Model Behavior

Published On: March 01, 2010

We love good role models. In these next pages, you’re going to see some of Nashville’s greatest ones. These ladies might as well come complete with wings and halos because each of them is more than just a pretty face behind an event or signature stamped on an invitation. All of them give of themselves to causes in which they believe. These beauties exemplify model behavior. We thank them.

ANDREA LINDSLEY

Multiple Sclerosis Society
The Mid South Chapter of the National MS Society is a community of individuals who are committed to achieving a world free of MS. The Chapter helps over 8,400 individuals throughout Tennessee, northern Georgia, northern Mississippi and eastern Arkansas impacted by MS to move their lives forward. They provide comprehensive support services and educational programs to people with MS, their family and friends, and raise funds locally to support the National MS Society’s research initiative.

MEREDITH GRIFFITH

Centerstone
Centerstone is the nation’s largest provider of community-based behavioral health care, offering a full range of mental health services, substance abuse treatment and related educational services in Indiana and Tennessee. In 2007, it served 69,000 individuals and families at more than 120 facilities. Its programs address the wide range of emotional, behavioral, psychological and addiction issues affecting those in our care. Through education and outreach, it provides young and old alike with a better understanding of behavioral health care. Centerstone exists to help individuals from all walks of life in need.

AMY MARSALIS

Saint Thomas Foundation
St. Thomas Foundation advances the caring ministry the caring ministry and medical excellence of Saint Thomas Health Services by matching its mission with the interests of grateful patients and donors. The Foundation’s purpose is to support the development of facilities, leading medical technology, clinical research and educational programs that meet community needs. In a sense, the Foundation represents hands of the donor community—reaching out to patients, families, nurses, and physicians to extend resources otherwise unavailable.

PIPER BURCH

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
The mission of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is to assure the development of the means to cure and control cystic fibrosis and to improve the quality of life for those with the disease. The Foundation is the leading organization in the United States devoted to cystic fibrosis. It funds and accredits more than 115 CF care centers and 95 adult care programs. The Foundation has played an integral role in the development and FDA approval of four therapies that are now a routine part of treatment regimens for many with CF.

LIBBY SIEVEKING

Nashville Humane Association is one of the oldest service organizations in Nashville. NHA is committed to promoting humane treatment of animals, finding good homes for stray or abandoned dogs and cats, educating the public about their responsibility to help control the pet population, and providing treatment and care to ensure the well being of animals in our community.

LESLIE DABROWIAK

Cumberland Heights
Cumberland Heights treatment programs encompass the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual of recovery through professional excellence, the principles of the Twelve Steps, and a safe, loving environment. Cumberland Heights’ 170-acre campus is located along the banks of the Cumberland River. Surrounded by wooded hills and free from the distractions of city life, it provides the ideal setting for recovery.

BARBARA BOVENDER

TPAC
The mission of the Tennessee Performing Arts Center is to provide facilities, services and programs of the highest quality for the greatest benefit of the people, institutions and communities of the state, and to take a leadership role in fostering the performing arts, arts education, resident arts groups and other arts organizations.

Sarah Ann Ezzell

Family and Children’s Service
The predecessor to Family & Children’s Service (F&CS) was the Children’s Bureau, begun in 1943 by community activists who wanted to unite families disrupted by war and economic upheaval. They also saw the need to find homes for children when reunification with their families was not feasible. In 1953 the Children’s Bureau merged with the Family Service Association to become Family & Children’s Service. The agency’s focus became mental health counseling and infant adoptions. With changes in the adoption picture, special needs adoption became a priority in 1977.The mission of Family and Children’s Service is to strengthen families, children and individuals to achieve self-sufficiency, family preservation and well-being.

Irwin Fisher

The Women’s Fund
Started by a committee of community leaders that decided to make a difference, The Women’s Fund is dedicated to increasing support in Middle Tennessee for programs serving women and girls. The Women’s Fund was established in 1994 both to raise women's awareness of their own philanthropic potential and to increase and perpetuate financial support for community programs that address the needs of women and girls. The Women's Fund awards funding to programs that address achievement of economic self-sufficiency for women, prevention of violence and crime against women and girls, promotion of health and physical well being for women and girls.

Sondra Cruickshanks

The Land Trust for Tennessee
The Land Trust for Tennessee works with communities and individuals to identify our natural and historic assets and protect important lands as well as sites before they disappear forever. Over 1700 land trusts have conserved 37 million acres of land in America—an area roughly the size of all the New England states combined.