It would be impossible to overstate how valuable our staff is in pursuing our mission to serve Knoxville’s urban youth. Whether staff members are directly involved with youth through discipleship, coaching, tutoring, etc. or are a part of the support staff that equips them, each member has God-given talents and passion that make our organization fruitful. It is our desire to celebrate them and, in the process, let you get to know them a little better. So, stop by our blog each month to see the latest anniversaries and get to know the folks who are the hands and feet of our work in knoxville’s city neighborhoods!

John Crooks - 18 years

Since a young age, John was very interested in media and wanted to pursue a career in that field. What he didn't anticipate was how God would use that desire and eventual experience to serve families in the heart of our city. As a teenager and young adult, John worked in broadcasting and had the opportunity to build relationships with media, business and community leaders that he's been blessed to continue since.

In 2006, John joined Emerald Youth to help lead its development, marketing and communications efforts and loves that his role supports the work of his colleagues who serve directly with young people. “I'm grateful the Lord brought me to Emerald 18 years ago, and maybe they'll let me stick around for a few more!”

While he has many memorable moments, one that jumps out is a trip to our state's capital. "In preparation for our 2014 Legacy Dinner, we took a group of young people to Nashville to meet Larry Martin, then serving as Tennessee's Finance and Administration Commissioner. He was so kind and generous with his time, including a behind-the-scenes tour of the Capitol. We also took the group to visit the First Art Museum and, of course, enjoyed plenty of delicious food! It was a day I'll remember for many years to come."

Walter Swint - 6 years

Looking back, Walter knows whole heartedly it was the Lord who brought him to Emerald Youth Foundation. Walter has the opportunity of being Emerald’s Performance Training Manager. This means he spends his days in the gym with young people. His job is not just a job to him. When asked why the Lord brought him to Emerald, Walter replied, “He brought me here to help all athletes know that it takes more than talent and skill to succeed in life and in their sport. If you don’t have God in your life, success is not long lived.” Walter uses the platform of Performance Training to offer something different to athletes. He trains athletes physically, but spiritually as well.

Walter also knows the gravity of the opportunity of Performance Training. He knows some of the athletes ordinarily may not have the opportunities and the sports facilities if it was not for Emerald. Each time an athlete walks in, Walter is ready to help them develop as an athlete, but also develops them into strong Christian leaders for their sports team but also their community.

His favorite memory comes from an experience that was thrown on him last minute! On short notice, Walter received a call from Emerald’s marketing team. “We need you to arm wrestle a fitness icon. It’s to help the organization.” That is all Walter needed to hear. He had no questions, hesitations or concerns. He knew whatever it was he was put through, if it could help Emerald, he would do it. Next thing he knows, he is arm wrestling 2024 Mr. Health and Fitness contestant Jeff Hamlin. After a gruesome and tiring three-minute competition, they finally called it a tie. Walter still jokes to this day that his arm is sore.

Courtney Tilford - 5 years

Courtney attributes her calling to Emerald Youth Foundation to nothing but the Lord. She feels as if the Lord brought her to Emerald for the opportunity to use her giftings He gave her to love and serve fellow staff members and those in their communities. She also believes the Lord has allowed her the privilege of being a bridge from many donors and volunteers to connect with families in her city and Knoxville community neighborhoods. When reflecting of the relationships that have developed from her time at Emerald, she sees how deeply enriching they truly are.

Courtney has many memorable moments from her five years with Emerald. However, one sticks out to her in particular. Arianna, Courtney’s mentee, was moving into her dorm at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Courtney had been her mentor and had the honor of witnessing Arianna work diligently years prior to achieve all that she had. Moving into college was a huge milestone that Courtney would not miss. She spent that entire day helping Arianna move in. Courtney cherishes this memory forever. When commenting on Arianna, Courtney says, “I’d like to be like her when I grow up.”

Adelyn Pair - 2 years

Adelyn has had several jobs she’s enjoyed throughout her time working, but there’s something special about being part of the Emerald Youth team. She believes the Lord brought her to Emerald to give back to a community with which she has such deep family ties and to make a lasting impact that truly matters.

With a background in both marketing and psychology, Adelyn often received puzzled looks and questions about how those two fields could work together. At the time, she wasn’t entirely sure herself. She just knew she enjoyed both subjects. But now, she sees how perfectly her passions have aligned. She said that creating meaningful content for such a special place, telling the stories of incredible young people and interacting with them every day came together to be exactly what she
wanted without even realizing it.

When it comes to memorable moments, Adelyn has many favorites, from the people she’s met both at Emerald and in the community, to the young people she’s poured into (and who have poured into her, too!). But a recent fun experience stands out — one she never saw coming. At this year’s annual golf tournament, she unexpectedly received golf lessons from UT Men’s Basketball Coach Rick Barnes. “I never thought I’d get golf lessons from an SEC basketball coach, or any golf lessons at all, really!” she said. “I haven’t played other than putt-putt, and it showed. Coach Barnes said I was embarrassingly bad and laughed at me. But after a while, he also said I was most improved, so I call that a win! It was such a funny and unexpected moment, and I’ll never forget it!” Adelyn is thankful for all the moments she’s had at Emerald Youth so far. It’s such a gift to her that every day brings something new.

Haley Carrington - 1 year

Haley believes that the Lord brought her to Emerald Youth Foundation because He knew she could be used to serve and engage with a broader range of youth. Before Emerald, Haley worked with high school girls, specifically teenage mothers. Her story of being a teen mom herself coupled with her story of redemption, resonated with the scared young mothers and gave them hope.

Though her job changed, her calling never did. Joining Emerald’s team allows Haley to connect with K-8 students and with high schoolers on Wednesday nights as she shares the gospel. She says her job and position now is a win, win!

The most memorable moment since being at Emerald for Haley has been the summer of 2024. Emerald had “survivor challenges” all throughout summer program, and one challenge in particular was the “memory verse challenge.” When asked to make their own, Haley’s middle school group decided to read half of Romans 12 over a beat and the other half of the verse was to be sung by one of the girls in the group. This young girl was so nervous to sing solo and even slipped away to practice with Haley in a room distant from the other girls. Haley was able to help her practice, but also be an encouraging voice and help the young girl gain confidence. When Haley submitted the challenge, the director replied, “I cried when I heard her voice.”

Kristie Cormany - 1 year

God brought Kristie to Emerald Youth Foundation during a time of significant change in her life. She found herself looking around at several closed doors and asking, “Okay, God if you don’t want me to pursue those things, what do you have for me?” That is when a different door opened and an opportunity to work at Emerald came her way.

Since that moment, God has used Emerald to provide consistency and direction to Kristie’s life. She is proud to serve an organization that she respects, but also an organization that has a mission right in her backyard, in the city she has called home for the last 35 years.

As Kristie looks back on her time at Emerald, several fun moments stick out. She really enjoys the 48 hours before a big Emerald event like the prayer breakfast or golf tournament where everyone pitches in, and the seemingly insurmountable list of tasks get done. She also enjoys the monthly All Staff and the encouragement it is to join together and focus on the Lord and His care for His people. However, her favorite moment thus far, was last year’s Legacy Dinner. Rong Niu, aka Red Panda, was the entertainer for the night. Red Panda’s performance was a thrilling experience as she did amazing tricks on her unicycle. While she was enjoyable to watch, Kristie’s favorite part was watching what took place behind Red Panda. The Emerald Youth Choir was completely enthralled yet full of anxiousness with each trick! When the trick would be completed, the youth would erupt in excitement and praise. Kristie loves the youth and loves when they are having fun!

Staff Anniversaries - September 2024

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