We’re thrilled to welcome Alanah Beard to our YOKE staff! Her journey with YOKE began in 2020 as a quiet undergraduate intern. Today, she steps into a full-time role equipped with a master’s in counseling and a deep passion for walking alongside middle schoolers during some of the most formative years of their lives.
Originally from Winder, Georgia, Alanah brings a unique blend of Southern charm and Midwestern warmth, thanks to her family roots in Southern Indiana. After moving to East Tennessee to attend Johnson University, she simply couldn’t bring herself to leave. She and her husband Nate—celebrating five years of marriage this October—now call South Knoxville home, where they live with their black cat, Merlin.
Alanah served as a Team Leader at Carter Middle School for three years, becoming such a fixture in the community that she jokes about being an honorary Hornet. Her time there was transformational—not just for the students she mentored, but for her own spiritual and personal growth as well.
“When I first started,” Alanah shares, “I was a shy introvert, unsure of how God might use me. But YOKE challenged me—to speak up, to lead, and to love people better. I’ve grown as a listener, a mentor, a follower of Jesus, and a friend.”
What drives Alanah is a passion for the Gospel and a deep empathy for students who feel lost—because she’s been there. “Middle school was a hard time for me,” she says. “That’s why I’m so passionate about showing up for kids during these critical years. I want every student to feel like they matter.”
Alanah is especially excited to pour into YOKE Folk and team leaders, helping them realize their own value and equipping them to thrive in their roles. “This job gives me the chance to connect, grow, and invest in a community that’s all working toward the same purpose—helping young people discover their identity and purpose in Christ.”
Alanah will be coordinating YOKE’s ministry at Gibbs, Holston, Whittle Springs, Gresham, and Halls Middle Schools. If you’d like more information on how you can be involved, please contact her at 409-656-7581 or alanah@yokeyouth.com. We’re so glad she’s part of the team, and we can’t wait to see how God uses her in this next chapter!