Bright Start TN
A promising partnership for Northeast Tennessee
The STRONG Accountable Care Community (STRONG ACC) is coordinating the Bright Start TN partnership in Northeast TN. Established in 2018, the STRONG ACC is a collective impact coalition working together to create a brighter future for children, families and communities in the Appalachian Highlands. Its work to align regional partners around improving health, education and economic outcomes will serve as a foundation for Bright Start TN efforts in Northeast TN.
Learn more about the STRONG ACC at strongacc.org.
“We understand there’s a lot that falls to the school systems to prevent children from falling behind in the classroom, but there’s an equally important role we can all play. Our school systems and families need the support of our community, and I’m excited that through Bright Start we’ll join a network of partners, regionally and across the state, who are doubling down to support children’s health, learning and development during those crucial birth through third grade years that are the foundation for future success.”
Northeast TN Leadership Team
Mark Cruise
Bright Start Fellow, STRONG ACC Director
Dr. Jeff Moorhouse (Chair)
Kingsport City Schools
Kristie Hammonds (Co-Chair)
Frontier Health
Claudia Byrd
Speedway Children’s Charities
Lisa Cofer
United Way of Bristol TN/VA
Dr. Nancy Dishner
Niswonger Foundation
Margaret Feierabend
Bristol’s Promise
Kim Garland
TN Department of Children’s Services
Rep. David Hawk
TN House of Representatives
Dr. Angela Hilton-Prillhart
Milligan School of Social Sciences and Education
Tim Jaynes
Upper East TN Human Development Agency
Todd Norris
Ballad Health
Dr. Janna Scarborough
ETSU Clemmer College
Jeff Taylor
Greene County Partnership/Chamber of Commerce
Lisa Tipton
Families Free
Kathy Waugh
YWCA of NETN & SWVA
Dr. Karen Schetzina (Advisor)
ETSU Department of Pediatrics
