Meet the Heart of Cut It Forward

Our Team of Dedication and Compassion. Get to know the passionate individuals driving our mission forward. Learn about the faces behind our programs and initiatives, working tirelessly to make a difference in the lives of children of color in foster and adoptive care. Discover the diverse talents, stories, and shared commitment that define our team at Cut it Forward.

Our TEAM

  • vanessa morrison, co-founder/president

    Vanessa Morrison, co-founder and board president of Cut it Forward, is a visionary on a mission. With a background in non-profit professionalism and a graduate of the OU College of Architecture’s Regional and City Planning Graduate Program, Vanessa is dedicated to eliminating barriers for people to access needed services. Her passion for community and commitment to breaking down obstacles fuel our mission. Vanessa's extensive education and experience in community engagement, planning, and crisis management provide unique insights to initiate change, especially in underserved communities.

  • STEPHANIE JACKSON, BOARD MEMBER

    Stephanie Jackson, our Board Secretary and a highly esteemed member of the Cut it Forward Board of Directors since August 2019, proudly hails from Midwest City, Oklahoma. Professionally, Stephanie is a Grants Manager and Federal Project Officer for the U.S. Department of Labor, where she contributes significantly to our mission. She holds a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Oklahoma and a J.D. from the University of Oklahoma College of Law. Stephanie's passion for our mission is evidenced by her dedicated service, Her personal interests include gaming, manga, anime, and quality family time.

  • terrell jackson, board member

    Terrell Jackson, an Oklahoma native, is a beauty industry professional with over 20 years of experience. Holding licenses as a cosmetologist and a certified trichologist, Terrell brings a wealth of expertise and profound commitment to the Cut it Forward board. His dedication extends beyond hairstyling, empowering individuals to find their self-assuredness and purpose, leaving an enduring influence on those he encounters. At the heart of his mission is the vision of establishing the inaugural Beauty and Barber Institute, a dream that speaks to his unwavering determination to elevate the industry and its aspiring professionals.

  • EMILY STENSLAND, BOARD MEMBER

    Emily Stensland, a devoted board member at Cut it Forward, is a talented professional with a background in technology and software sales combined with experience in nonprofit development. Her relocation from Chicago to Oklahoma City in 2018 marked the beginning of her efforts to make a positive impact in the community. Emily also serves as a Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for a foster child, providing support to vulnerable youth in the foster care system. Emily has a deep love for rescuing dogs, emphasizing her dedication to bettering the lives of those in her community, both human and canine alike.

  • CHASSIDY SATTERFIELD, BOARD MEMBER

    Meet Chassidy Satterfield, a dedicated member of Cut it Forward since 2019. She serves as the Area Executive Director for Oklahoma at ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, bringing extensive experience in community advocacy. Chassidy holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Oklahoma State University and is passionate about making the world a better place, particularly in the realms of adoption and inclusivity. Her personal life, as a devoted wife and mother to five wonderful children, beautifully reflects her commitment to creating a more inclusive world and supporting our mission at Cut it Forward.

  • KIM LEVERIDGE, BOARD MEMBER

    Kim Leveridge, Vice President of Professional Development at the Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits, brings invaluable expertise in organizational leadership and effectiveness to the Cut it Forward Board. Her diverse background spans strategic execution, team management, executive coaching, and more. With roles at organizations like NORDAM and Williams Companies, she's a valuable addition to our team. Dr. Leveridge holds a B.A. in Organizational Communication from the University of Oklahoma and a Ph.D. in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from the University of Tulsa.

  • SHANNON COOPER, BOARD MEMBER

    Shannon Cooper, a Cut it Forward board member, also serves as a director at BWF, an international fundraising consulting firm based in Minneapolis, MN. With over 30 years of nonprofit management experience, she's been involved in organizations like the American National Red Cross, Grameen Foundation, the Polk Community Foundation, National MS Society, and Wilkinson Center in Dallas. Her academic journey includes degrees from Barnard College and Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University. Returning to Oklahoma City in 2018, she has made an impact in the local community.

  • ANGELA HEIN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

    Angela Hein, the Executive Director of Cut it Forward, has played a pivotal role in advancing our mission. With over 30 years of experience and a profound commitment to community service, she has cultivated a deep passion for helping people in recovery from addiction. Her diverse background in digital art and portrait photography brings a creative touch to her responsibilities, adding innovation and a unique perspective to her role. Angela's journey, marked by personal resilience and her dedication to supporting individuals in their recovery, fuels her unwavering passion for making a difference in the lives of those in need. She works tirelessly to develop and implement programs that enhance the level of support provided to those we serve.