SHERRI RODDICK

Director of Business Development

Sherri’s dedication to the Thistle Farms community goes back to almost day-one. In 2001, she read an article about Thistle Farms in the paper and heard a voice tell her “go.”

Since then, Sherri has served as a volunteer candlemaker, a sales contractor, and, now, the Director of Business Development. Through cross-country moves and career changes, Thistle Farm’s devoted sisterhood and mission to love others has kept her connected to the community. 

In her current role as Director of Business Development, Sherri designs intentional customer experiences that help people around the world experience radial hospitality, love that heals, and, of course, smell good. Long term, she looks forward to working herself out of a job and seeing a graduate or resident take her place. Sherri is also a clinical aromatherapist and consults on scents for many of Thistle Farm’s products. Her favorite scent they’ve created is Bulgarian Lavender.

Sherri’s zest for life and love of people informs everything she does. She enjoys sailing and hiking with her family and cooking nourishing meals that bring people together— her banana pudding is beloved by the community. A lover of books and opera, she lives by the philosophy that “words matter” and dedicates herself to speaking life to those around her.

KATRINA ROBERTSON

National Sales Director

If you carry Thistle Farms products in your store, you’ll have the good fortune to work directly with Katrina. A 2008 graduate of Thistle Farms Residential, Katrina has been in charge of the company’s wholesale accounts since 2007. Her long history with the organization and her nurturing personality make her an incredible support not only for customers, but for all her sisters at Thistle Farms. Her hospitality extends to her home life, too, where she can often be found hosting a barbeque or fish fry on her back deck, feeding and celebrating friends and family. She is an active member of her community, serving on the Board of Directors of Nashville CARES.

RITA ANN CHILDS

Business Development Administrator

Rita, affectionately known as Rita Mae or GrandRi, is a pillar of the Thistle Farms community, embodying the spirit of sisterhood and resilience. A proud graduate of the Thistle Farms Residential program, Rita brings her journey full circle as she now contributes to the mission that changed her life.

As the Business Development Administrator, Rita is dedicated to ensuring that the wheels of Thistle Farms run smoothly. Her passion for the work shines through in her commitment to supporting her colleagues and uplifting the women in the community. Rita’s office is not just a workplace; it’s a space where love, understanding, and gratitude flourish—values she holds close to her heart.

Rita’s journey to Thistle Farms began 15 years ago, a pivotal moment that she describes as the best decision she ever made for herself. It was here that she found purpose, belonging, and a loving sisterhood that continues to inspire her daily.

Outside of her professional role, Rita is a devoted grandmother and a forever sister to her fellow graduates, striving to be the best version of herself for them and herself. She finds joy and gratitude in simple pleasures, like her beloved Grapefruit Jasmine Hand Care Duo, which serves as a daily reminder of the healing power of love.

Rita’s wisdom and perspective on life stem from her favorite saying: “It is what it is.” This philosophy guides her in navigating life’s challenges with grace and positivity. When she’s not at Thistle Farms, Rita enjoys sharing her life experiences and wisdom with others, reflecting her belief that our reactions shape our relationships with the world around us.