Guiding Hands
Lee Ann, Board President
Lee Ann Swarm is happily retired which gives her time to be the president of the OREPA board. Thankfully, the board operates using consensus which works since Lee Ann is a Quaker and would not be comfortable with voting. She also appreciates community involvement so what could you do to be involved with OREPA?
Toby, Board Secretary
Toby Rogers did his fieldwork in 1990 for his PhD in Nicaragua, interviewing teachers about the effect of war on them and their profession. Three years ago he traveled to Poland to work with Ukrainian refugees and worked with the World Food Kitchen in Krakow. He was accepted as a volunteer teacher in Ramallah, Palestine last year but this opportunity was cancelled due to the fighting. He hopes to return to Palestine and work in a productive capacity as soon as travel is a bit safer. He taught 26 years as an elementary teacher in Cumberland County, 13 years at Lincoln Memorial University and in retirement has taught for the past five years at Walters State College in Sevierville. He has had some association with OREPA for about 40 years. He is married and has two children and three grandchildren.
Rachel, Board Vice President
Rachel Stewart is a Middle Tennessee native who graduated from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, in 2023. She studied environmental justice and radioactive waste management and currently works as a project manager for the Oak Ridge Office of Environmental Management. She is passionate about equitable nuclear waste cleanup that involves local communities. When not protesting nuclear weapons she can be found hiking the beautiful mountains of East Tennessee or playing roller derby.
Meredith
The Rev. Dr. Meredith Loftis serves as the Associate Pastor at First Presbyterian Church in downtown Knoxville, Tennessee. Meredith is passionate about peace building, gardening, and ensuring creation is thriving for the next generation. She is excited to serve on OREPA’s board and to connect faith communities with this important work.
Tanvi, Coordinator
Tanvi is a California native who attended San Diego State University to study International Security and the University of San Diego School of Law to get her JD. She moved to Knoxville to serve as the Coordinator for OREPA after becoming disillusioned with working at private law firms. She has always wanted to advocate for communities, public health and the environment, which she gets to do at OREPA! In her free time she likes to be in the outdoors and travel.
Jamila, Community Organizer
Jamila is a dedicated advocate and community member based in Tennessee. She shares her life with her loving husband and their furry companion. With a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Jamila is passionate about mental health and human behavior.
As a board member of the YAC Youth Advisory Council, she actively supports foster children, providing guidance and resources. She is particularly committed to advocating for marginalized communities, often disproportionately impacted by environmental issues.
In her free time, you can find Jamila exploring the outdoors with her dog or practicing yoga with her community. She finds solace and inspiration in nature and mindfulness.