Meet Our Team

Jani Whaley
Executive Director

Jani first joined KIN as Volunteer Outreach Coordinator in 2017, then stepped into the Executive Director role in 2020. Her previous experiences include working with refugees and other internationals both locally and overseas. Jani has six grown children and one grandchild. She holds a bachelor’s degree in theology and nonprofit management from Johnson University. 

Blythe Thompson
English Language Learning (ELL) Coordinator

Blythe came to KIN in 2022 after working as a stateside missionary to internationals in Virginia with her husband, Justin. A few months after her husband took a position as a pastor in Knoxville, Blythe got connected with KIN. She and her husband have five children at home. Blythe holds a bachelors in Bible with an emphasis in counseling. She recently finished her masters in Human Services Counseling from Liberty University.

Susie Isaac
Operations Director

Susie has been with KIN since it began in 2010 and served as Board secretary before coming on staff in late 2021. She and her husband, Issa, a native Arabic-speaker, have ministered to Knoxville's local Arabic-speaking community since they moved to Knoxville in 2008. They have two college-aged children.  Susie holds a bachelor's degree in communications and a masters in Christian education.

Community Liaisons

Ashley Anderson
​Blount County

Ashley first learned about KIN while volunteering with a partner organization. When she moved to Maryville in 2017, she saw the need for similar services. Before long, she organized an adult English program in her own church and began promoting KIN across Blount County. Ashley and her husband, Jared, have two young daughters. Ashley holds a B.A. in Spanish with a teaching certification.

Anna Garlington
​Knox County

Anna was on the team that founded KIN in 2010, serving with this committed group for 4 years before moving overseas. In 2021, she returned to metro Knoxville, and she is excited to be back in this new season with KIN! Anna is married to Ned, and they have four adult children. Anna is fluent in Spanish, French, and Moroccan Arabic. She holds a B.A. from Columbia International University.

Board of Directors

Dick Nixdorf, Chairman
Sharon Cate
Svetlana Hutvert
Bob Mackey
Charlotte Rufyiri