Our life-changing work wouldn’t succeed without an energized, dedicated team.

Leadership Team

Emma Meares
Office and Marketing Coordinator
emma@beginanew.org

Emma’s background includes 4 years of experience in nonprofit marketing and executive support. With a passion for helping others through both administrative and charitable means, Emma’s skills and goals work toward creating meaningful change in professional and academic environments.

Emma graduated from Hillsdale College with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics. Emma is dedicated to continual growth and education. She is also passionate about reading and exercise.

Pam Bryant
Interim Executive Director
pam@beginanew.org

Pam’s 20 year career includes serving in several leadership positions within social impact nonprofits. Her passion and leadership skills helped to engage the community in creating life changing impact through numerous collaborative partnerships with other social impact nonprofits, corporations, individuals, and governments.

Pam is a graduate of Lipscomb University where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management. Pam is committed to continuously expanding her leadership skills.

Teresa Watts
Program Director
teresa@beginanew.org

Teresa brings 26 years of experience supporting the strategic direction of churches and non-profit organizations, leading teams, developing people, and setting goals and budgets while pursuing the mission and vision of the organization. Her most recent leadership role was launching a nonprofit mental health agency for kids impacted by trauma.

Teresa is a graduate of Azusa Pacific University with a Bachelor of Science in Music Education. Teresa is an avid reader and lifelong learner who is passionate about living out her mission for Jesus.

Campus Program Managers

Andrea Waters
Madison
Program Manager
madison@beginanew.org

Andrea graduated from the University of North Florida with a BA in Psychology and a MA in Organizational Management. Her past employment experience includes a role as a Career Placement Specialist and as an Employment Specialist. She has over 25 years of combined experience in Education and Workforce Development. Passionate and purposeful in her work - she is at her best when helping others discover the best in themselves.

Shane Hitchcock
Online
Program Manager
online@beginanew.org

Shane moved to Nashville in 2009 along with his wife Leigh and their two girls Hannah and Rebekah. He received a BS in Psychology from Mississippi College and a Masters of Divinity in Christian Education from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Shane has a passion for working with students and equipping them for life. Shane served in student ministry in IN, MS, FL, KY, and TN for over 15 years.

Landon Stratton
Woodbine
Program Manager
woodbine@beginanew.org

Landon graduated from Cedarville University with a BA in Intercultural Studies and is a certified instructor of the English language. He has experience in leadership and education in classrooms both within the United States as well as internationally. Landon is passionate about serving and equipping others in the spirit of Jesus Christ, seeing them overcome obstacles and reach their goals. A native of Kentucky, Landon moved to Nashville in 2024 and is excited to be serving the Nashville community. 

Tonya LaDeau
Nashville
Program Manager
nashville@beginanew.org

Tonya is a native Nashvillian. She graduated from Kaplan University with a BS in Legal Studies. Tonya has nearly 18 years of experience working for the State of Tennessee, most recently helping those with intellectual and developmental disabilities receive the support and protection they need. Tonya has also served in many volunteer roles at Begin Anew over the years: mentor, prayer partner, tutor, and for the last few years, a Bible study teacher. Tonya is passionate about walking alongside others in their journey to know Christ.

Rick Duvall
Franklin
Program Manager
franklin@beginanew.org

Rick holds a Master of Arts in English from Belmont University and a Master of Science in Management from Southeastern Institute of Technology. He is a seasoned Adult Education professional with over 10 years of full-time ministry experience. Rick is passionate about serving adult learners and helping them realize their maximum potential. He is also a longtime resident of the Nashville area.