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Built on the powerful belief that there’s more to youth.
In 1969, a group of young lawyers came together to establish the “Rap House,” a simple community center for runaway teens and youth struggling with addictions. Fifty years later, the “Rap House” has evolved into Oasis Center, where more than 3,500 youth and families turn for help and direct support every year. Oasis Center provides a wide range of opportunities that reflect the diverse needs of youth and their families, from crisis intervention to youth leadership and community engagement to college and career access.
Our 20+ programs and services are based on the foundation of four areas for youth success – Safety, Belonging, Empowerment, and Generosity. All of our work is also firmly rooted in the evidence-based principles of Positive Youth Development and Trauma-Informed Care.
Judy Freudenthal
If you know Oasis, you likely know Judy. Over her 40-year career at Oasis – starting at the “Rap House” – Judy has continually helped our programs evolve and become models in the field of positive youth development. Her unending responsibility to our young people, who help us grow and “get it right,” is at the center of Oasis today. So, what keeps her here? “The people, the spirit, the privilege to be part of something remarkable. Anyone can tell you the finest people come through our doors.”
Alexuss
Alexuss has a reputation around Oasis for being the “glue that keeps a group together.” Although her path hasn’t always been easy, she is a leader- in every sense of the word. She came to us in 2011 when life was beginning to take its toll. In 2015, she took part in Camp AnyTown where Oasis staff recognized her potential and referred her to the Mayor’s Youth Council. This past year, Alexuss was awarded a Presidential Scholarship and will be attending TSU with plans to go to law school.
Natica
“Yeah I did this!” Natica’s zest for life is contagious and he is unstoppable! In 8th grade, he had a vivid dream, one that inspired him to write . . . and write . . . and write. As a senior, he wrote 6 books, self-published 3, and currently has a screenplay underway! Natica credits Venture with helping him to expand his vision, identify his next steps, and market his work. He’s attending Murray State University as a Theater Major. You did it, Natica!
Judy Freudenthal
If you know Oasis, you likely know Judy. Over her 40-year career at Oasis – starting at the “Rap House” – Judy has continually helped our programs evolve and become models in the field of positive youth development. Her unending responsibility to our young people, who help us grow and “get it right,” is at the center of Oasis today. So, what keeps her here? “The people, the spirit, the privilege to be part of something remarkable. Anyone can tell you the finest people come through our doors.”
Alexuss
Alexuss has a reputation around Oasis for being the “glue that keeps a group together.” Although her path hasn’t always been easy, she is a leader- in every sense of the word. She came to us in 2011 when life was beginning to take its toll. In 2015, she took part in Camp AnyTown where Oasis staff recognized her potential and referred her to the Mayor’s Youth Council. This past year, Alexuss was awarded a Presidential Scholarship and will be attending TSU with plans to go to law school.
Natica
“Yeah I did this!” Natica’s zest for life is contagious and he is unstoppable! In 8th grade, he had a vivid dream, one that inspired him to write . . . and write . . . and write. As a senior, he wrote 6 books, self-published 3, and currently has a screenplay underway! Natica credits Venture with helping him to expand his vision, identify his next steps, and market his work. He’s attending Murray State University as a Theater Major. You did it, Natica!
Youth Opportunity Center
What if youth could meet all of their needs in one place? That's the vision for the Youth Opportunity Center, a shared building collaboration between Oasis and five youth-serving agencies.
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Our Programs
The lives of our young people are complex. Supporting their transition to a healthy, productive adulthood can’t happen through singular support. Oasis offers a broad spectrum of programs to help young people find their strengths, use their skills, and break down the barriers that keep them from achieving success.
Bike Workshop
Youth not only build their own bike – they build the confidence and ability to explore beyond their neighborhood
Details
Counseling
Working with youth and families to improve happiness and well-being
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Emergency Shelter
A short-term residential program helping youth ages 13–17 and their families address crisis situations
Details
Just Us
Dedicated to helping LGBTQ+ teens be their authentic selves in environments of safety and acceptance
Details
Mayor’s Youth Council
Lending the power of youth voice to the Mayor’s Office on our city's most pressing challenges
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Oasis College Connection
Dedicated to improving college access and success outcomes for young people across Nashville
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Rapid Rehousing
Rental assistance and supports to get youth housed quickly, safely, and permanently.
Details
Reaching Excellence As Leaders (REAL)
Helping youth build stronger communities and a positive future
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Street Outreach Program
Providing a wide range of support for youth ages 13-24 who are experiencing homelessness
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Underground Art Studio at Oasis
Nurturing creative pathways for healing, self-exploration, and creating positive community change
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WeGo Public Transit Youth Action Team
A group of young leaders working with WeGo Public Transit to identify and improve key transit issues for youth.
Details
International Teen Outreach Program® (ITOP®)
Engaging youth in service-learning to build healthy behaviors, life skills, and a sense of purpose
Details
Statewide Training and Development
In partnership with Department of Children’s Services, we’re working to reshape the futures of youth in state care.
DetailsLeadership
Mark Dunkerley
President & CEO
After spending eight years in university athletics, Mark moved back to Nashville in 2010 and jumped at the opportunity to join Oasis. For 10 years, Mark headed up our development team and special projects to advance our strategic goals. He is particularly serious about his BBQ recipe, hot chicken, and craft beer.
Shanda Hampton
Chief Operating Officer
Shanda began her Oasis career working in the Emergency Shelter. In her current role, these roots help her build a workplace culture filled with fun, compassion, and growth. She loves to spend time with family. She’s also a bit of a football fanatic (Go Bucks!) and dreams of becoming a college football commentator.
Jenn Garcia
Vice President of Action, Advocacy & Education
Jenn is a dedicated community & relationship builder and instills these qualities in our AAE programs and our youth. She enjoys camping and physical activities, and is deeply committed to public service. As an Election Officer and former Metro Parks' Board Member, she exemplifies civic engagement and participation.
Karri Gornick
Vice President of Housing & Workforce Development
Jennifer Hendricks
Finance Controller
Jennifer is a native Nashvillian who has worked in accounting for 24 years, most of which has been in healthcare. In her spare time, Jennifer enjoys camping with her spouse, two teenaged kids, and senior dog. She's excited to be part of the Oasis family!
Lee Gray
Senior Director, School-based Programs
With an infectious “can do” attitude, Lee has dedicated his career to improving postsecondary outcomes for youth. After focusing on retention at his alma mater Beloit College, Lee came to us to head up College Connection. A former college soccer player, Lee shares his passion these days rooting for his nephews.
Amanda Thomas
Senior Director, Shelter & Youth Diversion
Amanda has worked with at-risk youth for nearly 20 years. She currently oversees all minor crisis services at Oasis, including the Emergency Shelter, and formerly managed Outreach during the YHDP Expansion and COVID pandemic. She lives by the motto “Find A Way or Make One.”
Dana True
Senior Director of Development
Dana moved from her native homeland in California to Nashville in 2012. In addition to enjoying a long and diverse career in education as a teacher and administrator, she worked 10 years for a private grant writing and evaluation firm. She loves going for long drives with her wife and her pup, Baxter.
Jackie Herrera
Director of Oasis College Connection
Jackie first came to Oasis as an OCC youth where she found her passion for education equity and college access. She has served as an OCC volunteer and intern, a Youth Rep on our Board, a College Mentor, OCC Program Manager, and now OCC Director. In her spare time, she enjoys baking, crocheting, and chasing her dog.
Courtney Berner
Senior Director of Youth Outreach & Prevention Services
Courtney began her career at Oasis working directly with youth in our Supportive Housing Program, then as Supportive Housing Manager before transitioning to her current role. She enjoys hiking with her pups, weightlifting, and gardening. She is proud to be part of the Oasis team supporting and uplifting young people.
Joseph Clark
Director of Action & Advocacy
Kanesha Harris
Director of Human Resources
Kanesha learned of Oasis as a teen, later serving on the Youth Innovation Board then Youth United. She has 8 years of corporate and nonprofit HR experience. She loves working out, sip & paints, and taking care of her 9-month-old son. She is honored to be back in the community that gave her life, hope, and opportunity.
Alyssa Fernandez
Director of Permanent Housing
Before joining Oasis, Alyssa served as a Regional Director in a foster care organization, and prior to that as a case manager and therapist with several Nashville nonprofits. She has an MSW from UT and a certificate in Intrapreneurship from eCornell. She enjoys reading, cooking, movies, and hanging out with her dogs.
Jonna Laidlaw
Statewide TOP Training Director
Jonna has over 40 years of experience inspiring youth success through service learning and leadership development. She has been a certified TOP Trainer at Oasis for nearly 23 years, providing hands-on training, monitoring, and coaching to staff working with youth in residential and juvenile justice sites across Tenn.
Nicole Stuart
Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Nicole started at Oasis in 2011 and recently became Director of DEI. She is passionate about creating a community that is supportive, inclusive, and safe for everyone and is committed to bringing trust and awareness of all cultures, identities, and obstacles they currently and historically face in our society.
Kristi Steel
Director of Clinical Services
Kristi is a dedicated social worker who served as the Director of Mental Health for the TN Department of Education for 3 years before coming to Oasis. Prior to that, she worked to assist families in various social service settings for 20 years. In her free time, she loves to travel and spend time with family.
