Executive Management with Progress, Inc.
Donna Goodaker, Executive Director
Donna came to Progress as a board member in 1994, bringing ten years professional experience in psychiatric healthcare. She went on to become Director of Cheatham County development in 1996 and Executive Director of Progress Inc. in 1998. Donna completed her undergraduate degree in Special Education at Indiana University and her graduate degree in Human Development Counseling at Vanderbilt University.
Donna has been involved in the Nashville community in a number of ways since moving here in 1984. As a community volunteer, she has served on Boards and committees to enhance public education and the recovery of East Nashville after the 1998 tornado as well as the Margaret Maddox YMCA. More recently, she was appointed to the Regional Advisory Committee for Statewide Planning Council by Governor Bredesen and has served on the Board of TNCO (provider association) for a number of years, as well as TNCO ACTS and CMRA (partner organizations to TNCO). She has two sons, Caleb and Ben.
Sally Mills, Director of Fiscal Services
Sally joined Progress as its Director of Fiscal Services in 1995. Prior to joining Progress she was the Controller for a Nashville manufacturer for several years and also had many years experience as a Systems Integrator for business accounting solutions in both Tennessee and Kentucky. Sally says, despite continual money shortages, "the world of non-profits is truly where my heart is; our philanthropic mission compliments my life goals."
Sally is a graduate of Murray State University, Murray, Kentucky with a degree in Business Administration. She resides on a small farm in rural Dickson County with her husband Gene Eichelberger.
Meika McClendon, Director of Programs
Meika completed her Bachelors of Social Work at Western Kentucky University in 1995. She is currently pursing Masters Degree in Professional Studies at Tennessee State University. She is also a Licensed Social Worker State of Tennessee.
She has 17 years experience in the field, beginning during college at Life Skills in Bowling Green, Ky. She has worked as a direct support professional, House Manager, Program Manager, as well as an Independent Support Coordinator and Social Worker in an Alternative School. In 1998, Meika joined the Progress team as a residential Program Manager. She was soon promoted to Assistant Residential Director and then the Director of Residential Programs. She now carries responsibility for all the programs that Progress has to offer.
Meika is married and has two children, Jasmine and Kelvin Jr.
Bonnie Sanders, Director of Quality Assurance
Bonnie joined Progress in 1992 as the Director of Our House, a program for at risk youth. She has been the Director of Quality Assurance for the agency since 1996.
Prior to joining Progress, Bonnie worked with a senior care program for Nashville(Metro) social services and provided day care services for 12 years.
Bonnie completed a Bachelor of Science degree from Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville, TN. She is married and resides in Nashville. She has one son, Jonathan.
Anita Spatz, Director of Development
Anita joined Progress as the Director of Development in 2007. The majority of Anita's career was spent working at non-profit agencies in Dayton, Ohio; she has over 15 years of extensive experience in the fundraising and special events.
Starting at a very young age, Anita has been involved in giving back to her community through volunteering. Since moving to Nashville she has volunteered at the Nashville Rescue Mission, American Red Cross, Humane Society and Belcourt Theatre.
Anita is a member of the Donelson-Hermitage Chamber of Commerce and, Cable, a professional women's organization, in which she serves on the marketing/communication committee.
Anita received her bachelor's degree in Marketing from Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio.
Craig Lynch, Director of Human Resources
Craig began working in this field in 2002 as a Trainer with Tennessee's Department of Mental Retardation Services (now DIDD). This role brought him into contact with all the agencies in Middle Tennessee and led him to discover an available position at Progress. Craig began as Director of Human Resources for Progress in 2004. Craig has a Masters degree in Organizational Management from Trevecca University in Nashville. He received his Bachelors in Psychology from University of TN Knoxville. Craig has maintained an active PHR (Professional in Human Resources) certification since 2001. He currently resides in Franklin, TN with his wife and two lovely daughters.
Susan Hutchinson, Associate Director of Day Services
Susan Hutchison, a long time Progress employee, with over 20 years experience in the field, serves as Associate Director of Day Services. Susan is responsible for overseeing the day to day operations of both the Community Participation program and The Supported Employment program. Susan joined the Progress team in June of 1991.
Susan is a graduate of the State University of New York at Brockport, with a B.S. in Social Work. Susan also holds a Tennessee Social Workers License, obtained in early 2011. Susan is married, with three rescue pets, one dog and two cats, all of whom have won her heart. Given the means and the opportunity, Susan would rescue every stray cat or dog in Nashville.
Crystal Martin, Associate Director of Senior Services
Crystal Martin has been a part of the Progress team since 2002. She began as a Program Manager for residential services and was promoted to Residential Programs Manager in 2008. When Progress made the decision to expand its mission to include services to seniors and adults with other disabilities, Crystal accepted the challenge. She was promoted to Associate Director of the Senior Services division in January of 2011.
Crystal received her bachelor's degree from Western Kentucky University in Speech and Corporate Communications.
She has two children Ian and Chandler.