About Us
The Story Behind Our Mission
Early 1980s
A Movement Begins
A group of passionate advocates came together in the early 80’s as part of a growing movement to end family violence. They formed what is now the Tennessee Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence.
1984
Securing Tennessee’s First State Funding
The Coalition successfully advocated for legislation that increased marriage license fees, creating the first state funding dedicated to domestic violence shelters and child abuse prevention agencies.
Supporting a National Milestone
That same year, the Coalition joined organizations across the country to encourage the passage of the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA), which established the first federal funding for domestic violence services.
1995
Advocacy. Progress. Impact.
The Coalition worked to garner support for the passage of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), creating federal funding for social service providers, law enforcement, and courts to address domestic and sexual violence.
This funding helped establish the Coalition’s Women’s Resource Center on Domestic and Sexual Violence and led to our merger with the Tennessee Coalition Against Sexual Assault.
Today
Stronger Together
Through effective grassroots advocacy, the Coalition has helped pass more than 200 Tennessee laws to increase victim safety and offender accountability, including orders of protection, stalking, domestic assault, free rape exams, and mandatory testing of rape kits.
With expert training and technical assistance, the number of programs serving survivors has grown from 5 in 1983 to more than 60 today.
Our Commitment Continues
As the needs of survivors evolve, so does our work. We remain committed to prevention, protection, and healing for all Tennesseans.
Mission
Empowering Communities. Creating Change.
The mission of the Coalition is to end domestic and sexual violence in the lives of Tennesseans and to change societal attitudes and institutions that promote and condone violence, through public policy advocacy, education and activities that increase the capacity of programs and communities to address such violence.
Core Values
Respect
The Coalition and its membership uphold the dignity of every individual and foster a welcoming environment for all. We are committed to fostering a culture of respect and fairness, ensuring that our work reflects the communities we serve across the state.
Safety
We oppose the use of violence in all forms. Each person has the right to engage in equal relationships without fear of violence.
Integrity
Each individual is unique and inherently worthwhile. We are building a coalition of confident, creative members, each one striving for the highest degree of compassion and ethical behavior.
Empowerment
We operate on principles that ensure that individuals speak in their own voices. We provide opportunities for personal, professional and program growth.
Continuous Improvement
We will be dynamic, creative, innovative and visionary leaders through continuous reflection, commitment to quality and growth. We will model these values and in so doing, serve as role models for others.
Meet Our Team
Jennifer Escue
Chief Executive Officer
Tana Kimbro
Chief Financial Officer
Catherine Oaks
Chief Operating Officer
Vangie Barefoot
Statewide Forensic Nurse Coordinator
Megan Batista
Training Coordinator
Tamara Calvin
Operations Coordinator
Brittany Fleenor
Coordinated Community Response & Outreach Specialist
Karma Gamble
Survivor Support Counselor
Samantha Kaloi
Director of Programs
Chelsie Leonard
Director of Communications & Engagement
Shannon Lynch
Training & Technical Assistance Specialist
Stacey Palm
Communications & Outreach Specialist
Misty Phillips
Director of Training & Capacity Building
Stacy Wharton
Survivor Support Counselor – Bilingual
Patricia Wilkinson
Disabilities Program Coordinator
Tacarra Wilson
Prevention Coordinator
Lindsey Wood
Finance Coordinator
Brandon Woosley
Legal Director
Beatriz Zamora
Grant Compliance Specialist
TBD
Training & Technical Assistance Specialist
Board Of Directors
Lorraine McGuire
Chair | Founder & Principal Consultant, Sunrise Strategies LLC
Lauren Mabry
Vice Chair / Secretary
Austin Sloan
Treasurer | Business Development Officer, Lineage Bank
Allison Stansberry
Communications Consultant, HCA
Alvin Bonds
Clinical Director, Revelation of Hope Counseling Services
Bonnie Brezina
State Director, Marsy’s Law for Tennessee
Chancellor Zaugg
Owner, Social Indoor
Melina Politte
Membership Representative & ED, Haven House
Accountability
Transparency Builds Trust
The Tennessee Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence (EIN: 58-1632437) is exempt from federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and is classified as a public charity under section 509(a)(2). For more information about the Coalition, check our listing on GivingMatters.com.
Click through to view our Charitible Solicitation, 503(c)(3) Determination Letter, and Audited Financial Statements.
Accountability
The Tennessee Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence (EIN: 58-1632437) is exempt from federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and is classified as a public charity under section 509(a)(2). For more information about the Coalition, check our listing on GivingMatters.com.
Towards Safety: The 2025 Tennessee Report on Domestic Violence