Meet the ThriveWay Team
Allison Moore
President
Allison is the Co-Founder and President of ThriveWay, LLC. She has chaired statewide committees on K-12 youth suicide prevention including policy and school personnel training development. Allison has presented at numerous conferences and led interactive discussion groups concerning youth mental health. She holds a BS in Human Environmental Sciences and has passionately worked to support educators and students through the modern-day issues in which they face. Also, Allison is the Executive Director of the Jennifer Claire Moore Foundation and serves on youth focused committees in her local community and across Alabama. Allison enjoys family time with her husband and boys as well as being on the water and movie nights!
Ruby McCullough
Vice President
Ruby is the Co-Founder and Vice President at ThriveWay, LLC. She has extensive experience in the Customer Service and Education Industry. She was instrumental in helping to build a company that has served educators and students both across the United States and 20 countries. As President/CEO of the company Ruby enjoyed leading a great group of employees to grow the company to be recognized as one of the leading providers of administrative software and services to K-12 schools. Ruby enjoys her five grandchildren, reading, and spending time with family and friends.
Meredith Miller
Program and Portal Specialist
Meredith supports educators in learning about and implementing our Peer Helper Portal. She holds a BS degree in Elementary Education with a combined total of 15 years in the field of education. Her experience as a classroom teacher, as well as years of training and supporting educational programs give her an understanding of the many aspects of implementing a successful program. Her knowledge, hands on experience and passion for helping others succeed is what allows her to provide great customer service. She loves watching her kids play sports and spending time with family and friends.
Kathy Hayes
Controller
Kathy supports the finance and human resources functions, with over 20 years in the field. She is a graduate of the Georgia Institute of Technology. She is excited to support ThriveWay in its mission to empower educators and students. Kathy enjoys genealogy, travel, and spending time with family and friends.
E.J. Delaino
Marketing and Technology
E.J. has worked in the education sector for over 20 years and brings a love of creating and designing to ThriveWay. With an extensive background in technology and design E.J. wants to make ThriveWay and Peer Helpers a valuable asset for K-12 schools. E.J. enjoys Gator athletics and spending time with family and friends.
Tam Larnerd
REGIONAL SALES EXECUTIVE
Tam earned his BS in Health Education in 1994 and began his teaching career as a Health Educator. After earning his M.Ed in School Administration in 1997, he served as a MS principal for nearly nine years. Tam finished his career as the principal of Spring Valley HS in Las Vegas. He remains dedicated to improving the mental and physical health of youth. He serves as a member of the LV Communities in Schools Advisory Board and as a Regional Sales Executive for ThriveWay. His wife, Kerry, recently retired as a HS principal and now teaches English. Combined, they have four children and in their spare time they are avid Sea Doo enthusiasts and enjoy spending time with family and friends at their cabin on Lake Ontario in New York.
Selena Cagle
SALES CONSULTANT
Selena has been a Pre K-12 educator for 26 years. She earned her BS in Sociology, MS in School Counseling, Ed.Specialist in Educational Leadership, all from Mississippi State University. She has served in educational roles as a school teacher, school counselor, assistant principal, MTSS coordinator, and curriculum coordinator. She is dedicated to helping students strive for greatness in not only education, but in life. Her husband, Greg, is a Forrester and they have four children and one grandchild. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and raising chickens.
Nicole Briggs
Sales and Marketing Associate
Nicole recently graduated Summa Cum Laude from Mississippi State University, with a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing with a concentration in Integrated Digital Marketing. During her time at MSU, she was an active member of the Undergraduate Women in Business club and the American Marketing Association. She is excited to be bringing a fresh, new perspective to help enhance the Peer Helpers PLUS program and make a positive impact.Nicole has two brothers and is a proud aunt to four nieces and nephews. In her spare time, she enjoys relaxing on the beach and spending time with friends and family.
Nate Mitchell
Software Engineer
Nate supports the mission of ThriveWay as a Software Engineer focused on innovating the technologies used by the PeerHelpers program. He has a BS in Software Development from Western Governors University. Previous experiences include teaching software development to students as well as designing modern web services for government agencies focused on capturing and reporting vital record data. This included the design, development, and release of a web service that was the first of its kind in the nation. Nate loves to spend time with his family, and also enjoys fishing. He can be found most weekends out on his kayak along many of the beautiful waterways in the area.
Jenny Ozbirn
Director of Coaching and Support
Jenny is a retired teacher/instructional coach, mother to three teen-aged girls, and wife to Bob. After teaching English in Huntsville for two years beginning in 1994, she spent the rest of her career in Florence, at Coffee High School and the Florence Freshman Center. She loves all things crafty, and has a lavender farm in Tennessee. Her happy places are the beach, the mountains, and almost anywhere else outside. She grew up as an army brat, moving sixteen times by the age of seventeen, before moving from Germany to Florence to attend the University of North Alabama.
Kelly Richards
Director of Curriculum
Kelly has 25 years of experience in education as a teacher and school counselor for elementary, middle, and high school students. She has worked with ThriveWay as a Support Coach for two years, and has recently transitioned into her role as Senior Program Specialist. She works with a team of support coaches to train school systems across the state to implement the Peer Helpers Program. Her goal is to assist school districts, school leadership, and educators in developing a plan to make the school environment a friendlier place where all students feel accepted and valued. She enjoys travel, tennis, and spending time with family - especially her two grandchildren, Lucy and Finn.
Tassy Townsel
DIRECTOR OF TRAINING
Tassy has been in education for 25 years. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Jacksonville State University. She began her career as a high school Family and Consumer Science teacher for thirteen years. During her tenure, she also served as FCCLA sponsor, yearbook advisor, and danceline coach. She earned her Master’s degree in School Counseling and transitioned to an elementary school counselor for 12 years. As counselor she served as her school’s Peer Helper Coordinator and fell in love with the program. Upon her retirement in 2022 she joined the Thriveway team. She firmly believes in the program’s motto, “Be the Good, Show the Way, Lend a Hand.” She admires how this program has an effect on the whole school environment and impacts many lives. Tassy has been married for 26 years and has 3 children plus one. Her family is a resource family for the Big Oak Boys Ranch and has another “son” who has been a part of their family for 6 years. They love long days on the river, vacationing together, sports, their church, and just being with family.
Twilla Burns
SENIOR PROGRAM SPECIALIST
Twilla is a retired teacher and administrator with 30 years of Public-School experience. She was raised in Newnan Georgia and moved to Mobile in 1988. She has her graduate and undergraduate degrees in Early Childhood Education from the University of South Alabama. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in divinity. She is the proud mother of two daughters , one granddaughter and foster mom to one child. Her favorite pastimes are spending time with family and serving others.
Terisa Pittman
Senior Program Specialist
Terisa is a Peer Helpers Program Coach, and retired school counselor of 38 years. She has been married to Bo for thirty-eight years, and they have two sons and one granddaughter. She and Bo were instrumental in implementing the CU4 Reality Fair for eighth-grade students in Lauderdale County Schools. As a military wife and a mother of a special needs child, she understands the social and emotional challenges that children endure. She loves to travel, garden, and spend time with her granddaughter.
Laura Pollard
SENIOR PROGRAM SPECIALIST
Laura is a Peer Helpers Program Support Coach, mother to Adam and Abby, and wife to Eric. She has a BS in Accounting, and a MA in Elementary Education from the University of North Alabama. She spent 24 years as a classroom teacher. Laura enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling to visit her children, and working in her yard. She is passionate about supporting teachers to help them empower students to be emotionally and socially successful, as well as academically successful.
Cindy Smith
SENIOR PROGRAM SPECIALIST
Cindy is a retired Business Teacher from Ozark City Schools. She holds an M.B.A. from Troy University, and earned National Board Certification. Her husband, Mike, works at the local high school repairing student computers. They have three sons in their early twenties, who are all working while going to college. In her spare time, she enjoys time with family – especially anything that involves food or the outdoors!
Julie Champion
Peer Helpers PLUS Program Trainer
Julie is committed to serving others as the Curriculum and Instructional Specialist of ThriveWay. She enjoys sharing the message of Peer Helping so that other schools can experience the value, depth and life changing support it brings students. She holds a B.S. in Secondary Education and a M.Ed. in School Counseling. She has worked with youth and taught the Peer Helping course at Foley High School since 1999. Julie has facilitated student Peer Helper trainings at all age levels and Peer Helper Coordinator Trainings in many other school systems, as well as presented on Peer Helping Programs at numerous conferences. Julie enjoys life with her husband and three sons, is an avid sports fan, and loves beach days with family and friends!
Dena Caldwell
Peer Helpers PLUS Program Trainer
Dena supports the mission of ThriveWay as a Peer Helpers Program co-coordinator and trainer. She has been a teacher and counselor in the Baldwin County School System since 1996. Dena has worked to establish Peer Helpers Programs at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. She has facilitated Peer Helpers Coordinator Trainings in school systems throughout Alabama, and presented multiple times at the Annual National Peer Program Conference. Dena enjoys keeping up with her husband and two daughters, exercising, and spending time with family and friends.
Kristy Chason
PEER HELPERS PLUS PROGRAM SUPPORT COACH
Kristy is a Peer Helpers Support Coach and a former elementary teacher. She was a Speech Pathologist for 4 years and a 4th grade teacher for 15 years. She has a B.S. in Speech Pathology and Audiology from the University of South Alabama and a M.A. in Elementary Education from the University of Montevallo. Kristy loves traveling, reading and spending time with her two children and friends. Kristy’s passion is to support teachers and students in the classroom so that they all have successful days and bright futures.
Kathy Chatman
PEER HELPERS PLUS PROGRAM SUPPORT COACH
Kathy Chatman is a retired educator with 27 years of experience as a special education teacher and a school counselor. She holds a BS in Speech Language Pathology from Alabama A&M University, a MS in Special Education from Alabama State University, and a MS in School Counseling from the University of West Alabama. She strongly believes that a person's most useful asset is not a head full of knowledge, but a heart full of love, an ear ready to listen, and a hand willing to help.She is married and has two daughters and one son. As a family they enjoy traveling and love watching college football.
Donna Culp
PEER HELPERS PLUS PROGRAM SUPPORT COACH
Donna Culp is a retired educator with 32 years of experience. She served as a first grade teacher, second grade teacher, ARI reading specialist and library/media specialist. She taught elementary and middle school. She is currently Varsity Cheer Coach at Carroll High School. She was the Peer Helper Coordinator for several years at her middle school prior to retiring. She holds a B.S. in Early Childhood Education from Troy University. She also has a Masters from Alabama State University in Library/Media Studies. She has 2 adult children, 1 son and 1 daughter and 3 grandsons. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, Her hobbies include reading and crocheting.
Missy Curtis
PEER HELPERS PLUS PROGRAM SUPPORT COACH
Missy earned a BS in Business Education from the University of North Alabama and worked in education for 12 years. At Florence Middle School, she served as a Career and Technical Education teacher and the Future Business Leaders of America advisor. Her educational philosophy holds a strong focus on preparing students for the future by exploring individual aptitudes and interests from an early age, as well as strong character development. She is passionate about improving the school social climate and motivation for learning through the Peer Helpers Plus Program. Missy has one adult son and lives with her husband and two cats in Florence, Alabama. She is a strong supporter of the arts in schools and the community. She enjoys cooking, concerts, photography, acrylic painting, and interior design.
Judy Dunning
PEER HELPERS PLUS PROGRAM SUPPORT COACH
Judy is a Peer Helpers Plus Support Coach and a retired educator, with over 27 years of experience in education. She began her career as a teacher, she taught 1st , 2 nd and 5 th grades. She then became an Elementary Counselor, Middle School and High School Counselor, where she retired in December of 2020. Judy has a B.S. from the University of Mobile in Elementary Education, Master’s Degree in School Counseling from the University of South Alabama, Certification in Educational Administration from the University of South Alabama as well. She also has an Educational Specialist Degree in School Counseling from the University of West Alabama. Judy has been married to Terry for 27 years and they have two adult children. As a retired counselor, this program gives Judy the opportunity to continue to support teachers and students for success of the whole child. Judy loves to travel and shop with family and friends.
Terry Foster
PEER HELPERS PLUS PROGRAM SUPPORT COACH
Terry is a Support Coach, helping school districts in Southwest Alabama implement the Peer Helpers program. He is a retired teacher and principal with 30 years’ service. He has a B.S. Degree in Elementary Education, Master’s Degree and ED. Specialist Degree, Class A Administrative Certificate all from University of West Alabama. After retirement in 2004, Terry worked for Software Technology, Inc. as a Customer Support/Trainer, as well as a Starbucks barista. Terry has been married to Diane Foster for over 40 years, and has 2 grown children and 6 grandchildren. He enjoys cooking, and traveling to Texas and to Malaysia to see his grandchildren.
Anjell Harris Edwards
PEER HELPERS PLUS PROGRAM SUPPORT COACH
Dr. Anjell Harris Edwards is a retired educator with more than 20 years of combined classroom and administrative experience. She completed her undergraduate studies at The University of Alabama. She earned her masters degree and doctorate from Samford University and an Ed.S. from The University of Montevallo. Dr. Edwards also earned distinction as a “certified instructional leader” through CLAS, Council for Leaders in Alabama. She is the mom of two very amazing humans! She and her husband are very proud to be their parents. The family enjoys traveling together, engaging in spirited debates over Alabama-Auburn football, traveling to see their son play football at his college, and sharing a good meal, whether prepared with love by Dr. Edwards or at one of their favorite restaurants. Dr. Edwards’ greatest pleasure in life is spending quality time with the people she loves.
Tammy Jones
PEER HELPERS PLUS PROGRAM SUPPORT COACH
Tammy is a retired educator with 28 years of experience. She has served as a teacher, instructional coach, and school administrator. She holds two Master's Degrees in Educational Leadership and Elementary Education. In her spare time, Tammy enjoys spending time at the lake with family and friends, traveling, and spending time outdoors.
Cleo Larry
PEER HELPERS PLUS PROGRAM SUPPORT COACH
Cleo is a retired educator with nearly 35 years of service as a teacher and principal. She received her B.A. in Biology/Chemistry from Talladega College. She matriculated further to the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where she obtained an M.A. in Secondary Education (Biology/Chemistry), an M.A. in Administration, an Ed.S in Secondary Education, and an Ed.S in Administration and Supervision. Cleo also earned her Doctorate from The University of Alabama in Curriculum, Supervision, and Administration. She became a member of the ThriveWay family in 2020. Cleo’s motto is a quote by John Cassis, “It’s nice to be important, but it’s more important to be nice.” Cleo enjoys traveling, shopping, fishing, and watching football.
Laura Pickens
PEER HELPERS PLUS PROGRAM SUPPORT COACH
Laura is thrilled to be working as a Peer Helper Plus and PATH Coach. She graduated from Auburn University with a degree in Secondary Education, Social Sciences. Her experiences in teaching include high school, middle school, and elementary school. She received a master’s degree in counseling from Alabama A&M University. She retired after twenty-eight years as an educator. She joined ThriveWay shortly after retiring. She has a love for all young people, especially middle schoolers. She loves our goal of “working smarter not harder,” the accessibility of the lessons being “turn-key,” and the positive and compassionate spirit of the Peer Helpers PLUS Program. From her experience, she knows this program will impact lives for the better. Her last years were spent as a middle school counselor at her alma mater. Laura comes from four generations of educators. She loves to spend time with family and friends. She is the crazy aunt to her niece and nephew and is energetic about her fur babies. She is an adventurous traveler, enthusiastic exerciser, a rookie pickleball player, a loyal friend, and a volunteer in the NICU Cuddler Program. Laura is excited to be able to continue helping teachers support young people as they navigate the challenges of life today.
Shari Powell
PEER HELPERS PLUS PROGRAM SUPPORT COACH
Shari Powell has 34 years of experience in education. She served as a media specialist aide for 11 years, and 23 years as a 5th grade Language Arts/Reading teacher at Greenville Middle School. Shari holds a B.S. in Elementary Education from Auburn University of Montgomery. She also has 2 Masters from Grand Canyon University, Curriculum and Instruction: Reading and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. Shari has 1 son, unfortunately no grandchildren, so she has to spoil her siblings' grandchildren. Shari enjoys traveling with her family and spending time helping others. Shari is excited about joining Thriveway, in order to continue supporting teachers and students.
Valencia Saffold
PEER HELPERS PLUS PROGRAM SUPPORT COACH
Valencia is a retired educator with 25 years of experience. She received her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Elementary Education from The Alabama State University. She later matriculated to The University of North Alabama and obtained an Educational Specialist degree in Instructional Leadership from The University of North Alabama. Valencia’s faith is what keeps her grounded and she has a zeal to continue to impact the lives of others through education. She enjoys quality time with her family and friends, relaxing at the beach, and traveling.
Kim Ruggles
PEER HELPERS PLUS PROGRAM SUPPORT COACH
Kim has been an educator for 25 years. She holds a BS and MS in Elementary Education, as well as certification in General Science and Biology. During her years in education, she served in middle school and high school. She taught students in grades five through twelve. She worked at the Alabama State Department of Education in the Child Nutrition Programs for over nine years supporting schools and daycare providers in feeding children in Alabama. She returned to the classroom and served as a Peer Helper Coordinator. Kim loves the beach, traveling with her husband, and spending time with her friends, her three sons, daughters in law, three granddaughters and one grandson.
Jo Terry
PEER HELPERS PLUS PROGRAM SUPPORT COACH
Dr. Jo Netta Robinson Terry is a retired educator with 32 years of professional experience. Jo Netta served as a high school math teacher, assistant principal, principal, and later served as a Supervisor of Student Services. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Secondary Mathematics from Alabama A&M University, a Master of Education degree from the University of Alabama, an Educational Specialist degree from the University of Alabama, and a Doctor of Education in Educational Administration Degree from Samford University. She is married and the mother of two children. She enjoys traveling, shopping and volunteering in the community. Jo Netta is looking forward to supporting her schools in helping students to become socially, emotionally, and academically successful.
Jane Watkins
PEER HELPERS PLUS PROGRAM SUPPORT COACH
Jane has recently retired after eleven years in a third career as a school counselor. Her academic background includes a BS in Counseling from the University of Montevallo and a MA in School Counseling from UAB. Her prior experiences include performing accounting services for several businesses and retail ownership and management. Jane is married to Wayne, has three successful grown children, nine grandchildren, and one great grandchild. Joining the Thriveway organization as a Peer Helpers Support Coach will give her the opportunity to continue to support educators working with Gen Z and Gen Alpha as they navigate their way to becoming successful adults.
Cheryl Winston
PEER HELPERS PLUS PROGRAM SUPPORT COACH
Dr. Cheryl Winston is a retired educator with over two decades of experience in education. Dr. Winston is a product of and has served the Mobile County Public School System for 26 years. She received her undergraduate degree and certification in Educational Administration from the University of South Alabama. In addition, she received her graduate degree in Elementary Education from Alabama State University. Ultimately, she received her doctoral degree from Nova Southeastern University. Dr. Winston has served as an elementary and middle school teacher, data interventionist, and Alabama Reading First Initiative facilitator. Cheryl has a zeal for serving God and being a life-long learner. Several of her favorite pastimes are reading, spending quality time with family and friends, as well as traveling abroad.
