stem learning ecosystem

Aubri Simpkins serves as an Educator Professional Learning Specialist at the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology in the Wiregrass region. She graduated from Troy University in 2015 with a bachelor’s in biomedical science and from Auburn University Montgomery in 2018 with a master’s in secondary science education. Aubri is STEM certified and spent 8 years in the classroom, where she shared her love of science, before coming on board with HudsonAlpha in August of 2024. Her favorite part of teaching is providing hands-on and engaging learning opportunities to students and witnessing the “light bulb” moment as they explore new ideas.

Brooke Ethridge grew up in the Browns Crossroads community of Henry County on her family farm. She loved school and was very involved in clubs, cheerleading, and softball. After earning a full scholarship to Troy University, she graduated with a degree in English and went on to the Caspersen School at Drew University in Madison, NJ, to earn a Master's Degree in English Literature. Upon graduation, she moved to New Orleans to teach college English for the next 10 years. She also found one of the great loves of her life--roller derby--and served as player, coach, events manager, and board member for 10 years. ln 2018, she spearheaded the effort to bring the international championship tournament to New Orleans and worked diligently to ensure the success of the tournament. Brooke joined the Intergalactic Krewe of Chewbacchus, now Mardi Gras's largest walking parade, in 2014, and was asked to become a director in 2018, a role she held for 5 years. In 2020, she returned to the Wiregrass and happily found her local RC&D office. She works as the Programs Manager (ask her about her love of spreadsheets). She resides with her partner Gavin, their two dogs, and four cats.

With over 15 years of experience in Workforce Development, Communications, Marketing, Event Planning, and Community Engagement, Hayden specializes in building strong partnerships that connect workforce solutions with real business needs. From leading membership and outreach efforts for over 1,200 businesses at the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce to currently serving as Regional Workforce Council Liaison for the Alabama Department of Workforce Development, Hayden is committed to creating meaningful, people-first change.

Hayden holds certifications in Nonprofit Organization Management (IOM) and Workforce Development (CWDP) and proudly serves on several local boards to give back to the community, including Wiregrass 211 and the Town of Rehobeth Board of Adjustments.

Dr. Charisse Snell is the Alabama Technology in Motion (ATiM) for the Troy University Regional Inservice Center. She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in English/Mass Communication from Fisk University in 1985, a Masters in Early Childhood Education from Troy University-Troy in 1997, a Masters in Instructional Leadership from Troy University-Dothan in 2016, an Ed.S. in Curriculum and Instruction/Educational Leadership from Arkansas State University in 2018, and her Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction/Elementary Education from Liberty University in May of 2021. Prior to becoming an ATiM specialist, Charisse was a classroom teacher for 13 years, and a technology teacher for 10 years. She considers it a privilege to help educators with integrating technology effectively throughout the curriculum. In her spare time, she enjoys quiet time with God, reading the Bible, early morning sunrises, cycling and traveling. Charisse resides in Ozark, Alabama with her husband and Shih Tzu, Juju, German Shepherd, Millie, and cat, Aja.

Amanda Hardy is a lifelong resident of Henry County.  She is the Career Coach for Henry County Schools, she has served in this position for 12 years.  Her role as the career coach allows her to work with public high school students and help them lay out their post-graduation plans.  She has a passion for workforce development and for inspiring students to see the value and presence of STEM in everything around them.   She is an active participant in the Region 6 Workforce Council.  Hardy has served as the Volunteer Coordinator and the School Chair for the organization's World of Works event that brings students together annually to learn about high-wage, high-demand careers in our area.  She is a T.O.P. Fellow (Germany) and was a participant in the Global Studies in Education program (Korea) to increase cultural understanding and help prepare students to work in a global world. 

Hardy graduated from Auburn University with a degree in Public Relations and a Marketing Concentration.  She and her husband Adam have two children that keep them very busy.  They enjoy family travel and the outdoors.  They attend Wiregrass Church and are volunteers with the children’s program. 

After serving as a school administrator for 17 years, Dee completed her doctorate in Educational Leadership with an emphasis on virtual schools. She is currently a professor at Troy University. She serves as the Program Coordinator for Instructional Leadership and Administration and completes research related to leadership development as well as community engagement for literacy. Dee has co-authored a textbook related to strategic planning for school leaders and published several articles focusing on business management for schools. Dee has served on the AISA Athletic Committee, AISA Academic Council, and the State Hall of Fame Committee. While working in schools, she was responsible for technology, curriculum development, and enrichment electives such as drama, art appreciation, and teen skills. During her 25 years in the field of education, Dee has been employed as a school psychometrist and early childhood teacher.

She is an active member of the Eufaula Heritage Association and Troy University alumni club. Dee was selected as a Troy University Alumni of the Year in the Fall of 2022. She has served as an advisor, leadership consultant, and alumnae chapter president for Alpha Gamma Delta social organization and was named the 2021 Alumni of the Year. Dee has been recognized by This is Alabama as one of 25 Women Who Shape the State. Dee and her husband Jason live in Eufaula and have two daughters, Bailey and Betsy.

A rising star in Alabama's political landscape, Alex serves as the District Director for U.S. Representative Barry Moore (AL01) while passionately advocating for STEM education in his community. Hailing from Dothan and a proud 2016 valedictorian graduate of Northview High School, Alex dual-enrolled at Wallace Community College and earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from Troy University in 2020 before gaining valuable experience as a Cardiovascular Critical Care Nurse at Southeast Health. Driven by a deep commitment to public service and a desire to make a lasting impact, Alex works tirelessly to coordinate with stakeholders and ensure Alabama students have access to the best possible opportunities to explore their interests in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics - all while actively participating in his local Ridgecrest Baptist Church community and remaining steadfast in his goal of giving back to the region that has played a pivotal role in shaping his journey.

Allie Logan was born and raised on her family’s farm in Barbour County. She attended Auburn University where she obtained a bachelor’s degree in agriculture communications and a master’s degree in Adult Education. Allie served as Barbour County Extension Coordinator from 2016-2023. She worked hard to improve the quality of life for Barbour County citizens and enjoyed working with the youth through 4-H, educating farmers, and working on community and economic development programs. In October 2024, Allie began a new role with Alabama Extension as the Assistant Director for Field Operation in the Southeast Region. As ADFO, Allie will have the opportunity to lead, develop, and support Extension Staff in the Wiregrass area and work with all staff to help deliver impactful educational programs to the residents of our state. Allie lives in Eufaula, AL. She is married to David Logan and they have a daughter, Carolina.

Meet Julie Fischer – Natural Sciences Division Director at Wallace Community College.

Julie holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in biology from Troy State University and brings twenty-eight years of experience in science education. Her journey began in the secondary classroom and has grown to include college-level instruction in biology and anatomy, division leadership, and extensive work in program development.

In her current role, she leads a dynamic team of faculty while overseeing programs that range from biology to poultry science. A dedicated STEM advocate, Julie has secured several grants, developed engaging science events for middle and high school students, and contributed to textbook development for major publishers. Julie is also an accomplished presenter, having shared her insights on neuroscience and student preparation at statewide education conferences.

As a member of a state academic committee, she helps shape curriculum across Alabama, and she continues to champion engaging, real-world STEM experiences that inspire curiosity and build confidence in students across the Wiregrass.

As a motivational speaker and humorist John reaches thousands each year.  His teachings have spanned the globe, encompassing 29 countries and totaling more than 16,000 times over the course of more than 5 decades.

Born in the small town of Abbeville, Alabama, he was taught early on about the importance of hard honest work and building lasting relationships.

He went on to play football for Auburn University and was drafted by Oakland. When his football career came to a sudden end in 1970 John explored the business world.  After six years he answered the calling deep down inside and began speaking full-time.

He has been teaching companies how to incorporate those honest values that he learned so long ago into building lasting working relationships with each other as well as the companies they work with.

John has received countless awards and recognition, but nothing is as rewarding to him as when he is sharing the simple but important principles of living with a group of people.

He has spoken for multiple companies in all parts of the world.  He does team building and coaching for some of the most recognized brands.  John is sure to stir and motivate anyone who is looking to excel and reach new heights within themselves and the world around them.

Say hello to Reeivice L. Girtman, the dedicated superintendent of Ozark City Schools! A proud Dothan native and Northview High School graduate, Reeivice pursued his passion for education at Troy University, where he earned a bachelor’s in human resources, a master’s in elementary education, and a certification in administration and leadership. Not only did he excel academically, but he also showcased his athleticism by playing both offense and defense on the Troy football team! With 25 years of experience in education, Reeivice has held various roles, including high school and elementary school principal, classroom teacher, director of curriculum and instruction, and coach for track and field and football. His educational philosophy emphasizes the importance of lifelong learning and fostering strong connections between the community and schools. Reeivice is committed to making a positive impact on the lives of students and the community he serves!

Dana Hendrix is our STEM Ecosystem’s Business/Industry Representative and serves as a Workforce Development Coordinator with Southeast Alabama Works. Her passion lies in creating strong connections between businesses, educators, and job seekers to enhance development and drive community success.

Originally from Baldwin County, Dana attended Troy University and has made this area her home ever since graduation. With a rich background in education and years of leadership at the Pike County Chamber of Commerce, she brings a wealth of experience to her role. When she’s not cheering on her kids at their sports events, Dana loves to travel with her husband, Thad, and enjoy quality time with their family golden retriever, Scout.

Sonya McLaughlin brings over 33 years of experience in Alabama public education, with a career devoted to inspiring students and educators through STEM. A certified Mathematics and Science educator, Sonya has taught every math and science course from 7th to 12th grade, along with some college-level instruction. She currently serves as the ASIM Biology Specialist at Troy University, where she supports high school science teachers across Inservice Region 11 by delivering STEM-based biology lessons, complete with equipment and materials—at no cost to schools.

Sonya also co-teaches in classrooms, provides hands-on training for educators, and models how to bring real-world STEM into the learning experience. Her deep passion for STEM education is grounded in a commitment to empowering students and teachers alike, fostering a new generation of innovators, critical thinkers, and problem-solvers.

A proud graduate of Ariton School and Troy University, Sonya holds master’s degrees in Secondary Mathematics, Biology, and Instructional Leadership & Administration. She has also served as a softball coach and cheer sponsor, continually investing in the lives of students both inside and outside the classroom.

Her educational philosophy centers on creating life-long learners by equipping classrooms with practical STEM resources and experiences that prepare students for confident, capable futures.

Holle Hartzog Smith is the President of the Ozark-Dale County Economic Development Corporation, which is the leading organization in the county for job creation through recruitment of new business and industry and assistance to existing industry for workforce, resources, and expansions.

Ms. Smith was a Magna Cum Laude graduate of Huntingdon College.  She has completed the EDAA Leadership Institute, the Government and Economic Development Institute at Auburn University, the Oklahoma University Economic Development Institute, and the Alabama League of Municipalities Economic Development Academy, and the LEAD Wiregrass program.  Previously a small business owner, Ms. Smith was the 2014 Ozark Business Woman of the Year and the 2017 Ozark Woman of the Year.

Smith serves on the Board of Directors for the Boys and Girls Club of Ozark, the Carroll High School Career Tech Advisory Committee, the Wiregrass United Way, the Dale County Youth Leadership Program, the Ozark City Schools Career Exploration Advisory Council, the Ozark Historical Preservation Commission, and the ACCS Workforce Leadership Council.  She is currently serving as President of Grow Southeast Alabama and is a member of the Ozark Rotary Club and Wiregrass Forum.  Ms. Smith serves as the local coordinator for Ozark’s Alabama Communities of Excellence program and was the 2023 recipient of the ACE Star award for Outstanding Local Coordinator.

Smith is a native of Barbour County but has called Ozark her home for nearly 20 years.  She is the mother of 2 boys, Holton and Hooper.