Meet Our Board
Anthony Charles “AC”
Chairman
Anthony “AC” Charles serves as the Program Director for Men of Valor, where he leads Christ-centered reentry programs that help formerly incarcerated men rebuild their lives with purpose, confidence, and community. His work focuses on breaking cycles of incarceration and addiction by connecting correctional institutions, churches, and local partners to create pathways of hope and restoration. AC brings deep personal insight to this mission—having served a total of 10 years incarcerated between 2000 and 2010—and now uses that lived experience to fuel hope, accountability, and transformation for the men he serves. A proud U.S. Army veteran, AC brought over a decade of leadership and resilience from his years as an M1-A1 Tanker (1982–1993), channeling that discipline into ministry, mentorship, and servant leadership. Since joining Men of Valor in 2011, he has helped hundreds of men grow spiritually, develop essential life skills, and successfully reenter society—building bridges, sparking hope, and strengthening Knoxville through Christ‑centered transformation and authentic relationships. Originally from Chicago, AC carries a deep passion for seeing lives transformed and communities strengthened. His mission is simple: To Know Jesus and To make Him Known!
Tonya Chandler
Founder/Executive Director
My heart for this ministry was ignited in 2019 when I began ministering behind the walls of the Knox County Detention Facility. In the presence of women longing for hope and healing, I felt for the first time that I was standing in the center of God’s will. That moment changed everything. I’ve served in ministry half my life, as the previous Executive Director of FOCUS Ministries, and since 2009, as the Women’s Ministry Leader at West Emory Baptist Church, where my husband, Pastor Gary, has served since 2006.
Martha Williams
Treasurer
Martha is a dedicated and accomplished professional with a proven track record in her field. With decades of experience in Accounting, Martha has developed a reputation for integrity and exceptional work ethic. Her expertise spans across various areas, including public accounting, industry, governmental and non-profit accounting. Throughout her career, Martha has consistently demonstrated an ability to adapt to new challenges and deliver results. Her collaborative approach and commitment to continuous learning have enabled her to build strong relationships with colleagues and clients alike. Outside of work, Martha is passionate about her Church, family activities, prison ministry (serving as a volunteer with God Behind Bars), and community involvement (serving as a small group leader at Celebrate Recovery). She believes in the importance of maintaining a balanced lifestyle and supporting others in achieving their goals. Martha continues to seek new opportunities for growth as guided by the Holy Spirit and is dedicated to making a positive impact in both their professional and personal endeavors.
Suzanne Gunnell
Secretary
Hi! My name is Suzanne Gunnell. I have served in ministry for 25 years. I have a gift for administration and organizing. I have served as Administrative Assistant for 4 years, Children's Director, Missions Director, Homeless Outreach and Food Pantries. I love serving others. I currently serve as church secretary for West Emory Baptist Church as well as Board Secretary for Living in Freedom Ministries. My husband and I have been married for 17 years, we have 6 adult children between us and 6 grandchildren. I am excited to see what God does through this ministry!
Bobbi Tischuk
My name us Bobbi Tischuk. I have been involved with the jail ministry since 2019 in Knox County Tennessee. I had previously done jail ministry in several jails in Broward County in Florida where I lived until circumstances brought me to Knoxville in 2008. I am a United States Army veteran having served my country for 13 years. During those years I was stationed in three different countries and worked many different jobs. I then fulfilled a life long dream and became a school teacher. I taught at the elementary and middle school level. I still have a passion for teaching. Teaching in the jail gives me an opportunity to continue to instill wisdom into ladies who are looking to change their lives for the better. I am honored that God has intrusted me with such an honor.
Cynde Stouffer
Cynde Stouffer is dedicated to supporting women as they rebuild their lives after incarceration through faith, encouragement, and practical guidance. With a heart for restoration and second chances, she is passionate about walking alongside people as they transition back into their communities, helping them find stability, purpose, and hope. Through her involvement in this faith-based reentry program, Cynde is committed to creating a supportive environment that empowers women to break cycles, strengthen their foundations, and move forward with confidence and dignity.
Brenda Kay Spitzbarth
Family has always been God’s greatest blessing to me. When my husband, Art and I married 27 years ago, I had 3 children, Kurt, Stephanie and Dustin. Art had 2 girls, Jenna and Kelli. We now have a blended family of 5 children, 11 grandchildren and 5 great-grands. God is good! We’re both retired and live in Maryville. I enjoy spending time with my 3 brothers, plus, I have a wonderfully loving and supportive church family at New Hope Baptist Church, also in Maryville. My youngest son, Dustin had mental health issues, a learning disability and behavior issues. He started using drugs at a young age. In 2014 he was sentenced to life in prison as a repeat offender. After serving almost 12 years in prison, Dustin was murdered by his cell mate October 9, 2025. Dustin is my “why”. Within just a couple months of his death, the Lord began drawing me to share our story, specifically in jails or prisons. Living In Freedom Ministries opened the door. At first, I worried my pain was still too raw to share, but God. But God. But God. Praise His Holy name! He is good!
David Elkins
David is a man of integrity. As the founder of Safe Harbor of Jefferson County, He is passionate about empowering individuals overcoming substance use and co-occurring disorders to achieve independence and reintegrate into their families and communities. By supporting those re-entering society from prisons and jails, he aims to help transform rural communities and break generational cycles, offering hope for a brighter future.
Diana Jordan
Minister Diana Jordan is a licensed minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ, a transformation life coach, trauma recovery specialist, and servant of the Lord. She is originally from East Saint Louis, Illinois, and after faithfully following the voice of God from Indiana, she now resides in Tennessee. She currently serves as an associate minister at Saint Paul Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Dexter D. Mims, where she also directs the youth choir. Her passion for youth ministry, healing, and restoration continues to shine through her leadership and service. Minister Diana is also an author, writing powerfully on topics such as “healing,” “deliverance,” and “breaking generational curses.” Her heart is especially drawn to women who feel “overlooked,” “broken,” or “bound by trauma.” Through her books, messages, and coaching, she empowers others to rediscover their God-given identity and walk in divine purpose. She is married to Pastor Dexter Jordan Jr., who currently serves at Open Door Missionary Baptist Church in Knoxville, Tennessee, and works as a hospice chaplain at the University of Tennessee. Together, they serve the body of Christ with compassion, wisdom, and a deep desire to see lives transformed through the power of the Holy Spirit. She has 5 children, plus 1 bonus child, and 10 grandchildren. Minister Diana Jordan is known for her passionate, Spirit-led preaching, prophetic insight, and transparency in sharing how God rescued her from the depths of despair. Her testimony is a living example of Psalm 91—“God’s protection, healing, and power for those who dwell in the secret place.”
Heather Munsey
My name is Heather Munsey. I am 45 years old, originally from Claxton, TN. I now live in Karns with my husband, Donnie Munsey, of 18 years, with our 4 fur babies. We have a 28-year-old daughter who lives in Crestview, FL, and a 26-year-old son who lives in Halls, TN. I am a Certified Medical Assistant and have been working in a family practice/occupational medicine since 2011. I am a fortunate person to have the doctor I work for be Christian as well, and I can share the love of God freely at work. I wanted to go into the medical field to be able to help people and be a ray of sunlight to them on a hard day. I began my Christian journey at 25; however, with a lot of twists and turns, I did not submit to Jesus until my 30s. I started going behind the walls to serve in 2019, where I fell in love with the ministry. I get to serve beside one of my favorite people and get to see people set free. I can't wait to be a part of this amazing journey of Living in Freedom Ministries and see even more women surrender or be wrecked by Jesus. I attend West Emory Baptist church, where I am a Sunday School Teacher, and lead Worship, and my husband is a Deacon. We have been there for going on 17 years and it is a pleasure to be there.
Devin Vaulton
My name is Devin Vaulton, and I am honored to serve on the Board of Directors for this ministry. I grew up in Maryville and now live in Knoxville. My greatest blessing is my son, Bryson. My life has been transformed by the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ, and my passion is to share that same hope with others. I love encouraging people and reminding them that no one is beyond redemption. It’s my joy to walk alongside others as they discover the healing and freedom found only in Him.
Mary Rochat
I accepted Jesus Christ as my personal Savior in 1984. It was a dramatic life change that catapulted me through 9 children and 43 years of marriage, Today my family has grown to include 9 more children of love, and 25 grandbabies under 15 years of age. Family has been my life , though I graduated from Kent State University and worked some interesting places, most of my focus has been on desiring to have a family the way God intended.I had Homeschool all my children through graduation and in 2019 became an empty nester, I love talking about Jesus Christ and the amazing, abundant, joyful life He can bring, the Holy Spirits role indwelling in each of His believers, and Almight God, Abba Father. I have been teaching at the detention facility since before that time, the exact time, I did not put to mind. I enjoy watching the ladies get that amazement when a truth, a golden revelation hits. I love all the gleaning I get in the process. I have many hobbies and enjoy doing many things. I love people, the variety, the mix, the unique functions that have been created in His image. The worth, value, honor and authority given by Him to His own is awesome and continues to be my greatest revelation.