Crystal Young is the founding director of Hope Center and has served in this capacity since 2018. Crystal is a 2006 graduate of Tennessee Technological University, and holds a Masters of Public Health from Liberty University.

Prior to her role as Hope Center’s Executive Director, Crystal served for 5 years with Tennessee’s Department of Children’s Services, and also as Vice President to Hope Center’s Executive Board. Crystal and her husband Jonathan are proud parents to their two daughters and one son, ranging in age from 13 years to 1 year.

In her role as Executive Director, Crystal looks forward to seeing the hopes and dreams of parenting and adoption become reality for both birth and adoptive families here in the Upper Cumberland.

Jami Thornsberry is the founding Development Director and Case Work Supervisor of Hope Center, and has served in her dual roles since 2018. Jami is a 1999 graduate of Florida Atlantic University, and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Education.

Before taking on her role with Hope Center, Jami served as the President of Hope Center’s Executive Board. Jami has more than 18 years of experience in foster care and adoption.

She and her husband Craig are parents to their two children Silas and Avaleen. Jami is excited to see the hope and healing God will bring to birth mothers and families in the Upper Cumberland through the journey of adoption.

Pre-adoption counseling & education

Post-adoption counseling

Pregnancy support

Connection to community resources