Thornwell is proud to have a cohesive team of professional, highly trained, and dedicated individuals who are committed to working together for the good of the children and to bring glory to God. To view the individual resumes of some of our staff, please click on the opposite links.

Robert W. (Skip) Stansell, Jr.

President, Thornwell Home for Children


Robert W. (Skip) Stansell, Jr., became Thornwell’s seventh president in 2001. Under his leadership, Thornwell has transitioned to the Teaching-Family Model (TFM) program of childcare—a model of healthy family lifestyles for children and families.


Skip earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Presbyterian College in Clinton, SC. He continued his education, earning his Master’s of Science Degree from Indiana University in 1975 and his Master’s of Business Administration (MBA) from Wake Forest University in 1985. He is also an ordained Presbyterian Elder.
Over the span of his career, Skip has managed, and directed the efforts of several organizations. He served as a Director for Bonnie Doone Plantation Presbyterian Camp for 3 years before accepting a Director’s position at Bethelwoods Presbyterian Camp in York, SC in 1979. In 1986, he became Executive Director for Massanetta Springs Presbyterian Camp and Conference Center, and in 1990, accepted the Executive Director’s position for Vera Lloyd Presbyterian Home and Family Services, where he served for 5 years. From 1995 to 2001, Skip was President of Barium Springs Home for Children. He has been Thornwell’s President for the past 8 years.


Skip is founding Co-chair of Presbyterian Children’s Homes and Related Services (PCHARM) and has served as President, Vice President and Program Chairman of Southeastern Childcare Association. He has also served as a member of the Board of Visitors of Presbyterian College.


Skip is married to the former Peggy Robinson. They have been blessed with a precious daughter, Neely, who serves as Director of Youth Ministry at the Eastminster Presbyterian Church in Greenville, South Carolina.


When asked to comment on what he believes the future holds for Thornwell, Skip replied, “I truly believe that in the 21st century, Thornwell will be the arms of Christ reaching out for hurting children who need to be loved and cared for.” ~ Skip Stansell

William R. (Bill) McAllister

Vice President, Human Resources


Bill earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Management from Limestone College. In his career as a Human Resource Management Professional, he has served as Benefits Manager for BI-Lo, Inc., as Personnel Director for Ohio Gear/Richmond Gear, and now serves as Vice President of Human Resources for Thornwell Home for Children. Bill is an ordained Presbyterian Elder and an active member of his church. He has served as Chairman of the Worship Committee and as a member of the Capital Campaign Committee of Fountain Inn Presbyterian Church. Bill and his wife Sandy enjoy camping, gardening, and cooking together. They have one son, a fantastic daughter-in-law and two wonderful grandchildren.


When asked to describe what it means to him to be a part of this ministry, Bill said:


“The opportunity to work in this ministry is truly a gift from God. Every staff member is committed to making a difference in the lives of children. It’s a blessing to witness the positive changes to those in our care.” ~ Bill McAllister

James Edmunds (Ed) Young, Jr.

Vice President of Finance


Ed earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from Presbyterian College. He is a certified Public Accountant and served as the Treasurer and Controller for Presbyterian College for 17 years. He has been Thornwell’s Vice President of Finance since 2001.


He is an ordained Presbyterian Elder and a member of the Governing Board of the SC Association of Children’s Homes and Family Services. Ed is very active in his community. He serves on the governing board of various community organizations. He and his wife, Karen, raised their three children, Brooke, Jared and Stefan in Clinton, SC.


Ed receives a great deal of personal satisfaction through his work at Thornwell.


“It is very gratifying when I look back over the years and remember all the children whose lives have been changed because of the love and care they’ve received here. It’s an honor to be a part of the work at Thornwell.” ~ Ed Young

Nancy Lindeman

Vice President for Resource Development and Public Relations


Nancy serves as the Vice President for Resource Development and Public Relations for Thornwell Home for Children, overseeing development and public relations activities in three states: SC, GA and FL. Nancy earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and is an ordained Presbyterian Elder. She has an extensive background in church-related resource development. She is the former Director of Development for Vera Lloyd Presbyterian Home and Family Services in Little Rock and Monticello, AR; and served as the Vice President of Development for Barium Springs Home for Children in Barium Springs, NC. Nancy is the former Assistant Director for Volunteer Families for Children, Richmond , VA and resource development officer for the Presbyterian School of Christian Education (now Union/PSCE), also in Richmond, VA.


She is married to the Reverend Dr. J. William Lindeman. She has three children and four grandchildren.


When asked what keeps her enthused and energized as she directs the development efforts at Thornwell, Nancy said:


“It is such a joy to meet the people who support Thornwell. I consider it an honor to sit in a donor’s living room or at their kitchen table and hear them tell me that they feel Thornwell’s ministry is changing children’s lives. That’s a privilege!” ~ Nancy Lindeman

Rev. Dr. Charles D. Elliott

Assistant Vice President for Development and Church Relations


Charles grew up in Charlotte, NC and is a graduate of Davidson College. He attended Union Theological Seminary in Virginia, where he received a Master of Divinity degree in 1971 and a Doctor of Ministry degree in 1978.


Charles served pastorates in Pollocksville, NC, Chester, SC, and Carolina Beach, NC; and was Presbytery Executive, Stated Clerk, and Treasurer of Wilmington Presbytery. He joined the development staff of Thornwell Home for Children in 1992, and remained there three years before accepting the call to be General Presbyter and Stated Clerk of Trinity Presbytery in 1995.


Charles returned to Thornwell in January of 2004 and now serves as Assistant Vice President for Development and Church Relations. He is active on the Committee on Ministry of Trinity Presbytery, and in June of 2007, was elected Moderator of the Synod of South Atlantic. Charles has been married to Caryl Kirkman, from Greensboro, NC since 1968. They have three beautiful daughters, three wonderful sons-in-law and four precious grandchildren.


Charles is passionate about his work. He loves to tell Thornwell’s story and invite others to join in the mission to save the lives of children in the name of Christ:


“I find great joy in telling congregations and individuals of Thornwell’s remarkable history and its life-changing, life-saving work with children, and inviting them into partnership with us. This ministry uniquely embodies the self-giving spirit of Christ in the way we care for the children and give them what they need without thought of payment or reward. Our satisfaction lies in helping them to recover their childhood and to know the joy of being beloved children of God.” ~ Charles Elliott

Bill Tiller

Campaign Director


Bill is a native “Clintonian” and a lifelong member of First Presbyterian Church. He received his B.A. in Political Science/History from Clemson University in 1988 and has served as the Executive Director of the United Way of Laurens County, as well as the Director of the Annual Fund for Thornwell Home for Children. He serves on several local boards, including the Clinton YMCA, The Good Shepherd Free Medical Clinic, and United Ministries. Bill resides in Clinton, SC with his wife, Heather and three children: Jacob, Jane and Ada Ruth.


Bill sees his work at Thornwell as one of the most important missions of his life:


“The work of fundraising at Thornwell is about creating and sustaining all the resources necessary to do God’s work on our campus and beyond. Aside from raising my own children and being a good husband, my work for Thornwell is the most important thing in my life.” ~ Bill Tiller

Lorain Crowl

Public Relations Director


Prior to joining Thornwell’s team, Lorain was director of Programs Development for Donate Life South Carolina, a non-profit organization that promotes organ and tissue donation. In that position, Lorain directed development projects, marketing and media efforts, as well as fundraising and special projects. Lorain also worked as the Director of Marketing and Media for The Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, The Phoenix Center in Greenville, SC.


In 2003, Lorain received a Certificate of Excellence in Writing from the Institute of Children’s Literature for her short stories for children and teens. In addition, she has an extensive background in freelance writing, graphic design, and grant writing. Lorain received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Lander University. She and her husband of 25 years, Chris, and their son, Matthew, reside in Greenville. The Crowl family also has a foster son, Logan, who has been reunited with his biological family.


“It’s an honor to have the opportunity to tell people about this ministry and to share, even in a small way, in the healing that takes place here. And make no mistake – healing hearts is what takes place here. I’ve witnessed it with my own eyes.”

Rev. Larry Owens

Georgia Resource Development Officer


Larry is the director of development in Georgia for Thornwell Home for Children, a ministry of the Presbyterian Church (USA).


During his professional career in corporate America, he identified himself as a “tent-maker” pastor of the Presbyterian Church (USA), serving three small but exuberant congregations successively in the Presbytery of Greater Atlanta while working in the marketplace. His dual involvement in the workplace and the Church gave him a unique perspective on living the faith in a consumer-driven culture.


Prior to joining Thornwell, he was president of Hospitality International, Inc., an Atlanta-based hotel company advertised as “the best little hotel company in America” with over 300 franchised locations in 35 states as well as the Bahamas, Jamaica, and Costa Rica.


Larry holds undergraduate degrees in Accounting and in Christian Education, along with master degrees in Divinity and in Christian Education, and recent advanced studies in theology at Columbia Theological Seminary.


When asked, “What do you tell others when you talk about Thornwell?” Larry said:


“The simple truth: Thornwell gives abused and abandoned kids a reason to believe again that they are valued and loved. Hope abounds around here! And the kids pick it up and build their lives around it.” ~ Larry Owens

Susan Sampson

Florida Resource Development Officer


Susan was born in Bronxville NY and grew up in Ossining, NY. She and her family were members of First Presbyterian Church of Ossining. At 16, her family moved to Cape Coral Florida, and became members of Faith United Presbyterian Church. Susan graduated from the University of South Florida in Tampa with a degree in Interdisciplinary Social Sciences. She began her career in social work at the Florida Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services as a Social Worker, working on behalf of Families with Dependent Children; then, she joined the staff of the Florida Mental Health Institute. She met her husband, Jim – a “Michigander” – while he was in Florida. Jim is a project manager with a commercial construction firm. In 1991, Susan and her family moved from Florida to Elk Rapids, Michigan and joined First Presbyterian Church in Elk Rapids. Both became active members. Susan served as a Trustee and Jim served as an Elder. The Sampsons have two children, Nicole and Daniel. Susan worked as Executive Director for Antrim County Habitat for Humanity until December 2006, when Susan and Jim moved their family back to Florida. In the fall of 2007, Susan joined the Thornwell staff as the Florida Regional Director for Resource Development. She and her family now reside in Temple Terrace, Florida.


When asked, “What factors influenced your decision to join the staff at Thornwell?” Susan said, “The children, and the staff that surrounds them with love. I am moved every time I spend time with them on my visits to campus.” ~Susan Sampson

Lindy Scott

Vice President, Children and Family Ministries


Lindy received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Erskine College and a Master’s Degree in Student Personnel and Counseling from Clemson University. She began her professional career at Thornwell in l977 as a campus Social Worker, and in 2002 became the Director of Training and Social Work. Lindy now serves as the Vice President of Children and Family Ministries and considers it a privilege to be a ministry leader to the children and staff on Thornwell’s campus. She has lived in Clinton, SC for 28 years and is an elder at Bethany Presbyterian Church.


When asked, after 30 years of service, what keeps Lindy motivated to care for Thornwell’s kids, she said,


“It really is my calling. I’ve watched hundreds of kids arrive on this campus feeling heartbroken and hopeless. But something remarkable happens, and usually within a short period of time. I begin to see something in their eyes that may not have ever been there before. Hope.– having the privilege to watch children’s lives being transformed on a daily basis; that’s my motivation.” – Lindy Scott

Keri Chavis

Teaching-Family Program Director


Keri Chavis began her ministry at Thornwell Home for Children in 2002. During her tenure at Thornwell, she has served as a Family Teacher, Consultant, and currently holds the position of Teaching-Family Program Director.


Keri is a 1995 graduate of the University of South Carolina at Aiken, where she earned a B.S. degree in Sociology. She has over 16 years of experience serving abused and neglected children; she worked in residential child care, and provided foster care and adoption services to children in the custody of the Department of Social Services.


When asked what factors influenced her decision to join the staff at Thornwell, Keri said,


“As a former case worker for the Department of Social Services, I’m familiar with most of the children’s programs across South Carolina. Never have I seen one work as well as the Teaching-Family Model at Thornwell. It’s a privilege to work here and to work with a group of people who are so totally committed to meeting the needs of children – physically, emotionally and spiritually.” ~ Keri Chavis

Finley Sutton

Director of Christian Education


Finley lives in Moore, SC, where her husband David is the pastor of the Nazareth Presbyterian Church. She is a graduate of Mary Baldwin College in Staunton, VA; and she has a Master’s Degree from the Presbyterian School of Christian Education in Richmond, VA. Not only is Finley a Presbyterian Elder, but she has also worked as a children’s work educator, a director of Christian Education in two churches and a teacher in preschool programs. She is a trained care-giver in the Stephen Ministry; and has been involved in Sunday school programs, the Montreat Music and Worship Conference’s Children’s Bible Teaching team and other local church ministries. In addition, Finley has worked with groups at the Montreat Youth Conferences and the Presbyterian Youth Triennium, as well as with confirmation classes.


In her spare time, Finley loves to collects thimbles and practice perfecting her calligraphy skills. She also loves to draw and make things. A little known fact about Finley is that she is quite the adventurer. She once backpacked all alone in Europe to see first hand the artwork she had studied while an art major at Mary Baldwin College. She and David also lived in Libya for three months while David served an expatriate church for employees of an Exxon oil camp in Marsa Brega.


When asked to describe what it means to be a part of the Thornwell ministry, Finley replied:
“There is a sense here that everybody is trying to make a difference for the kids. I feel that my work here is a part of a much bigger ministry.” ~ Finley Sutton

Norman Dover

Director of Academic Programs


Norman earned his B.A. in religion and fine arts at Presbyterian College in 1981. He went on to earn both a Master’s Degree in education, and an Ed. S. degree in educational administration from the University of South Carolina. He worked as an Admissions Counselor for Presbyterian College before accepting a position as Drama Teacher and Assistant Principal at Thornwell High School. From 1995-2007, Norman held the position of Principal of Hartness-Thornwell Elementary School before accepting a position as the Director of Thornwell Learning Center. He is very active in his community and serves as a member of the Workforce Development Committee of the Laurens County Chamber of Commerce, and as a board member of the Joe Adair Outdoor Education Center. Norman is also a member of the Presbyterian College Educational Advisory Committee, a YMCA youth coach volunteer, an ordained Presbyterian Elder, and a member of Bethany Presbyterian Church. He and his wife, Robin, have three boys. Norman loves to spend time with his family. He especially enjoys taking hunting trips with his boys.


As a long-time staff member at Thornwell, Norman has had the opportunity to see first-hand, the positive impact Thornwell is having on the lives of children:


“As a Thornwell teacher and school administrator for twenty-four years, I’ve enjoyed the privilege of seeing our children grow over a long period of time. I find it especially gratifying to see them return as adults and share their thoughts concerning the tremendous influence growing up at Thornwell had on their lives. This long-term perspective enables me to understand how God is using the efforts of all His servants on this campus to establish a strong foundation for our children that will have a major impact on them and their families for their entire lives.” ~ Norman Dover

Chandra Coleman

Chandra grew up in the Presbyterian Church and recalls placing her coins in the Thornwell turkeys as a youth. She has served as youth leader, Sunday School teacher, PW Moderator, as well as a member of the Pastor Nominating Committee. It was during the latter that she felt the “nudge” to put her faith into action. Acting on faith and trust she quit the corporate world, left the big city life, and joined Thornwell as a houseparent to the youngest residents, which she claims is still the most rewarding job she has ever held.


Chandra currently serves as the Director of Sponsorship, where she continues to work with the children and youth while building relationships with the donors and sponsors for these children.


“Having grown up in a large family I can appreciate the “family style” of living that Thornwell offers to the children. I am especially grateful for Thornwell’s work in keeping siblings together.”