Meet Our Team and Board

Terri joined the CAC in 2018 and brings with her over 20 years’ experience working with children and families in non-profit settings. She graduated from Wesleyan College with a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and Troy University with a Master’s degree in Counseling and Psychology. She has worked as a mental health therapist and administrator in school, community, correctional and inpatient psychiatric settings. Terri has worked extensively in the areas of crisis prevention and intervention, the treatment of sexually abusive behaviors and the assessment and treatment of serious mental illnesses. Working to help vulnerable children was an easy choice for someone who is a big believer in Muhammed Ali’s quote that “Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.” A parent of two teenagers, Terri currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors for the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce, the Alabama Network of Children’s Advocacy Centers, and was selected by Northeast Regional Children’s Advocacy Center to participate in their Leadership Exchange & Coaching Project.

Grace began working with the CAC in November of 2012. While recovering from an eating disorder during her teens, Grace decided to commit her life to helping others by working towards her degree in counseling. She received her Bachelor’s degree in psychology in 2001 and her Master’s degree in Community Counseling in 2003 from Troy University. Since then, Grace has worked in both inpatient and outpatient clinical settings, and her truest joy is helping children feel valued, loved and understood. Grace spends most of her workday working with our multidisciplinary team and finding ways to better serve our children from investigation to prosecution. A native of Headland, Alabama, Grace resides there with her daughter, Maggie, and their beloved pets. She enjoys being a featured pianist at a local venue, singing and playing at her church, and traveling. A huge fan of Mr. Rogers, one of Grace’s favorite quotes from the influential child advocate is “It’s easy to say, ‘It’s not my child, not my community, not my world, not my problem.’ Then there are those who see the need and respond. I consider those people my heroes.”

Jennifer has been with the CAC since 2003 and has a wealth of knowledge regarding the children and families we serve. She received her Associate of Applied Science in Office Administration from Wallace Community College. When children enter the CAC, they are always greeted by Jennifer’s smile and hello! Jennifer stays busy answering the phone, scheduling appointments, and helping our team members when they come in for meetings or forensic interviews. Jennifer lives in Kinsey and attends New Freedom Church in Webb. She is a thrift store shopaholic, and enjoys painting and crafting, spending quality time with her family and being active with her church.

Lynette joined the CAC Team during the Summer of 2021. A graduate from Troy University, Lynette acquired a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a minor in Rehabilitation. She brings experience of working with children on the Autism spectrum to the CAC. Lynette helps bridge the gap of our need for interpreters for exclusively Spanish speaking children, and parents, here at the CAC as Spanish is her first language. (She has also taught many Spanish commands to Henry, too!) Lynette was trained as a Forensic Interviewer through CornerHouse. She has also received an Advanced Forensic Interviewer certification through the Children’s Alliance of Montana. Lynette firmly believes in the Maya Angelou quote “I’ve learned people will forget what you say, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel”. Lynette admires each precious, resilient child who walks through our doors. She feels she has found her purpose in helping each child use their voice to tell their story. It is an honor for her to play a small part in a child being able to heal at their own pace. Outside of work, Lynette loves to spend time traveling, as well as spend time with her husband and her family.

Shelby graduated from Elon University in 2017, with a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology and a concentration in Early Childhood Development. After graduating, Shelby spent 4 years working as a Prevention Educator followed by 2 years in Marketing and Fundraising at the Child Protection Center in Sarasota, Florida. Shelby is certified in forensic interviewing through the National Child Advocacy Center. Shelby says, “I believe that every child deserves to have a childhood free of abuse and harm. When I was asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, all I could say is that I wanted to help kids. I feel so honored that I get to help children on their path to healing and provide a safe space for them to share their story on their journey back to safety. When Shelby’s not at work, she enjoys spending her free time with her partner, their 2 dogs, going to the beach, or teaching indoor cycling classes!”

Madison is from Dothan, Alabama and obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice and Psychology from Troy University Dothan in 2019. She learned about the Child Advocacy Center from a Forensic Psychology instructor in an undergraduate class. In that moment, she knew she wanted to be involved with the organization. Madison quickly fell in love with everything the CAC does for the children and families they provide services to. She volunteered at the 2020 Tee Off for Kids Golf Tournament and then completed volunteer hours at the CAC in the summer of 2021 while working on her master’s degree. The next year, she completed her internship at the CAC and graduated with a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Troy University Dothan. To further her involvement with the center, Madison was a member of the 2021-2022 CAC Junior Board. She is currently pursuing her license to become a Licensed Master Social Worker. In her free time, Madison loves to spend time with friends & family, go to the beach and attend concerts. 

Aline Mays-Easley has worked as a mental health professional for over 20 years. Aline has been employed at the Southeast Alabama Child Advocacy Center since 2011. She loves working with children and providing Trauma Focused Therapy to hurting families. Aline has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from California State University, Fresno and Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from National University in Fresno, California. She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Mental Health Therapist, and Entrepreneur. Aline desires to empower and educate women on the importance of dealing with past hurts and trauma through her public speaking awareness events. She enjoys spending time with her family, supporting the community, and her involvement in her church.

Laura began work as a therapist at the Child Advocacy Center in October 2012. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Master of Science in Counseling and Psychology from Troy University in Dothan. Laura spent years working in office administration before returning to school to earn her degrees and follow her heart into victim advocacy. Laura provides trauma-focused therapy services to victims of all ages to help them begin their journey toward healing. Along with the other members of the therapy and advocacy team, Laura works with adult survivors and caregivers in therapeutic therapy groups. Laura is a native of the Mobile area but has lived in Ashford for many years. She has one adult son and one furry son, our very own Henry. When she isn’t working, Laura enjoys reading, traveling, and scavenging antique and junk stores for treasures.

A native to the Wiregrass, Laurabeth lives in Headland, Alabama, with her husband Lee and their daughters, Ella and Allie. She has been with the CAC since September 2021. With work experience in marketing and communications, she brings her professional skills along with her passion for helping others to the CAC team. Laurabeth serves as a member of the Junior League of the Wiregrass and as an Ambassador for the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce. Laurabeth graduated from Auburn University, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations. She and her family are members of Church at the Crossing where she serves on the worship team. As Community Advocate, Laurabeth strives to continuously create space for community members be a part of making a difference in the lives of the children that walk through our doors. A believer in the power of community, she feels Helen Keller was correct in saying, “Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much.”

Meet Melissa, an experienced Registered Nurse who has taken on the challenging role of Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Program coordinator at the CAC. With a diverse background in military service, radiology technology, and emergency nursing, Melissa brings a unique perspective and a wealth of knowledge to her role. Melissa has received extensive specialized training as a SANE for both pediatrics and adults, and is committed to provide compassionate, trauma-informed care to the victims of sexual assault. On a personal note, Melissa is a Kentucky native who has called Enterprise home since 2001. She is a mother to two active kids and credits her husband as being her biggest supporter. She cherishes moments spent with her family, their playful dogs, and most importantly quiet nights at home.

Henry, a two year old Australian Shepherd, is the furriest member of the CAC team. He has completed his special training to be a certified therapy dog onsite. He provides comfort and affection to clients at the center, whether it be in therapy sessions, or simply interacting with him around our facility. Research shows that interacting with therapy dogs can temporarily affect neurotransmitters in the brain, raising levels of oxytocin and dopamine (feel-good hormones) while suppressing those hormones linked with stress. Therapy dogs can also help with self-confidence, brighten the day, lift spirits and motivate people. Henry was handpicked by his breeder to be our therapy dog. When he isn’t at work, Henry lives with our therapist Laura.