Key Personnel

The principles of Foothills Care bring over 100 combined years of successful experience developing and delivering high quality child welfare and behavioral health clinical services using state-of-the-art therapeutic approaches and innovative administrative management systems. The foundation for past, present, and future success is built upon a high expectation for, and daily practice of, clinical and personal integrity and accountability with a creative problem solving perspective for our customers and clients.

Individually, the Foothills Care management team brings an impressive array of experience and accomplishments:

Jim Pedigo, MA, President, brings over 25 years of corporate level program development and operations leadership in child welfare and behavioral health organizations, including directing a full continuum of residential, therapeutic foster care, home and community based programs in multiple States. He serves on numerous Boards and State/National Task Forces to advocate for and improve service delivery in the systems of care for children and families in need.

Mike Buchanan, MA, Program Director for Case Management and Wrap-Around In-Home Services, brings over 15 years of progressive hands-on residential and in-home treatment experience. As a national corporate trainer and developer of in-home services in seven different states, Mike combines the most recent clinical research and outcome-based principles into an impressive resume of “real life” field experience.

Stella Hamilton, MS, LPC-MHSP, Clinical Manager brings over 10 years of experience in residential and in-home treatment, at a supervisory and a direct care level. She is a licensed professional counselor with mental health service provider endorsement with a specialization in children and family issues and a member of a number of professional organizations. She specializes in play therapy with a full service play room.

Craig Freeman, brings over 20 years of residential, therapeutic foster care and in-home treatment experience. Skilled and knowledgeable as both a direct services provider and as a program administrator, Craig has developed a unique ability to match and to evaluate program services to best meet individual child and family needs.

Kathi Parkins, M.ED, is the Program Director for the East and Smoky region’s Relative Caregiver Program. Kathi brings over 25 years of experience working with children, adults and families. She began her career as a special education teacher in the public school system where she was instrumental in opening a center-based program for mentally and physically challenged infants and toddlers. Following her years as a classroom teacher, Kathi accepted a leadership position with an organization that advocates for adults with disabilities. Her experience also includes 5 years in a continuing care retirement community where her passion is to improve the quality of life for seniors who are living in assisted living and nursing homes.

Sheryl Curry, LMSW, is the Program Director for the Knox County Relative Caregiver Program. Sheryl brings over 12 years of experience in Social Work and Management. She has clinical and administrative experience with varied populations including Alcohol and Drug, Mental Health, Career and Adjunct Faculty Training, Court Liaison and Representation, and Community Brokering.

Jim Lambert, MA, Human Development /Counseling Specialization is the Director of the Northeast region Relative Caregiver Program. Jim has been involved working with children and families for over 20 years through prevention, domestic violence intervention and education, housing and community safety, foster care licensing, investigations, & training, crisis intervention & assessment, and relative care family support programs. He has worked in the ministry, social services, and government- improving the safety, mental & physical health, and financial stability of children and families in Illinois and Tennessee.