Rev. Tricia Dillon Thomas

Executive Director

 Tricia is the Executive Director and Campus Minister of the Hope House. She graduated from Columbia Theological Seminary in 2006, and before moving to Chattanooga, was a pastor at a new church development in Sarasota, Florida. Tricia was called to Hope in 2014. She also serves as the Co-Pastor of Renaissance Presbyterian Church where students at Hope partner in ministry.

​Tricia loves to participate in the reconciling work of Jesus Christ and for her that begins with building relationships. Tricia believes in  Hope's mission of sharing God's love and hospitality to all God's children. She loves to dive into the biblical text and encourages students to ask questions as well as listen to how the Holy Spirit is speaking through one another for our calling into the world. In her free time Tricia enjoys reading, hiking, eating, and laughing with her friends and family.  You'll also find her standing around eating Terry's tasty meals and declaring each one her favorite.
Listen to Rev. Tricia talk about Who We Are on WUTC here: https://www.wutc.org/podcast/scenic-roots/2023-03-16/the-hospitality-mission-of-the-hope-house-at-utc

Terry Paris

Director of Hospitality

   ​Terry is Hope House’s Director of Hospitality. Since joining the ministry full-time in 2013, Hope has experienced exponential growth in a big part to Terry’s warm heart, contagious laugh, and good home cooking. Terry is the epitome of a Renaissance Woman-if you look around the house, every room, from the furniture to the walls, have her touch- decoupaged cabinets, the addition of lights, and even refurbished furniture found on the side of the road.  ​One of the ways Terry shares her love is through her cooking, and she feels like she is making a difference when she knows students are fed and know they can count on Hope for their next meal. Some of Terry’s best Hope recipes can be found on her ​Pinterest board. In her free time Terry enjoys working in her garden, taking on home­ improvement tasks, or finding her next project on Pinterest. But most of all, Terry enjoys being a grandmother.

 ​Natalie Sedeno Vega

Intern for hospitality and Development

Internship sponsored by Second Presbyterian Church and Rivermont Presbyterian Church

 My name is Natalie Sedeño Vega, I am from Puebla, Mexico, and I have been living in Chattanooga for 7 years. We moved to Chattanooga because my dad works for Volkswagen. I have also lived in Germany for 3 years.    

I am currently a junior at UTC, majoring in Business Management where I am an innovations student in the Honors Scholar.      

My hobbies are singing, dancing, spending time with my family, friends, boyfriend and my cats. I love to cook, eat,  hike, paint, and read among many other things.    

I love Hope because it makes me feel like I am home. The food is amazing--it has the same tastes as my grandmother--and it makes me feel secure and calm after I finish with all my classes.       

Briley Massey
Intern for Social Media and Marketing
Internship Sponsored by Second Presbyterian Church and Rivermont Presbyterian Church

Hi! My name is Briley Massey. I am from Stewart County, Tennessee, and this is my 4th year at UTC as a Music Therapy Major.

My Hobbies include: singing, marching band, knitting, and finding scenic walks around Chattanooga.

I love Hope because of the way I feel welcomed every time that I walk through the door. I am always greeted with smiling faces, great food, and a comforting atmosphere.