Our Board
Karen West, President
Karen West lives in Gallatin with her husband of almost 20 years, Micheal. She has two children, Bradley (son) and Tabitha, forever 15 (daughter).
Karen has been a strong advocate for people with disabilities since her daughter, Tabitha was diagnosed with a genetic syndrome, called 1p36 Deletion Syndrome before she turned 2. It wasn't long after that Karen realized the need for more accessibility and community inclusion in her community. She began taking disability advocacy classes and soon after, became a Governor-appointed member of the Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities, where she served as an At-large Councilman for a total of 6 years. She is a graduate of the Council’s Partners in Policymaking Leadership Institute.
Karen and her daughter, Tabitha, have been a part of the creation of the Gallatin Miracle Park since the beginning stages and have a special connection to the Liberty Swing (wheelchair swing). Tabitha depended on her wheelchair for mobility, and Karen met with the Gallatin Mayor, Paige Brown to specifically request a Liberty Swing.
Karen is employed at H.A.T.S, Inc. as the Community and Public Relations Specialist and also serves on the Family Support Council there.
She also has a small side business called Krafty Karen, where she does custom sewing and clothing alterations.
When Karen isn't working and serving, she can most likely be found in her craft studio goofing around and creating things while music is playing loudly. She also enjoys kayaking and being outdoors, cooking, gardening and spending time with her family.
Kate Ritchie, Vice President
Kate Ritchie is the Executive Director for Habitat for Humanity of Sumner County. Kate is an experienced nonprofit professional and has more than 15 years of experience in fundraising, board development, event and program management, employee leadership and volunteer management.
She is an undergraduate of the University of Tennessee-Knoxville and she earned her MBA at Middle Tennessee State University. She and her husband, Jeramie, and their three children live in Hendersonville.
Her middle son, Eli, has an undiagnosed genetic syndrome, autism and is intellectually disabled. Driven by her passion for special needs services for her son, Kate seeks to fight for people to understand the needs of special needs children and advocates for support and care of parents of children with special needs.
Cherie is a native of Florida but has been serving in the Gallatin community since 2012. Cherie is married to her husband Tony and has two children, Tonilynn and Justin, who both have a hearing disability.
Chere is the Financial Center Manager of Simmons Bank in Gallatin and focuses on Community Development. Cherie serves as a board member for the Gallatin Chamber of Commerce. Cherie is also on the Board for the Tennessee Youth Football League in Middle Tennessee.
Cherie has a true passion for the community and ensuring all kids get the same opportunities and strives to help improve the quality of life for kids with special needs.
“We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give.” —Winston Churchill.
Cherie Cline, Treasurer
Amy Nixon, Secretary
Amy is a former editor and reporter at the Tennessean. She currently works with her husband, Nate, at Nixon Repair Services in Gallatin, and as a freelance editor. She also helps Historic Downtown Gallatin, Inc. with its social media and serves as Health Educator at the Tennessee Respite Coalition.
Working from home has allowed Amy the flexibility needed to spend time with her three children, including her oldest daughter, Avery, who has a rare genetic disease, autism, epilepsy and developmental delay.
Originally from Wisconsin, Amy and her family moved to her husband’s native state of Tennessee so that Avery could receive the medical care she required. Amy is highly motivated to ensure that all children - including those with special needs - have access to parks where they can play together in one shared environment.