CFC Empowerment Hour Episode 5 "A Family that Cares Together, Stays Together" with Special Guests the Lewis Family
The Lewis siblings share their journey of caregiving from youth through adulthood.
About the guests:
Ferrell Lewis is a Shire Brave Award-winning caregiver and seasoned logistics professional whose life is a
testament to resilience, sacrifice, and love. At just 19 years old, Ferrell made a life-changing decision, leaving
college to care for his disabled mother and 12-year-old sister after a medical crisis left their family without
support. With no caseworkers, extended family, or safety net, he became the nurse, chauffeur, cook,
housekeeper, and sole wage earner working 12-hour overnight shifts so he could be home with his mother
during the day.
His sister, who later nominated him for the national Shire Brave Award, calls him her superhero not because
he saved the world, but because he gave up his own to come home. Over 17 years, Ferrell kept the family
afloat, helped his sister attend and graduate college, and eventually returned to school himself, earning an
Associate of Applied Science degree in Information Technology from Volunteer State Community College in
2016.
Today, Ferrell lives in Goodlettsville, Tennessee, just north of Nashville with his wife Jessica. He has built a
successful career in logistics and operations, and he carries with him a rare depth of empathy, leadership,
and determination forged by years of quiet, unseen caregiving.
A native of Nashville, Tennessee and a Vanderbilt University alumna, Dr. Feylyn Lewis grew up
as a youth caregiver for her disabled mother. Her experience with caregiving, disability,
and living life on the margins led her on a path of global research and advocacy. She
has a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and a PhD in Social Work.
Her research focuses on mental health and resiliency in youth and young adult
caregivers, and she conducts research in the US, Europe, UK, and Australia. Dr. Lewis
currently works as the Assistant Dean of Student Affairs at Vanderbilt University School
of Nursing, where she is responsible for providing vision, leadership and strategic
planning for student affairs programming that delivers holistic wellness formal support
services, student life and community engagement.
Outside of work, she serves as the Vice-President of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and
Belonging in the Junior League of Nashville, a board member for the Tennessee
Caregiver Coalition and the Brighton and Hove Carers Centre (United Kingdom), and
co-chairs the Congressionally appointed PCORI Healthcare Delivery and Disparities
Research Advisory Panel, and she sits on numerous other international advisory
boards. She currently resides in Nashville where she continues to provide care for her
mother.
About the guests:
Ferrell Lewis is a Shire Brave Award-winning caregiver and seasoned logistics professional whose life is a
testament to resilience, sacrifice, and love. At just 19 years old, Ferrell made a life-changing decision, leaving
college to care for his disabled mother and 12-year-old sister after a medical crisis left their family without
support. With no caseworkers, extended family, or safety net, he became the nurse, chauffeur, cook,
housekeeper, and sole wage earner working 12-hour overnight shifts so he could be home with his mother
during the day.
His sister, who later nominated him for the national Shire Brave Award, calls him her superhero not because
he saved the world, but because he gave up his own to come home. Over 17 years, Ferrell kept the family
afloat, helped his sister attend and graduate college, and eventually returned to school himself, earning an
Associate of Applied Science degree in Information Technology from Volunteer State Community College in
2016.
Today, Ferrell lives in Goodlettsville, Tennessee, just north of Nashville with his wife Jessica. He has built a
successful career in logistics and operations, and he carries with him a rare depth of empathy, leadership,
and determination forged by years of quiet, unseen caregiving.
A native of Nashville, Tennessee and a Vanderbilt University alumna, Dr. Feylyn Lewis grew up
as a youth caregiver for her disabled mother. Her experience with caregiving, disability,
and living life on the margins led her on a path of global research and advocacy. She
has a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and a PhD in Social Work.
Her research focuses on mental health and resiliency in youth and young adult
caregivers, and she conducts research in the US, Europe, UK, and Australia. Dr. Lewis
currently works as the Assistant Dean of Student Affairs at Vanderbilt University School
of Nursing, where she is responsible for providing vision, leadership and strategic
planning for student affairs programming that delivers holistic wellness formal support
services, student life and community engagement.
Outside of work, she serves as the Vice-President of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and
Belonging in the Junior League of Nashville, a board member for the Tennessee
Caregiver Coalition and the Brighton and Hove Carers Centre (United Kingdom), and
co-chairs the Congressionally appointed PCORI Healthcare Delivery and Disparities
Research Advisory Panel, and she sits on numerous other international advisory
boards. She currently resides in Nashville where she continues to provide care for her
mother.
