the Team

Southern Grace started out as simple prayer and idea. Tisha O’Dowd, the mother of three daughters, recognized the need for girls and young women to be surrounded by Godly mentors and positive influences. In a time where life skills are becoming obsolete and women are trying to identify who and what they are, it is imperative for us, women of God, to equip our girls and young women to love who they are and to hold themselves to a higher standard because they are the daughters of the King.

Tisha O'Dowd

Founder, Executive Director

Kate is a writer, teacher, and coffee enthusiast who is passionate about seeing the lives of women transformed by the revelation that they are deeply loved by a God who is as authentic and personal, as He is mighty and great. It is her ultimate aim to help reveal the goodness and power of Jesus Christ in all the earth and encourage women around the world to do the same. She has faithfully served with Southern Grace Ministries since the very beginning as the Bible Curriculum Director and the go-to “Bread, Butter, and Jam Lady.” She has worked in youth ministry for the past 15 years, both in Middle TN and South Louisiana and taught middle school English and Literature for 6 years. Kate lives in Franklin, TN with her ruggedly handsome hubby, Jon and her two precious sons, Roman and Callum

Kate Sheets

Co-Founder, Director of Programs

Shannon is a California native who decided to take a leap of faith and go on an adventure with the Lord to relocate to Nashville in March of 2021 - He has not disappointed! Shannon brings a wealth of strategic, financial, and operational knowledge to Southern Grace Ministries. Shannon has a big heart to see followers of Christ experience their fullness found in Him through discipleship and community. She is a Green Bay Packer fan, makes the perfect Margarita, and loves to make people laugh. Shannon currently loves learning all things gardening.

Shannon Maier

Director of Finance and Development