Teresa Whitaker

Chief Operations Officer

615.983.6816 – direct line

Teresa has been with STARS since 2005.

She received her Bachelor’s degree in Human Relations and her Master’s degree in Business from Trevecca University. She recently completed her PhD in Education, with research focused on non-profit leaders’ call to serve.  Her immediate family includes her wonderful husband, Glenn; her favorite children, Christine and Brad; plus her perfect son-in-law, Blake. And, OF COURSE, their beautiful, brilliant and sassy granddaughter, Rose. Plus, she was blessed with a new grandson, Miles.  Teresa enjoys family gatherings and outdoor activities.

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VP of New Initiatives & Director of Kids On the Block

615.983.6810 – direct line

Melanie has a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. She has worked for Kids on the Block for more than 10 years and is now directing the program and is still a full-time puppeteer in the schools as well as being named the Director of New Initiatives. Melanie has always had a passion for educating children and is a bit of a ham so this position fits her will. She is married and the mother of one adorable daughter.

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Program Director & Evaluation Coordinator

615.983.6808 – direct line

Sandy has a B.S.W. in Social Work from Middle Tennessee State University. She began her career at STARS in 2001 as a STARS Specialist in Rutherford County. She is the Program Manager for Williamson County. When she is not at work, Sandy loves spending time with her husband Brian and their three TREMENDOUS kids Colby, Addison and Cooper. She also loves reading and shopping.

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Accounting Manager

615.983.6807 – direct line

Cindy has been with STARS since 2004. She has a B.S. in Criminal Justice from Middle Tennessee State University; however, she has worked in the accounting field since 1995. Cindy married her childhood sweetheart Darrell, and they have three wonderful children: Danni, Kayla, and Jordan. One of the greatest joys God has blessed her with is being “Gmama” to Gregory Michael. Cindy enjoys all UT sports, reading, and scrapbooking.

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Anna Nichols

Executive Administrative Assistant/IT

615.983.6820 – direct line

Anna has been on the STARS team for over 14 years, serving as Executive Administrative Assistant to Chief Executive Officer, Rodger Dinwiddie. Anna is also in charge of IT Administration.

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Director of Clinical Services

615.983.6809 – direct line

Lisa recently began her career at STARS after working for the previous eight years as the Director of Addiction & Recovery Support Services for the Alcohol & Drug Council of Middle Tennessee. Her focus has included substance abuse services, advocacy and program development for disenfranchised populations including prisoners and ex-offenders, probationers, non-custodial parents and individuals in drug courts.

Lisa is a self proclaimed “nerd” and owns a collection of over 200 works of science fiction that she reads on a daily basis.

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Development & Operations Assistant

Direct Line: 615-983-6811

Cheryl began her time at STARS as Operational/ Development Assistant in 2012. She holds a BS from the University of Iowa majoring in both Elementary and Special Education and taught various grades, pre-school thru college, for 12 years. She earned her MS from Murray State University in Organizational Communication and worked as Deputy Director of the Arts & Culture Alliance of Greater Knoxville for 9 years. She believes STARS melds her skills and education perfectly. She is married to her high school sweetheart, and they have three grown children and five grandchildren, making life full and busy. When not cheering at a sporting event, Cheryl loves to read and to create chain maille jewelry.

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Accountant/HR Specialist
Direct Line: 615-983-6800

EIla McDermott received her M.Ed. in Administration from Tennessee State University and Bachelor of Science in Psychology (B.S.) from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. She holds credentials as a Tennessee Certified Prevention Specialist II as recognized by the Tennessee Certification Board. Since 2001, she has provided intervention, prevention, and treatment services in schools, courts, children services, and communities as a Teacher, Probation Officer, Director of Child Care Centers, and counselor. She currently has multiple positions at STARS serving as a Primary Counselor for YODA, as facilitator in Family Treatment Drug Court at Davidson County Juvenile Court, and Olweus Bullying Prevention Coordinator. She is working toward the LADAC (Licensure for Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor). She is bilingual, fluent in English and Gujarati. She lives outside of Nashville, TN with her husband and four children.

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Program Director of Servcies for Students Who Are Deaf & Hard of Hearing

615.983.5302 – direct line

Laura has been facilitating the Deaf & Hard of Hearing program in Middle Tennessee since 2001.  After growing up in Colorado, she received her Masters in Mental Health/Rehabilitation counseling from University of South Florida and has been a Nationally Board Certified Counselor since 2000.  Along with this, Laura is fluent in American Sign Language.  Also interesting to note: Laura was a professional ice skater for over ten years and now spends her off time as a skating coach.  She also loves to be in her boat on the lake.

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Finance Assistant

Direct Line: 615-983-6838

utrivedi@starsnashville.org
Urmi joined STARS in November of 2012.  She has a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture; and a Master’s in Business Administration from Northeastern University.  She enjoys reading, travel and outdoor activities.  She is married to her husband, Harsh and is blessed with two adorable boys, Aarav and Amar.  She feels fortunate to be working in a place that creates positive changes in the lives of kids.

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