Dr. Jan Hahn
Chairman
Dr. Hahn moved to Lenoir City with his wife and first child in 1984,after serving 4 years in the Indian Health Service-Cherokee, NC. Until the
end of March 2025, he practiced family medicine in Loudon and Monroe countries except for a 3 year stint as a health science teacher at Farragut High School (2013-2016).
In 1991, he founded IVA’S PLACE, a domestic violence victim center and served as its board chair until 2017 when the organization united with the Child Advocacy Center-9th Judicial District. He served on that program’s board until 2021 when he resigned in order to pursue other ventures, like running for the TN House of Representatives – District 32.
He resides in Loudon County with his wife, Dr. Heather O’Brien, retired veterinarian, on their small farm filled with goats, chickens, horses, and dogs. His 3 daughters pursue their careers in New Orleans, Louisville, KY, and Anchorage, Alaska.
Amy Hethcox
Board Secretary
Being the mother of two children with medical and other special needs, I have a unique perspective on the education and occupation
opportunities/challenges of the Riverside students/participants. As a graduate of UTK in Early Childhood Education, I have had the opportunity
to teach in the public schools, direct a non-profit inner-city educational ministry, work as an early interventionist in 4 states, and teach in a
homeschool setting. As an early childhood developmental specialist, I have an understanding of developmental needs and the building blocks required
for growth. Because of my work in a nonprofit ministry, I have an understanding of the balance between meeting the needs of participants in the program and the need for community support for the program to besuccessful. All of these skills are being utilized on the board of Riverside as I fill the roles of parent advocate and secretary of the board.
Zach Morel
Treasurer
Bio coming soon
Janet F. Cardwell
Board Member
Janet is a retired educator from Loudon County Schools. She taught at both North Middle School and Highland Park Elementary. She has a BS
in Elementary Education from UT Knoxville. Her husband is retired Major General John E. Cardwell, US ARMY. She is currently volunteering at several organizations, like the Loudon Woman’s Club and Loudon County Family Resource Center.
Robin Harrison
Board Member
Coming soon
Alex Martin
Board Member
Alex is a Knoxville native and full time licensed REALTOR®️ with Realty Executives Associates. Alex has a passion for connecting people
throughout the community, and giving back. One of Alex’s fondest and earliest volunteer memories was with his late paternal grandfather in Middle TN. He would ride along with him as a kid in the summertime while he made Meals on Wheels deliveries. This left a lasting impact on Alex, and so began his passion for volunteerism. Having a background in Broadcasting, Media, Advertising, and Community Relations, Alex’s
strengths include really listening, understanding, and developing a course of action through servant leadership. Alex has resided in both the Knoxville and Nashville communities, and has a deep-rooted passion for the great state of Tennessee! He looks forward to humbly helping Riverside Coffee Shop become the best nonprofit in Tennessee!
Brittany Morel
Board Member
Brittany Morel, M.S.Ed., COTA/L is a full-time Occupational Therapy Assistant faculty member and instructional designer with a passion for
neurodiversity-affirming education and trauma-informed practice. She brings experience in higher education, curriculum development, and
holistic systems design, with a focus on executive function, emotional regulation, family-centered support, and creating environments where
neurodivergent learners can thrive. Her commitment to Next Steps reflects both her professional expertise and personal passion for empowering families and creating meaningful pathways toward independence, resilience, and long-term success for individuals with diverse learning needs.
Dr. Ron Schmidt
Board Member
I was one member of a team of 5 school psychologists, 2 speech therapists, 3 physical therapists, and 2 occupational therapists. We contracted our services to 5 school districts. Each psychologist had certain
schools assigned as their responsibility to cover all special education classes. We provided guidance and suggestions for each student’s curriculum and learning environment to the regular classroom teachers and special education teachers. We led all Individual Education Plan (IEP) meetings between the school administration, teachers, and parents. We also provided parent counseling to assist with home behavior for their educationally challenged child. In addition, each psychologist had one area of disability that they oversaw for all schools. In other words, if there was a problem with a student in the disability area they oversaw in any of the schools, that the assigned psychologist needed extra help with, the
psychologist in charge of that area would provide additional help. The area I had responsibility for was Behavioral Disorder.
School Psychologist: Department of Defense Dependents Schools, Munich, Germany
Lois Snow
Board Member
Lois has a BA in Spanish from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville and a M.Ed. in Counseling and Personnel Services from the University of Memphis (Memphis State). Lois has worked globally as a
facilitator, trainer and consultant with corporations and educational institutions for twenty years, using experience-based training and development tools to build high performance work teams, to develop
leadership skills, and to create community in the workplace. She worked for Loudon County School for several years creating a Coordinated School
Health program model. Lois has served on several boards such as the Rural Health Association of Tennessee, Loudon County Tourism Board, Loudon County Board of Education, and volunteers at the Loudoun County Election Commission. She lives in Loudon Tennessee with her husband, Robert Harrison, and is the proud mother of one son, Walker.
Beth Stuart
Board Member
I am a retired Special Education teacher with a BA in Intercultural Ministry and Master’s in Special Education. I was a missionary in Africa for 12 years. After coming home I decided to get my Master’s degree in Special Education. I taught for 10 years in special education at Jefferson Elementary School in Jefferson City, Tennessee. In 2013, I found out that I
had a rare disease that affects the artery in my brain. In 2014, I had double brain bypass surgery. During the first surgery, I suffered from a massivestroke that caused me to retire. I have made a major recovery, but it was the catalyst to my volunteering at Riverside Coffee Shop.
Charlene Waggoner
Board Member
Originally from Northern Indiana, I moved to the Knoxville area 16 years ago and started my career in Sales and Marketing. I have sold print advertising for over 15 years as well as working in Business Development and currently am a Sales Executive for City Wide Facility Solutions, providing facility maintenance solutions for commercial properties. I have 2 amazing adult children, Peyton and Kendall, who make me proud every day. My passion is to connect and serve. Meeting people and listening to
how we can make our businesses, free time, family experiences, and life in general better is something I truly love.
Mike Wilson
Board Member
Coach Mike Wilson is the founder of The Forge training center in Lenoir City, Tennessee, where he helps youth athletes and adults build strength, confidence, and resilience through small-group training and mentorship. With nearly 20 years of experience as an athlete, coach, and mentor, Mike has worked with individuals across many backgrounds, including developmentally disabled children and adults in teaching and training environments. A former multi-sport athlete who played collegiate football at Valparaiso University, Mike brings a passion for personal development, leadership, and community impact to his work. Through both coaching and service, he believes in creating environments where individuals are supported, encouraged, and empowered to reach their full potential.