About Inspired

Inspired was founded with a passion to provide Life Skills Development, Therapeutic Support, and Placement Assistance to foster teens in Cleveland, Tennessee. Our team is dedicated to addressing the lack of placement options and the need for stability and safety in their lives. With a deep understanding of the challenges these teens face, we strive to create a nurturing and empowering environment for their growth and development.

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Nine years ago, Kirsten met a teenage girl, Erica, who would eventually become mother and daughter. Erica’s story, resilience, and the profound impact she has had on Kirsten’s life has been truly transformative. Through Erica, Kirsten witnessed firsthand the powerful impact of love, stability, and a safe environment on a young person's future. Erica’s journey ignited in Kirsten a deep desire to make a lasting difference in the lives of youth in foster care, particularly teens who are so often overlooked and underserved.

Meet Our Board Members

We are proud to introduce the dedicated leaders of Inspired, a nonprofit organization with a mission to open our community’s very first group home for foster children. Together founders Kirsten Johnson, Erica Johnson, and Joleen Hickman bring a unique blend of professional expertise and personal experience to guide this important work. The team is continually growing as we add more experience and diversity from all different walks of life. 

Kirsten Johnson holds a Bachelor's degree in Child and Family Studies from the University of Tennessee Chattanooga, along with a Master's in Child and Adolescent Psychology with a focus on trauma. With over 10 years of experience in the foster care system, Kirsten has worked in various roles, from social work to mental health therapy, providing invaluable support to children and families in need.

Kirsten Johnson

CEO

Erica Johnson earned a Bachelor’s degree in Child Psychology and a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Tennessee Chattanooga. Over the past five years, Erica has built a strong career in finance, including two years in management. Foster care is deeply personal to Erica, as she is a former foster youth herself, giving her a unique perspective and passion for empowering other young people in care.

Erica Johnson

CFO

Joleen Hickman holds a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and has served the Bradley County Sheriff's Department for 20 years, with 15 of those years in a leadership role as a Lieutenant. Joleen’s extensive experience in law enforcement has shaped her approach to serving her community and further strengthens our organization’s ability to impact change.

Joleen Hickman

Secretary

Ashley Reynolds has a BA. from Lee University in Sociology and an MS from Lee University in Mental Health Counseling. She has spent the last 20 years working in various aspects of mental health and social services,  including being a therapeutic foster parent to teens and working as Advocate Supervisor with CASA of Bradley and Polk County.

Ashley Reynolds

Grant Writer

Frances holds a Master of Arts in Youth and Family Ministry and Counseling, as well as a Bachelor’s in Christian Education with a minor in Religion, both from Lee University. She also completed the Consortium for Social Enterprise Effectiveness at the University of Tennessee’s Haslam College of Business and the Children’s Law and Policy Executive Program at Loyola University Chicago. In 2007, she founded CASA Corridor of East Tennessee and served as Executive Director until 2025, expanding and strengthening advocacy for children across multiple counties. Frances has also served on the Tennessee CASA Board of Directors and the National CASA Annual Conference Committee. Elected to the Athens City Council in 2020, she continues her dedication to community service and supporting individuals facing adversity and trauma.

France's Witt-McMahan

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Event Awareness Chair

Meet Our Team Members

We are proud to introduce the dedicated team behind Inspired, a nonprofit organization committed to opening our community’s first group home for foster children. Each team member brings a unique blend of professional skills, lived experiences, and heartfelt passion to support our mission. Together, they work to create a nurturing and empowering environment where every child can thrive. Our team continues to grow, welcoming new voices and perspectives from all walks of life.

Destiny Chadwick, our dedicated Outreach and Volunteer Coordinator, brings 4 years of customer service experience and a passion for building meaningful community connections. With an early background in marketing and outreach, she is committed to making a positive impact through coordinating volunteers, promoting events, and strengthening our ties with the community.

Destiny Chadwick

Marketing Outreach and Volunteer Coordinator

With their combined expertise and dedication, our board members are committed to supporting and empowering foster youth in our community. Their vision for Inspired is to create a safe, nurturing environment where children in care can thrive.

Mission Statement 

Our mission is to provide a therapeutic and nurturing home environment for youth in the foster care system, empowering them with essential life skills and educational support. we are committed to fostering independence, resilience, and academic achievement, ensuring every child reaches their full potential while residing in a home centered environment that will allow them to experience a level of normalcy.

                  Vision Statement 

We believe that every young person deserves the chance to thrive, regardless of their circumstances. with a focus on teens who are frequently left behind in the system, we aim to create lasting change-one that nurtures hope, builds resilience, and creates a foundation for success. 

Ready to make a difference?

Contact us today to learn more about how we can support foster teens in our community.