Staff Bios

Charlsi earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Family Studies from Lamar University in 2000, and her Master of Science in Nonprofit Administration from Louisiana University in 2019. She has dedicated her career to protecting and advocating for our society's most vulnerable population, our children. Charlsi worked for Child Protective Services in Houston, Texas, for six years before her family relocated to Tennessee, where she has exclusively worked in Child Advocacy Centers. She has been a trained Forensic Interviewer since 2006 for Nashville Children's Alliance, then for Davis House Child Advocacy Center. In 2013, Charlsi went back to Nashville Children's Alliance as the CPIT Coordinator and was promoted to Director of Forensic and Family Services during her time at NCA. Charlsi joined Kid's Place as Executive Director in 2022, and is excited to lead the team of professionals dedicated to serving the mission: To provide Hope, Help, and Healing.

"The flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful of all." - from Mulan

Kate received a bachelor's degree of science in Psychology and a minor in Family Studies from Messiah University in Pennsylvania in 2000. Kate worked as an in-home social worker for Youth Services Inc, in Philadelphia 2000-2002. She went on to pursue the field of event and conference planning in Tucson, Arizona. In 2010 Kate focused on raising her four children and began her leadership training in Trenton, Missouri. Upon moving to Lawrenceburg, Tennessee, May 2016, Kate joined Leadership Lawrence County and began a branch of the non-profit, Mom's Time out (MomCo International).

In September 2017 she became an active volunteer with Kid's Place assisting with direct services and administrative duties. Kate officially joined the Kid's Place family March 2018. Kate is the financial grant manager as well as assists in keeping Kid's Place running smoothly.

"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:31

Jessica graduated from Argosy University in December 2017 with her master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Jessica fulfilled her clinical internship obligations at Kid's Place. In January 2018, she became a member of Kid's Place staff, as a mental health counselor. She has been trained to provide Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Contemplative Practices. In 2023 due to her hard work and dedication, she was promoted to Lead Therapist. Jessica is currently pursuing her licensure to become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), while working under the supervision of a LPC.

Kelsi received a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work from the University of North Alabama in 2014. While a student at UNA, Kelsi completed her field placement at Kid's Place. She joined our Kid's Place family in September 2015 as Family Advocate. Kelsi was promoted to Forensic Interviewer July 1, 2018. She is trained in Forensic Interviewing of Children, Interviewing Vulnerable Children, and Extended Forensic Interviewing all through the National Children's Advocacy Center. In 2022, Kelsi received her Master's Degree in Social Work from the University of North Alabama. Kelsi has recently been specially trained to talk with non-verbal kids through the program FIND: Adapted for Individuals who do not speak.

"Why fit in when you were born to stand out!" - Dr. Seuss

Channing earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology with a minor in Behavioral Science from Athens State University in 2012. She has 5 years experience working with the Tennessee Department of Children's Services, specifically with Child Protective Services. She joined the Kid's Place family in May of 2022 as a Family Advocate. She works diligently to be a voice for the children and families we serve.

"If people were silent, nothing would change" ~ Malala Yousafzai

Cindy Powell earned a Bachelor of Science with a double major in psychology and human services from Martin Methodist College in 2003. While studying at Martin Methodist Cindy fulfilled her internship obligations at Kid's Place in 2002. She worked in the field of social work as a Resource Coordinator with Omni Vision from 2005 until 2013. Cindy joined our Kid's Place family in 2013 as the Forensic Interviewer. She is trained by the National Children's Advocacy Center for Forensic Interviewing of Children, Extended Forensic Interviewing, Advanced Forensic Interviewing, and Interviewing Vulnerable Children. Cindy was promoted to Senior Forensic Interviewer July 1, 2018.

Bailey graduated from The University of Tennessee in May 2021 with her master's degree in Social Work, while studying at UT Bailey completed her clinical internship at Kid's Place, while also serving as a part-time employee assisting child victims of abuse and their non-offending caregiver. Bailey joined our full-time staff as a Mental Health Professional on May 17, 2021. Bailey became a LMSW in July of 2024 and is currently pursuing her clinical licensure. Bailey completes supervision with a Licensed Clinical Social Worker monthly. She has been trained to provide Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing.