We have the best staff!
Meet Our Staff
Founder/Executive Director
Cliff Branam
Cliff Branam is the founder of Springs of Life Foundation and Solid Grounds Coffee Shop, as well as the Executive Director of the Springs of Life Recovery Center. Since 2014, Cliff has been dedicated to rescuing men, restoring families, and rebuilding communities in East Tennessee. Under his leadership, the recovery center provides a free Christ-centered discipleship program for men battling addiction, while Solid Grounds serves as a hub for next-generation ministry, engaging local high school and college students.
Driven by the power of the Gospel, Cliff places great focus on addressing the needs of marginalized fathers and improving the quality of life in distressed communities. Cliff’s work embodies a commitment to building life-giving sources of hope and transformation in the areas he serves. Cliff and his wife, Allison, have three children, ranging in age from 22 to 4.
ARP contract billing
Allison Branam
I grew up in Hendersonville, TN, which is a suburb of Nashville. I graduated from Harding University in Arkansas in 2008 with a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science. I began Physician Assistant school the next May and graduated with my master’s degree from Trevecca Nazarene University in August 2011.
In the summer of 2008, I participated in a medical evangelism internship in Guatemala in which I attended language school, served at their permanent clinic, assisted with mobile clinics, and learned about the culture in general. Of the six weeks there, I spent three weeks in a rural mountain setting, and it reminded me of the mountains and roads of East Tennessee. Even though I learned about the need of people in Guatemala, I knew that there was still that same need in my own state.
Before joining the Springs of Life team, I worked as a PA for eight years with Dayspring Health which is also located in Jellico, TN.
At Springs of Life I complete the billing for state grants, which assist with funding and provide additional resources for residents.
Lead Educator
Alec Day
Alec Day is the Lead Educator at Springs of Life. Alec earned two Masters of Arts degrees in Biblical and Theological Studies from Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, KY in 2016. Alec lives in Harrogate, TN with his beautiful wife Melissa and has worked for Springs of Life since 2017.
Operations Director
Justin Hester
My name is Justin Hester, and I am a living testament to the redemptive power and mercy of Jesus Christ.
I once served as a police officer, dedicated to protecting and serving my community. However, I later found myself ensnared in the darkness of addiction—a season that led me to the lowest point in my life. I lost everything I had worked so hard to achieve: my career, my purpose, and my role as a father to my beautiful daughter. My selfish choices left me broken, hopeless, and convinced there was no way out.
In 2019, everything changed. Jesus saved my life, rescuing me from the domain of darkness and transferring me into the kingdom of His beloved Son. Through His mercy and grace, I have been set free from addiction and restored to a life of purpose and hope.
By His redemption, I have been blessed with the favor to be a loving husband to my beautiful wife and a devoted father to my daughter. Our home is a testament to the power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and we boldly proclaim its truth. We are not ashamed of the Good News, for it is the power of God that brings salvation to all who believe.
