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
Community Groups Program Manager
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 and a beloved Yorkshire Terrier. 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
BEST GROUPS PROGRAM MANAGER
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.
Angie Smuin
Program Assistant
Angie joined a grief support group following the loss of her 3-year-old granddaughter in 2023. After having a life-changing experience in groups, she applied for the position of Program Assistant because of her desire to give back to the ministry that helped her so much. She has a heart for the hurting and loves to share the good news of Christ and the hope found only in Him.
Angie holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Theater and a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Pastoral Counseling. She has spent years laboring in ministry alongside her husband while home-schooling their children.
Angie is a wife, mother of five grown children, and a grandmother. She enjoys spending time with family and enjoying nature. In her free time, she is a published author and can be found on her computer writing another epic adventure.
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 received her Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting in 1987 and is a self-employed CPA focusing in the area of non-profit organizations. She and her husband, Chris, have a daughter, Jessie.
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.
