About Inspired
Inspired was founded with a passion to provide Life Skills Development, Therapeutic Support, and Placement Assistance to foster teens in Cleveland, Tennessee. Our team is dedicated to addressing the lack of placement options and the need for stability and safety in their lives. With a deep understanding of the challenges these teens face, we strive to create a nurturing and empowering environment for their growth and development.
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Nine years ago, Kirsten met a teenage girl, Erica, who would eventually become mother and daughter. Erica’s story, resilience, and the profound impact she has had on Kirsten’s life has been truly transformative. Through Erica, Kirsten witnessed firsthand the powerful impact of love, stability, and a safe environment on a young person's future. Erica’s journey ignited in Kirsten a deep desire to make a lasting difference in the lives of youth in foster care, particularly teens who are so often overlooked and underserved.
Meet Our Board Members
We are proud to introduce the dedicated leaders of Inspired, a nonprofit organization with a mission to open our community’s very first group home for foster children. Together, Kirsten Johnson, Erica Johnson, and Joleen Hickmanbring a unique blend of professional expertise and personal experience to guide this important work.
Kirsten Johnson holds a Bachelor's degree in Child and Family Studies from the University of Tennessee Chattanooga, along with a Master's in Child and Adolescent Psychology with a focus on trauma. With over 10 years of experience in the foster care system, Kirsten has worked in various roles, from social work to mental health therapy, providing invaluable support to children and families in need.
Kirsten Johnson
Erica Johnson earned a Bachelor’s degree in Child Psychology and a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Tennessee Chattanooga. Over the past five years, Erica has built a strong career in finance, including two years in management. Foster care is deeply personal to Erica, as she is a former foster youth herself, giving her a unique perspective and passion for empowering other young people in care.
Erica Johnson
Joleen Hickman holds a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and has served the Bradley County Sheriff's Department for 20 years, with 15 of those years in a leadership role as a Lieutenant. Joleen’s extensive experience in law enforcement has shaped her approach to serving her community and further strengthens our organization’s ability to impact change.
Joleen Hickman
Destiny Chadwick, our passionate and driven Outreach and Volunteer Coordinator! With 4 years of customer service experience, Destiny knows how to build genuine connections and create meaningful community relationships. Her journey in marketing and community outreach began early, when she focused on these subjects during her high school coursework. That foundation sparked a deep commitment to engaging with the public and making a positive impact wherever she goes. Now, Destiny brings that same energy and insight to her work with us — coordinating volunteers, promoting events, and strengthening ties between our organization and the community.
Destiny Chadwick
With their combined expertise and dedication, our board members are committed to supporting and empowering foster youth in our community. Their vision for Inspired is to create a safe, nurturing environment where children in care can thrive.
Mission Statement
Our mission is to provide a therapeutic and nurturing home environment for youth in the foster care system, empowering them with essential life skills and educational support. we are committed to fostering independence, resilience, and academic achievement, ensuring every child reaches their full potential while residing in a home centered environment that will allow them to experience a level of normalcy.
Vision Statement
We believe that every young person deserves the chance to thrive, regardless of their circumstances. with a focus on teens who are frequently left behind in the system, we aim to create lasting change-one that nurtures hope, builds resilience, and creates a foundation for success.
Ready to make a difference?
Contact us today to learn more about how we can support foster teens in our community.