About Us
“Clear next steps. Real support. Better options start here.”
Support The Work That Builds Better Options
Better Options TN helps newcomers and community members facing language and system barriers regain their footing and move toward independence when everyday life in the U.S. is hard to navigate.
We focus on the moments people feel most stuck: when fear, misinformation, and language barriers make it difficult to make safe decisions or understand what comes next.
Our programs are built around practical pathways: Legal literacy Groups that provide clear, reliable information; coordinated Legal Assistance that helps families take the right next step; and a Learning Lab that builds literacy and digital skills for real life, work, and school communication.
Your support strengthens what makes this work effective: trusted relationships, clear boundaries, language access, and consistent follow-through so families leave with a next step, not just information.
Founder & Staff
These are the people that are making a difference in the lives of others.
Luis Sura
Founder & Executive Director
Pastor Luis founded Better Options TN to help newcomers and families navigating U.S. systems find clarity, dignity, and a steady next step. He leads the organization’s partnerships, program direction, and mission-centered work across Middle Tennessee.
STAFF
Jenni Halterman
Operations Director
Jenni oversees day-to-day operations that keep services consistent, organzied, and sustainable. She helps strengthen systems, logistics, and internal coordination so programs run smoothly and families receive reliable support.
Jody Todd
Development Director
Jody leads BOTN’s development strategy, grant writing, and donor partnerships to support sustainable growth. Her focus is funding and strengthening the Legal Access Pathway, Legal Literacy Groups, and the Learning Lab, with board-ready tracking that supports long-term impact.
Ana Martinez Ortega
The Learning Lab Program Coordinator
Ana coordinates BOTN’s Learning Lab, supporting participants as they build English, digital literacy, and educational skills. Her focus is creating a welcoming, flexible learning environment that helps each participant work toward greater confidence and independence.
Yvonne Palacios
Social Media Coordinator
Yvonne coordinates BOTN’s social media, sharing the organization’s programs, events, and impact with the community. Her focus is creating engaging, accessible content that strengthens connections and helps more people discover Better Options.
BOARD MEMBERS
Craig Harris
Community Health Partnerships
Chairman of the Board
Cardiovascular care expertise supporting community health and stability.
Selva Montgomery
Real Estate & Housing Insight
Helping families understand housing pathways, stability, and next steps.
Laurie Siebel
Workforce Support
Building pathways to work and independence.
Rae Sanchez
Community Resilience & Advocacy Insight
Helping individuals and families build resilience, navigate challenges, and find pathways toward greater stability.
Brian Myers
Community Care & Connection
Helping build trusted relationships that connect families to meaningful support.
Preston Pratt
Community Program Support
Community program support that builds connection and practical next steps.
Samantha Shepherd
Housing Stability Coordination
Connecting people to trusted resources.
Vision Statement
Better Options TN envisions a community where newcomers and new residents navigating U.S. systems have clear information, trusted support, and practical pathways to stability and independence.
Mission Statement
Better Options TN helps people overcome language and system barriers through education, legal access, and guided navigation, offered with dignity so families can take the next right step with confidence.
Grounded In Scripture
These verses shape how we serve, how we welcome, and how we show up for our neighbors, with care and integrity. We seek the good of our neighbors by building safety, clarity, and belonging across our community.
You will be blessed when you come in and blessed when you go out. – Deuteronomy 28:6
Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper. – Jeremiah 29:7.