Kristie Ryan, CFRE, Executive Director

We welcomed Kristie to Fannie Battle as executive director in April 2020. Having served nearly 30 years in non-profit development and management, Kristie has a garnered a depth of knowledge across her profession while working in a variety of non-profit organizations.  Her experience ranges from community based social service agencies, local and national health related organizations, and her sorority’s foundation. 

Kristie was awarded the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential in 1999 and has continuously maintained the designation since. Additionally, she received a non-profit management certificate from the University of Wisconsin, Madison and the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy.  She is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), where she has served in various roles including Nashville Chapter President.  She greatly values her own involvement as a volunteer with various Nashville area organizations having previously served with Nurses for Newborns, Boy Scouts – Troop 86, Faith Family Medical Clinic, Hillcrest UMC, and Brentwood High School, to name a few.

She holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations from Middle Tennessee State University.  Kristie is a Tennessee native and has been married to her husband, Alan, for 25 years. Together they have two children, a son, Will, who attends the University of Tennessee, a daughter, Anna Gray, who is soon to be a high school senior, and a labradoodle named Charley.

Melissa McWilliams, Development Director

Melissa joined Fannie Battle in October of 2016 and has extensive experience in marketing, sales, and development with small businesses and nonprofit corporations. She has served on various boards and committees for the Palos Verdes Peninsula and Torrance Chamber of Commerce in the Los Angeles area, as well as community nonprofits specializing in children and family services. Melissa received recognition in the community as a Person of Distinction for Business after launching and maintaining a Young Professionals Business Networking group in Los Angeles. She currently serves on the board of directors for The Tomorrow Fund, an initiative of the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee.

Stacie Spasoff, Program Director

Stacie is a former School Age teacher at Fannie Battle and was promoted to Program Director in 2018. Stacie has her Associate’s Degree in early childhood education and is pursuing her Bachelor’s Degree. Stacie has a long background in early childhood care and has been the center director for a multi-site child care, as well as served as a classroom teacher for various age-levels of children prior to joining the Fannie Battle team.

Katherine Massey, Grants Manager

Katherine has her Master’s in Early Childhood Education, along with a wealth of previous experience in special education and research. Prior to becoming the Grants Manager, Katherine coordinated the LEAPS tutoring program at Fannie Battle.

Tara Holt, Infant/Toddler Director

Latara (Tara) began working at Fannie Battle in 2007, as both a lead preschool and toddler teacher and was promoted to the Infant/Toddler Director in 2018. Latara holds an Associates Degree and has a vast amount of experience working in a variety of early childhood education centers since 2007, such as Montessori, MNPS schools, and after school programs.