Carrie Yoder
Executive Director
As an ordained United Methodist Deacon, Carrie joins Project Transformation Tennessee with more than a two decades of ministry experience, helping churches create space and place for children and youth to grow as deeply rooted disciples of Jesus. She is an advocate for seeing young people as whole beings who are worthy of opportunities to grow and thrive. Carrie led a team that created an ecumenical learning environment to help participants learn about unconscious bias and to discuss ways of participating in the creation a more inclusive community. Recently Carrie served as the Associate Pastor for the Memorial United Methodist Church in Florida, and previously was the director of Children’s Ministries, and the Deacon and Pastor of Discipleship and Family Ministries. She received her Master of Divinity from Emory University, Chandler School of Theology, and has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Bachelor of Arts in Music from the Georgia College & State University.
Ellie Crain
Director of Young Adults
Ellie first encountered Project Transformation as an intern in 2015, while she was a student at Martin Methodist College. It was because of the vocational discernment opportunities she was exposed to as an intern at PT that she decided to attend Wesley Theological Seminary, where she earned her Master of Divinity in May 2020. When she’s not engaging in a thrilling theological discussion, Ellie can be found playing card games, cuddling with cats, or making coffee.
Christina Dotson
Development Manager
Christina came to Nashville by way of Wichita, Kansas. Although Chicago, IL is Christina’s birthplace, she has also called Arlington, TX, San Francisco and San Jose, CA home. Christina joined Project Transformation in May 2018 and immediately felt a sense of familiarity and family, similar to her past work at a non-profit youth mentoring organization in Wichita, KS. She loves to bake, play board games and watch tennis.
CJ Harris
Memphis Literacy Coordinator
CJ Harris has a Master of Arts degree in Elementary Education and Teaching from Relay Graduate School of Education. He also holds a Bachelor's degree in Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Tennessee at Martin. Throughout his career working in the public and charter school sector as a teacher, literacy coach and Dean of Students ; he has gained valuable knowledge and skills in innovative teaching strategies, instructional design, and educational leadership. CJ is passionate about empowering students and staff to realize their fullest potential and achieve academic excellence.
Kristen Heritage
Director of Programming
Kristen Heritage joined Project Transformation’s programming team in November 2023. She was drawn to PT’s mission of creating transformation through purposeful relationships and fostering a community of belonging. Kristen has over seven years of experience working with arts and culture nonprofits. Through her experience in arts education and community engagement, she has developed a passion for cultivating inclusion and belonging within organizations. She is interested in empowering organizations to make data-based decisions to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion in their community-facing programs.
Kristen holds a Master of Education degree in Leadership and Organizational Performance from Vanderbilt University and a Bachelor of Music Performance degree from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. In her downtime, you can find Kristen working in her garden, hiking with her dog Zeus, or enjoying a concert at one of Nashville’s historic music venues.
Kylie Jordan-McCann
Volunteer and Communication Manager
Kylie Jordan-McCann joined Project Transformation in March 2023. A proud Belmont University alum, her love for serving the Middle Tennessee community is contagious, promising meaningful connections for all. She is passionate about enriching the lives of young people and strives to build impactful relationships in her community. In her free time, Kylie enjoys reading, baking, and recording music.
Terrice Thomas
Director of Memphis Programs
Terrice holds a bachelor's degree in Mass Communication from Jackson State University and a master's degree in Public Administration from Keller School of Management. Throughout her professional career, she has served in various positions in the nonprofit sector including fundraising and development, volunteer management, special event planning, and community engagement. Her most recent role before joining the PT team was Manager at the South Branch library in Memphis. Terrice is the author of Mentor Coaching: Effective Mentoring for the Personal & Professional Development of Young Adults (released January 2022). During her free time, Terrice enjoys spending time with her son Kerwin and fur baby Yam.
