Our Team

Erin NeSmith

Founder and Lead Coach - CPC, ELI-MP

Erin NeSmith graduated from the University of South Florida in 2003 with a Bachelor of Arts in Interpersonal Communication and a minor in Music. She also earned her Professional Coaching Certification as a life coach in 2016. Mrs. NeSmith has spent the majority of her career serving at-risk populations as a Re-entry Counselor, Teacher, and non-profit Program Director. She has a strong desire to partner with at-risk teens through coaching and mentoring as they become the best version of themselves. To that end, she founded Grow Into You Foundation, Inc. in 2016, which seeks to plant hope, shift perspectives, and restore power to at-risk youth, particularly those in and aging out of the foster care system. Mrs. NeSmith enjoys spending time with her husband and three children, reading professional development books, clowning (no, really!), singing and songwriting and participating in karaoke nights with friends.

Benjamin NeSmith

Board Vice-President

Benjamin has spent his life working with people. He put his social science education degree to use teaching students of all ages, including those with special needs, for over a decade. He spent years as a recording and performing musician and is now a Certified Professional Coach and Pastor at Element Church Tampa. Benjamin enjoys family time, hiking, interior design, and creating meaningful liturgical experiences for others.

Kevin Leary

Board Member

Kevin is a seasoned proposal manager with experience in the corporate and nonprofit setting. He has worked on grants and managed contracts at the state and local government level. He is currently pursuing a MA in Communications from Johns Hopkins University. Kevin became involved with the Grow Into You Foundation after working with Erin and seeing the impact she makes first-hand as a Life Coach which provides a more personal approach to case management.

Melody Farrell

Board Member

Melody serves as a Pastor of Element Church Tampa. She also co-owns and operates a production company, Echo Media Group, and a publishing company, Lost Poet Press. She is associate director of Circle A Ranch, a program which teaches teenagers principles of leadership, goal setting, and self worth. She is a wife, podcaster, vocalist, and mother of two. She is honored to serve on the GIYF board!

Lisa Bagby

Board Member

Lisa started as an educator within the Hillsborough County School District where she taught elementary education. As the years went on, and her family grew, she decided to continue teaching, however as a home educator. Lisa has been on the board of Directors for Grow Into You Foundation since 2019. She strongly believes in the importance of GIYF’s footprint within the community.