Suzanne huron, Board President
Suzanne has over 20 years' experience in advertising and graphic design. Ten years working in the advertising departments of local publications and ten doing freelance work for a number of clients including credit unions, publications, real estate firms, medical professionals, entrepreneurs, nonprofits and local tourism. Her expertise is in print marketing and design but has in recent years ventured into social media marketing as well.
Suzanne is originally from Columbia, TN (south of Nashville) but attended ETSU to obtain her degree. She fell in love with the area then and now lives with her husband, Jay and 12-year-old daughter, Kara and their 3 dogs. She became involved with SMILE by attending the church across the street from the SMILE house, Waverly Road Presbyterian Church, and through her friendship with one of the founding members, Rachel Lawson.
rachel lawson, Executive Director
As an Educational Psychology major in college, Rachel studied what helps and what impedes a child’s learning. Her studies made it clear that when a child is worried about food, clothing, or a place to live, it greatly affects their overall well being and impedes their ability to develop and grow. Working for over twelve years in the community, Rachel saw the need for a nonprofit like SMILE. As a founding SMILE partner, it took two years to cultivate, sort, grow, and finally incorporate SMILE as a 501c3 nonprofit. And she is still just as passionate and proud to be a part of the SMILE Team as she was when she first saw the need.
Rachel is a proud mother of three beautiful children. She lives with her husband, kids, and their dog in Kingsport and enjoys spending time in her pool. She enjoys crafting with vinyl and spending time at the beach whenever she gets the chance.
AMANDA MESSER, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
Amanda has been working with children of all ages for over 12 years. She became a babysitter for her best friend who is a foster parent and decided to take the leap to become one herself. She has been a single foster mom for 6 years. This is where she was introduced to SMILE who helped provide many items of the years for her foster children. She has always wanted to more when the opportunity arose for this position and she jumped for it. She is ready to help in any way. Amanda currently has five foster kiddos. She loves to go out with them. Watch movies, play games, and do puzzles with them. She also has one doggie.
lisa mahon, Financial officer
Lisa retired from the Air Force after almost 24 years of service and moved to Kingsport in January of 2008. She has been treasurer for two nonprofit organizations, the Tri-Cities Twins and More Club and the John Adams Elementary Parent-Teacher Association. She held both of these positions for two years each. Lisa has a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and a Master of Science in Logistics Management.
She is the mother of four rambunctious kiddos, a son and triplet daughters! As her children grow into becoming high schoolers and middle schoolers, she is reminded of just how blessed she is. Both her and her husband come from large families that adore kids. And even though she doesn’t have as much time to do as much traveling as she used to, she wouldn’t trade the life she has for anything!