The people helping guide this work

Board of Directors

Our board helps protect the mission, ask hard questions, and guide Advocacy Bridge Tennessee as it grows. Their oversight is part of building this organization carefully.

Founder · Executive Director · Board Member

Abigail “Abbey” Davis, M.S., CRC

“This work is personal, but it is not only personal.”

My name is Abigail Davis, but most people call me Abbey. I founded Advocacy Bridge Tennessee and serve on its Board of Directors. I have cerebral palsy, and I grew up navigating special education and accommodations. I had a one-on-one aide through sixth grade. In seventh grade I asked for more independence, while still using the supports I needed. That experience shaped the way I think about whose voice is heard when decisions are made.

I earned a bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a strong focus on special education from the University of Tennessee at Martin in 2021 and a master’s degree in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of Memphis in 2024. I am a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor. My work has included disability services and crisis support, and I bring both professional training and lived experience to this work.

I started Advocacy Bridge Tennessee because having rights and being able to navigate them are not the same thing. I want students, disabled adults, and families to walk into unfamiliar situations more informed, more prepared, and less alone. I want people to have a say in decisions that affect their own lives.

We are building this organization carefully so our capacity, privacy practices, and accessibility grow together. Outside of this work, I’m a wife, a mom, and a radio DJ.

Treasurer · Board Member

Alvin Shipley

My name is Alvin Shipley. I serve on the Board of Directors of Advocacy Bridge Tennessee. Outside of my board role, I help with outreach in the communities around us. I attend local events and build relationships in nearby areas so more people know about the work Abbey is building.

I've had a few different kinds of jobs over the years. I worked for a sign company and ran a sign business of my own. When it was my business, I handled every part of the work myself. I also worked as a Publix bakery manager and in food service for Tennessee's state prison system when we lived in Centerville.

My wife and I have been married since 2016, and I am a father to three daughters, including Abbey. We lived in Jacksonville, Florida, while I was retired for five years. I now work part time at Cracker Barrel, though I still consider myself retired.

I want to help Advocacy Bridge Tennessee grow and thrive so Abbey can build her career doing work that helps people who need it. I can do my part by showing up, making connections in surrounding communities, and helping in whatever way I can as the organization grows.

President · Board Member

Christine (Chrissy) Tuten

My name is Christine (Chrissy) Tuten. I am a teacher at heart – knowing from the young age of 6 that I was called to make a difference in the lives of others through teaching. I graduated from the University of South Florida with a BS in Special Education in 1995. I taught in Florida for 11 years, adding Elementary Education and ESL (English as a Second Language) endorsements. In 2006, I relocated to Fayetteville, Tennessee with my family. I continued my teaching career in Tennessee for an additional 12 years, earning a Master’s in Educational Supervision and Administration in 2012. My classroom teaching experience includes special education and general education in preschool, K-2nd, 4th, and 6th grades.

In July of 2018, I moved to Fayetteville City Schools central office as the Special Education/Federal Programs Supervisor. This position gave me the opportunity to increase my impact beyond my own classroom into the entire district, ensuring least restrictive environments and appropriate services for children with disabilities, as well as children living in poverty, those experiencing homelessness, those in foster care, and those learning English as a second language.

In June of 2023, I transitioned out of public school for the first time in my career to South Central Human Resource Agency where I serve as the Head Start Director. In my current role, my impact is magnified even further as I oversee a 13+ million-dollar grant, 197 employees, and 44 classrooms in 21 centers across 13 counties. We serve at-risk children (6 weeks through age 5) and their families with education, health and mental health, and nutrition services.

I have spent my entire career advocating for “the underdog” and challenging the “this is how we’ve always done it” to ensure we’re doing what is right, not just what is easy. I live strictly by “Fair isn’t equal. Fair is meeting people where they are and giving them what they need to succeed.”

My husband of 30 years, Kevin, and I are the proud parents of 2 children. Our 28-year-old daughter, Erin, is an RN and the mother of our amazing twin granddaughters, Indi and Iris, born May 22, 2026. Our son, Tate, was tragically killed in an accident in 2019 at the age of 17.

Outside of my rewarding career, I enjoy traveling, swimming, boating, and hiking with my family and our 2 dogs Cash and Trip.

We worship, grow, fellowship, and serve at First Baptist Church of Fayetteville.

Organization leadership

Secretary

Cindy serves as secretary outside the Board of Directors.

Cynthia “Cindy” Shipley

My name is Cynthia “Cindy” Shipley, and I serve as secretary for Advocacy Bridge Tennessee. I am retired, but over the years I have worked as a legal assistant, office manager, and medical biller.

As Abbey’s mom, I know how much it matters for families of people with disabilities to have a voice and have their rights respected. I had advocates in my corner while raising her, and I want other Tennessee families to have that kind of support, too.

I wanted to do my part to help Abbey build that resource for others. Serving as secretary is one way I can contribute.