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 Haddow 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

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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

Kate Weller - Intern

Kate is from Memphis, TN and is currently attending Auburn University, where she is majoring in Human Development and Family Science. She looks forward to pursuing a career as a nurse in Memphis this fall. In her free time, she enjoys working out, going on walks with friends, reading, online shopping, and juicing.

Contact Kate at intern@forrestspencefund.org