Pastor Ella Bernadette Johnson-Clay, M.T.S.
Executive Director
Pastor Ella Bernadette Johnson- Clay was reared by loving parents, Eugenia Pearl Allen- Johnson and Johnny Frank Johnson. Pastor Clay is a wise woman called to teach and preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ by loving God and God’s great people. She is committed to heal and restore lives through the work of social justice. Her early education consist of being a graduate of Glencliff High School. Pastor Ella’s theological education consist of graduating from American Baptist College where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree (B. A.) graduated Summa Cum Laude, received Delta Epsilon Chi Award, and served as president of her class. She holds a Master of Theological Studies (M.T.S.) from Vanderbilt University Divinity School (VDS) where she received the Dean’s Scholarship and served in the office as treasurer for Vanderbilt Black Seminarians. She was sponsored by Kelly Miller Smith Institute to represent VDS at the Samuel DeWitt Procter Conference in Norfolk, Virginia. On behalf of The Turner Center and The Center for Transforming Communities she represented VDS in Indianopolis, Indiana for “The Spot,” a community organization designed to empower young girls. In 2017, she was the recipient of the Charles A. Trentham Homiletics Award of International Council of Community Churches (ICCC).
Pastor Ella founded Elegant Hair Expressions in 1991 and co-owned the business with her daughter, Mrs. Shawna Leigh Clay-Forrest. Currently Pastor Clay serves as Executive Director for Healing Minds and Souls.
Team:
Sister Shawna Clay-Forrest-President, Health and Wellness Team Leader
Sister Rachelle Darvin- Vice President, Community Outreach Coordinator
Sister Ardana Foxx-Board of Trustee-Finance & Accounting, Administrative Assistant
Brother Lonnie Jennings-Property Management & Special Projects
Min. Quanita Thomas, Staff Person
Shawna Clay-Forrest
President
Shawna Clay-Forrest is a native to Nashville TN. and is the only child of Glenn and Ella Clay. Shawna was educated in parochial schools in Nashville, TN. In 2000, she graduated high school from Hume-Fogg Academic High School, received a Presidential Scholarship to attend Tennessee State University, completed Cosmetology school and received her licensure in Cosmetology. From an early age, Shawna has wanted to be an entrepreneur. In 2002, she organized Creative Networking Marketing Firm, which brought over 32 businesses together to expand their networks for business purposes. In 2004, she graduated TSU with a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in Marketing. In 2007, she graduated with a master’s in business administration. Shawna is currently working on her second master’s in education: Organizational Leadership. She co- owned Elegant Hair Expressions, a full- service hair salon. 2009-2012 Shawna served as the Executive Director of The Look in the Mirror Campaign, which specialized in GED prep courses and career transition skills that helped employ individuals. Currently, Shawna is an educator in Metro Nashville Public Schools and developed a Cosmetology program for the Juvenile Detention Center. Shawna’s accomplishments include receiving Nashville’s Top 40 under 40 in 2003- 2009, member of Cambridge’s Who’s Who among Entrepreneurs, 2010 board member of Interdenominational Services Organization of America Inc., (ISOA) and serves as a member of the Advisory Board for the Juvenile Detention Center, and the Arts and Culture Committee in the Town of Smyrna TN. She is married to Michael Forrest and is a proud mother of 4 children Diamond, Johnothan, Micah, and Sean. Words that inspire Shawna are “Keep striving for excellence, with focus, passion, and hard work anything can be achieved.”
Lonnie Jennings
Property Manager
Lonnie Jennings was born in Calhoun City Mississippi where he completed his education through high school. Afterwards he came to Nashville where he was employed by Vanderbilt University while he continued his education and training in pneumatic controls/electrical schematics/heating, vacuum, air, and controls (HVAC).
His employment at Vanderbilt began at the entry level in his field. After much hard work, training, and additional classes, he was ultimately elevated to the level of Assistant Manager of the HVAC system for Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC). That consisted of the care and maintenance of a facility of more than 10 million square feet. Over time, the team he led grew to more than 40 technicians. As a member of the VUMC community, he was also actively involved in fundraising for the American Heart Association (AHA) serving as team leader for several years.
For more than 40 years, he has been a member of the Bounty Hunters Motorcycle Club and was President for 35 of those years. He is currently the Road Captain ensuring the safety of the members during group rides. Under his leadership, a consistent mission was always community service. This involved outreach to other like-minded organizations. They participate in the annual toy ride collecting toys for the underserved, contributions to community church functions, and support to families in need.
Lonnie became a member of Historic First Community Church in 2017. Under the leadership of Reverend Glenn Clay and the support and guidance of his sister and former first lady, Mrs. Irene Simmons, he found a renewed calling to community service and commitment to the service of God. With the appointment of Reverend Ella Clay as Pastor he continued his spiritual growth. He became Property Manager for HFCC and continues his commitment to God’s work becoming Deacon and member of the Board in 2022.
Lonnie is an organizing member of Healing Minds and Souls (HMS). He volunteers at the weekly food distribution and delivery mission. He works and contributes as he is needed and provides a reliable resource for anything needed.
Ardana Yvetta Miller-Foxx
Administrative Assistant
Ardana Yvetta Miller-Foxx is married to William L. Foxx. They have two children, Jahka & Jamie Foxx and two grandchildren, Jahkaya and J.J. (Jahka Jr.). She earned both her Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Psychology from Tennessee State University, and is currently employed with the Tennessee Dept. of Mental Health, Div. of Substance Abuse Services as a Program Manager. She is responsible for approving funds for persons in need of substance abuse and mental health treatment services as well as auditing and providing guidance to the agencies. She previously worked nine years as a substance abuse counselor at the Meharry Elam Mental Health Center. Her work and experiences in the field of addictions further convinced her that only the belief in and surrender to the power of God will bring peace, love and a renewed life for those in bondage to addictions. She serves on a Meharry Patient Advisory Council, collaborating with the council to help implement ideas and studies for better health in the community. She is passionate about history, loves to read, write and listen to music, serves as a church deacon, is on the trustee board and is the church historian. Her volunteerism also includes work with the District 3 Community Education Council. She loves God and family and can attests that “no good thing will he withhold from those who walk upright and are called according to his purpose.”
Quanita Thomas
Resource Center Manager Staff
A graduate of Pearl Cohn High School and Victory Fellowship. Serves as an ordained minister at Historic First Community Church and Resource Manager for Healing Minds and Souls.
Minister Alicia S. McKnight
Minister | Intercessor | Author | Leader | Visionary
Minister Alicia S. McKnight is a devoted woman of faith, minister, intercessor, author, and accomplished professional whose life reflects a deep commitment to serving God, uplifting others, and walking purposefully in her divine calling.
With a heart for prayer, biblical teaching, and spiritual encouragement, Minister McKnight is passionate about helping others deepen their relationship with God, discover their God-given identity, and embrace lives rooted in faith, obedience, grace, and spiritual transformation.
She serves in ministry at Historic First Community Church in Nashville, Tennessee, under the leadership of Reverend Ella Clay, Senior Pastor. As a minister, intercessor, and devoted worshipper, she is committed to cultivating an atmosphere of prayer, worship, and spiritual growth while encouraging others to pursue a deeper and more intimate relationship with God. Her ministry includes intercessory prayer, biblical teaching, and encouraging believers to embrace lives of faith, obedience, and wholehearted devotion to the Lord.
Beyond her ministry responsibilities, Minister McKnight is a dedicated leader and accomplished professional with extensive experience in the healthcare industry. She currently serves as a Senior Capability Manager with Optum, part of UnitedHealth Group. She holds a bachelor’s degree with a focus in Operational and Organizational Management and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a focus in Healthcare Management. Her academic achievements and professional journey reflect her commitment to excellence, strategic leadership, organizational development, service, and empowering others to fulfill their potential.
An author and emerging entrepreneur, she is also the visionary behind Into the Sea of Forgetfulness, a literary work centered on forgiveness, healing, restoration, and the transforming power of God’s grace. Through her writing and creative endeavors, she seeks to encourage others to move beyond the wounds of their past and embrace the freedom and wholeness found in God.
A proud veteran of the United States Air Force, Minister McKnight values integrity, discipline, perseverance, and servant leadership. These principles continue to shape her approach to ministry, professional leadership, and everyday life.
Above all, Minister McKnight considers being a mother to her two children, Langston and Savannah, among her greatest blessings and responsibilities.
Her life and ministry are grounded in the belief that genuine transformation begins with a heart surrendered to God. She endeavors to live with humility, walk in obedience, extend grace, and demonstrate the love of Christ through both words and actions.
Her guiding scripture, Micah 6:8, beautifully reflects the heart of her calling: to do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.