Our Leadership
The Spiritual Abuse Institute is led by a board of directors that oversees the organization and ensures SAI and its volunteers stay on mission. Our board consists of three to seven voting members at all times, & they hold the Executive Director accountable to the mission, values, bylaws, & policies of SAI.
Mike Grimes
President
Mike is a business owner in Knoxville, TN. He is a Christian who loves Jesus and the local church. Mike has seen both the good and the bad in church, and he wants to see as many people as possible experience Jesus in a safe and healthy way.
Kristen McBee
Treasurer
Kristen has 17 years of experience in various realms of social work serving as an advocate for children and families in Knoxville, TN. She is a Christian equipped with the spiritual gift of empathy and is drawn to the broken-hearted. Kristen believes that the church should take great care in creating a safe space for the broken-hearted, should operate in full transparency, and should continually aspire to do better and be better.
Beth Braden
Secretary
Beth is a journalist and podcast researcher who brings a wealth of experience to the SAI leadership team. She is also a long time Christian who is committed to the Church, its health, and advocating for the least of these.
Renee Johnson
Board member
Renee Johnson works in the corporate financial world for her day job and brings that unique perspective and voice to the SAI board. Renee desires to see healthy and safe church environments that people can trust and engage with in healthy ways.
Matt Grimes
Board Member
(No Relation to Mike) Matt is a local church pastor who has spent over 20 years in ministry. He has experienced the joy and hope the church brings, as well as the deep hurt that is possible. Matt is passionate about building healthy churches that make disciples & care for people.
Robbie Dejarnette
Board Member
Robbie is a pastor in the Knoxville, TN, area and has served in ministry in multiple churches and capacities over the years. He is a shepherd at heart who strongly desirest to see people heal from spiritual abuse and strengthen their faith on the other side.
Jeff Cochran
Executive Director
(Not a voting board member)
Jeff is the founder of SAI, a business owner, and a ministry consultant. He also spent 17 years in ministry. As someone who experienced religious trauma & has been inside the church system, Jeff has a unique perspective & desires to use that perspective to help people heal & build healthier churches.
*If you would like to contact the SAI board, please use our contact form and use the subject line: "For the SAI Board."
Standing against spiritual abuse through awareness, research, & resources.
Accountability
2024 © SPIRITUAL ABUSE INSTITUTE