Our People
Our board of directors and support chairs are a special group of people who have come forward to make a difference in the lives of Spartanburg’s youth. We believe in the ripple effect, that making a big change starts with a small act of kindness. By teaching youth that they are worthy regardless of identity or sexuality, we hope they will, spread the same kindness to their peers and it will go on and on …
2021 Board Members
Eric Nolley, President
Shelly McMains, Vice President
I’m a mother, grandmother, wife, and nurse. I unwind by spending my time with family and friends, relaxing by the water, working out, and exercising self care. I’m passionate about any and all things related to children and youth’s mental and physical health! Everyone deserves to be loved unconditionally and it’s my hope that I can help to make a difference!
Debra Foreman, Executive Director
Deb and her husband have lived in Spartanburg for 8 years. She has been a member of the PFLAG Spartanburg Board and currently serves as President. Deb is a co-foumder if the Uplift Outreach Center and is currently Exective Director.
In the last 2 years she has been involved in community efforts to make positive changes for lgbtq+ youth in Spartanburg.
Miga Batten, Treasurer
Miga volunteered in the kids section of the Upstate PRIDE festival for several years and as a mother of three feels it is important all children have a safe place to feel loved and accepted.
Secretary Opening
We are searching for a new Secretary to serve on the Uplift board. If you are interested please contact us!
Committee Chairs
Kei Nesbitt, Youth Development Chair
Markeisha “Kei” Nesbitt is from Spartanburg, SC. She is a School Based Counselor and the business owner of Proud Village SC. Kei enjoys writing poetry, spending time with family, and attending professional development seminars.
Timothy “Smitty” Smith is a lifelong resident of Spartanburg, he was previously the Vice President of Club South 29 which was a huge supporter of organizations within our community.
Members at Large
Nikki Smith, Member at Large
Nikki Smith is a Mom & Wife, Daughter, Sister, Aunt, Friend, Neighbor, Teacher, Nonprofit Advocate, Political Nerd, and Wild Goose Festival lover. Nikki works part-time for Wild Goose Festival as well as working in the political arena. She is super excited for what Uplift Outreach Center brings to Spartanburg and is proud to serve on the Board.
Jamarcus Gaston, Member at Large
Jamarcus Gaston is a tv host with WSPA’s “Your Carolina” morning lifestyle show. He has worked in the tv business as a producer, reporter and host for over 13 years. Jamarcus holds a degree in Communication Studies and Music from Furman University.
Program Staff
Tanna Thompson, Program Director
she / her
Tanna was born and raised in Bartlesville, Oklahoma (near Tulsa). Tanna earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, minored in Women’s Studies, and pursued a master’s degree in Social Work at the University of Oklahoma in Norman. As a student, Tanna was active in several student groups and organizations involving women’s health, advancing women in politics, and hosted numerous women’s equality events and programs on campus.
Tanna has worked in social services since 2002. While in Oklahoma, she worked in the Oklahoma City/Norman area providing homelessness services, domestic violence & sexual assault advocacy services, and coordinated/facilitated an LGBTQ+ youth group for 5 years.
Since moving to Spartanburg in the summer of 2013, Tanna has worked to provide disability etiquette training around the state and as an HIV/AIDS Medical Case Manager for 6 years. She has volunteered with Safe Homes Rape Crisis Center and was formally on the Board of Upstate Pride.
Tanna has been working with Uplift Outreach Center since March 2019, before the organization was even named, and worked on the planning committee for the group’s first fundraising event in May 2019 which led to the opening of the Center for youth group meetings in August 2019. Tanna currently serves as Uplift’s Program Director and writes and manages grants for the organization.
Savannah Basnet, Intern
Savannah has been a volunteer with Uplift Outreach Center since October 2019 and has the amazing opportunity to help facilitate the tween-age youth group meetings. Information about Savannah includes: loves to be involved in organizations related to community engagement and social justice advocacy, feels inspired when interacting with people in the community and learning about peoples’ diverse lives and experiences, enjoys drawing and painting using watercolors – and loves to involve the youth in art projects! Savannah loves video games very much and to talk about other people’s favorite games and then challenge them to a game! Savannah is a student and a Bonner Scholar at Wofford College and is so grateful for the volunteer opportunities that have been provided! Savannah loves volunteering at Uplift and enjoys listening to the stories of youth group members and participating in informative and entertaining workshops/ activities. Youth group members within the Uplift family always find ways to entertain one another while just relaxing and enjoying time together, such as watching tv shows or movies, playing games, and just getting to know each other, in general! Savannah feels like Uplift is one large accepting family and loves being a part of helping new members feel welcome!
Eleanor Lee, Intern
they / she
El is a graduate student in marriage and family therapy, focusing on marginalized populations, as well as topics of chronic illness, complex trauma, and minority stress. Identifying as a genderqueer person in the south, they especially have a passion for LGBTQ+ issues. They also hold a bachelor’s degree in Musical Theatre and Psychology from Converse College, graduating in 2019. For fun, El runs a Twitter account for their cat, Butterbean, and plays online solitaire for several hours at a time.
Brandon Molina, Intern
he / him / his
Brandon has been a volunteer with Uplift since October of 2019 and has had the opportunity to assist in facilitating youth group meetings and administrative projects such as grant writing. Brandon loves dancing, gaming (winning) whenever video games are nearby, loves to experience/explore the world, and rarely backs down from an opportunity. Brandon is a student and proud Bonner Scholar at Wofford College and can likely be found biking all throughout Spartanburg to continue to learn about the community. He really enjoys being a part of the Uplift family and is always excited to meet new group members.
Jaycee McDonald, Intern
she / her
Jaycee is a transgender woman who has lived in the Upstate for 4 years where she attended USC Upstate and received her Bachelor’s degree in Experimental Psychology with a minor in Women and Gender Studies. She currently serves as an intern for Uplift Outreach Center and participates in various local LGBTQ+ activism projects and programs. She is passionate about the lives and wellbeing of LGBTQ+ youth and hopes to carry her fight to protect and promote the rights of LGBTQ+ youth and individuals with her wherever she goes.