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, with the exception of living in Bogota’, Colombia in South America for 3 years as a missionary with her family. Her background is working in travel, arranging trips and conferences for clients. She is excited to use her gifts with the Forrest Spence Fund and serve the families. Marilyn enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and being a great aunt.
Contact Marilyn at marilyn@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 graduated high school in June 2023. She looks forward to pursuing a career as a child life specialist to continue helping children in need. During her free time she loves to listen to music, make sourdough bread, shop, and spend time with her family. Pesi interned for us in the summers of 2022 and 2023 and is excited to be a permanent part of the team.
Contact Pesi at pesi@forrestspencefund.org
Alexis Connor - Events and Center Coordinator
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
Holly Carpenter - Nashville Director
Holly is from West Haven, CT where she attended Gateway Community College majoring in hospitality management. She then made her way to the south and lives with her three-year-old son, Jameson, and dogs, Smudge and Maggie. Jameson spent 31 days in the Saint Thomas NICU. Through their experience in the NICU, Holly found ways to give back to families in similar situations. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with Jameson, reading, traveling, and trying new restaurants and wines. Her goal is to take Jameson to a different baseball park every year. After assisting with the Bootlegger’s Ball 2023 in Nashville, she is excited to join the team.
Contact Holly at holly@forrestspencefund.org
Julie Gonzalez - Spring Intern
Julie is from Memphis, TN and is attending Baptist Health Sciences University, majoring in Health Administration. After graduation, she plans to enter the career field to become a hospital administrator. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her friends and family, reading, and baking.
Contact Julie at intern@forrestspencefund.org
Breckyn Kuykendall - Spring Intern
Breckyn is from Hernando, MS and is attending Baptist Health Sciences University, majoring in Health Administration. After graduation, she plans to begin her career as a medical device sales rep. In her spare time, she enjoys reading her Bible, hanging out with friends, working out, and playing pickleball.
Contact Breckyn at intern@forrestspencefund.org