Meet The Team
Meet the team at Oak Plains Academy, located in Ashland, Tennessee.
Meet Our Leadership Team
Kathy Stripling-Terrell
Foster Care Director
Kathy Stripling-Terrell
Foster Care Director
Kathy is a seasoned social worker with over 40 years of experience in the field. She has been with us at Oak Plains Academy Foster Care since April of 2017. Kathy loves her work and strives to make a difference in the lives of the families we service. Kathy has two successful adult children that are the light of her life. Her husband is retired military and is her biggest supporter. Kathy is our fearless leader and supporter of all the foster parents and the staff.
Krista Astemborski
Recruiter/Trainer/Placement Coordinator
Krista Astemborski
Recruiter/Trainer/Placement Coordinator
Krista has been with Oak Plains Academy Foster Care since October 2015. She has been a case worker/therapist/placement coordinator, as well as interim director when needed. In August 2022, she started in the role of recruiter/trainer. Since placement has always been a passion, Krista continued to work with families to place kids in homes where they will be the most successful. When not trying to locate passionate foster parents and train them, Krista enjoys spending time with her husband and three children.
Whitney Wallace, LCSW
Case Worker/Therapist
Whitney Wallace, LCSW
Case Worker/Therapist
Whitney Wallace is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker that provides intensive therapeutic intervention to our children. Mrs. Wallace has been in the social work field for over 11 years and has been with Oak Plains for eight years. Mrs. Wallace has worn many hats during her time at Oak Plain,s from starting as a case manager to moving up the ladder to be one of our lead therapists. Mrs. Wallace has a passion for assisting kids through traumatic life events and is dedicated to ensuring our children have the best possible opportunities to grow.
Becky Edwards
Foster Parent Support
Becky Edwards
Foster Parent Support
Becky Edwards has been with Oak Plains Academy for about 10 years and moved into the Foster Care department about four years ago as a case manager/therapist. She recently took on a new role within Foster Care as the Foster Parent Support Specialist. Becky graduated college with a Master of Healthcare Services/Administration. At OPA, Becky has worked as a case manager, therapist, former teacher and Mental Health Specialist, enabling her to possess the knowledge and professionalism needed to succeed in the world of Foster Care as well as having a passion to help children who are misfortunate. She was born and raised in the small town of Charlotte, TN, where she still resides. Becky is a mother to two wonderful (now grown) children and excited to still be a part of a team that she respects and admires while doing the job that she loves!
Maysin Johnson
Case Manager
Maysin Johnson
Case Manager
Maysin Johnson is a case manager with Oak Plains Academy Foster Care. She is from Clarksville and received her higher education from Austin Peay State University. Maysin has been with the foster care team for over two years. Her favorite part about job is building therapeutic relationships with the children and resource parents daily. When not at work, Maysin enjoys watching her children play sports and traveling.
Valeria Horton Frierson
Case Manager/Therapist
Valeria Horton Frierson
Case Manager/Therapist
Valeria been employed as a caseworker/therapist at Oak Plains Academy foster care since December 19, 2022. Prior to that she worked at Meherry Medical college as a therapist case worker. She has a Master of Science degree from Cumberland University and is currently working on her doctorate at Walden University. Valeria’s passion is working with children and helping them to realize their value and fullest potential regardless of their circumstances. She believes in working hard to advocate for the needs of the children and try to leave them better than she found them. She has been married for 30 years and has four children. She loves to travel and consistently does charity work for her community.
Jill O’Neil, LMSW
Case Worker/Therapist
Jill O’Neil, LMSW
Case Worker/Therapist
Jill O’Neil has been a therapist/case manager at Oak Plains Academy Foster Care for over a year and a half. Prior to this position, she has over 15 years working extensively with children in the public school system who struggle with social, emotional and behavioral issues. While working in the school system, she saw a need to help children on an individual level and decided to pursue a master’s degree in social work. Jill really appreciates the therapeutic relationships she has with those she works with. One of her biggest motivations is watching the success stories of children overcoming difficult circumstances and finding success in their lives. When not working, she loves spending time with family and her animals, as well as doing anything outdoors.
Jenna Smith, MSW
Case Worker/Therapist
Jenna Smith, MSW
Case Worker/Therapist
Jenna Smith, MSW, is the newest member and Case Manager to the Oak Plains Academy Foster Care team. She brings with her a wealth of knowledge, experience, professionalism and expertise in the Foster Care and Behavioral Health field. Her professional experience includes roles as behavioral health mental technician, foster care licensure specialist, youth school-based and substance abuse counselor. However, above her professional experience, she has a passion for the field of social services overall. Jenna is a Jackson, MS, native and a mother to six-year-old daughter and infant son. Jenna is honored to be a part of the OPA Foster Care team!
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