Stepping Out Staff
Laura Moore
Executive Director
Laura Moore has a strong sense of devotion for the nonprofit sector. She began her nonprofit journey as a director for a crisis resource center. This experience gave her a deep appreciation for how nonprofits seek to improve the quality of life for our community one program at a time. Laura has over 16 years of administrative experience. She is a certified recovery and life coach with experience in crisis referral, community outreach, working with the homeless and helping abused and neglected children.
“Through the Lord, I’ve overcame lots of adversities which has given me the platform to help inspire others to living a better life. The Lord calls us to be a light and help others out of darkness. I want to be an advocate and voice for those in need and that are seeking help. I am passionate about giving people resources to meet goals that will bring restoration. Being a part of Stepping Out is a blessing and I feel honored to help those in our region.”
Patrice Puglise
Founder
Patrice Puglise founded Stepping Out in 1992 with her first Gospel Recording, “The Master’s Bouquet”. Since then there has been many recordings, books, and devotionals created to exalt the Lord and help people find hope and healing through the Savior. Through her guidance over the years, Stepping Out has become a place where people can learn the tools needed to assist them in having a productive and purposeful life.
Patrice passed away March 29, 2019 but her work for the Lord and her memory lives on.
To God be all the glory!
Lori Jarnigan
Assistant Director
Lori Jarnigan graduated from Lincoln Memorial University in 2008 with a Bachelor’s degree in Management and Leadership Studies. She has been with Stepping Out since 2015.
“I was born, raised, and have always resided in Hamblen County. God has blessed me greatly and completely changed my life, and I have a strong passion to help people in need in the community. I am so blessed and honored to be able to serve at Stepping Out. I have a wonderful and loving husband and we have four beautiful children.”
Barbara Johnson
Services Coordinator
Barbara graduated from Tusculum University in 2014 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Management. She is a native of New Orleans, LA; and has lived in TN for over 20 years.
“It didn’t take long for Tennessee to become home for me. I love the area, the people, and the opportunity to serve. My favorite scripture is Micah 6:8 – He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?”
Cierra Billingsley
Administrative assistant
Cierra Billingsley has a heart that desires to help others. Through her own time of hardship and struggles in life, Stepping Out Inc. helped her in many ways. As a former participant she knows by personal experience how much of an impact SOI can have on individuals’ lives and family. She believes it to be an honor to be a part of continuing the blessing of sharing that there is help and hope available.
“I’m blessed to say that I have four wonderful children who are truly gifts from God. I am thankful for the work and changes God has done in my life. He has restored me to the woman of God he had always planned me to be. I am a living testimony of God’s grace, mercy, goodness and love. To God be the glory!!!”
Debora Dowell
Receptionist
Debora Dowell has a background in banking. After 15 years with Wells Fargo, she retired and now is able to follow more of her heart serving others.
“I was born and raised in Southern California, and moved to Tennessee in 2022. Through the trials in this life, that I have experienced, God has walked each step with me. He is my strength, my all in all. “The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases, His mercies never come to an end, they are new every morning, great is your faithfulness!” Lam. 3:22-23. I love New Days.”