The Group Effort Team
Our Founders
Towan Siler
Chief Executive Officer
Towan Siler, co-founder of Group Effort of Tennessee, has overseen company operations from our startup in 2011.
“My experience in social services revealed a major gap in the availability of options for what I call forgotten members of society including intellectually disabled adults. This group of individuals had almost no access to the quality care and attention they deserved. That became the mission of Group Effort.”
Siler earned his Master’s degree in Public Administration from Cumberland University in Tennessee and his Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Bluefield College in Virginia. Prior to founding Group Effort, Siler held the position of Program Director at Turnaround Center in Gallatin, Tennessee and acted as a case manager for the Department of Children’s Services, where he worked with the Juvenile Justice Probation Office.
Derek Potter is a co-founder of Group Effort of Tennessee and has held the position of Director of Business Operations since 2011. He handles all the exciting issues related to finances, communications, marketing, staffing and facility organization.
Potter’s passion for his work comes from the philosophy embodied in the old saying, “You may only be one person in the world, but you mean the world to one person.”
He says, “Every time I have the opportunity to make life better for one person, I too become a better person. While I realize mine is a huge responsibility, I also consider it a blessing and I wake up each day thankful for this great gift.”
Potter is a licensed attorney and earned his Juris Doctoral degree from the Nashville School of Law. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Integrated Strategic Communications from the University of Kentucky.
Derek Potter
Director of Business Operations
Our Team
Middle Tennessee Region
Transition Department
Tajay Douglas
I received my Bachelor of Art from the University of the West Indies. I’ve always had a keen interest in advocating and helping others since as early as high school. I’ve been able to gain my experience and knowledge through various jobs such as Department of Children services (DCS) and the Child advocacy center (CAC).
Community Living Support Team
Jennifer Benson
I have supported individuals with disabilities since I was in high school. It is my true passion and calling in life. I have over 20 years of experience working directly with individuals and supervising various management teams in this field.
In Home Behavioral Support
Day Center PSR/Out Patient
Human Resource Department
Jordan Edmondson
I have a passion for helping people. I previously worked as a DSP, CNA and most recently a staffing recruiter. All of those jobs put me in a position to help people. It brings me great joy to make a difference in someone’s life.
Tiffany Partee
Graduated with a bachelor’s degree in social work from MTSU in 2007. Immediately after graduating I worked as a program manager with the intellectual disabilities for 9 years. In 2016, I started working with the Child welfare department, as a foster care recruitment specialist and home study writer for 8 years. In 2022, I accepted the Quality Assurance Coordinator position with Group Effort. I look forward to serving and working with the members and staff of Group Effort.
East Tennessee Region
Transition Department
Christy Wood
I have a Bachelor of Social Work and a Master of Science in Healthcare Management with 22 years of working with adults with intellectual disabilities.
Community Living Support Team
Sierra Holland
I graduated from Academy of Allied Health in 2010 as Certified Healthcare Management Assistance and Medical Admin Assistant. I have over 10 years of healthcare experience working with insurance, case management also, medical billing and coding. I enjoy helping people it gives me a sense of purpose.
We are growing our family of caregivers and staff. If you would like more information about open positions with Group Effort, please visit our Employment page.