"ALONE WE CAN DO SO LITTLE, TOGETHER WE CAN DO SO MUCH." hELEN KELLER
meet our team
megan gwaltney
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Megan came to JIFF as Executive Director in November of 2021. She has a wealth of demonstrated experience working with marginalized youth and managing programs focused on community well-being and restorative justice. She also has a formal education in criminal justice with a master's in conflict management. Megan worked with the Shelby County District Attorney General’s Office for 13 years and has demonstrated success managing relationships and engaging the community and donors as the Director of Community Affairs. She also made a notable impact reducing risk factors and providing alternatives for troubled youth in local school systems as the Director of Truancy and as a Case Advocate with the District Attorney General’s Office.
Chris Koch
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
Chris joined JIFF after being a supporter for many years. He has over 20 years’ experience as a Chief Operating Officer of non-profits in Memphis and West Tennessee. He also has an extensive background in investments and money management having been in that industry for over 15 years. He enjoys spending time with his family and is active in his church.
Lee Moten, Jr.
SENIOR DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMMING
For almost 30 years, Lee has worked with youth and adults in a variety of settings from adjudicated challenged youth/sex offenders and high school leaders to educators, organizations and corporate teams. Lee has a wealth of expertise in experience-based training, youth development, counseling, training/development and management experience. Lee has extensive experience and training in the leadership and diversity arena. And has conducted research, implemented programs, and performed workshops on leadership and diversity. Lee recently served a Community Relations Manager with Youth Villages. As well as a Residential Supervisor with Youth Villages early in his career. Lee also served as Vice President/Director of Field Ministries with the Memphis Leadership Foundation. As well as the Director of the Bridge Builders® program and Team BRIDGES with BRIDGES, USA. Lee is a proud graduate of Jackson State University with bachelors in criminal justice, pre-law. He received his masters of education from Concordia University, St. Paul, MN. Lee is also a Governor Appointed Board Member of the Tennessee Commission on National and Community Service (Volunteer Tennessee), an Alumni of the New Memphis Institute Fellows program, an Alumni of Leadership Memphis Executive Program, as well as a graduate of Leadership Memphis/American Leadership Forum Youth Justice program.
DORTHY JONES
INTAKE AND FAMILY CARE COORDINATOR
Dorothy is a native Memphian. She attended The University of Memphis and graduated with a degree in Organizational Leadership. Dorothy was formally employed by Americorps to work with high school students at an alternative school. She was also a long time volunteer at St.Jude Children’s Research Hospital in the Child Life Specialist area. She and her husband, Andre, have two children and are committed to doing their part to make Memphis a better place.
Tonya Watson
VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR
Tonya Watson joined our team as JIFF's Volunteer Coordinator with over ten years of experience in Memphis and Shelby County's Juvenile Court working with opportunity youth. She was born and raised in Memphis, TN. Tonya earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Memphis. She has spent her career committed to the service of others in her community. Tonya has three children, and she is passionate about equipping our most marginalized population with the tools they need to follow a positive path. She values quality time with her family and friends, mentoring young people and serving the community.
Mario Morgan
PROGRAM MANAGER/ADMINISTRATIVE
A native of Decatur, IL, Mario Morgan serves as JIFF’s Program Manager/Administrative. Majoring in Sociology, Mario is a graduate of Lane College’s Class of 2018. Mario’s dedication to under privileged youth began at the age of 14 when he accepted his first employment position as Program Specialist 3 Assistant/Youth Care Woker at the Boys & Girls Club of Decatur, IL. This journey has created working opportunities for Mario with various organizations, such as Madison Oaks Academy of Jackson, Tennessee, and The Department of Children Services for the State of Tennessee; to enhance his skills and build on his knowledge to better address the needs of the youth.
​
Mario accepted Christ at an early age and participated in a variety of auxiliaries while attending COTLG Temple #2 of Decatur, IL, under the leadership of Bishop Thomas L. Cooper. He participated in activities such as the Jr. Mission Department, Jr. & Sr. Usher Board, Young Adult Bible Study Facilitator, Youth Choir, and more. While continuing these ministries and joining in community serving organizations such as Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc and MENTOR Memphis Grizzlies, Mario can explore and connect the youth to the various resources available. Mario is aware that his commitment and passion in serving youth is a calling he has for the younger generation. With these skills and attributes under his belt, Mario plans to carry out the Mission and Vision of JIFF to the best of his abilities.
DUANE STEWART
PROGRAM MANAGER/MISSION AND VISION
Duane Stewart serves as JIFF Program Manager - Vision & Mission. He first started Jiff in the year 2014, and has spent the vast part of his life Ministering in prisons, sharing the Gospel, and making disciples. While at Jiff Duane hopes to show the love of Christ that can lead to the transformation our youth so desperately need.
Luther “Sonny” White
CASE MANAGER
Sonny White was born and grow up in New Haven, Connecticut about Sonny joined the Navy in 1976 and finished his tour in 1982, while in Seattle. Sonny lived in Seattle for over 40yrs. He has three grown children, 2 lovely daughters and 1 Son. Sonny also has 6 grandkids and 2 great grandkids. Sonny has over 20years experience in Corrections, as a Corrections Officer and Drug & Alcohol Counselor. He was also a devoted volunteer in the Seattle community. Sonny has a Associate’s Degree in Social Work, as well as a Associates and Bachelor’s Degree in Biblical Studies. Sonny came to Memphis in 2021 and soon after started working at JIFF. He truly feels that because of the mission and vision of JIFF, it was the ideal place for him, “a calling”.
Jeremy Brown
CASE MANAGER
Jeremy is fully committed to serving the youth in the Memphis community since arriving in 2023. He is originally from the Grenada, Mississippi, he earned his Bachelor’s of Science degree in Human Development and Family Science from Mississippi State University. Faith, character, and integrity have been his driving force while working with the youth at JIFF. Jeremy strives to serve the Youth at JIFF in the best way possible, through Christ-centered intervention. Jeremy has been on absolute fire for the mission of JIFF, by “bringing an end to the destructive cycle of juvenile crime”.
Willie Tate
CASE MANAGER
Willie serves as JIFF’s EIP Case Mentor who is passionate about empowering young minds and hearts of youth. He is a dedicated youth mentor with a commitment to fostering faith, growth, resilience, and self-discovery. With a nurturing approach and 10 years of experience, he guides and supports the next generation through challenges, encouraging them to establish and develop a personal relationship with Christ and unlock their full potential. Committed to creating a positive impact, Willie thrives on building meaningful connections and inspiring positive change in the lives of the youth he mentors. 
Tedrick Bougard
CASE MANAGER
Tedrick is a proud Memphis native that shows love for his city whenever the opportunity presents itself. Tedrick attended the University of Memphis, where he obtained a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Criminal Justice. Being from similar situations as the youth that JIFF serves and motivated to help them make better choices; an opportunity to work at JIFF was heaven sent. Tedrick enjoys including music in the JIFF Programming. For Tedrick, music is a valuable tool to help youth to process the lessons and share their emotions, that they may otherwise hold back. Tedrick thoroughly enjoys planning and executing JIFF program lessons. He feels that JIFF is HOME for him.
TITLE VI, ADA, EEOC COMPLAINTS
"No person in the United States shall, on the ground of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance."
Any individual may exercise his or her right to file a complaint with the ADA/Title VI Coordinator if that person believes that he or she has been subjected to unequal treatment or discrimination in the receipt of benefits or services.