Who We Are
YWCA Knoxville and the Tennessee Valley is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.
About Us
YWCA Knoxville and the Tennessee Valley has been serving women and their families in East Tennessee since 1899. While our programs have evolved over time to meet changing community needs, one constant remains: people from all walks of life continue to rely on our services.
Individuals and families come to us in crisis as victims of domestic violence, seeking safety, stability, and support as they rebuild their lives. Many also turn to us for safe, stable housing during times of transition. We walk alongside them as they heal, regain independence, and move toward long-term stability.
We also focus on prevention by investing in youth programming that builds confidence and resilience in the next generation. Through after-school and summer programs, we help children and teens develop the skills and support systems that strengthen future opportunity and reduce risk.
We keep women going. They come for a wide range of reasons. They come for support, for stability, and for a path forward. And they leave with renewed confidence, new skills, and stronger lives.
Our History
Since 1899, YWCA Knoxville and the Tennessee Valley has been a leading force in community change. With a mission to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all, YWCA offers transitional housing and supportive services to women who would otherwise be homeless; advocacy, outreach, support groups, counseling and prevention services for victims of domestic violence; youth and family development services; and after-school programming.
As one of the oldest organizations in East Tennessee, YWCA has improved the lives of women and their families for generations. In 1900, fifteen girls alone in the City found sanctuary at the YWCA’s humble doors.
The downtown YWCA, located at 420 West Clinch Avenue, was built in 1925 to serve women and girls with women’s housing, an employment bureau, gym classes, a sewing room, and transit services. By 1934, nearly 200 women lived on the top two floors of a bustling facility, accessing training and work opportunities with other women in need. Currently, the facility is a safe space for women in need, providing housing for 70 women for up to two years through the Keys of Hope Women’s Housing Program.
In 1954, the current Phyllis Wheatley Center was built in East Knoxville, located at 124 South Cruze Street. Originally built as a facility for black women in 1920, the Phyllis Wheatley Center is now dedicated to serving the community with youth programs, education, and health & fitness programs.
Beginning in 2015, YWCA Knoxville and the Tennessee Valley expanded its services to Anderson County, including a renovation of the building at 1660 Oak Ridge Turnpike in Oak Ridge. YWCA Victim Advocates provide services to victims of domestic violence and their families.
Today, YWCA serves more than 11,300 women, children and families through a variety of high-quality programs at three sites in downtown Knoxville, East Knoxville and Oak Ridge and provides services across a six-county service area (Knox, Anderson, Roane, Loudon, Blount and Sevier).
YWCA USA & World YWCA
The YWCA has been at the forefront of the most critical social movements for more than 160 years — from women’s empowerment and civil rights, to affordable housing and pay equity, to violence prevention and health care. The first YWCA was established in 1855 in London, England. The first United States-based chapter formed in 1858, and the first YWCA USA national board was established in 1906. The World YWCA is a global movement working for women’s empowerment, leadership and rights in more than 120 countries and 20,000 local communities.
Executive Staff
Natalie Stair
Chief Executive Officer
Natalie Stair serves as Chief Executive Officer of YWCA Knoxville & the Tennessee Valley, where she leads with a deep commitment to dignity, opportunity, and stability for women, children, and families. Since joining the organization in 2023, she has helped guide a period of growth and renewal, keeping the YWCA focused on responsive, mission-driven work that meets people where they are.
Her leadership is grounded in collaboration and practical problem-solving. She works closely with staff, partners, and community leaders to strengthen programs, align resources, and build solutions that make a real difference in people’s lives. By focusing on trust, alignment, and shared purpose, she continues to strengthen the YWCA’s role as a vital resource and a steady presence for the community across East Tennessee.
Amy Shelton
Director of Social Services
Amy Shelton serves as Director of Social Services and joined YWCA Knoxville & the Tennessee Valley in 2020. She oversees the Jenny Boyd Keys of Hope Program and ETC Mobility Mentors.
Amy is an optimistic, detail-oriented leader who draws from both professional and personal experience to encourage and support others. She is known for her steady presence and her commitment to helping individuals and families move toward greater stability and long-term success.
Latoya Shephard
Director of Victim Services
Latoya Shephard serves as Director of Victim Services and has been with YWCA Knoxville & the Tennessee Valley since 2019. She oversees victim services teams across a six-county service area, including the victim advocacy program, scattered-site transitional housing, and the Anderson County supervised visitation and safe exchange program. Prior to becoming Director, Latoya served as Anderson County Victim Services Program Coordinator.
Latoya is a dedicated and experienced leader who brings both professional expertise and a deep commitment to supporting survivors. She is known for building strong relationships with clients, staff, and community partners to ensure accessible, trauma-informed services across the region.
Kathy Mack
Chief Youth Engagement Officer
Kathy Mack serves as Chief Youth Engagement Officer and oversees youth programming at the Phyllis Wheatley Center. She previously served as Director of the Phyllis Wheatley Center from 2014 to 2020.
Kathy is an energetic, self-motivated professional who draws from her life story and experiences to encourage and inspire others. Over the past decade, she has built strong, lasting relationships with clients, colleagues, and community partners, helping to grow and strengthen youth programs and engagement across the organization.
Jessie Perry
Director of Business Operations
Jessie Perry joined the YWCA Knoxville and the Tennessee Valley in May 2022 and serves as the Director of Business Operations. Jessie works closely with the CEO to maintain agency operations, including general administrative needs, bookkeeping, and various other tasks necessary to support YWCA’s excellent program services. Before transitioning to Director of Business Operations, Jessie served as Administrative Coordinator.
2026-2027 YWCA Officers and Board of Directors
Erin Gill
President
Susan Seagraves
President-Elect
Karen Mann
Immediate Past President
Beth Ford
Secretary
Melissa Tschanz
Treasurer
Jane Palmer
Assistant Treasurer
Alicia Greiego Gast
Member-at-Large
Ashlee Price
Member-at-Large
Adrienne Anderson
Member
Diana ANz-Meador
Member
Erica Arem
Member
Julia Bentley
Member
Amy Edge
Member
Julia Goodrich
Member
Delphia Howze
Member
Diane Humphreys-Barlow
Member
Renee Kelly
Member
Krystyna Laba
Member
Karen Rodgers
Member
Holly Young
Member
Phyllis Wheatley Center
Downtown Knoxville
