church breakfast
church appreciation breakfast
Please join us for GraceWorks’ Church Appreciation Breakfast! Gather together with local church leaders as we celebrate our partnership and unity serving neighbors in need. We’ll enjoy:
- A catered breakfast by Brentwood’s Puffy Muffin (yum!)
- Paradeisos Coffee
- A word on GraceWorks’ future from CEO Alicia Bell
- Video storytelling, and more!
When: February 19, 2026 | 8:30–10:00 a.m.
Where: Aspen Grove Christian Church | 274 Mallory Station Rd., Franklin, TN 37067
Who: Church Leaders in Middle Tennessee
RSVP by February 4.
Panelist Guests
Event speakers
Carol Smith
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Approved Supervisor
Carol T. Smith is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Approved Supervisor. She is a Spiritually Integrated Psychotherapy Trainer with ACPE: The standard for Spiritual Care and Education. Carol is currently the Training Director at Insight Counseling Centers, a non-profit counseling organization in Middle Tennessee. Insight, formerly known as Pastoral Counseling Centers of Tennessee, is celebrating 40 years of offering spiritually integrated psychotherapy to the community on an income-based fee scale. Insight's mission is to restore clients' lives to wholeness—mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. In her Master of Divinity degree, Carol focused on Pastoral Counseling and family ministry. She worked on church staff as Minister of childhood Education before being called on to another master's degree and the practice of Marriage and Family Therapy.
Ryan Lampa
Mentor, Founder and CEO of People Loving Nashville
Since a young boy, Ryan Lampa has felt a calling: to help people see beyond where they see themselves. Whether through mentorship, service, or community, he loves journeying alongside others as they step into something greater. His own journey has taken him from touring the world managing concerts to launching a grassroots movement that now is Nashville’s largest homeless outreach event. As the Founder and CEO of People Loving Nashville, Ryan leads a mission inspired by Jesus, dedicated to bringing Relief, Community, Connection, and Restoration to those experiencing homelessness. He knows that real transformation happens when people step into the story and take action, whether by serving, giving, or simply showing up. But his greatest adventure? Marrying the love of his life and raising three amazing kids. When he’s not leading or serving, you’ll likely find him on a quiet river, fly rod in hand, listening for what God has for him next.. Join him in helping others see beyond their circumstances and into the hope of what’s possible.
Dori Gorman
Chaplain at YMCA
Dori graduated with a BA from Baylor University in Waco, TX and a MDiv from Emmanuel Christian Seminary in Johnson City, TN. Prior to the YMCA she has worked in a variety of contexts, both internationally and across the USA. From 2010 to 2019 she co-planted and co-pastored a church in Chicago, IL. Five years ago, she returned home to Nashville and joined the YMCA of Middle Tennessee, as the Association Chaplain. With over 180,000 members, 2,100 staff, and programs impacting over 10,000 kids – the reach of the Middle Tennessee Y is remarkable. As a Chaplain, Dori leads the Spirit and Mind Department, which aims to foster a culture of whole-person wellness throughout the Y by helping all staff, members and volunteers strengthen their spiritual and mental health.
Bryan Pogue
Senior Director of Programs & Collaboration
Bryan is passionate about walking alongside individuals as they encounter and reimagine their journey with God. He strives to cultivate a spirit of hospitality, creating spaces where people feel truly seen and known. With over 15 years of pastoral experience, Bryan now serves as the Sr. Director of Programs and Collaboration at GraceWorks. He holds a Master of Arts in Religion with an emphasis in Leadership and is a certified Spiritual Director through the Sustainable Faith School of Spiritual Direction. Bryan finds faith, hope, and love in the Father through time with his family, being outdoors, sharing meals and drinks with friends, listening to music, exploring various art forms, and cooking.
