Where were you born and raised? Gadsden, AL Turkeytown/Coats Bend.
What is your occupation? I am a Licensed Bachelor of Social Work and Mental Health professional and work as the Community Outreach Coordinator for Gadsden Regional Behavioral Health.
What made you decide to work in your field? I have always enjoyed helping others and advocating on their behalf.
Tell us about your family and pets. I have a Boxer named “Bryant” and a cat named “Bama Pavlov.”
Describe an average day in your life. I work Monday–Friday. I attend Church on Wednesday and Sunday. I enjoy spending time with my family and serving in my community.
What school or schools have you attended? I graduated from Gaston High School and went to the University of Alabama and received my bachelor’s in psychology. Later I earned a Master of Science in Counseling from JSU. I am currently working on my Master of Social Work at JSU.
What do you like to do in your free time? Family time, homework, campaigning and serving my community and occasionally spending time with friends.
What would you say is your greatest accomplishment? Raising my daughter, marrying my husband, earning an education and working hard at my career.
Name the one person that has been the most influential in your life. Why? I cannot name just one. My Lord and Savior teaches me mercy and grace daily; my father taught me to always have a positive attitude; my mother has shown me how to be strong; my stepfather has shown me an example of a Christian and raising my daughter made me strive to be the best version of myself.
To what do you credit your success? My salvation and determination to be the best version of myself.
Are you involved in any service organizations? I have been a Reserve Deputy for the Etowah County Sheriff’s Office since 2013. I serve on the Board of Directors as President of Mental Health America Etowah, the Council on Aging Board of Directors, the Etowah County Council of Community Services and The Coats Bend Volunteer Fire Department Board of Directors.
What is your favorite thing about this community? Living in a rural community is like having a large family. Everyone knows everyone, and if I did not go to school with them, your parents or children did.
What would you like to see change in the community? The Coats Bend community needs a voice and someone to speak up on behalf of the needs of the students, parents, community and Gaston School staff.
What is on your bucket list? To serve my community as a Public Servant as the next Etowah County Board of Education member, have grandchildren, visit Greece and earn my Master of Social Work degree.