Board of Directors

Under the leadership of the Board of Directors, STANDING TALL LIFE SKILLS, INC. has been at the forefront of making a difference in children’s lives since 2019. Located at the intersection of community and life, STANDING TALL LIFE SKILLS, INC. is a life-affirming journey that builds on the richness and power of lifelong values. We have been providing young people with the values and skills they need to become exceptional community leaders.

John Cannon, President

Hi my name John Cannon, I grew up in Xenia, Ohio and graduated from Georgetown College University, in Kentucky. Over the course of my career, I was the Deputy Commissioner of Aging, served on the Foster Care Review Board in Phoenix, Band Booster President, girls softball and volleyball coach, coaching football. After retiring from the Federal Bureau of Prisons as an Associate Warden, I moved to Tennessee and Owned Wildwood Stables.

Treasurer

Alicia Ricketts- Volunteer Coordinator

My name is Alicia Ricketts. I am a mother of two wonderful

children ages 13 and 15. We reside in beautiful Crossville

Tennessee. I enjoy staying active within my church, my family,

and my community. Alongside serving on the Board of Directors

for Standing Tall, I am also Director of Fair Park Senior Center.

I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of Standing Tall

and excited to serve as the volunteer coordinator.

Renee Micuda - Board Member

Hi, my name is Renee and I am a Hair Stylist in Crossville. I also own Whole Hearted Publishing Company. My hobbies include illustration art, golf, and interior decorating. My volunteer activities include sponsoring Stone Memorial High School Ladies Soccer, former project manager for Unity Spiritual Center in Sheboygan, WI, former high school theater and hair and makeup coordinator, former Den Leader/treasurer for Plymouth, WI Cub Scouts. I have been a volunteer for Standing Tall for the past two years and look forward to being on the Board of Directors.

Michelle Cannon, President Emeritus, Board Member

Michelle Cannon is the visionary behind Standing Tall Life Skills, Inc. which came to life in 2019 after many years of trying to get the program that she saw in that vision.

The many experiences as a trainer during her 20 year tenure with the Federal Bureau of Prisons, shaped the framework for the life skills curriculum of Standing Tall. Her goal is to reach children who have experienced trauma in their young lives, redirecting the course of their lives by giving them better communication and coping skills.

Standing Tall makes no claim to be mental health providers. We just love Kids!

Sarah Cannon- Board Member

Sarah Cannon is the daughter of John and Michelle Cannon who own and operated Wildwood Stables and founded Standing Tall. Sarah was employed at the Avalon Center Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault program in Crossville for 18 years and is now a paralegal for a prestigious law firm in town. She is the mother of 2 sons she is raising in Cumberland County.

“Being a part of Standing Tall is a natural fit for me because of its origins. Being a leader in this amazing program that is available to local children and their families is a privilege.”

Emery Smith - Board Member

Hi, my name is Emery Smith. I am currently employed with Centerstone as a school based therapist working closely with teachers, administrators, and school counselors to develop and implementation of strategies for students. I hold a Master of Science in Social Work from the University of Tennessee.

I was a former transitional housing case manager and shelter advocate for the Avalon Center. I am certified in Trauma Treatment.

I look forward to working with Standing Tall to help achieve their goals in the community.

Candice Gossett- Board Member

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Karen and AJ Biddlecom -Board Members

Hi, we are Karen and AJ Biddlecom who own Wildhaven Ranch a 30 acre farm in Sparta, Tennessee. We raise sheep, cows, hogs, goats, and bees for honey. We own several horses. My experience includes digital creations, Barn Manager at Middleton Place Horse & Hounds Equestrian Center, Horse whisperer, and Licensed Massage Practitioner (LMP). My skills include Certified Welder, LMP, and LAE. My volunteer experience include trail builder, with Cumberland Trail Conference. My interests are horses, hiking, swimming, and yoga.

Hi, my name is AJ, I retired from the United Air Force. My work included Secure Communications and Ctyptoghraphic Electronic Maintenance. I am co-owner of Wildhaven Ranch with my wife. My interests are with animals, old cars, hiking, and four wheeling.

We look forward to working with Standing Tall bringing our wealth of experience to help accomplish their goals!