ABOUT US
Gladiator Tribe was birthed in May of 2019 from the vision of founder AJ Strout. After many conversations with other “Gladiator Mamas”, the two commonalities that they shared was feeling like they were on an island, and they don’t have enough fun. So AJ started dreaming of an organization that would build a community of support, and a safe “judgement-free” place to have fun together. The mission of Gladiator Tribe became clear, to create a community for special needs families to be celebrated, counseled, encouraged and renewed. The areas of support include Parent Support, Sibling Support, Family Fun/Respite, and Advocacy.
board of directors
aj strout
President
AJ is originally from central California, but has called Tennessee home for 19 years. She graduated from Pepperdine University, and works in the music business. She is married to Steve, and they have 3 children Satchel, Cecily and Pippa. Their daughter Cecily was diagnosed with Autism when she was 2, and their family has been on this special needs journey for the past 6 years.
Kristi Ketner
Kristi is originally from Birmingham, Alabama and has lived in Franklin, Tennessee since 2014. She is married to Todd and mom to Sam who has mild hearing loss. Kristi has a younger brother with Cerebral Palsy which led her to pursue a degree in Early Childhood Special Education from Auburn University. Kristi taught in a Preschool Special Education class for 9 years and currently teaches preschoolers at her church on Sundays and weekdays in a local church preschool.
alison smith
Treasurer
Alison lives in Franklin, TN with her husband Jake and three kiddos: Coby, Jett & Marley. Alison spent over three years investing in Church of the City, including the launch of their special needs ministry and the completion of their sensory room. She is passionate about the importance of special needs families within the church.
allie gamblin
Secretary
Allie grew up in Roswell, Georgia and has lived in Tennessee since 2012. She is married to Matt and they have two children, Cora and Nolan, and a basset hound, Nugget. Their daughter Cora was diagnosed with Autism when she was 3 years old. For the past five years they have been learning and growing alongside their community of special needs families. Allie also works supporting moms as a birth doula and lactation counselor.
Contact Us
Contact us to receive more information about how you can get involved, receive support, or contribute!