Meet OUR Team!
Babs Tierno, M.Ed. – Executive Director
babs@autismtn.org
Babs has Bachelor degrees in Psychology, Sociology, Criminal Justice, and Interdisciplinary Legal Studies from The University of Tennessee, Knoxville and her Master’s degree in Education from Middle Tennessee State University. Babs has 15 years of non-profit experience. Previously, she worked for the Tennessee Justice Center, a non-profit that advocates for Tennessee families to get needed healthcare. Prior to this, she was the Program Director for Williamson County CASA which advocates for abused and neglected children. Babs experience with autism is personal. Her sons, now 11 and 6, were diagnosed at the age of two. Babs lives in Gallatin with her husband, two sons. and dogs Stella. 
Omegbhai Uriri – Director of Education, Outreach, and Advocacy
Egbhai@autismtn.org
Omegbhai Uriri (Egbhai) is originally from Nigeria. She is a graduate of the University of Benin, Nigeria and Tulane University School of Public Health. She was employed by the TN Dept. of Environment and Conservation for 6 years before leaving in 2008 to better meet the needs of her family. She is a graduate of the Vanderbilt University LEND Program and is a volunteer parent advocate for families who have children with exceptional educational needs. She has served as a County Contact for Autism Tennessee. She lives in Antioch with her husband and 4 children; her youngest daughter is on the autism spectrum.
Jessica Moore – Director of Membershipjessica@autismtn.org
Jessica grew up in Ohio and graduated from The Ohio State University with a BA in Human Ecology - Interior Merchandising. She spent 5 years working as an Interior and Project Designer helping clients design and remodel kitchens and baths before deciding to stay home when she and her husband’s first son was born. She is a graduate of The Sleep Lady’s Gentle Sleep Coaching program and has helped many children develop healthy sleep habits. Jessica now lives in Hendersonville with her husband, two sons (one of whom is on the spectrum) and dogs Lyric & Jinx.
Sheila Shapley – Administrative Coordinator
sheila@autismtn.org
Sheila grew up in Jacksonville, FL. She received her B.A. in Leadership & Ethics and Bible from Southern Methodist College. She lived in South Carolina for 30 years prior to moving to Tennessee in 2007. She and her husband Dan have been married for over 40 years. They have four grown and married children and nine grandchildren- 7 boys and 2 girls. One of her grandsons is on the spectrum.
Dave Griffin – Teen & Adult Program Manager
dave@autismtn.org
Dave holds multiple positions within the community in education and disability advocacy. He thrives in learning environments and excels in his position as THRIVE Teen Transition Coordinator. He is a self-advocate and a sought after public speaker in the autism community for sharing his story. Dave received his undergraduate degree from Duke University, Masters Degree from Peabody at Vanderbilt University. In addition to his work with Autism Tennessee, he works as a Coordinator of People First at The Arc TN, and a substitute teacher for Metro Nashville Public Schools. Dave is also a participant in Spectrum Pathways at Vanderbilt. Dave enjoys ballroom dancing and he is a huge fan of the 1960's sitcom Gomer Pyle USMC.
Amy Correia - Executive & Program Assistant
amy@autismtn.org
Amy is a Tallahassee, Florida, native who graduated from Florida State University and made her way to Nashville in the summer of 2016. Amy began as a Lead Registered Behavior Technician for a private applied behavior analysis clinic and connected with Autism TN by attending outreach events. Amy partners with the HelpLine Advocate and Executive Director to coordinate various philanthropic projects at Autism TN, including the support helpline, and helping strengthen the support our community provides to our families. Amy loves chai tea, being outside, quality time with friends, handmade cards, and live music!
Leah Creamer - Program Assistant
leah@autismtn.org
Leah grew up in Texas and graduated from the University of North Texas with a B.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis. Over the last 10 years they worked as an RBT in Texas, Colorado, and Tennessee. Leah is currently employed by Metro Nashville Public schools as a 1:1 support for an autistic student. They are passionate about helping people, and delighted for the opportunity to assist Autism Tennessee’s HelpLine in providing resources to individuals and families. In their free time, Leah loves exploring state parks, being creative, and especially making pottery. They live in East Nashville with their wife, two dogs, and two cats.
Kathleen Ferrelli, MS, CCC-SLP - Program Assistant
kathleen@autismtn.org
Kathleen is originally from the eastern shore of Fairhope, Alabama. She has a bachelor's degree in Communicative Disorders from the University of Alabama and a master's degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Georgia Southern University. Kathleen has spent the last two years as a Speech-Language Pathologist in Williamson County Schools and at the Tennessee Rehabilitation Center. She currently works at a private practice in Cookeville, TN. She connected with Autism Tennessee in the fall of 2019 as a facilitator for the Autism Tennessee Connect Group. Kathleen loves working in the fulfilling field of speech-language pathology because she gets to work in diverse age groups and with a variety of disabilities and disorders. Working in this diverse field motivates Kathleen to make a difference in multiple aspects of her patients’ and patients' families lives. Kathleen enjoys watching old films, gardening, and hiking. Kathleen currently lives in TN with her husband and puppy.
Crissonya Phillips- Program Assistant
crissonya@autismtn.org
Crissonya is a Tennessee native who has worked in the disability field for 20+ years. She has a bachelor's degree in Social Work from Middle Tennessee State University. She and her husband, Glenn, have a son, Jamison on the Spectrum. Crissonya assists families on the Helpline.
In 2018, Jamison and Crissonya started The Autism Social & Support Group in the South Nashville area. The groups goal is to spread autism awareness, inclusion, socialization and support.