Kirsten has served as an elementary educator for eight years before transitioning back into higher education. Her passion to serve others as well as advocating for an equitable education translates into the efforts she puts forth for underserved Nashville families. She received her undergraduate degree in Psychology from The University of North Carolina at Charlotte and her masters in Human Services from Liberty University. Kirsten will serve as the Director of the C.A.P.E. program where she will lead her team to help provide academic services for Davidson County residents seeking to complete their High School Equivalency Degree. Kirsten believes in a wholistic approach to education and that serving the needs of the student means helping them receive the necessary resources and opportunities to obtain positive and transformative life changing outcomes.

Yolanda is a native Nashvillian and has a passion for assisting students to meet their goals. She received her A.A.S degree in Civil and Construction Engineering Technology from Nashville State Community College. Yolanda continued her education at Tennessee State University where she received her B.S. degree with a concentration in Industrial Electronics Technology within the College of Engineering Technology. After graduation at TSU, Yolanda actively supported students by providing guidance with Capstone projects, interview tips along with serving as president of the departmental professional advisory board. Yolanda received a Graduate Certificate in Project Management from Trevecca University and later completed her Master of Science degree in Management & Leadership at Coker University. Yolanda will serve as the Assistant Director of the C.A.P.E. Program and will work to assist with educational courses, create and manage workforce development programs and assist with all aspects of the program.

Unjanae Johnson is a dedicated and devoted public health professional with over 5 years of experience in health education, health promotion, and public health research. Unjanae obtained her Bachelor of Science with a concentration in Public Health from Austin Peay State University and is currently obtaining a Master of Public Health in Health Policy. With foundational experience rooted in rural communities with greater health needs, the approach in working to provide access and resources to service the “total person” has led her to serve as the Career Coach of C.A.P.E.. In this role, Unjanae will be responsible in providing career coaching for students and assisting students who are ready to enter into post-secondary education.

Branden Harris serves as the Program Manager for the C.A.P.E. Program in the Center for Health Policy at Meharry Medical College. He assists with the administrative aspects of the program, serves as the main liaison between students, staff, local agencies and community partners, and help with community engagement. Additionally, Branden will work closely with staff and stakeholders to execute the programmatic goals outlined by the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development. He is from Atlanta, GA and studied school in Nashville, TN. Branden holds a bachelor's degree in Marketing from Lipscomb University, which he obtained in the summer of 2022.