Meet the Board

Katie Jackson

President - KatieJackson@pineywoodsbeyond.org

Katie Jackson is the founder and president of Pineywoods BEYOND Foundation. A lifelong resident of Zavalla, Katie is driven by a deep-rooted love for her hometown and a vision of a stronger, more connected community.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in Information Technology and works professionally as a Systems Administrator. With her strong background in leadership, organization, and problem-solving, Katie brings structure and strategic thinking to every project the nonprofit takes on.

Her heart for service began early. She worked as a CNA while still in high school and enlisted in the Navy at 17. Life shifted unexpectedly when she became a mother just before boot camp, but her commitment to growth and giving back never wavered. Katie has volunteered with food pantries, park cleanups, and book drives for years and believes that no one should be left behind simply because they don’t qualify for help on paper.

Katie launched Pineywoods BEYOND to revitalize public spaces, support families in need, and expand access to education. She is currently leading projects like the Little Free Pantry and the Zavalla park revitalization. One of her biggest goals is to bring a small-scale library to the community, something she believes every town deserves.

Katie is an outspoken advocate for human and civil rights and believes every person is worthy of respect, kindness, and opportunity. She is passionate about literacy and lifelong learning and believes that books are the past, present, and future of humanity.

She is happily married and a proud mom of four. In her free time, Katie enjoys photography, reading, and spending time with her family.

She lives by the motto: “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”

Brittany Tarkington

Treasurer - BrittanyTarkington@pineywoodsbeyond.org

Brittany Tarkington was born and raised in Zavalla and remains deeply connected to the town - her mother still lives there, and her son is active in a local church. She’s passionate about giving back and helping rebuild the community she grew up in.

She works as a Social Worker and Case Manager for teens in the state’s permanent conservatorship. A Zavalla High School graduate, Brittany holds an associate’s degree from Angelina College’s Paralegal Program and a bachelor’s in Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology.

Through her job, she often partners with local churches and organizations, gaining a clear view of both the challenges and opportunities in the community. Her passion for service was inspired by her mother, who regularly brought her to volunteer growing up. Now, she’s committed to modeling the same values for her son.

Brittany believes in restoring Zavalla’s sense of unity and creating a more family-friendly environment. Outside of work and parenting, she enjoys reading, writing, and binge-watching shows with her three dogs.

Fun fact: She’s a published author.

She lives by the motto: “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”

Tammy Grimes

Secretary - TammyGrimes@pineywoodsbeyond.org

Tammy Grimes spent 29 years in education, including 21 years at Zavalla Elementary. She taught Kindergarten for 18 years before serving 11 years as a Dyslexia Specialist. A proud graduate of Stephen F. Austin State University, she holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Early Childhood Education and is a Certified Academic Language Therapist (CALT).

Tammy’s passion for helping children extends far beyond the classroom. She’s provided after-school tutoring, led children’s ministry at her church, and participated in numerous mission and outreach efforts—from volunteering with PTO and Booster Club, to spending a summer working in communities in Honduras, and even traveling weekly to one of Houston’s highest crime areas with 1000 Hills Ministries to feed and serve those in need.

She joined the Pineywoods BEYOND Foundation to help bring the community together and revitalize Zavalla through fundraising and support initiatives. Tammy’s dedication, fundraising experience, and deep love for Zavalla make her a vital part of the team.

When she’s not working or volunteering, Tammy enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with her family.

Favorite quote:
“This is what the past is for! Every experience God gives us, every person He puts in our lives, is the perfect preparation for the future that only He can see.” – Corrie ten Boom

Ashley Goodwin

Board Member- AshleyGoodwin@pineywoodsbeyond.org

Info Coming Soon

Jennifer Stanley

Board Member - JenniferStanley@pineywoodsbeyond.org

Jennifer Stanley serves as a Board Member for the Pineywoods BEYOND Foundation. A longtime advocate for service and community care, Jennifer brings years of leadership experience and a passion for filling the gaps in rural healthcare and education.

She works as a Quality Management RN, supporting physician offices across East Texas and Houston through clinical education, infection prevention, patient safety, and quality improvement. With nearly a decade of administrative leadership experience, she has also contributed to foundational and Medicare grants. Jennifer holds an Associate Degree in Science, is a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) and Registered Nurse (RN), and is certified as a Care Transitions Intervention Coach and Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt.

Jennifer’s heart for giving back has been evident throughout her life. She serves on the board of the Deep East Texas Nurse Honor Guard and volunteers at nurse funerals by delivering the Nightingale Tribute. In the past, she served as a youth leader for four years and has supported homeless shelters, churches, and even local radio fundraisers.

Inspired by her daughter Katie’s selfless love for Zavalla, Jennifer felt called to join the nonprofit and help spark meaningful change. She hopes to empower others by promoting the idea that giving comes in many forms, whether through time, talent, or financial contribution. Her vision includes offering financial literacy and life skills classes, improving health education, providing free Narcan and safe needle disposal, and introducing support groups and programs like Bike Share and car seat safety checks.

Outside of work and community service, Jennifer enjoys puzzles, camping, surf fishing, and beach trips with her large and loving family—which includes eight kids and thirteen grandchildren. She’s a high school dropout turned nurse who overcame incredible obstacles, including raising four children by the age of 21. One of her proudest personal adventures was taking a 3,500-mile road trip with her husband, camping along the way.

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse