MEET THE TEAM
“People don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care.”
-Theodore Roosevelt
Martina Dailey, LICSW
Board President & Executive Director
- Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker
- Master of Social Work from the University of Alabama
- Bachelor of Social Work from UAB; Associates in Applied Sciences degree from Lawson State Community College Birmingham
- Graduate of the Operation Hope Entrepreneurial Training Program
- Generalist social worker with professional experience in various sectors of the social work profession, including Therapeutic Foster Care, Adolescence substance use, Nephrology and women substance use
- Martina’s desire to open and operate New Awakening is birthed out of seeing a need in the community, her family’s generational history of addiction and personal trauma that she has experienced
JADA BRYANT
Board
Vice-President
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Social Work from the University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Invests in the well-being of individuals and families through volunteer service and community engagement
- Encourages connection, support, and opportunity for individuals and families facing life’s challenges
Ashley M. Stringer, LICSW-S, PIP
BOARD secretary
- Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker
- Master of Social Work degree from the University of Alabama; Bachelor of Social Work degree from UAB
- Over 9 years experience in the social service field, specializing in mental & behavioral health, foster families and trauma informed care
- Has served as a field instructor throughout her social work career and is passionate about shaping the next generation of social workers
KENYA FRANKLIN
Board Member
- Master of Science degree in Health Services Administration from Strayer Administration
- Bachelor of Social Work degree from UAB
- Clinical Program Manager in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology at UAB
- More than 15 years of experience in social services, case management, and specialty court programs
- Coordinates services among courts, treatment providers, and community organizations to help individuals achieve lasting success.
Marjorie Thomas
Board Member
- Bachelor of Science Degree with a Minor in Management from Troy University Montgomery
- Diverse professional working experience across roles at the State of Alabama Medicaid Agency, the Department of Human Resources, the Administrative Office of Courts, the Department of Revenue, and the Department of Health, which deepened awareness into the needs and well-being of community members
- Currently involved in volunteer efforts within her local community, actively participating in the distribution of food and clothing to vulnerable individuals
kerry collins
Board Member
- Served in the United States Marine Corps
- Serves faithfully in his church’s food ministry
- Mentors others with purpose, guided by his faith and belief in the value of every person
- Leads with strength and humility, shaped by his faith in God and his experience in the Marine Corps and Norfolk Southern, and the grocery store industry
- Advances the mission of New Awakening with bold faith, strong leadership, and a desire to glorify God through action
Jean McCrady, PhD
Board Member, Ex-officio
- She acquired business education at North Alabama College of Commerce in Huntsville
- She later obtained an AA degree, Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Sociology, & a PhD in Leadership & Human Behavior
- Has started and managed a number of businesses, including manufacturing, business barter exchange services, ostrich farming, recreational real estate business development, and other enterprises
- Since 1958, she has devoted considerable time to community volunteer services, as a founding board member of several organizations, serving as President or Chairman of local, state, regional, and national organizations
- Currently she chairs the board CASA (Care Assurance System for the Aging and Homebound) in Marshall County
- Currently serves as a volunteer business coach at the Catalyst Center for Business & Entrepreneurship
- She commenced competitive racing at age 82, and has accumulated 14 state age records, ranging from one mile to 10k distances
- Her most recent record (in Fall of 2022), was for the 5k distance at age 89
JAMES VENABLE
RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM SUPERVISOR
- Bachelor of Business Administration in Management Degree from Marshall University
- Retired Human Resources Professional
- Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Member
- Supports initiatives that promote community and self-worth
sheniece jackson
Board Member
- Master of Accountancy (MAcc) from Alabama State University
- Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Alabama State University
- Faith-centered accounting leader with over ten years of experience in financial reporting, tax planning, and small business advisory services
- She is a community-minded servant leader committed to supporting nonprofit and local initiatives that strengthens families and small businesses
Yakima Burch, LPC
Director of Mentoring
- Obtained her undergraduate degree in criminal justice at Alabama State University
- Later pursued a Masters Degree in Criminal Justice/Public Safety at Auburn University at Montgomery
- Obtained her Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree at Troy State University in Montgomery
- Founder of F.E.E.L. Counseling & Wellness Services
- She enjoys traveling, spending time with her fur baby, and trying new cooking recipes
Judge Maria fortune
Court liaison
- Received her B.S. from the University of Northern Colorado and Juris Doctorate from the University of Denver College of law
- Serves as a District Judge in the criminal division
- Prior to taking the bench, she had her own law practice, specializing in a variety of areas of law
- Previously served the citizens of Jefferson County as a Special Circuit Court Judge in Family and Criminal Court
- Member of the Alabama State Bar, Colorado State Bar, Washington DC State Bar, the Women’s Lawyers Section, and the Criminal Justice Section of the Birmingham Bar Association
- Currently the presiding Judge for the Drug Court program in Jefferson County, Birmingham Division
alana price
Youth Empowerment Program Leader
- Currenting pursuing a degree in Biology at Samford University
- Founder of Prevention for Prosperity, an initiative focused on education, policy reform, and family support to combat prescription drug misuse and abuse
- Inspired by a family member’s history with addiction, Alana provides support to individuals and families impacted by substance abuse
- Leads efforts to address the trend of opioid abuse and other drug abuse among youth.
- Advocates for policy reform that promotes safer opioid prescribing practices and builds stronger communities through awareness, prevention, and families impacted by addiction
Doris Barren
Parenting Program Facilitator
- Bachelor of Science in Business Management
- Author of ‘Change Your Mindset/Save Your Child: Saving Our Children by Healing Ourselves‘, along with its companion guide ‘Change Your Mindset/Save Your Child: My Mindset-Transformation Guide
- Working with and advocating for our young is a lifelong passion; this began with her own three daughters
- Organizations Doris has work with for youth include the Campfire Program (formerly Campfire Girls), the Boys Scouts Explorer Program, Juniors Achievement’s Business and Career Readiness Program (aimed at Middle School students), and Vacation Bible School at her Church
- She was previously a Professional Development Specialist with Imagine Learning, a developer of award-winning digital language, literacy, and math programs used by K-12 students across the nation
Gwarmekia Sturdivant
Resource Development Specialist
- Certified Mental Health Coach through Light University
- Author of 10 inspirational and motivational books, including I’m Not Kissing the Frogs, Altar Call, & Colors, Shapes and Sizes
- She is driven by her passion to be a vessel for God’s use as she mentors and motivates youth and young women
- She has previous volunteer experience as a Bible school teacher and reading to children at the Boys & Girls Club
- Her goals are to reach teen girls and young adults by giving them honest feedback from life challenges and helping them learn from those challenges and experiences
Cynthia Ward
spiritual life coach
- Bachelor of Science in Education from Tuskegee University
- Master of Education from The University of Alabama at Birmingham
- She has a calling to inspire, uplift, encourage and serve others
- She has inspired others through teaching, volunteering, acting and playwriting
- Author of a children’s book, titled “God Hears Me”
- She has a parenting program called “Parenting on Purpose”
- Certified Birth Doula
- Currently a Parent and Childbirth Educator with Birmingham Healthy Start Plus, Inc.
melinda johnson
pay it forward alumni recovery program leader
- Brings the strength of long term recovery to her role, offering inspiration to others on their recovery journey
- Work experience includes her role as a cashier, home health aide, and secretary
- Currently works in an inpatient treatment facility where she facilitates group, provides ongoing peer support and motivates clients navigating treatment goals
Deaquelynn williams
Resource Development Specialist VISTA
- Received her Associates Degree in Retail from Management Southern Junior College in Birmingham, AL
- Completed Ministerial Training for Leadership Development at Faith Chapel Christian Center
- Established multiple ministries and outreach programs to support teens, women, and the unhoused community in Birmingham and Tuscaloosa, Alabama since 2003
- Experienced in local community engagement, collaborating with organizations, such as Pathways Women’s Shelter, Irondale Middle School, Whatley Elementary, Mark Village Community Center, Miles College Birmingham, YMCA, & Grady’s House Sickle Cell Center (Atlanta, GA)
- An author and creator of workbooks, including Gorgeous Souls Life Coaching Workbook, Good Morning Me, & Pamper Me Journey
mercedes lightfoot
Resource Development Specialist VISTA
- Master of Education in Community Health for the University of Alabama
- Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies
- Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences & Human Environmental Sciences
- Was previously the Interim Program Manager at a health education center, where she directed program activities and advanced both immediate and long-term goals to strengthen community health initiatives
- Contributed to public service at the Department of Human Resources by providing crisis intervention and promoting safety and well-being of children and families
- Previous experience also includes being a Youth Mental Health First Aid Instructor, equipping participants with the tools to recognize and respond to mental health concerns
- Gained research experience focused on the mental health well-being of college students
Sydni Maye
Exercise & Fitness Instructor
- Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with a concentration in Exercise Science from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, with additional studies in Exercise Science and Wellness at Jacksonville State University
- Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies
- Certified ACE Personal Trainer with extensive experience leading group fitness classes, personal training sessions, and wellness programming for individuals of varying fitness levels
- Currently provides personalized and group fitness training through Serenity Fit by Syd, LLC, designing safe, effective workout plans and promoting sustainable healthy lifestyles for women
- Brings a strong background in leadership, instruction, and program coordination through roles in parks and recreation, aquatics management, and university fitness programs
- Committed to supporting women in achieving positive transformation through health and fitness, strengthening their confidence and resilience
Jennifer voshake
arts & activities coordinator
- Bachelor of Science Degree in International Studies from Auburn University
- Over 25 years of professional experience in the IT industry and is currently one of the Technical Managers for a world-leading IT company
- Discovered a lifelong passion for decorating, marketing, and artistic creations from a young age, nurturing it into a career focused on innovative and creative events & planning
- Owner of Anything Goes Celebrations, offering creative services, including expertise in logos, face painting, monograms, business cards, flyers, digital advertisements, customized invitations, cost-effective party planning, graphic designs, catalogs, and special event décor
- A compassionate recovery supporter, dedicated to using art and service to make a positive impact on the lives of community members
Evangelist Barbara Ross
Peer mentor
- Is the founder of a ministry: Faith, Fashion, and Finance; the Owner of Unique Boutique
- Is a licensed and ordained minister and a teacher and preacher of the Gospel
- Has over 20 years of recovery
- Has volunteer experience of with speaking at various women’s shelters, offering hope, encouragement and motivation to members of the community
- Author of “The Presence of Peace”
Ciara Mitchell, PHD, RDN, LD
nutrition & wellness educator
- Registered BioNutrition Research Dietitian
- Doctor of Philosophy Degree in health education and promotion with a concentration in nutrition
- Master of Arts degree in health studies at University of Alabama
- Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition and Dietetics at the University of Alabama
- Serves faithfully through church ministry and community outreach initiatives
- Provides expertise in nutrition, wellness, and health promotion to support healthier communities
Samantha Houston
Peer Mentor
- Certified Recovery Support Specialist
- Over 4 years in recovery
- Recovery advocate and peer mentor
- Delivers peer-focused services at a local inpatient treatment facility including recovery groups and peer support
- Actively supports the local recovery community, participating in initiatives and outreach programs to raise awareness about recovery and reduce stigma
Erica Rutledge
Resource Development specialist Vista
- Connect Team Leader cand CARE team leader at a local church
- Actively serves through church leadership, recovery outreach, and community support programs
- Strengthens New Awakening’s mission through leadership, service, and dedication to community impact
Danielle Square, BSN, RN
Mentor
- Over 10 years of nursing experience
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Jacksonville State University
- Graduated from Wallace Community College Selma with her Licensed Practical of Nursing in 2010 and Associate Degree in Nursing from Wallace Community College Selma in 2015
- She has worked in the nursing homes and hospitals in the Black Belt area caring for the community
- Now she serves as the Director of Nursing at Montgomery Women’s Facility in Montgomery, AL