Skip to content

Special Kids Director Celebrates 20 Years



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).

More Stories

  • A Work in Progress

    “The house wasn’t done when we first looked at it,” said Shantel Littlejohn. “But, we’d been stalking it on Zillow. Watching them build it. The first time we went to look at it, it didn’t have any stairs and the front yard was mud. But, we fell in love and put an offer on it that day.” Read More
  • Summer Supper

    The Charity Circle ladies who hosted the annual Summer Supper could not have picked a more perfect evening for this annual party. Guests met friends old and new, enjoyed cocktails and a wonderful Southern supper. Read More
  • Editor's Letter

    Welcome to the September issue of VIP Murfreesboro! As we turn the page on another summer, I'm reminded of the many possibilities that this new season brings. It's a time for fresh starts, new beginnings and a renewed sense of hope. Read More
  • Murfreesboro Medical Clinic & SurgiCenter Welcomes Seven New Physicians

    To further its commitment to meeting the needs of the growing Rutherford County community, Murfreesboro Medical Clinic & SurgiCenter (MMC) has added seven new doctors to its team of physicians.  Read More