Administration STAFF
Sarah is a graduate of Tusculum University. In 2012 she obtained Bachelor of Education and in 2018 she obtained a Master of Arts in Human Resources Development Degree. Sarah has been a Human Resources Director for the past 7 years. Sarah is also the Event Management Coordinator here at AKM of Tennessee Inc and is over the Protection for Harm Department. Sarah and her husband have been happily married since April of 2012. They have 2 children and love living on their small family farm.
“One of the greatest commandments God ever gave us is to love and serve His people. In this position and in this field, I get to do both of those and see lives changed for the better each day. AKM of Tennessee is my family and we hope it can be yours too.” – Sarah Murray
Judy is the smile you see when you enter the front door. Judy is known as “grandma” to everyone who enters and loves to take pride in meeting new people and being a key face for AKM.
While Judy has many years working in the education system, she has quickly become a vital asset to AKM as our receptionist. She is always willing to help anyone and loves staying busy.
Judy is a proud mother of two sons, a proud grandmother of 4 grandchildren, and a proud great grandmother of 7 great grandchildren.”
“Working for AKM is a new type of joy each and every day. You cannot enter or leave this place without smiling for a new reason. From the people we serve to the people we work with, God is definitely present in this company!”- Judy Edens
Heather is a graduate of Liberty University where she obtained her Associate of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies in 2020. Heather has held many positions at AKM of Tennessee since 2014. Heather has been the Residential Compliance Director for the last several years. Heather enjoys helping raise her nephew and spending time with her family and friends.
“It is rewarding to work for a company that is both honest and loyal. At AKM of Tennessee I have the opportunity to get to help and watch people grow to their full potential and that is a blessing in itself.” – Heather Darnell
Mitzi has worked in the human service field for the past 10 years. Mitzi has been hands on as both a Direct Support Staff and a member of the Administration team. Mitzi keeps very tight and organized financial records for the people we provide supports to. Mitzi does well at helping with other tasks such as planning outings and financial education so that the people we support can learn to save and use their funds wisely. Outside of work Mitzi enjoys spending time with all her grandchildren.
“I have seen all areas of this field and find it so rewarding to be a small part of caring for someone and helping them become more independent in both their daily and social life.” – Mitzi Cutshaw
Donna has been involved with AKM for many years now. What started as a career as Direct Support Staff, quickly turned into Residential Team Leader and has now evolved into our Residential Support Coordinator. You won’t find someone who cares about her work and her work family and is able to balance it all flawlessly, like Donna. Her compassion never runs out for people. Donna is both in the office administration, and is hands on in the field to ensure health and safety, at all times. Donna’s passion is fueled by her love for her family! The great thing about knowing Donna is she treats you as her own and leaves you never questioning that. Donna is a very busy mother, grandmother, and great grandmother who is so devoted to her family.
“Family is the most important thing to me. AKM represents that every day. Working for an agency who not only supports you and your family, but makes you feel like a part of theirs is something everyone should be blessed to have. This field is challenging but this agency helps make those challenges seems like missions rather than obstacles. We would love for you to see what we are all about.” - Donna Belt
Christi has experience in both human services and management criteria. After working extensively as a manager in a retail setting, Christi is precise and detailed in oversight of the residential department and all the medical needs of the people receiving supports. She is organized and provides a friendly face to every situation that arises.
“AKM is a faith based company and each day doesn’t feel like work, but more like just another part of life. My job has meaning and is serving a greater purpose. My coworkers are not coworkers, but are family.” -Christi Massaro
Denise possesses over 20 years of nursing experience. More recently she provided services as a nurse in the hospice setting providing comfort to patients and their families. Denise has a caring heart and treats everyone with dignity, respect, and as though she is caring for them as her own family. AKM of Tennessee is privileged to have a nurse with such experience and heart as Denise to care for the people we support.
“AKM is a faith based company whose goal is to assist those with special needs and help them be more independent. Everyone at AKM is nice and always helpful. Each day is always unique and never boring. I enjoy visiting our people supported in their homes and checking on them.” -Denise Clever
Tamara is new to the IDD field; however, she is highly experienced within the human service field. Her background has always revolved around healthcare whether at a hospital or a Doctor’s office as an administration team member. Tamara takes a hands-on approach in teaching correct documentation skills to staff members. She also ensures that all Personal Assistant homes and their families are well taken care of and satisfied with their services.
“Working at AKM of Tennessee provides me with an atmosphere of Christian people working for the same goal and that is to see others succeed. I truly am thankful for the loyalty and devotion that is provided to every person in this agency.” – Tamara Britton
Kelly has been with AKM since May 2022 as the Organizational Development Coordinator. Kelly is providing counseling to people receiving supports as well as providing our staff with ongoing training and education. Kelly is also a key staff member in new upcoming program extensions AKM of Tennessee Inc.
She is a graduate of Liberty University with a Master of Arts in Human Services Counseling/Trauma and Crisis Response and a Masters of Science in Criminal Justice/Forensic Psychology. She also has graduate certificates in Pastoral Counseling and Military Resilience Counseling. Her undergraduate degree is a Bachelor of Arts from Tusculum University in Psychology/Behavioral Health. Before coming to AKM, she was a grief counselor for a hospice agency. She and her husband, Danny were high school sweethearts and have been married for 38 years. They have 2 grown children, and 5 grand-blessings. They enjoy spending time with family and attending church, school, community, and sporting events their grandchildren are involved in.
“Do all the good you can,by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.” -John Wesley
"AKM epitomizes what this quote is all about. Working in this kind of atmosphere is both rewarding and encouraging. Our prayer is that you will feel that same way by interacting with us and becoming part of our AKM family.” – Kelly Edens
