Board of Trustees
JASON FISHEL
President (click here)
Jason FishelJason has lived in East TN since 2009 and moved to the vicinity of Oak Ridge in 2015. He is a graduate of UT where he earned his Ph.D. in philosophy, specializing in sustainability and biomedical ethics. He has an MA from Washington State University. Currently he volunteers on the Roane County Green Team and the Ethics Committee at Methodist Hospital in Oak Ridge, while working as an Assistant Professor of philosophy at Roane State Community College.
Jason Fishel
Jason has lived in East TN since 2009 and moved to the vicinity of Oak Ridge in 2015. He is a graduate of UT where he earned his Ph.D. in philosophy, specializing in sustainability and biomedical ethics. He has an MA from Washington State University. Currently he volunteers on the Roane County Green Team and the Ethics Committee at Methodist Hospital in Oak Ridge, while working as an Assistant Professor of philosophy at Roane State Community College.
TERRY PFEIFFER
President (click here)
Terry PfeifferBio not yet available
Terry Pfeiffer
Bio not yet available
JENNY FREEMAN
Secretary
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Jenny FreemanEnthusiastic member of the Oak Ridge business community. Strong ties to the Energy, Technology, and Environmental Business Association (ETEBA). Develops relationships and networks for Strata-G and helps implement its vision of growth. Has been active with the DOE business community for about 20 years, and, helped organize and still chairs the Oak Ridge Business Safety Partnership. Enjoys volunteering with the United Way of Anderson County and the Oak Ridge Site Specific Advisory Board.
Jenny Freeman
Enthusiastic member of the Oak Ridge business community. Strong ties to the Energy, Technology, and Environmental Business Association (ETEBA). Develops relationships and networks for Strata-G and helps implement its vision of growth. Has been active with the DOE business community for about 20 years, and, helped organize and still chairs the Oak Ridge Business Safety Partnership. Enjoys volunteering with the United Way of Anderson County and the Oak Ridge Site Specific Advisory Board.
Ellie Kittrell
Member At Large
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Ellie KittrellEllie Kittrell is the Director of Childcare and Early Education Systems at United Way of Greater Knoxville. In her role, she serves as a Bright Start TN fellow and is working with a state-wide cohort to facilitate an early childhood education strategic plan for Knoxville-Knox County. Ellie was co-founder and Executive Director of the Muse Knoxville children’s museum and is passionate about empowering individuals to learn, work, and play within their gifts. She and her husband, Matt, are parents to three teenage sons and serve together as coordinators of an addiction recovery and family support ministry.
Ellie Kittrell
Ellie Kittrell is the Director of Childcare and Early Education Systems at United Way of Greater Knoxville. In her role, she serves as a Bright Start TN fellow and is working with a state-wide cohort to facilitate an early childhood education strategic plan for Knoxville-Knox County. Ellie was co-founder and Executive Director of the Muse Knoxville children’s museum and is passionate about empowering individuals to learn, work, and play within their gifts. She and her husband, Matt, are parents to three teenage sons and serve together as coordinators of an addiction recovery and family support ministry.
JAMI GARNER
Treasurer
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Jami GarnerBio not yet available
Jami Garner
Bio not yet available
SHELLEY ESQUIVEL
Member At Large
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Shelley EsquivelShelley and her husband made East Tennessee their home in December 2006, where they now reside with their two daughters. Shelley has a graduate degree in Developmental Psychology from University of Nebraska at Omaha, and a PhD in Educational Psychology and Research with a concentration in Program Evaluation, Statistics, and Measurement from The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Shelley serves as a Grants Specialist at Roane State Community College, where she has secured federal, state, and local grant funds to support a variety of educational and student support service programs.
Shelley Esquivel
Shelley and her husband made East Tennessee their home in December 2006, where they now reside with their two daughters. Shelley has a graduate degree in Developmental Psychology from University of Nebraska at Omaha, and a PhD in Educational Psychology and Research with a concentration in Program Evaluation, Statistics, and Measurement from The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Shelley serves as a Grants Specialist at Roane State Community College, where she has secured federal, state, and local grant funds to support a variety of educational and student support service programs.
Katatra Vasquez
Member At Large
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Katatra VasquezKatatra Vasquez, is a native of Dayton, Ohio but presently resides in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Katatra is a wife and mother, to an amazing husband, Silbino and two fantastic children, Dominic and Nina. A graduate of Tuskegee University, Vasquez preserves history and the environment for future generations, as the first African-American woman to serve as the National Environmental Policy Act, Compliance Officer and Historic Preservation Management Coordinator for the U.S. Department of Energy, Oak Ridge Office. She coordinates historic preservation and environmental compliance for the 34,000 acre Oak Ridge Reservation and works in partnership with federal, state, local, and Tribal organizations. Recognized as one of the Greater Knoxville Business Journal’s top 40 Under 40 Leaders in 2016, a 2019 YWCA Tribute to Women Award recipient and member of the Leadership Oak Ridge Graduate Class of 2018, Katatra Vasquez is a motivated advocate and volunteer for numerous non-profit organizations. She is the owner of a small historic preservation business, Prolific by Design and co-founder of the then non- profit Knoxville Ebony Network dedicated to connecting people and resources across East Tennessee. In 2009, Vasquez underwent surgery to remove tumors in her brain, which reinforced her commitment to God and being a public servant who has a passion for loving and living her best life.
Katatra Vasquez
Katatra Vasquez, is a native of Dayton, Ohio but presently resides in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Katatra is a wife and mother, to an amazing husband, Silbino and two fantastic children, Dominic and Nina. A graduate of Tuskegee University, Vasquez preserves history and the environment for future generations, as the first African-American woman to serve as the National Environmental Policy Act, Compliance Officer and Historic Preservation Management Coordinator for the U.S. Department of Energy, Oak Ridge Office. She coordinates historic preservation and environmental compliance for the 34,000 acre Oak Ridge Reservation and works in partnership with federal, state, local, and Tribal organizations. Recognized as one of the Greater Knoxville Business Journal’s top 40 Under 40 Leaders in 2016, a 2019 YWCA Tribute to Women Award recipient and member of the Leadership Oak Ridge Graduate Class of 2018, Katatra Vasquez is a motivated advocate and volunteer for numerous non-profit organizations. She is the owner of a small historic preservation business, Prolific by Design and co-founder of the then non- profit Knoxville Ebony Network dedicated to connecting people and resources across East Tennessee. In 2009, Vasquez underwent surgery to remove tumors in her brain, which reinforced her commitment to God and being a public servant who has a passion for loving and living her best life.
Staff
MICHAEL BJERKE
Administrative Staff
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Michael BjerkeRaised on the west coast, he moved to East TN immediately after college. Retired from Oak Ridge National Laboratory, where he spent 34 years creating computer applications for a wide variety of technical and business fields. Still keeps a hand in computer programming and website development. Serves as admin staff at Blossom Center, doing the billing and being the webmaster.
Michael Bjerke
Raised on the west coast, he moved to East TN immediately after college. Retired from Oak Ridge National Laboratory, where he spent 34 years creating computer applications for a wide variety of technical and business fields. Still keeps a hand in computer programming and website development. Serves as admin staff at Blossom Center, doing the billing and being the webmaster.
ROSE WEAVER(click here)
Rose WeaverRose Weaver is a graduate of Berea College in Sociology and received her Master’s in Government Contracting while working at the DOE subcontractor Wackenhut Services Inc. She worked some 39 years at the DOE subcontractors, UT Battelle, K-25 Plant, Y-12 Plant, and Wackenhut Services Inc. Her professional experience includes technical writing specialist, staffing specialist, affirmative action manager, diversity/paralegal assistant and subcontract/small business manager.
She has 15 years of experience in child care previously working at the Scarboro Learning Center on Carver Avenue and serving as Christian Education Director working with youth at Spurgeon Chapel A.M.E.Zion Church. A native Oak Ridger she is known for working on several youth enrichment programs in organizations such as the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People Youth, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Scarboro Community Alumni Associationand collaborations with the Oak Ridge School system. She has her TECTA certification in Administration, School Age and Preschool Orientation. Ms. Weaver has worked As School Age, Toddler, and currently Preschool 1 teacher. She has also served as community outreach and newsletter support person, as well as serving on the Fundraising Committee for Blossom.
She is recently active in researching African American early years in Oak Ridge that materialized into a traveling exhibit and recently unveiled in March 2020 Secret Growth, an exhibit commissioned by the Museum of Science and Energy. She is currently the co-chairperson with Martin McBride of the City’s 65th Anniversary Celebration of Desegregation of the Oak Ridge Schools in 1955.
Rose Weaver
Rose Weaver is a graduate of Berea College in Sociology and received her Master’s in Government Contracting while working at the DOE subcontractor Wackenhut Services Inc. She worked some 39 years at the DOE subcontractors, UT Battelle, K-25 Plant, Y-12 Plant, and Wackenhut Services Inc. Her professional experience includes technical writing specialist, staffing specialist, affirmative action manager, diversity/paralegal assistant and subcontract/small business manager.
She has 15 years of experience in child care previously working at the Scarboro Learning Center on Carver Avenue and serving as Christian Education Director working with youth at Spurgeon Chapel A.M.E.Zion Church. A native Oak Ridger she is known for working on several youth enrichment programs in organizations such as the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People Youth, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Scarboro Community Alumni Associationand collaborations with the Oak Ridge School system. She has her TECTA certification in Administration, School Age and Preschool Orientation. Ms. Weaver has worked As School Age, Toddler, and currently Preschool 1 teacher. She has also served as community outreach and newsletter support person, as well as serving on the Fundraising Committee for Blossom.
She is recently active in researching African American early years in Oak Ridge that materialized into a traveling exhibit and recently unveiled in March 2020 Secret Growth, an exhibit commissioned by the Museum of Science and Energy. She is currently the co-chairperson with Martin McBride of the City’s 65th Anniversary Celebration of Desegregation of the Oak Ridge Schools in 1955.
She has 15 years of experience in child care previously working at the Scarboro Learning Center on Carver Avenue and serving as Christian Education Director working with youth at Spurgeon Chapel A.M.E.Zion Church. A native Oak Ridger she is known for working on several youth enrichment programs in organizations such as the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People Youth, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Scarboro Community Alumni Associationand collaborations with the Oak Ridge School system. She has her TECTA certification in Administration, School Age and Preschool Orientation. Ms. Weaver has worked As School Age, Toddler, and currently Preschool 1 teacher. She has also served as community outreach and newsletter support person, as well as serving on the Fundraising Committee for Blossom.
She is recently active in researching African American early years in Oak Ridge that materialized into a traveling exhibit and recently unveiled in March 2020 Secret Growth, an exhibit commissioned by the Museum of Science and Energy. She is currently the co-chairperson with Martin McBride of the City’s 65th Anniversary Celebration of Desegregation of the Oak Ridge Schools in 1955.
ANGELA TANNER
(click here)
Angela TannerMy name is Ms Angela, I am a mother of two and a teacher here at Blossom Center. Early childhood has always been my passion, with over 12 years experience, there is nothing I would rather do. I am always striving to learn more and continue my education to help your children bloom.
Angela Tanner
My name is Ms Angela, I am a mother of two and a teacher here at Blossom Center. Early childhood has always been my passion, with over 12 years experience, there is nothing I would rather do. I am always striving to learn more and continue my education to help your children bloom.
ASHLEY WEAVER
(click here)
Ashley WeaverMy name is Mrs. Ashley. I am an Educator/Administrator at Blossom. I have been in childcare since 2007 and with Blossom since 2017. I have been a volunteer at Willowbrook Elementary School for 6 years. I have three children of my own and I love what I do.
Ashley Weaver
My name is Mrs. Ashley. I am an Educator/Administrator at Blossom. I have been in childcare since 2007 and with Blossom since 2017. I have been a volunteer at Willowbrook Elementary School for 6 years. I have three children of my own and I love what I do.