our team
We know that the way to ensure GREAT service is by building a GREAT team! At NEXTChapter, we have an AMAZING TEAM of professionals from various backgrounds, who all share a common desire to provide excellence and a deep caring for our clients.
Our Founder
Robin Blankenship, SMM-C
Founder & Owner
After a long and successful career as a Certified Financial Planner, Wealth Manager and Private Banker, Robin took some time away from her professional life to raise her three beautiful children for 16 years. During that time, she was involved in various consulting projects, volunteer opportunities, serving on Boards, and leadership positions with numerous charitable organizations.
After helping her parents downsize and move, Robin discovered that her passion for move management, downsizing and organizing lured her out of “retirement” - and NEXTChapter was born! She has used her previous experience and skills to create this dynamic company and enjoys helping people every day! She has loved spending time with Seniors since she was a child, and the rewards of guiding people through a time of transition are so rewarding, that they make the hard work and planning all worthwhile.
When not working or spending time with her adult daughter, who is in Law School at American University in Washington D.C., her eldest son, who attends Seton Hall University, and her 17-year-old youngest son. Robin enjoys cooking, gardening, World War II-era history, reading, home decorating, art & antiques and traveling. She thoroughly enjoys the company of the family’s Pomeranians, Bentley and Waffle, loves music, and is even known to sing and play piano on occasion.
Our Team
Candace Clark, CDP
Director of Project Management & Client Care
Candace began her career in Multi-Family Property Management, starting during college as a Leasing Consultant and working her way up to various leadership roles, including Community Director at multiple new construction lease-up projects, overseeing apartment community renovations, and leading struggling property teams to success.
In 2019, Candace joined the staff of a senior living community, and her career evolved to allow her to be more involved day-to-day with residents and their families. Since then, she has served in various capacities in Senior Living and Senior Healthcare. In 2023, Candace became a Certified Dementia Care Practitioner which enables her to better serve, educate, and provide understanding to clients who may be suffering from Dementia.
Candace’s role with us as Director of Project Management and Client Care allows her to use her leadership skills, experience, and expertise as she works directly with our clients’ to make their transitions smooth and their spaces both functional and beautiful.
Outside of work, Candace enjoys spending time with her husband and two young children. They can often be found outdoors camping, enjoying rides through the mountains with the top down, or traveling as a family to explore new cities. Candace also has a DIY project going more often than not and enjoys home design projects, hosting gatherings, and cooking for friends and family.
Kara Avent, MSSW,MHSA
Downsizing & Transition Specialist
Kara has enjoyed a long career as a hospice social worker and an adjunct professor, with over 27 years of experience in the social work field. She earned her Masters degree in Social Work from the University Of Tennessee, Knoxville and a second Masters degree in Health Service Administration from Strayer University. Additionally, Kara serves as a field instructor for local universities with social work programs and health administration programs.
Kara has received multiple awards for her work, including Social Worker of the Year by the Tennessee Society of Health Care Social Workers, Employee of the Year and Field Instructor of the Year by the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga.
Originally from Knoxville, Tennessee and Fairfield, Ohio, Kara and her family moved to the Chattanooga area over 10 years ago. Apart from her professional persuits, Kara is involved in Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., a great book club, and enjoys traveling and spending time with her friends and family.
Kara's passion lies in helping people during their life transitions and being a resource and support for them during their most vulnerable times. Her background is an invaluable asset to our team and our clients!
Rachel Pearson
Downsizing & Organizing Specialist
Rachel began her career in Higher Education administrative support while earning a degree in Psychology. Over a 10-year span, her roles included Administrative Assistant in Intercollegiate Athletics, Administrative Coordinator in Enrollment & Student Services at The New School, Management Assistant in Financial Services in the government utilities sector, and Executive Assistant in Administrative & Financial Services at a state capitol community college.
In 2017, Rachel took a step back from the professional world to stay home with her family. Since then, she has served in volunteer roles in her community, works as a brand advocate and consultant with a national clean beauty company, and is a substitute teacher at The Bright School in Chattanooga.
Rachel’s role as a Downsizing & Organizing Specialist brings many opportunities to use her keen attention to detail, willingness to adapt and learn, and broad experience helping others to be successful. Rachel aims to meet people where they are, for the care of our clients and of our team.
Outside of work with NEXTChapter, Rachel enjoys community and nonprofit work, new experiences, and meeting new people. You may find her at a local antique or an eclectic coffee shop, on collaborative adventures to support her entrepreneur friends, and spending time with a big extended family. Rachel and her husband live downtown Chattanooga with their youngest child, three cats, and cherish the time when their adult son and daughter visit home.
