Our Board
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Kathy Sistare is a distinguished retired Registered Nurse (RN) and Certified Medical Office Manager, bringing over 40 years of invaluable experience in the healthcare sector and administration. She commenced her career at Springs Memorial Hospital, where she served as a bedside nurse. Her exceptional skill set and leadership qualities quickly propelled her into a supervisory role, allowing her to oversee multiple departments and ensure the highest standards of patient care and operational efficiency.
In 2001, Kathy transitioned from the acute care setting to a vital role as Medical Office Administrator for Dr. Michael Kimbrell’s Internal Medicine Practice. This shift afforded her the opportunity to work closely with both physicians and patients, where she became acutely aware of the profound challenges faced by individuals struggling with substance abuse. The impact of addiction not only affects the patients themselves but also ripples through families, often leaving them feeling desperate and without the necessary resources to facilitate recovery. Kathy recognized that many families sought guidance and support but were met with barriers that hindered their ability to access help.
Motivated by these experiences, Kathy, alongside her colleagues, identified a pressing need for faith-based recovery centers and support resources within the Lancaster community. She feels a deep sense of honor in being part of Corey’s Love, an initiative dedicated to sharing Corey’s story and fostering positive change. Kathy firmly believes that through community collaboration and outreach, Corey’s Love will significantly impact the lives of many, offering hope and assistance to those grappling with addiction.On a personal note, Kathy is married to Mike Sistare, and together they have cultivated a loving family that includes two daughters, two grandsons, one grand dog, and two great grandsons, with a great granddaughter on the horizon. This strong family foundation further inspires her commitment to nurturing and supporting others within her community.
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Michael Kimbrell, MD, a dedicated physician and Army veteran, was born in Spartanburg, South Carolina. He pursued his higher education at Wofford College before attending the Medical University of South Carolina, where he was awarded an ROTC scholarship. His commitment to serving his country was exemplified by his over seven years of active duty in the United States Army, where he honed his skills in a variety of medical environments. Dr. Kimbrell completed his internship at the Eisenhower Army Medical Center in Augusta, Georgia, followed by an Internal Medicine residency at Beaumont Army Medical Center in El Paso, Texas. His military career took him to numerous Army hospitals, including assignments in Seoul, Korea, Redstone Arsenal in Alabama, and Moncrief Army Hospital at Fort Jackson, Florida.
After an illustrious military career, Dr. Kimbrell transitioned to civilian practice, where he served the community of Lancaster, South Carolina, for more than 35 years before retiring at the end of 2019. Throughout his medical career, he encountered numerous challenges, particularly related to substance abuse. Dr. Kimbrell dealt with the complexities of addiction firsthand, managing cases of overdose and working with individuals struggling to obtain prescription medications illicitly. His experiences underscored the devastating impact substance abuse has not only on individuals but also on families, culminating in the heartbreaking task of pronouncing the deaths of many patients due to overdose.
Having witnessed the profound effects of addiction within his community, Dr. Kimbrell advocates for faith-based recovery programs as a vital solution for those seeking to overcome substance abuse. He believes that spiritual guidance and support are crucial for achieving lasting recovery. Recognizing the need for more resources in Lancaster, Dr. Kimbrell has expressed his support for organizations like Corey's Love, which provides assistance to individuals and families affected by substance abuse across various age groups. His commitment to improving the lives of those struggling with addiction reflects his deep-rooted dedication to public health and the well-being of his community. Dr. Kimbrell, has been married to his wife Betty for 51 years, they have two daughters and to six grandchildren. He continues to be a source of inspiration and
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Jessica Beard is a distinguished leader in the healthcare sector, with over 23 years of dedicated experience that underscores her profound commitment to patient care and community service. As the founder of Corey’s Love, an organization devoted to supporting families facing the challenges of addiction , Jessica embodies the compassion and empathy that are essential for leading Corey’s Love. Her deep-seated compassion for others has consistently driven her to seek innovative ways to improve the lives of those in need, making her a beacon of hope for many.
Throughout her career, Jessica has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills, managing over 45 employees across multiple clinics. Her ability to inspire and motivate her teams is a testament to her natural leadership qualities, enabling her to foster an environment of collaboration and excellence.
Through Corey’s Love, she continues to leverage her extensive experience and insights to make a significant impact. Jessica is a compassionate advocate who strives to create a better future for families navigating the complexities of addiction, reinforcing the importance of kindness and support in the healing journey.
Jessica has been married to Kris Beard for 20 years and they have two children Hayden Beard and Corey Montgomery. Jessica’s life took a dramatic turn when Corey succumbed to fentanyl poisoning on March 13, 2023. Since then, she has tirelessly devoted her time and resources to the education of addiction and assisting individuals affected by addiction and their recovery.Jessica regularly visits rehabilitation centers where she offers words of encouragement, love and support to the clients. She was a guest speaker at the 2024 Overdose Awareness event in Charlotte, North Carolina.
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As a dedicated family nurse practitioner, and local business owner of Rooted in Faith she is deeply committed to both her faith and the well-being of her community. Her passion lies in assisting others, particularly those in underserved populations. She has a strong affinity for individuals and families affected by substance abuse, as she has witnessed the struggles of several family members with addiction. She has been happily married to her high school sweetheart Ryan for over ten years. In her household, she is the only female, surrounded by their two sons and their male dog. She cherishes spending quality time with family and friends, and she finds joy in her faith and beach vacations.
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Debbie Gainey is a seasoned professional with over 30 years of experience in the medical insurance field. She obtained her certification in 2001 and excelled as a director of Revenue Cycle Management, overseeing the operations of multiple medical practices with teams ranging from 15 to 20 employees. Her extensive knowledge and leadership skills have significantly contributed to the efficiency and effectiveness of these practices, reflecting her commitment to excellence in the healthcare industry.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Debbie is a devoted family woman, married to her husband, Berry, for an impressive 48 years. Together, they have raised three children and are the proud grandparents of seven grandchildren, as well as five great-grandchildren, with an additional great-grandchild on the way due in June. Debbie's strong family values are complemented by her deep faith as a member of Bethlehem Baptist Church, where she actively participates in services, demonstrating her dedication to her faith and community.
Debbie's personal journey has also been marked by profound loss, as she is the grandmother of Corey Montgomery, who tragically passed away from fentanyl poisoning in 2023. In the wake of this heartbreaking event, Debbie has shown remarkable resilience and compassion by supporting her daughter, Jessica, in establishing Corey’s Love, an initiative aimed at raising awareness about addiction. With a genuine desire to educate the community about the challenges of substance abuse, Debbie is dedicated to fostering understanding and prevention, striving to make a positive impact in the lives of those affected by addiction. Her commitment to these causes reflects not only her personal experiences but also her unwavering desire to serve others in meaningful ways.
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Kimberly Powers is a retired Human Resources professional with over 30 years experience where she has made contributions in the financial, retail and healthcare industries where she helped individuals reach their full potential, and built strong workplace cultures.
Kimberly holds a Master’s degree in Leadership from Northeastern University and a Bachelor’s degree from DePaul University.
In retirement, Kimberly is embracing her passions of traveling, gardening, and is excited about the opportunities to continue learning and contributing in meaningful ways.