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.

STRONG ACC logo

“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.”

— Kingsport City Schools Superintendent Dr. Jeff Moorhouse

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

Don’t Miss a Single Bright Start

Stay in the loop

Stay up to date on Bright Start TN news by joining our coalition and following us on social media.