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
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
Leah Beth Bolton - Communications Director
Leah Beth Bolton is a Jackson, Tennessee, native and University of Memphis graduate. She began her career in crisis communications before transitioning to digital content and eventually becoming an on-air reporter for FOX13 Memphis. Outside of work, Leah Beth enjoys acting on stage and screen. She is also an active MIFA volunteer, delivering Meals on Wheels weekly in Memphis.
Contact Leah Beth at leahbeth@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
McKenzie Ham - Memphis Intern
McKenzie is attending The Unversity of Memphis working towards a degree in marketing. She hopes to go into digital marketing and work with an organization that assists families. In her free time, she loves to read, hang out with friends, serve at her church, and spend time with her family.
Contact McKenzie at intern@forrestspencefund.org
Isabelle Goebel - Memphis Intern
Isabelle is attending The Unversity of Memphis working towards a degree in hospitality and resort management. She hopes to move into an event planning position after graduation. In her free time, she loves to paint, color, junk journal, and bake for her friends and family.
Contact Isabelle at intern@forrestspencefund.org
Raha Hassan - Nashville Intern
Raha is attending Vanderbilt University working towards a degree in medicine, health, and society. She plans to pursue higher education in a health-related field with the goal of addressing health inequity. She has over 4 years of volunteer experience with health related organizations. In her free time, she enjoys playing saxophone and piano, painting, hiking, and crafting.
Contact Raha at intern-nash@forrestspencefund.org