Grace Place is led by a dedicated team of staff who believe in the strength of every mother and the potential of every family we serve. Together, we create a stable, nurturing environment where families can begin again. However, change is never a solo effort. Local businesses, organizations, volunteers, and donors join us on our board, provide resources, mentorship, and encouragement. Together, we form a network of hope and possibilities.
We believe the Bible to be the inerrant, infallible, inspired Word of God, and, as such, the supreme and final authority of our faith and practices.
We believe in one triune God, eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, each coequal in nature, power, and glory.
We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, became man, without ceasing to be God, having been conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of a virgin, to redeem sinful man through His substitutionary death on the cross and resurrection. We believe that Jesus Christ ascended to Heaven, is now at the right hand of God, and will return to this earth one day to establish His kingdom.
We believe that in Adam’s sin, the human race fell, inherited a sinful nature, and became alienated from God. Man is totally depraved and, of himself, utterly unable to remedy his lost condition. We believe that salvation is the gift of God brought to man by grace and received by personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, whose blood was shed for the forgiveness of our sins. That forgiveness, fulfillment, and joy come only through a personal relationship with God.
Meet Desnéige Bourret, Founder and CEO of Grace Place Ministry, Inc. Desnéige has a background in small business marketing, a college degree in Christian Ministry from Trevecca Nazarene University, and worked as the Benevolence Coordinator for Long Hollow Baptist Church before organizing and opening Grace Place.
Now, in the daily operations of Grace Place, she strives to show the love of Christ to each woman and child by offering guidance, support, and numerous types of training to help fulfill the mission of Grace Place. Desnéige also spends a great deal of time sharing the story of Grace Place and the future vision of Grace Place out in the community whenever opportunities arise.
Don Bruce is the a native of Hendersonville, Matt completed his undergraduate and graduate studies at the University of Tennessee before returning in 2005 to begin his career as a CPA in Nashville. He honed his skills serving privately held businesses for national and regional firms until January 2021 when he joined Davis, Brown & Company PLLC as a partner. He has a broad range of experience serving clients in the healthcare, manufacturing, retail, non-profit, and real estate industries.
Don has been an active member of Community Church in Hendersonville, Tennessee,
and remains dedicated to public service. He plays a prominent role with the Bruce
Family Foundation and has served on the boards of many philanthropic and service
organizations, including the Jason Foundation for the prevention of suicide, the Sumner
County YMCA, the Nashville Juvenile Court Ministry, the Madison Children’s Home &
Domestic Violence Shelter, and Mission Discovery, which conducts short-term missions
around the world. Don currently volunteers for Journey to Freedom, a recovery program
that works with the drug courts of Sumner County to assist inmates. Don is excited, honored, and proud to support and serve Grace Place!
Jody Corley has been a part of our community since 1974. She and her husband, Paul, moved to Hendersonville from Great Falls, Montana, where Paul was in the USAF, and Jody was a first grade teacher. Because they were raised in Nashville, they wanted to return home to beautiful Middle Tennessee.
Jody graduated with an Associate of Arts Degree from Stephens College, a Bachelor of Science Degree from George Peabody College, and a Master’s Degree from the Chicago National Association of Dance Masters.
As a Choreographer, Art Director, Performer, Teacher, and Owner of a Performing Arts School for over 25 years, she values what she thinks dwells in all of us – music and dancing. Working with children has been one of her greatest joys. Jody has choreographed for country music stars, commercial companies, and children’s videos which she found to be the most inspiring. She choreographed the “Kid’s Sing Praise” and “Mother Goose Gospel” series for Brentwood Music.
A native of Hendersonville, Matt completed his undergraduate and graduate studies at the University of Tennessee before returning in 2005 to begin his career as a CPA in Nashville. He honed his skills serving privately held businesses for national and regional firms until January 2021 when he joined Davis, Brown & Company PLLC as a partner. He has a broad range of experience serving clients in the healthcare, manufacturing, retail, non-profit, and real estate industries.
Matt has always been passionate about serving and contributing to the success of nonprofits that cater to the needs of families. During his career he has served on the boards of or volunteered for organizations focused on foster care, family welfare, and homeless youth. In addition to shifting focus to the business needs of Sumner County it was also his intent to find local organizations that are benefitting his home community. He is enthusiastic about dedicating his skills and passion to help further the mission of Grace Place and make a meaningful impact in this area.
Matt resides in Gallatin with his wife (Lindsay) and three children (Caroline, Andrew, and Luke).
Born and raised in the small farm town of Adams, Tennessee, where millwrights and ironworkers were at the heart of his family’s multi-generational business. Inspired by this legacy, Ed began his career as a millwright with the largest conveyor manufacturer at the time. His strong work ethic quickly led to promotions across various roles over 15 years, ultimately serving as Senior Field Operations Manager.
When changes within the company prompted a career shift, Ed joined his father’s conveyor installation business as CEO. Shortly thereafter, he purchased the company, allowing his father to retire. With a commitment to growth and innovation, Ed guided the business—renamed Fletchline—through the challenges of the early 2000s recession, emerging stronger and continuing its success. By the mid-2010s, Ed had acquired another company and launched a new venture, both complementing Fletchline’s core operations. His leadership has been instrumental in growing the company to exceed $100M in revenue while fostering a positive, team-oriented work environment.
Beyond his role at Fletchline, Ed is actively involved in various business ventures. He has built a robust real estate portfolio with over 50 parcels, generating consistent value and revenue. He also invests in other businesses and serves on multiple boards of directors, offering strategic guidance and helping steer key business decisions. Community involvement is important to Ed, and he is passionate about giving back to the places that have shaped his life. He actively serves in several local initiatives and charities, particularly in the communities where he grew up
and where Fletchline operates.
His commitment to service extends beyond business, as he believes in the power of uplifting others and creating opportunities for giving back and growth within these communities.
In his free time, Ed enjoys spending quality time with his family and pursuing his passion for water skiing, an activity that allows him to unwind and stay active. He is honored to be on the board of Grace Place.
Melissa grew up in East Tennessee and graduated from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville with a degree in Marketing. She moved to Nashville in 1995 and became a Sumner County resident in1998. She started her Allstate Insurance Agency, from scratch in 2003. She knows and loves life in her community and has a passion for helping others.
She has raised both of her boys in Hendersonville and calls the area home. Both sons attended Beech High School. Her oldest son, Christian attends Austin Peay State University. Her youngest son, Taylor will attend Liberty Creek High School its inaugural year.
Giving back to her community is very important to her. She supports local nonprofits. She is a past board member of COMPASS, Hendersonville Holiday Fest, and is serving her second term on the Hendersonville Area Chamber of Commerce Board. She is also a charter member of the Hendersonville Rotary Club, Junior Service League of Hendersonville, and Sumner County Women in Business. She will soon to be Leadership Sumner graduate.
Melissa has a passion for supporting, and encouraging women, small business owners, and Sumner County Schools. She is excited to be a part of the Grace Place family.
Johnny Garrett IV focuses his practice in the areas of business transactions and formations, civil and commercial litigation, estate planning and probate. As a lawyer he has grown his practice to include both small and medium size businesses, individuals who need assistance in the probate and estate planning stages of their lives, and all clients who find themselves in litigation. In 2018, Johnny was elected state representative for the 45th district of Tennessee and currently serves the Republican Caucus as Whip. The 45th district includes Goodlettsville, Hendersonville, Millersville, Shackle Island, Walnut Grove, and White House of Sumner County. While practicing law, Johnny remains active in the Sumner county community. He is a board member of Grace Place Ministry, the Vol State Community College Foundation, and Monthaven Arts and Cultural Center. Johnny is a proud graduate of Leadership Sumner and Leadership Goodlettsville, and a member of the Hendersonville Rotary club. Johnny serves on the President’s advisory board at Goodpasture Christian school and is the president of Goodlettsville Little League Baseball. He believes the talent he has as a lawyer provides him with an obligation to give back to his community. Johnny resides in Goodlettsville, has been married to Kara for over 23 years. His son, Jackson, attends the University of Tennessee and his daughters, Ella and Addie, both attend Goodpasture Christian School. As a founding supporter of Grace Place, Johnny is proud to serve these women and children and very excited for the ministry’s future.
Tammy Hayes, currently serves on the Sumner County School Board representing District 1, and she has served on the School Board since 2014.
Tammy and her wonderful husband Jonathan have been married for 43 years, moved to Hendersonvile 42 years ago, and have both served Sumner County in countless ways. As a mother of three amazing sons, former educator, and now grandmother, Tammy has poured her life into our school system and our community.
Throughout the years, she has sat on many local non profit boards, served as Women’s Ministry Director at FBC Hendersonville but currently, she serves in Grace Place Women’s Alliance and the Family Resource Center of Sumner County Schools. Tammy has always considered it a great joy to be a part of Grace Place and is devoted to serving our women and children.
Melissa Rogers, born and raised in Sumner County, has lived in Gallatin for the last 21 years with her husband Kent. She and her husband have been married for 24 years and have 3 grown children, all of which are graduates of Gallatin High School. Melissa has worked in the title industry in Sumner County and surrounding areas for 26 years, and has managed Warranty Title of Hendersonville for the last 17 years. Melissa has served on the board for Sumner County Women’s Council of Realtors, and currently works on the outreach committee of Sumner Realtors, and serves on the board for Habitat for Humanity of Sumner County. With a heart for non-profit work, and passion for her community, Melissa felt led to join the Grace Place board as of 2021 to partner with like-minded people in an effort to bring the greatest impact to our community.
Colleen, along with her husband John and their children Sean and Meghan, moved to Gallatin in 2004 from Charlotte, NC. She quickly immersed herself in the community, starting with her involvement in the St. John Vianney Inaugural Gala. She continued to support the event for several years, eventually serving as co-chair. Next, Colleen and John took on the role of chairing the Fund For Excellence campaign at JP II High School.
Several years ago a friend introduced her to Grace Place by inviting her to the annual luncheon. Deeply moved by the ministry’s mission, Colleen gradually became more involved, starting with joining the Women’s Alliance. Soon after, she and a friend hosted a Porch Party to raise awareness about the impactful work Grace Place was doing, eventually leading to a position on the Women’s Alliance Steering Committee.
Colleen is excited and humbled to join the Grace Place Board and eager to contribute to this worthy cause, helping the women and children of our community get back on track and establish better and more sustainable lives with the support of the wonderful resources and programs that Grace Place offers.
Brian is the owner and Principal Broker of One Stop Realty in Hendersonville. After joining One Stop Realty in 2013, he eventually purchased the company in 2019! Brian has served on the Sumner Realtor Board for over 4 years and chaired the Outreach Committee for 5 years. Passionate about serving his community in a variety of ways, Brian has also served as a Sumner County Commissioner for 2 years in District 7. He’s always focused on giving back to the community he lives in and has achieved that through Egg Hunts for low income daycares, the chip challenge for the Humane society, and a 5K for Habitat for Humanity. He is very excited to serve the community by serving on the board!
Chris Rippy serves as senior vice president and area manager and has been at Pinnacle since May 2014. He began his career in financial services in 1994.
Rippy comes most recently from First Tennessee Bank where he spent seventeen years in community banking in Sumner County. Prior to First Tennessee he served 3 years in banking roles at Third National Bank / SunTrust.
Rippy holds a bachelor’s degree from Western Kentucky University. He has served on the board of directors for the Hendersonville Area Chamber of Commerce, Greater Nashville Habitat and Sumner County Habitat. Currently serves on the Board of Directors for Gallatin Chamber of Commerce (Treasurer) and Forward Sumner, member Gallatin Noon Rotary Club and 2025 graduate of Leadership Middle Tennessee, 2021 graduate of Leadership Gallatin and 2000 graduate of Leadership Sumner.
Chris and his wife Angie have been married almost 31 years, have two children, Ian (19) and Kate (17) and they attend Generation Church in Portland.
Lisa Jo joined the staff of Grace Place in December 2021. She manages all aspects in the office that keep things running behind the scenes. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Western Kentucky University and a Masters in Educational Leadership from Trevecca Nazarene University. She has been teaching elementary and middle school for the past 19 years and has made an impact on so many young lives in the community.
Lisa Jo spends down time with her husband and their two daughters. She loves cheering on her girls at their ballgames, camping and boating at Dale Hollow Lake, and spending time with her family. She is energetic and eager to serve the families of Grace Place.
Lisa joined the staff of Grace Place in the Spring of 2019. She shows up every day with a smile for every mother and child she greets and embarks on whatever adventure she can each day with the families at Grace Place. She supervises all house operations and makes sure that all families have transportation all week long. Lisa is known for her positive attitude and nurturing spirit. She loves serving the families at Grace Place and reflecting the love of Christ.
Rebecca moved from Indiana in 2024 to work with Grace Place and be closer to family. She is a former high school teacher and business owner with a passion and heart for helping women and children. Her role is to walk our families through each step of the program and help every mom meet the milestones on their way to independence. Rebecca has two teenage daughters, a dog, a cat and she loves the outdoors. Nature is her happy place whether it involves hiking, kayaking or fishing!
