Who We Are

​​Sarah McKinnis is the founder and CEO of WillowBend Farms. She is a survivor who has worked in government, financial, and service industries, and is also an accomplished author, speaker, and educator. She empowers true collaboration among all sectors of society with passionate calls to action. Since 2017, the impact of WillowBend Farms has been felt throughout the southeast region of Tennessee and beyond as Sarah imparts without borders everything she has learned. She has created a model any community can employ, with fierce attention to measurable impact.

Sarah is an out of the box thinker who challenges the norm to find true solutions, not by looking at silos of information, but with a width and depth that addresses human trafficking on all sides from supply to demand. She serves on the Human Trafficking Advisory Council for the State of Tennessee, Kairos Prison Ministry, and is the chairperson of the Mission Omega Advisory Council. A graduate of the first FBI Citizens Academy in Chattanooga, Sarah continues to be an advocate for victim services through a strong collaboration of community agencies working together to create pathways to hope, safety, and sustainable restoration.

After graduating from Lee University with a degree in Public Relations and Marketing, Sarah Cantrell left college and entered into both the political sector of United States politics as a field Rep for US Senator Fred Thompson as well as sales associate for Pfizer Pharmaceuticals.

Sarah has been home with her two teen children in the southeast Tennessee area but has also kept involved in the community in many ways. She is the co-founder of WillowBend Farms, an organization that educates the community on human trafficking as well as a full scale program from women who have been identified and desire full services. Sarah is also the owner of a concert promotion business, Oh My Stars, that brings the arts and music together for good. Sarah serves on the Tennessee Arts Commission board for the State of Tennessee.

Sarah Cantrell and  her husband Jonathan, the owner of Caldwell Paving and Manhattan Materials, reside in Cleveland, TN.

Suzanne Gregory is a dedicated public school educator with a passion for advocating for human rights at local and international levels. Her interest in combating human trafficking was piqued when she heard Christian singer Rebecca St. James dedicated a song to a former victim of human trafficking who had been rescued. This inspired Suzanne to learn more and eventually join an organization committed to liberating those trapped in human trafficking.

Suzanne has been actively involved with WillowBend Farms since its establishment, serving as a member of the Board of Directors and contributing to the organization's growth and impact. In addition to her board responsibilities, Suzanne has volunteered to directly support survivors. She has also been proactive in raising awareness about the dangers and realities of human trafficking through presentations to schools, community groups, and professionals. She has collaborated with local school systems to provide valuable information and continuing education credits to education professionals.

Suzanne attended the National Juvenile Sex Trafficking Conference sponsored by Shared Hope International, which reinforced her understanding of the critical need for comprehensive support for survivors. As a board member of WillowBend Farms, she has played a role in ensuring that the organization offers a comprehensive range of services under one umbrella, setting it apart from other anti-human trafficking organizations.

Kendal Hargrave Jenne is a native Texan. She is a graduate from Southern Methodist University with a BA in communications. After teaching second grade for three years, she decided to pursue her passion for antiques and interior design. Sharing this joy with her mother, they opened Stanhope Design Group. This adventure allowed her to tap into another creative outlet with her artwork. Kendal believes that God’s love is expressed through relationships with others when we love well and love authentically. Kendal has served alongside WillowBend Farms since 2019. She believes in their work of restoring life from the hope we find in the unchanging promises of God. She is married to her best friend, Josh Jenne, and they live in Cleveland, Tennessee with their three busy boys.

Taylor Woodruff is a young professional with a special focus in public relations and administration. He is very passionate about leading the worship ministry at Restoration Vineyard Church and is currently continuing his education in Richmont Graduate University’s School of Ministry. Taylor first became involved with WillowBend Farms at the birth of the annual Run For Their Freedom 5k in 2018 and joined the board in 2019.

Taylor says, “The passion of WillowBend Farms to see the Kingdom of God break through in the war on human trafficking and sexual exploitation is unquestionable. This organization’s leadership, staff and volunteers are dedicated to facilitating Christ’s restoration in the lives of survivors; the things we have seen over the years have been nothing short of miraculous. It is remarkable to see the hand of God moving in such mighty ways!”

Lauren Rodgers has extensive experience in marketing and sales. She was an early employee for SkinCeuticals, Inc, opening the company’s Atlanta Region as a Sales Executive. Lauren then worked for Allergan, becoming one of the company’s top-performing pharmaceutical representatives. Lauren has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Organizational Communication from The University of Central Florida. She moved to Tennessee in 2003 and is married with three children. Lauren has been with WillowBend Farms since 2021, beginning as a volunteer and now serves on the Board. On Lauren’s passion for WillowBend, she says “I am blown away with the heart of WillowBend and the way Christ leads each volunteer and staff member. WillowBend takes an unparalleled, comprehensive approach to fight human trafficking. Through our service, we get to witness first-hand how God heals and restores every day.

Adam Lewis brings a wealth of experience in public service and community engagement to his role as a board member at WillowBend Farms. Currently serving as the Assistant to the Bradley County Mayor, Adam has honed his skills in public relations and communications, ensuring transparent and effective governance.

In addition to his governmental work, Adam is the Director of Bradley County EMS, where he leads emergency services with dedication and a commitment to public safety. His background in both local government and emergency services provides a unique perspective and a strong foundation for his contributions to WillowBend Farms.

Adam's involvement with WillowBend Farms stems from a deep-seated commitment to helping victims of human trafficking. He believes in the organization's mission to restore and empower those affected by this crisis. As a board member, Adam is passionate about using his expertise and resources to support the vital work of WillowBend Farms, ensuring that survivors receive the care and opportunities they need to rebuild their lives.