About Us

Meet the People

Shawanda Mason

Shawanda Mason

Jennifer Holder

Jennifer Holder

Board of Directors

Say hello to our board, amazing folks in our corner cheering us on, giving us advice, and offering guidance.

  • Marie King
    Marie King
    Chair
  • Dr. Chandra Ward
    Dr. Chandra Ward
    Secretary
  • Chelsea O’Shields
    Chelsea O’Shields
    Treasurer
  • Amanda Jelks
    Amanda Jelks
  • Amanda Nelson Varnell
    Amanda Nelson Varnell
  • Erika Roberts
    Erika Roberts
  • Dr. Natalie Blanton
    Dr. Natalie Blanton
  • Rosimar Nieves
    Rosimar Nieves
  • Dr. Sal Corbin
    Dr. Sal Corbin
  • Sarah Marquez Berestecky
    Sarah Marquez Berestecky

Our Story

We are a proud women-founded and Black-led nonprofit organization dedicated to cultivating an expansive community of learners and teachers through fun, affordable, and accessible learning and art experiences for adults.

At The Chattery, you can learn from a variety of community leaders, experts and hobbyists all who share a love for teaching, learning and exploring curiosities. Classes are dreamt up and taught by you—in other words, our classes are for the community, by the community.

August 2012
Shawanda and Jennifer met
2013
They had an idea
2014
Founded the Chattery with their friend Elizabeth
March 5, 2014
Held our first class: How to Make a Terrarium
July 28, 2016
100th class!
March 31, 2018
Launched inaugural Adult Egg hunt
April 1, 2019
Became paid full-time employees (finally)!
November 15, 2019
Moved into our new space
March 24, 2020
Hosted our first online class
March 2024
We’re celebrating our 10th anniversary!

Frequently-Asked Questions

I see a class that I’m interested in, how do I purchase class admission?

Click REGISTER HERE at the bottom of the page, and you’ll be redirected to Eventbrite, where you can purchase a ticket. 

What are the class prices?

Prices vary and depend on a few variables like class supplies and the teacher’s fee. We always strive to keep class prices as affordable as possible.

What payment methods do you accept?

Cash, credit/debit or a check made out to The Chattery. Payment is accepted online or in-person. If you would prefer to pay in-person, please email us at [email protected] to arrange payment.

May I suggest a class?

Please do! Click here.

I received a gift card! How do I redeem?

Yay! Check out how to redeem your gift card, promo code, or scholarship here.

I’m interested in renting your space.

Great! Our space is available for rent and is perfect for your next bridal shower, baby shower or birthday party. More information is here.

I’d love for my job to pay for a class, can you help?

Yes! We have a template here for you use. Feel free to copy the wording and adjust as needed!

How do I access your online classes?

All online classes are held on Zoom. Learn more about how to use Zoom here. Recorded classes are hosted through YouTube.

How do I sign up for online classes?

You sign up for online classes as you would an in-person class - through Eventbrite or directly on our website. You’ll receive a link to the class after you sign up.

Where are my tickets to online classes?

While no physical tickets are available, access to any classes you’ve signed up for will be sent in your ticket confirmation email. Please check your Spam folder if you haven’t received the information.

Where are in-person classes held?

We sometimes pop up in a variety of businesses and locations throughout Chattanooga but you can usually find us at our location at 1800 Rossville Avenue, Suite 108. Make sure to note the location of the class when you sign up. 

Directions to our location:

The Chattery is located in a row of buildings and the outside of the building is currently painted dark gray. It is in between Fairway Mortgage and Cabanas Club. There is free parking available in front of the space along Rossville Avenue. 

What is your mask policy?

Masks are not required unless otherwise noted.

Please note that The Chattery staff is fully vaccinated and will continue to adhere to suggested CDC cleaning guidelines.

Are in-person classes recorded?

In-person classes are not recorded. If you miss an in-person class, please see our cancellation policy below.

What if I need sign language interpretation?

Email us at [email protected] to tell us which class and we’ll take care of it.


I’m interested in teaching a class. What do I do?

We would love to have you teach! Read more here.

After you apply to teach, one of our team members will be in touch to set up an interview. Please allow up to 14 business days for a response. 

Are instructors paid?

Yep! Compensation for teachers work in three different ways - you choose one that works for you:
  1. During the interview you will tell us how much you would like to make per ticket ($5/ticket, $8/ticket, etc.), and we'll build that into the cost of the class. If there are supplies, we'll build that into the cost, and reimburse you (keep your receipts!). We’ll then pay you based on the total amount sold.
  2. Volunteer your time
  3. Teach in exchange for taking classes with The Chattery


What happens if I can’t make it to a class?

First of all, we hope everything is okay! Second of all, cancellations for in-person classes are only accepted a week in advance. There are no refunds for online classes (and if you miss an online class, we’ll send you the link to watch it afterward. The link does not expire.). Please email us if you need to cancel or reschedule your in-person class.

What is your cancellation and weather policy?

The Chattery may cancel a class for extreme weather conditions (i.e. if there is a warning to not be on the roads), in the case of an emergency, if there not enough seats purchased to cover running the class (we have a 4 seat minimum for most classes unless otherwise noted), or in the event that a teacher is unable to make the class. We will reschedule the class where possible. If you cannot make the rescheduled date or we are unable to schedule one, we will refund you the price of your seat. 


I love what you’re doing, how can I support The Chattery?

We love you too! There are several ways you can support us. Read about them here. We are a non-profit so all donations are tax-deductible and really appreciated!

I’m interested in opening my space for The Chattery classes. Who should I tell?

Email us at [email protected]. One of our staff members will get back to you. 

My company is interested in sponsoring a class. Is this something you do?

Yes! Sponsorship is wonderful opportunity to keep costs low (or free) for students and it’s a unique way to introduce our audience to your business. For more information and how we can make the most of your sponsorship, send us an email: [email protected].

How do I get notified of The Chattery’s class schedule and events?

Well, there are a myriad of ways: sign up for our email list, follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook, follow us on Instagram, oh and frequently visit this website!


Our Partners

We are grateful for our amazing partners.

Thank you to our sponsors and donors for creating fun, affordable and accessible learning experiences for adults.

Main Supporters

logo Lyndhurst Foundation

Human Development Project Supporters

logo Benwood logo Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga

Arts for Older Adults Supporters

logo Tennessee Arts Commission

Become a partner!

Every partnership supports our programs, our mission, and our vision.

If you would like to get involved as a partner, please email us at [email protected] for more info on opportunities and sponsorship tiers. We appreciate your support!