Executive Director of Special Kids Therapy and Nursing Center, Chris Truelove celebrates 20 years of service to the Murfreesboro, TN non-profit this month. A former volunteer at the campus founded just two years before his service began in 2000, Chris was the first executive director to be hired by the Special Kids board of directors and has led from that same role the last two decades.

Members of the Special Kids family, including current staff from both the development and medical team, as well as leaders from the Special Kids board of directors, came together for a surprise lunch in honor of his service, dedication and example on Wednesday, March 4th. Truelove was presented with gifts commemorating his work.

“There was something about Chris, 20 years ago, that we just couldn’t explain,” said Carrie Goodwin, Special Kids Co-Founder and Board Member. “We were blessed by his decision to take this role twenty years ago, with the support from his wife Hailee to take that leap and go where they felt the Lord was calling them… We’re thankful to this day by the passion he puts into every project, and how he strives to make this mission stronger through everything he does for Special Kids.”

Goodwin continued to praise the service and support shown by Chris’ wife, Hailee: “Although she no longer works for Special Kids, the role she’s played in the growth and progress of our therapy center will always be remembered.”

Born in Cleveland, Tennessee, Chris received a Bachelor’s of Science in physical education from the University of North Alabama, as well as a Master’s of Science in wellness and fi tness from Middle Tennessee State University.

Before taking on a leadership position at Special Kids two decades ago, Chris served for four years at Middle Tennessee Medical Center (now Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital).