TAK's Taste of Tennessee is Friday, May 1st!

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About Us

Our Mission

TAK meets essential needs to comfort children, empower youth, and offer hope to families impacted by foster care in Tennessee.

Our Vision

Until Every Need is Met for Tennessee's Children.

Our Core Values

Kids First.

Those we serve through TAK and in our own homes

Quality.

Showing kids they are valued, not secondhand

Collaboration. 

Internally and Externally: We are all better together

Community-driven.

Bridging the gap between the foster care community and those who want to help

Reliability.

Following through to meet emergent needs quickly

The Problem We're Solving

The Tennessee Department of Children’s Services (DCS) cannot solicit donations as a government agency and out of a need for tangible support, Tennessee Alliance for Kids was established in 2016. TAK serves the Davidson County DCS, Mid-Cumberland DCS, South Central DCS, Office of Independent Living, Tennessee Baptist Children’s Homes and CASA Nashville.

 

When social workers identify the critical needs of children, TAK meets those needs through items we call FosterLove.

Learn More About FosterLove

Our Staff

Fran Maynard

Executive Director

Fran Maynard is the Executive Director of Tennessee Alliance for Kids. Originally from South Florida, Fran has called the Nashville area home for eight years. She holds a Master's Degree in Social Work and has always had a heart to serve the vulnerable, particularly youth in a crisis shelter, women in domestic violence situations and now as an advocate for foster care.  

"I am honored to do what I do at TN Alliance For Kids as I love engaging the community around foster care. This is a position I prayed for and I look forward to being part of the great work TAK's doing,” shares Fran.

Fran and her husband Paul are parents to four children. To read more about Fran and Paul’s journey to becoming foster parents, check out her blog post here.

Fran Maynard

Executive Director

[email protected]

Blair Sehrt

Director of Operations
 

Blair Sehrt joined the Tennessee Alliance for Kids team in 2020 and oversees the day-to-day operations and FosterLove Program for TAK. She was first introduced to TAK in October 2019 and immediately wanted to get involved after learning about the mission and impact TAK is making in the foster care community in Middle TN.

Blair earned her BA in Communications and Information Sciences from the University of Alabama and has more than 12 years experience in communications and public relations in the music, hospitality and non-profit industries. She and her husband, James, live in Nashville and are parents to two children.

Blair Sehrt

Senior Director of Operations

[email protected]

Madison Vander Hoek

Director of Strategy and Communications

Madison Vander Hoek joined the TAK team in 2023 as the Communications Program Manager. Although new to Tennessee, she has had a heart for vulnerable children and Middle TN for many years now. She brings experience working with children from group homes and young adults that have aged out of foster care. Madison holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Berry College and a Master’s Degree in Human Services from Regent University.

She enjoys this opportunity with TAK to partner with the community to meet the emergent needs of children and families in foster care. She says, “There is a great need that can often feel overwhelming. Not everyone is called to foster or adopt, but we are all called to action and support. I love that TAK provides practical action steps to support children, families, and social workers so that anyone can make a positive impact.” Madison and her husband, Troy, live in Nashville and are parents to one son.

Madison Vander Hoek

Director of Strategy and Communications

[email protected]

Sunny Thomas

Director of Development

 

Sunny Thomas brings over 20 years of experience in nonprofit development and donor engagement to her role as Director of Development at Tennessee Alliance for Kids. She has secured funding and advanced sustainability strategies for organizations serving children and other vulnerable population groups, with expertise in research, program design, and cultivating donor relationships.

 

Alongside her professional work, Sunny has been immersed in Tennessee’s foster care community for more than 25 years. She and her husband grew their family through fostering and adopting five of their eight children in Middle Tennessee, an experience that deepened her commitment to systemic change. Her advocacy included advising the TN DCS Commissioner's Office on reducing home study timelines, as well as working to shorten appellate court timelines to achieve permanency for children more quickly. As a certified PATH foster parent co-trainer, she helped prepare countless families to become resource parents for foster care in TN. Sunny, together with her husband Henry, was honored with the Bank of America Charitable Foundation’s Local Hero Award in 2004 for their contributions to foster care in TN. Today, she combines her professional expertise with lived experience to advance TAK’s mission and ensure children and families across Tennessee receive essential support.

 

Sunny Thomas

Director of Development

[email protected]

Laura-Valentine Lock

Program and Events Coordinator
Laura-Valentine joined the TAK Team in 2025 as their new Program and Events Coordinator. Born during the One-Child-Policy in China and adopted into a loving home, Laura-Valentine has always had a heart for the plight of the abandoned child. Starting her own ministry at the age of 16, she has extensive experience with fundraising, hosting events and inspiring others to volunteer. One of her life ambitions is to see that every child gets to experience a loving home just as she did.

Laura-Valentine Lock

Program and Events Coordinator

[email protected]

Our Board

Courtney Tate

Board Member

Courtney Tate is an experienced commercial leader in the laboratory diagnostics industry, with a career spanning over 20 years in Operations, Logistics, Sales, and Marketing. Born and raised in Florence, AL, Courtney has lived across the Southeast and beyond, including Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Utah, and California, before settling in Franklin, TN, nearly a decade ago.

Courtney first felt a "heart tug" towards the work of TAK five years ago when she was introduced to the organization. Initially a financial donor, her desire to become more involved in supporting vulnerable children in the community led her to join the Board in early 2024. She is particularly passionate about initiatives focused on school supplies, holiday season needs, and providing support for children and families of color.

As a devoted mother to Mason, Madison, and Makenna—and dog mom to Willow—Courtney balances her professional life with her commitment to community service. She volunteers with organizations like TAK and Girl Scouts of Middle TN, as well as at her children’s schools. When she's not working or volunteering, she’s always excited for a beach vacation!

Courtney Tate

Board Chair

Mike Prokop

Board Member

Mike began his professional journey on the baseball field, where he played for Kennesaw State University and the New York Mets minor league system. As Vice President of Sales at Strategic Financial Partners, he builds high-performing teams and coaches individuals to reach their maximum potential. He believes in leading with honesty and integrity and strives to help people surpass their own expectations. Mike is also a passionate advocate for children and families at risk and coordinates blood drives for the American Red Cross. 

Mike Prokop

Board Treasurer

Marissa Smith

Board Member

 

Marissa Smith is a Music Agent at United Talent Agency based in Nashville. Smith works with clients such as GAYLE, JP Saxe, JVKE, John Harvie, and more. She began her career at WME Agency as the first-ever Social Action Music Agent, booking the department’s non-profit, political, and social action related events. Throughout the last few years, outside of traditional touring, Smith helped to build and lead WME’s Virtual Appearance Department booking hundreds of virtual concerts for artists such as Kehlani, Charlie Puth, Dean Lewis, Culture Club, Lindsey Stirling, Sabrina Claudio and more. Smith holds board positions with several non-profit organizations including She Is The Music, Children in Conflict, Sustainable Partners, Inc., Diversify the Stage, and Tennessee Alliance for Kids.

Marissa Smith

 Board Secretary

Sandy Ivey

Board Secretary 
 

Sandy Ivey began her professional career in adoption after earning her BA in psychology from Mercer University and Master’s of Education in Counseling from Texas Christian University. She has worked in the field of adoption since 1990. Sandy served as the 1st Director for Bethany Christian Services Nashville where she wore many hats as case worker, board liaison, fundraising and Public Relations. In 2003, Sandy was instrumental in the opening of America World AdoptionAssociation as they brought their services to TN. Since that time, Sandy has served as Interim Director, Case Work Supervisor and Home Study Coordinator. She continues to work there today.

 

Serving families and children is Sandy’s passion. Her mission is to educate the public on adoption, fostering, and the orphans of the world. An Ill-informed world lacks knowledge which could help bring about change.

 

She is actively involved in the InterAgency Adoption Coalition and FAM the Foster Adoption Ministry at Brentwood Baptist Church. She also serves on the Board for the Middle TN. Orphan Alliance (MTOA) and she is a founding board member for Tennessee Alliance for Kids.

 

When not working or volunteering, Sandy and her husband, Steve, are enjoying their “empty nest”. Travel, cooking, entertaining and gardening are top priorities. Sandy and Steve have two sons by birth and adoption. Seeing the successful launch of her adult boys is one of her greatest accomplishments.

Sandy Ivey

Board Member

Kelley Campbell

Board Chair 
 

Kelley Campbell is a professional consultant specializing in Accounting, Operational Consulting, IT Management, Strategic Planning, Budgeting, and Project Management and Execution.

Originally from Birmingham, Kelley received her Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Samford University and is a licensed CPA.

Kelley and her husband, Kent, have two daughters and personal passions for caring for children in foster care.

Kelley Campbell

Board Member

Kelly King

Board Member

Kelly King’s journey in the music and entertainment industry is remarkable. Raised in Music City USA, she showcased her talent at just 10 years old, delving into music, recording, songwriting, and live performances, including hosting a TV show on the Fox Network and interviewing celebrities.

After moving to New York City, Kelly performed Off-Broadway and at legendary venues like Birdland, where she showcased her five-and-a-half-octave range alongside the Duke Ellington Orchestra. Her debut album, "Live the Dream," released in 2007, featured three top 20 Billboard hits, including the first original Christmas song to reach the top 20 since Mariah Carey’s classic. She toured as the opening act for Michael Bolton and Babyface and contributed to Nickelodeon’s "Victorious."

In 2013, Kelly represented the U.S. in the Viña Del Mar international song competition, earning the silver Seagull award for best singer. She also won the best singer accolade at the 2013 NYC Glammy Awards. Transitioning to artist management and development, she worked with artists like Hayley Williams and Ariana Grande and became head of Artist Development at Live Nation’s KYN entertainment.

Currently, as the manager of East Iris Studios under Universal Music Group, Kelly leverages her extensive experience to shape the careers of emerging and established artists, reflecting her passion and expertise in the industry.

Kelly shares, "From the moment I learned about TAK, I felt drawn to join the board. Having personally faced fertility issues for many years my heart was opened immensely to the possibilities around adoption. That led me to a deep amount of studies about children in the foster care system and families struggling to remain families no matter what hardships they faced. I wanted to help. I knew TAK was the perfect way for me to make a difference. I’m overjoyed to have this opportunity to serve families and most importantly these beautiful children."

Kelly King

Board Member

Matt Wilke

Board Member

Matt Wilke is a Registered Nurse and is the Director of Nursing Leadership and Advocacy at HCA Healthcare in Nashville, TN. Matt holds a Master’s degree in Nursing Leadership from the University of Washington and a Doctorate in Transformative Leadership in Healthcare from Rush University in Chicago, Illinois. Prior to moving to Tennessee, Matt held healthcare leadership roles in the Seattle, WA area.

 

Matt relocated from the Pacific Northwest in the summer of 2022 to Thompson’s Station, TN with his wife of 14 years, Candice, and their 5 children, Jude, Reign, Bennett, Abreeana, and Isabella. Matt and his wife were foster parents for almost eight years in WA state and adopted three of their five children from foster care. Matt has a passion for helping children and families in need and is specifically passionate about serving children in foster care, their biological families, and foster families. In his spare time, Matt enjoys hunting, camping, traveling, and eating any good food.  

Matt Wilke

Board Member

Madison Dallas

Board Member

Madison serves as the Director of Finance at Amazima Ministries, a nonprofit organization providing discipleship, education, and holistic care to communities in Uganda. Madison has nearly 10 years of financial,
accounting, and strategy experience in both the for-profit and not-for-profit sectors. She received B.A.s in Finance and Marketing from Florida State University. Madison lives in Franklin, TN with her husband, Carder. She is committed to supporting children from underserved communities and is an active volunteer with FrankTown Open Hearts and SEED India.

Madison Dallas

Board Member

Sunny Hull

Board Member

Sunny Hull is a proud mama of two amazing kids, Asher and Landry. She loves cheering them on with her awesome husband, Jason, at football games or dance recitals.   

She’s passionate about helping all little ones and has served on the Advisory Board of Nurses for Newborns and Co-chaired the Family Partnership Group for Growing Together Learning Center. Sunny is eager to meet the emergent needs of vulnerable children and teens in foster care through TAK.

Sunny leads change management for Nursing Operations, part of the Clinical Services Group, supporting HCA Healthcare's 95,000 nurses.

Before HCA Healthcare, Sunny led TV news teams in Nashville, Memphis, Chicago, San Francisco, and Palm Springs.

Sunny is a Prosci-certified change Practitioner. She earned her Master of Business Administration from Western Governors University and a Bachelor of Broadcast Journalism from the University of Missouri.

Sunny Hull

Board Member

Rupa Crump

Board Member

Rupa is the Stewardship Coordinator at the Chick-fil-A Brentwood, TN store and is pursuing a franchise operator opportunity within Chick-fil-A. Originally from India, Rupa holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering from IIT Bombay and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from IIM Lucknow. After moving to the US in 2010, she attended the University of Louisville to receive a second MBA. Rupa has vast experience working in large national and international companies along with owning her own business back in India.

 

Rupa has always had a God-given passion to serve children in hard places. She is a founding member of the Foster and Adoption Ministry (FAM) at her church and is involved with other local ministries that care for children in foster care and foster/adoptive families. Her heart to step into the TAK ministry stems not only from her past experiences of caring for vulnerable children in India but also her background of serving and leading others in this arena in TN. Rupa brings a proven track record of finding opportunities to connect people and elevate awareness of ministries but most importantly, she thrives in this ministry as it's a vehicle for her to live out her faith in Christ and be able to serve Him by serving others.

 

Rupa and her husband, Brian, live in Brentwood, TN and are proud parents to their two children. When not taxiing her kids to various sporting events, Rupa can be found enjoying nature or whipping up a delicious meal for friends and family.

Rupa Crump

Board Member

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where are you located?
How long have you been a 501c3?
Are you a faith based non-profit?
Who do you serve?
How is TAK funded?
What does the term “FosterLove” mean?
What is a TAK PAK?
How can I get my company or church involved?
Do you accept gently used items?
Does TAK work directly with children?
I am a foster parent and have a need for a child I’m fostering. How can TAK assist?

Have more questions? Fill out our contact form and we will be in touch.