Team
Team
Staff
The Water Walkers team is a dedicated group of individuals who believe in the transformative power of watersports, outdoor adventure, and education. Our staff, volunteers, and board of directors bring a diverse range of skills and experiences to the organization and are committed to making a positive impact in the lives of underserved youth in Nashville. On this page, you’ll meet our team and learn more about the individuals who are working hard to make a difference in our community.
Clint Bandy
Founder / Interim Executive Director
I grew up in a small town in the middle of nowhere Texas, spending almost all of my time as a child outside and on adventures. My favorite was going with friends to the lake on their boats. I remember being on the open water and feeling like it was an ocean of endless waves. There was a sense of freedom every time we set sail, where my imagination could run wild with all of the possibilities in such a big world… It’s hard to think about the trajectory of my life without those experiences, and I wouldn’t trade them for anything.
CharDonnai Gooch
Program Coordinator
Originally from Nashville, TN, CharDonnai holds a Bachelor’s degree in Child Development and Family Studies from Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU). During her time at MTSU, CharDonnai had the opportunity to intern with daycare centers and CASA of Rutherford County, gaining hands-on experience working with youth who have experienced trauma. These internships provided valuable lessons in building trusting relationships with youth and offering support for their healing and growth.
After completing her degree, CharDonnai pursued a career as a Social Worker with the state of Tennessee, where she deepened her understanding of the challenges facing both families and youth in the community. However, CharDonnai soon realized her true passion was to be a proactive force in transforming the lives of young people by serving as a mentor and role model. She believes that youth can rise above their circumstances and is committed to showing them that there are better opportunities beyond their current environment.
Currently, CharDonnai serves as the Program Coordinator for Water Walkers, where she has been for over a year. In this role, CharDonnai oversees and coordinates all program activities, striving to foster growth and academic success in the youth served. She has built strong relationships with local Nashville public schools, financial institutions, and families, helping to create a supportive network for the youth in the program.
In addition to her work at Water Walkers, CharDonnai has also served in Church Ministries for over three years, taking on leadership roles that have emphasized the importance of leading with empathy and integrity. Her work at Water Walkers is a natural extension of a lifelong passion for working with kids, and CharDonnai is grateful for the opportunity to support them through education, outdoor adventures, leadership, and wellness.
Tory Tredway
Development Specialist
Originally from Oklahoma City, Tory has lived in Nashville, TN for over 30 years where he has served in church and nonprofit leadership roles.
Building on his personal and professional experiences, Tory writes persuasive copy and informative content to strengthen marketing strategies for faith-based businesses and nonprofits. This increases their bottom line so they can provide products and services that change lives and impact the community.
Tory and his wife Kim have four adult children, two of whom have special needs. He is active in a local church, enjoys college football, and loves spending time with family, especially his three grandchildren!
Sidney Hall, Jr.
Program Assistant
Sidney’s path to working in youth development began early, as he spent his childhood in Memphis, TN, attending after-school and summer programs directed by his mother. Watching his mother lead these programs not only inspired him but also taught him essential values like patience and self-control. Serving as a leader in those programs, Sidney learned to uphold high standards, a commitment he carries into his work today.
Sidney is passionate about supporting the growth of children mentally, physically, and academically. He puts that into practice in our daily operations. He serves as a site representative and supervisor for our programs and manages daily meal counts and logistics for the Summer Food Service Program.
Even outside of work, Sidney finds a deep connection to the outdoors, particularly enjoying the tranquility of open water and waves. He loves watersports for the unique, ever-changing experiences they provide, which allow him to learn and grow.
Lucas Minton
Operations Manager
Lucas Minton grew up in Greensboro, GA and moved to Nashville in 2022 to study Music Business at Belmont University. During his time at Belmont, he performed with Nashville artists, interned within the music publishing industry, and gave back through Belmont Service Corps and his local church, Ethos Church, where he helped build the worship team for their college ministry.
It was through Ethos that Lucas first connected with Water Walkers as a volunteer. That connection grew into a Boat Driver role and eventually into his current position as Operations Manager. He brings the same spirit of service to both his work with the Edgehill community and his ongoing career in the music industry.
Demi Botros
Counselor
Demi serves Water Walkers as a Mental Health Counselor. She is a master’s candidate in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Trevecca Nazarene University. Originally from Egypt, where she grew up and spent more than 15 years working with children and families, including as a family therapist, Demi brings a rich, culturally informed perspective to her work. Her years of professional experience, combined with her clinical training in the United States, shape a compassionate and therapeutic approach to counseling.
Demi is especially passionate about supporting women, children, and adolescents, providing a safe and supportive space where individuals and families can navigate emotional challenges, experience healing, build resilience, and move toward meaningful growth.
Demi is also the founder of Healing with Demi Botros, an online initiative focused on emotional healing, personal growth, and supporting individuals and families through meaningful educational content.
Outside of her therapeutic work, Demi enjoys painting, photography, and writing. She is currently working on her upcoming book, A Strong Woman Despite the Brokenness.