principle. She believes that change happens when hearts, minds, and stories converge. It’s this belief that has driven her diverse career, from inspiring young minds in STEM to transforming libraries into community hubs. Whether it’s nurturing the next generation of scientists or advocating for holistic education, Marielle’s work sets the stage for a brighter tomorrow.

But beyond her inspiring endeavors, Marielle is all about life’s simple pleasures. Picture her surrounded by loved ones, savoring good food, listening to soul-stirring music, tending to her garden, and exploring the great outdoors through hikes.

In Marielle’s world, every moment is an opportunity to make a difference and savor life’s joys. Join her on this warm and inviting journey towards creating a world where families thrive, communities flourish, and positive change knows no bounds.

Meet Hector Cruz, the creative force driving change at the Tennessee Alliance for Economic Mobility. As our Communications Senior Manager, Hector infuses warmth and passion into our narratives, making them not just stories, but vibrant, heartfelt experiences.

Hector's journey to this role was marked by profound transformation. A life-altering accident propelled him into a quest for self-discovery, reshaping his outlook on life. Through this journey, photography emerged as his potent voice. He doesn’t just capture images; he captures the essence of emotions and the depth of stories, using his lens to paint powerful, resonant pictures.

At the heart of Hector’s work is a commitment to breaking barriers. His acclaimed photo series, “Project Breastfeeding,” isn’t just art; it’s a movement. This series not only earned international recognition but also challenged societal norms, advocating for an end to the stigma surrounding nursing infants and children.

Yet, Hector’s lens reaches beyond breastfeeding. He is a dedicated human rights activist, using his photography to chronicle the struggles of those facing profiling, discrimination, and disenfranchisement, both in the United States and abroad. Through his dedicated activism and role at TAEM, Hector continues to shine a light on injustices, inspiring change through his potent blend of communication and visual storytelling.

Join us in celebrating Hector – a compassionate visionary, and a catalyst for transformative stories. His warmth and dedication create ripples of change, making the world a more empathetic place, one photograph at a time.

Welcome to the heartwarming world of Erica Coure, the dedicated Childcare Navigation Specialist at the Tennessee Alliance for Economic Mobility, nestled within the caring community of the Martha O’Bryan Center. Erica’s role isn't just a job; it’s a heartfelt mission to ensure every child’s journey begins with a sturdy foundation.

Picture this: Erica is the friendly face behind the scenes, assisting County Resources Navigators and caregivers in their quest for the best childcare resources for their little ones, from the tender age of 6 weeks to school-aged children. But she doesn’t stop there. Erica dives deep into the intricacies, helping families secure financial assistance for these essential services. More than that, she’s a wellspring of knowledge, offering educational and developmental resources to nurture every child’s growth and education.

Why does Erica do it? Because she believes in the boundless potential of every child. To her, child development isn’t just a profession; it’s a passion. Every child, in her eyes, deserves a chance at a bright future anchored in a solid educational and developmental foundation. And it’s not just about the child—it’s about fostering healthy family support too. By connecting caregivers with top-notch resources and services, Erica sets families on the path to success, ensuring both the child and the entire family thrive.

In her vibrant career, Erica has been part of incredible programs, gaining invaluable experience and forging lasting relationships. And when she’s not busy researching, supporting families, and providing quality resources, Erica loves indulging in her favorite pastimes: shopping for treasures, getting lost in a good book, and cherishing moments with her beloved family.

Step into Erica’s world, where every child’s potential is celebrated, families are supported, and the warmth of community envelops you. Join her in building a future where every child’s dreams can take flight, one caring gesture at a time.

Meet Patricia (or Pat, as her friends fondly call her) Hale, the warm heart behind the numbers at the Tennessee Alliance for Economic Mobility, nestled within the Martha O’Bryan Center. As our Senior Finance Manager, Pat wears many hats with grace and expertise. She meticulously reviews and submits invoices and financial reports to the State of Tennessee, ensuring everything is just right. Her keen eye oversees the daily dance of accounting and budgeting processes, and she’s the guardian angel of financial grant compliance, making sure every penny finds its purpose.

But Pat’s role goes beyond the figures; it’s about passion and purpose. She adores the world of Accounting and Finance because here, she can unleash her problem-solving magic. It’s not just about crunching numbers; it’s about implementing solutions that spark the desired outcomes. Pat thrives on collaboration, cherishing the moments when different departments come together, sharing ideas, and crafting innovative solutions.

In her impressive career with the State Government, Pat managed a staggering 200 contracts with finesse, making crucial budget revisions and amendments as needed. Picture this: an annual program operation budget of $83 million, orchestrated seamlessly under her watchful gaze. It’s no surprise that she earned The Miller Award for her exceptional work with Nurses for Newborns of Tennessee, a testament to her outstanding dedication and contribution.

Beyond the world of finance, you’ll find Pat wrapped up in the pages of a good book, exploring the wonders of travel or cruising through Nashville on her trusty bike. She’s not just a Senior Finance Manager; she’s a native Nashvillian with a heart as big as her hometown. So, next time you see her, don’t hesitate to say hello. Pat is not just a number cruncher; she’s a warm, friendly soul ready to make a difference, one balanced budget at a time.

Meet Ain Ealey, the heart and soul behind the wellness and health initiatives at the Tennessee Alliance for Economic Mobility (TAEM), nestled within the warm embrace of the Martha O'Bryan Center. As our Lead Wellness and Health Navigation Specialist, Ain wears many hats, all with a focus on nurturing the well-being of our community.

In her role, Ain collaborates tirelessly at the county level, weaving connections and partnerships that create ripples of awareness about health and wellness services. She's not just a professional; she's a warm, guiding presence for TAEM families, linking them to essential resources with a caring touch. Through referrals to medical clinics, facilities, and community agencies, Ain ensures that families get the support they need.

Ain's passion is infectious; she sees social justice, health, and technology as powerful tools for building equitable societies where everyone thrives. Her dedication has been celebrated far and wide; she was even recognized as one of Atlanta's 30 under 30 nonprofit leaders. Currently, she's on a remarkable journey, pursuing her M.Ed in Community Development and Action at Vanderbilt University.

But beyond her impressive achievements, Ain is a soul deeply connected to nature, finding solace in its serenity. You'll often find her stretching and finding balance in hot yoga sessions. And when she's not shaping the well-being landscape of our community or striking a yoga pose, she's out there exploring Nashville, soaking in its vibrant culture.

Ain's warmth and enthusiasm are not just confined to her professional life; they're woven into the fabric of who she is. Her presence is a testament to the inviting spirit of TAEM, where every individual's well-being is not just a mission but a heartfelt commitment. So, come, join us in this journey of health, warmth, and community, guided by Ain's passion and expertise. We can't wait to welcome you into our circle of care!

Meet Raven Wheeler, the heart and soul behind the transformative initiatives in transportation and housing at the Tennessee Alliance for Economic Mobility, nestled within the compassionate hub of the Martha O’Bryan Center. As our dedicated Transportation and Housing Navigation Specialist, Raven's mission is to weave a tapestry of opportunities across the seven counties we proudly serve.

In her nurturing role, Raven not only shapes and enhances transportation and housing options but also serves as a guiding light, steering county-level navigators and families toward best practices in these vital areas. Her passion for this work stems from a profound belief: that shelter isn’t just a need but a fundamental right for every human being. Raven recognizes that housing is more than bricks and mortar; it's a cornerstone that influences countless aspects of our lives.

Raven’s journey is marked by empathy and resilience. She has touched the lives of numerous families, offering support to those navigating the challenging terrain of homelessness while bravely confronting mental health disorders. Her warmth and understanding have provided solace to families coping with trauma, creating safe spaces where healing can begin.

Beyond her inspiring work, Raven finds joy in the simple pleasures of life. When she isn’t dedicated to easing Tennessee’s housing crisis, you can find her wrapped in the warmth of her family, indulging in her passion for marksmanship at the gun range, or skillfully enhancing the beauty of the world one eyelash extension at a time.

Raven Wheeler isn’t just a specialist; she’s a beacon of hope, a friend, and a driving force in making our communities more secure, one home at a time.

Meet JB Wheeler, the heart and soul behind the Family-Centered Coaching initiative at the Tennessee Alliance for Economic Mobility, based in the warm embrace of the Martha O'Bryan Center. JB wears many hats – he's the Lead Family-Centered Coach, a dedicated trainer, and a steadfast support system for other coaches. What makes JB truly special is his unwavering passion for Family-Centered Coaching, a model that empowers families to reach for their dreams.

JB's journey is marked by remarkable achievements. He has not only contributed to the launch of three new grants at the Martha O’Bryan Center but has also worked tirelessly with individuals facing homelessness, mental health challenges, and addiction issues.

But beyond his professional endeavors, JB is a person brimming with warmth and kindness. When he isn’t busy guiding Family-Centered Coaches at partner agencies, you'll find him exploring nature trails, strumming tunes on his musical instruments, and cherishing precious moments with his wife and their adorable six-month-old son. His dedication to empowering families is matched only by his love for life’s simple pleasures. We're truly fortunate to have JB on our team, making the world a better place one family at a time.

Step into the world of LaSherrie McKinnie-Bates, our dedicated Compliance and Accountability Manager at the heart of the Tennessee Alliance for Economic Mobility (TAEM), nestled within the warm community of the Martha O’Bryan Center. LaSherrie doesn’t just manage grant compliance; she embodies a passion for human services that has defined her entire professional journey.

In her role at TAEM, LaSherrie is the guiding force behind ensuring that every aspect of grant compliance is meticulously taken care of. From overseeing the Tennessee Opportunity Initiative Implementation Grant to developing and executing MOUs, she expertly trains partners, providing them with the knowledge they need to thrive. Her dedication goes beyond mere paperwork; it's about empowering individuals to achieve economic independence and self-sufficiency.

With a career that has taken her from Memphis to Chicago, Baltimore, and Nashville, LaSherrie has not only provided leadership and guidance but has also designed programs and administered grants from various sources. Her wealth of experience is a testament to her commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.

Outside of her professional commitments, LaSherrie finds joy in the simple pleasures of life. Whether it's enjoying precious moments with her family on vacations, indulging in some retail therapy with friends, or actively contributing to her community through her membership and leadership in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, LaSherrie embodies the spirit of warmth, kindness, and service. We are truly privileged to have her as a part of our vibrant community, making our world a better place, one thoughtful act at a time.

Bio coming soon.