Staff Members
Brittany Spence - Executive Director
Brittany, along with her husband David, founded the Forrest Spence Fund in memory of their son Forrest. Brittany was born and raised in Hendersonville, Tennessee. She graduated with a Master’s degree in Elementary Education and Psychology from The University of Tennessee. She worked as a school teacher and youth director for several years before becoming the Executive Director of the Forrest Spence Fund. Brittany currently serves on the Family Partners Council and the Parent Mentor Program at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital.
She loves to spend time with her husband and three children, Austin, Miller, and Maggie. She also enjoys reading, traveling, exercising, and spending time with friends and family.
Contact Brittany at brittany@forrestspencefund.org
Marilyn Bridges - Program Director
Marilyn was born and raised in Southaven, MS, and graduated from Delta State University. She has lived in Memphis since 2003. Her background is working in travel, arranging trips and conferences for clients. She loves using her gifts with the Forrest Spence Fund and serving the families. Marilyn enjoys spending time with her daughters, traveling, and being a great aunt.
Contact Marilyn at marilyn@forrestspencefund.org
Maddie Haddow - Chattanooga Director
Maddie was born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee and now lives in Chattanooga with her husband, Sam, and dog, Miller. She attended the University of Tennessee, Knoxville where she earned a degree in Child and Family Studies. She completed a gap year with the Service Over Self Academy Residency where she gained a certificate in Community Transformation at Memphis College of Urban and Theological Studies. Maddie enjoys spending time on the porch, going for a walk, and discovering new coffee shops!
Contact Maddie at maddie@forrestspencefund.org
Stephanie Shelton - Office Manager
Stephanie Shelton was born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee. She attended the University of Memphis where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Finance. Stephanie enjoys reading and spending time with her husband, Adam, and two children, Lawson and Brooks.
Contact Stephanie at stephanie@forrestspencefund.org
Pesi Katz - Communications Director
Pesi is from Memphis, TN and is passionate about pursuing a career as a child life specialist to continue helping children and families in need. In her free time, she enjoys listening to music, discovering new coffee shops, and spending time with her family. Pesi interned with us during the summers of 2022 and 2023 and is excited to now be a permanent part of the team.
Contact Pesi at pesi@forrestspencefund.org
Alexis Daniel - Events and Center Director
Alexis was born in Phoenix, AZ, and shortly after, moved to Memphis, TN. She graduated from Florida State University in 2024 with a bachelor's degree in Business Management. In her free time, she loves spending time with her two cats and family, as well as visiting estate sales.
Contact Alexis at alexis@forrestspencefund.org
Deb Sandvik - Nashville Director
Deb was born and raised in the Chicago area and attended Illinois State University receiving a B.S. in Therapeutic Recreation and a M.S. in Education. She lived in Los Angeles and in 2005 moved to Nashville where she lives with her husband, 2 dogs, and 2 cats. In her free time, she loves traveling, researching geneaology, and supporting animal rescue groups.
Contact Deb at deb@forrestspencefund.org
Nicki Macri - Intern
Nicki is from Collierville, TN and graduated high school in May 2026. She will be attending Auburn Univerisy in the fall to receive a bachelor’s degree in political science and plans to attend law school. In her free time, she loves playing lacrosse, running and going to the lake.
Contact Nicki at intern@forrestspencefund.org
Shelby Wood - Intern
Shelby is from Nashville, TN and is attending Vanderbilt University majoring in human and organizational development. She plans to attend Belmont University to pursue physical therapy. In her free time, she enjoys art, music, and going to the gym. Her twin sister, Mary, is also interning with the Forrest Spence Fund.
Contact Shelby at intern@forrestspencefund.org
Mary Wood - Intern
Mary is from Nashville, TN and is attending Wake Forest University majoring in pyschology. She plans to become a child life specialist. In her free time, she enjoys soccer, painting, and reading. Her twin sister, Shelby, is also interning with the Forrest Spence Fund.
Contact Mary at intern@forrestspencefund.org
Annabelle DiStasio - Chattanooga Intern
Annabelle is from Chattanooga, TN and is attending Mississippi State University majoring in human development and family sciences. After graduation she plans to attend nursing school and work in pediatrics. In her free time, she loves walking, reading, and traveling.
Contact Annabelle at intern-cha@forrestspencfund.org