About the Center
The McNabb Center is the region’s leading nonprofit provider of mental health, substance use, social and victim services. By focusing on an individual’s “Well Mind, Well Being,” we provide a quality and compassionate approach to care from infancy through adulthood. Since 1948, the Center has proudly served individuals with the most needs and fewest resources. Today, the McNabb Center delivers support to more than 45,000 people throughout East Tennessee each year. For more information, visit www.mcnabbcenter.org or call 1-800-255-9711.
Contact Information
History
Helen Ross McNabb
Seventy years ago, a determined Helen Ross McNabb made an appeal to the Knoxville City Council for funds to help open a mental health agency for children. At this time, there was a great need, but little attention given to those suffering with mental illnesses. Due to her persuasive efforts, one of the first community mental health clinics was established in the state of Tennessee. The agency was first created for children but quickly grew to also serve adults in 1955. The clinic opened in a house near the University of Tennessee campus in 1948.
The Center's Growth
In 1953 the small center took the opportunity to become independent of the City Health Department and became a non-profit corporation under its own board of directors. Adult services were officially added in 1955. Throughout the following decades, the Center provided comprehensive community mental health services. When necessary, the Center would operate neighborhood satellite clinics to provide onsite services to outlying areas. It has always been the history of the Center to find ways to serve those in the community who have no advocates and no means to serve themselves.
Board Of Directors
Mr. Whit Addicks; Mr. Robbie Arrington; Dr. Rebecca Ashford (Chair-Elect); Mrs. Eden McNabb Bishop; Dr. Amy Cathey; Mrs. Missy Drinnon; Dr. Jerry Epps (Chair); Mr. David Hall; Mr. George Kershaw (Immediate Past Chair); Mr. Randy Miller; Mr. Brian Rauch; Mrs. Cheryl Rice (Secretary); Mr. David Roddy; Mrs. Cindy Sexton; Mrs. Laura Shamiyeh; Mr. Mitch Steenrod (Treasurer); Mrs. Traci Topham; Mr. Carl Van Hoozier; Mr. Clarence Vaughn; Mr. Mickey Wade; Mr. David Wedekind;
Executive Staff
Candace Allen
Clinical Vice President
Jill Barnes
Vice President of Human Resources
Mona Blanton-Kitts
President & CEO
Stephanie Carter
Senior Vice President of Operations
Paula Hudson
Vice President of Organizational Excellence
Leann Human-Hilliard
Executive Vice President
Janet Jenkins
Vice President of Organizational Culture and Advancement
Mary Katsikas
Executive Vice President
Jason Lay
Chief Financial Officer & Vice President
Gayle Lodato
Vice President
Dr. Dovile Paulauskas
Chief Medical Officer
Houston Smelcer
Senior Vice President of Development & Government Relations
Michael Waltke
Vice President of Organizational Excellence and Strategic Initiatives
Accrediting Body
Memberships
Key Funding Partners
The McNabb Center receives funding through the State of Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services and the State of Tennessee Department of Children Services.
Donate Now
Since its founding in 1972, the Helen Ross McNabb Foundation has worked diligently to support the work of the McNabb Center. In addition to providing leadership and direction, the Foundation’s staff and 26-member volunteer board actively raises, holds and invests funds on behalf of the Center. Funds raised by the Foundation over the years have contributed greatly toward the stability and growth of the Center.
