Meet Our Team

Amber graduated from Troy University with a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education.  Years later, she received a Library Science degree from the University of West Alabama.  She has 29 years of teaching and media specialist experience and has recently retired from Eufaula City Schools.  Amber lives in Clopton, AL with her husband of 29 years and has two grown children, Bailey and Trey.  She is expecting her first grandchild in December.  She is thrilled to join ALVA as a student data analyst.

For the past 25 years, Leigh has dedicated her career to working with middle school students as a teacher and school counselor. She has earned degrees from UAB in Social Science Education and Special Education, and a degree in School Counseling from UWA. She is dedicated to helping students recognize their strengths, navigate challenges, and develop the confidence and skills they need to succeed both in school and in life.

Adrianne joined ALVA’s team in January 2022 as a middle school counselor before transitioning to the high school as the 9^th grade school counselor. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and  a Master’s degree in both School Counseling and Educational Leadership all from Jacksonville State University.  Adrianne worked 27 for the St. Clair County Board of Education in various roles including elementary teacher, reading specialist, school counselor and an administrator before retiring in December 2021 to join the ALVA team.  Adrianne lives in Ragland, Alabama, with her husband, grandson and two fur babies. She has three grown children and enjoys music, walking, riding horses, traveling and spending time with her family. Adrianne loves working with the ALVA team and enjoys working the most talented and dedicated educators across the state of Alabama, as well as, the students and families that she assists throughout their educational journey.

Stephanie joined ALVA’s team in August 2016 as a 6th grade science teacher. She earned her Bachelor of Science from the University of Alabama in elementary education, a Master of Arts in elementary education from the University of Montevallo, a master’s degree and an education specialist’s degree from the University of West Alabama. Stephanie has 22 years of teaching experience and 14 years of counseling experience. She lives in Odenville, Alabama. She has 2 grown sons and a granddaughter. She thoroughly enjoys working with ALVA students and families and helping them along their educational journey.

I am excited to join the ALVA team after retiring from the Madison County School System with 31 years of service in education. During my career, I taught middle and high school mathematics before serving as an elementary, middle, and high school counselor. I earned my master’s degrees in Secondary Mathematics and School Guidance and Counseling from Alabama A & M University. I am a devoted Christian and attend Willowbrook Baptist Church. I am married, have two great sons, two wonderful daughters-in-law, and six amazing grandchildren, who are the joy of my life. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, swimming, gardening, and spending time outdoors with my family. I look forward to serving ALVA students and families and I’m eager to begin this new chapter.

Claire graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. She later received a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of South Alabama. She comes to us with 30 years of teaching experience. After beginning her career in Cincinnati, she soon moved to Gulf Shores, where she taught PreK, Kindergarten, 2nd, and 3rd grades at Gulf Shores Elementary for 20 years. Claire then moved to Troy City Schools, teaching PreK and Kindergarten for another 5 years before retiring from the brick-and-mortar classroom. Claire lives in Troy and has 3 adult children, Cameron, Maddie, and Ben. She is also ‘LaLa’ to two grandsons, Thomas (2) and Callum (5 months). She has 2 fur babies, Goose and Scout. 

Lyndsey graduated from Florida State University in 2016 with a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education. She began her career in central Florida teaching pre-kindergarten. There she became licensed in teaching students with exceptionalities as well as students with English as a second language. Lyndsey returned to Tallahassee, FL to continue teaching in kindergarten, pre-kindergarten, and 1^st grade for an additional 6 years. She became LETRS certified and taught digitally throughout the pandemic. Lyndsey and her husband now live in Troy, Alabama.

Jennifer received both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Elementary Education from UAB. She comes to us with 28 years of experience; 23 of those years were teaching first grade. She recently retired from the Jefferson County School System. She taught for 8 years at Brookville Elementary and 20 years at Gardendale Elementary. Jennifer and her husband Jamie live in Gardendale and have three children, Griffin (Anna), Caroline, and Blair.

Trish graduated from Florida Atlantic University with a BA in Elementary Education and a MA in Educational Leadership. This marks her 35th year in education. Trish retired from St. Lucie County Public Schools in 2025, where she taught at the elementary level for 20 years, worked in Professional Development at the district level for 5 years, and served her final 8 years as a testing coordinator. Following her retirement, Trish and her husband, David, moved to Heflin. She returned to the classroom to teach second grade in Calhoun County for the 2025-2026 school year. Trish has two adult children, Trevor and Jada, who still live in Florida. In their spare time, Trish and her husband love to travel and spoil their four beloved dogs.

Katherine Jackson graduated from Auburn University with a degree in Elementary Education. She has four years of experience teaching in 5^th and 6^th grade in Opelika City Schools. She is passionate about early literacy and creating a welcoming environment for all students to succeed. Katherine and her husband live in Opelika.

Sarah graduated from Athens State University with a degree in Elementary Education. She later received her Masters in Instructional Leadership from Samford University.  She is a National Board Certified Teacher in Early and Middle Childhood Literacy.  She comes to us with over 19 years of experience. She comes to us from Jefferson and Madison Counties where she taught 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grades. Sarah and her husband live in Hartselle and have one grown child, Ginavee.  She is the proud GiGi of two grandsons, Xavier and Aaron.

Kristin graduated from Troy University in 2016 with her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education. She later received her Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from The University of West Alabama. Kristin taught in the Covington County School System for seven years, before taking a break from public education to establish a childcare center in her hometown. In 2025, Kristin returned to the school she taught at previously and served students by providing reading and math intervention. She is looking forward to teaching her students virtually this year. Kristin resides in her hometown of Andalusia, Al with her husband of ten years and their three children; Rosemary (8), Molly (5), and Jack Thomas (3).

Monica is first and foremost a disciple of Jesus Christ. She attends Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Winfield, Alabama. She has been married for almost 27 years with three sons ages 24, 21, and 18, and a daughter, 9 years old. She has three granddaughters and one on the way. They all currently reside in Hamilton, Alabama. Monica graduated from Athens State with a degree in Elementary Education and has been working in a brick and mortar setting for the past 12 years. She has received many trainings during this time including LETRS, Phonics First, AMSTI Science and Math, Orton Gillingham, and others. Much of her grade level experience is in K-2 as this is where her heart lies.   

Rebecca Harrison brings 14 years of experience in education, with a passion for supporting students and creating positive learning experiences. She began her career with the Boys & Girls Club before becoming a classroom teacher and later serving as Assistant Director of a private early education center. Rebecca holds a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies from Louisiana State University and an M.A. in Teaching from Nicholls State University. She lives in Madison, Alabama, with her husband and daughter and enjoys supporting students and families in her virtual learning community.

Hannah graduated from Auburn University with a degree in Rehabilitation and Disability Studies. She later received a master’s in special education from the University of West Georgia. She comes to us with 6 years of experience teaching 1^st and 2^nd grade. Hannah and her husband live in Huntsville and have two little girls, Holland and Harper. She is thrilled to join the ALVA team!

Amy graduated from Athens State University with a degree in Elementary Education and went on to receive her MA in Elementary Education from the University of North Alabama. She comes to us with 25 years of teaching experience. She retired from Madison County, Alabama in 2021 where she taught 2^nd and 5^th grades, as well as Adapted PE. She then taught 2^nd grade for two years at Westminster Christian Academy in Huntsville, Alabama. Amy and her husband, Stacy, moved to Tennessee where she taught 2^nd grade for another two years in Lincoln County, Tennessee. She is excited to join the ALVA Tigers as a 3^rd grade teacher. They currently live in Ardmore, Tennessee and have two grown children, Drew and Maryanna.

Madison graduated from the University of Alabama at Birmingham with a degree in Early Childhood Education. She comes to us with three years of teaching experience, having taught Pre-K and 3rd grade in the Decatur City School System. Madison and her husband, Jordan, live in Toney, Alabama, with their two fur babies, Stella and Nova.

Emma Robinson graduated from the University of Florida with a bachelor’s degree in education and later earned a master’s degree in Elementary Education. Go Gators!! This is her second year of teaching. During her first year, she taught third grade in Baldwin County, Alabama. This year, she is excited to continue teaching third grade in a virtual learning environment and looks forward to building meaningful relationships with her students and families. Emma currently lives in Pensacola, Florida, with her fiancé, Jake, their cat, Juno, and their puppy, Kiwi.

Mrs. Sund graduated from the University of Pheonix with her Elementary Education degree. She later received her MA in Elementary Education from Montevallo University and later her MS in Library and Information Studies from the University of Alabama. She has been teaching for the past 5 years and has taught 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th grade and is excited to begin teaching at Alva. Mrs. Sund and her husband live in Helena, Al and have three grown children, Tristan, Taylor, and Allie, and a beautiful granddaughter, Evelyn.  

Emily Woodham earned her BS and MA degrees in Early Childhood/Elementary Education from Jacksonville State University. Emily taught first grade for three years at Albertville Primary School. Emily lives in Albertville, Alabama with her husband and their two-year-old son. Emily took two years away from the classroom to be at home with their child, and is now excited to return to education with ALVA. 

Ashley graduated from Auburn University at Montgomery with a degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education. She plans to further her education by pursuing a master’s degree. This is the beginning of her sixth year as an elementary teacher. Her most recent teaching experience was teaching math in grades 4–6. Ashley and her husband live in Deatsville with their three children: Riley, Caleb, and Cooper.

Lauryn Malone earned her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Early Childhood Education from Jacksonville State University and is currently completing her Master’s degree in Learning, Design, and Technology. Over the past five years, she has taught students from Pre-K through 4th grade and loves helping children discover confidence in themselves as readers and learners. She believes the best classrooms are filled with curiosity, encouragement, laughter, and a love of learning. Outside of school, you’ll usually find her with her husband and three boys, curled up with a good book, or serving on the worship team at her church. She is thrilled to be part of the ALVA family and looks forward to partnering with parents to make this a memorable year of growth, learning, and lots of great stories!

Sonya graduated from the University of Alabama at Birmingham with a degree in Elementary Education. She later received her MA and AA in Elementary Education from UAB.  She comes to us with 30 years of experience in the classroom. She retired from the Jefferson County School system where she spent most of her career teaching 5th, 6th, and 7th grade.  Sonya and her husband Layne live in Gardendale and have two grown sons, Gavin and Presley. 

Calley graduated from the University of South Alabama in 2018 with a degree in K-6 Elementary and Special Education. She later received her master’s degree in Special Education from the University of South Alabama in 2024. Calley brings nearly 10 years of teaching experience, including three years in Mobile County and six years in Baldwin County, where she taught students across all grade levels K-12. Calley and fiancé live in Elberta, Alabama, with their two young sons, Cooper and Tate, and bonus daughter, Lennon.

Susie graduated from Freed-Hardeman University with a degree in Elementary Education. She later received her MA in Elementary Education from the University of Alabama. She comes to us with 27 years of experience. She retired from the Madison County School System where she taught kindergarten for one year, 3^rd grade for 22 years and was a Reading Coach for 4 years. Susie and her husband live in Meridianville with their three children, Landon, Reagan, and Lauren.

I graduated from Jacksonville State University with a degree in Secondary Education in General Science. I am currently working towards my MA in Secondary Education with the University of Alabama. My first year of teaching included teaching 8^th grade physical science. The past 3 years I have been in Special Education at the HS level teaching Environmental Science and Physical Science (grades 9-12). I currently reside in Jasper, GA with my husband Lakota and my daughter Ronnie Jean, with plans to relocate to Hayden, AL this fall.

My name is Taylor Brown, and I am so excited to start the upcoming school year as a Special Programs teacher at ALVA. I graduated from Athens State University in the Fall of 2021 and received a degree in Special Education K-6 and Special Education 6-12. I have worked as Resource Teacher in Cullman County for the past four and half years. I had the opportunity to work with and learn from wonderful faculty, teachers, and students. My husband and I reside in Cullman, Al and we have one little boy, Henry Hollis. 

Tanya Smith brings more than 30 years of professional experience, including 10 years in healthcare administration and 20 years in education in Alabama. She holds a master’s degree from Auburn University Montgomery in Collaborative Education and a master’s degree from Troy University in School Psychometry. Tanya most recently worked as a School Psychometrist with Jefferson County Schools in Birmingham before relocating to Tennessee to be closer to family. She now splits time between Tennessee and Cullman, AL (Smith Lake), where she is also a realtor. She is the proud mother of three adult children, grandmother to two grandsons, three bonus grandsons, one bonus granddaughter, and is excited to welcome a new granddaughter soon. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and spending time with family and friends. Tanya is excited to join the Alabama Virtual Academy team and looks forward to this new chapter and the opportunity to support students and collaborate with her colleagues.

My name is Mrs. Casey McLemore! I teach high school English Language Arts! This is my 14^th year teaching, and I am beyond excited to be joining the ALVA team! I have earned 3 degrees from the following schools: Auburn University (Bachelor’s degree), University of Montevallo (Master’s degree), and University of North Alabama (Education Specialist). I have 5 children that keep me quite busy. In my free time I enjoy watching sport events, reading, writing, and cooking new recipes! I am looking forward to working closely with students to make a difference in their lives!

Olivia graduated from Jacksonville State University with a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education – English Language Arts. She is from Mobile, Alabama but moved to Anniston, Alabama a few years ago. She enjoys crafting, reading, and traveling. She shared that she is excited to build relationships with her students and make literature engaging.

Erica earned her BS in Secondary Science Education (Biological Sciences) from Western Governors University. She is also STEM Certified through the National Institute for STEM Education.

This school year marks Erica’s fourth year in education. Prior to joining Alabama Virtual Academy, she taught Biology and Physical Science in Shelby County Schools. She is excited to teach Biology in a virtual setting and looks forward to helping students develop a deeper understanding of the world around them through engaging, real-world learning.

Erica lives in Calera with her husband, Brandon, and their three children, Adrian, Julian, and Lexi. She is excited to be part of the ALVA community and looks forward to a great school year with her students.

Doris Gladen graduated from the University of South Alabama with a degree in General Science Education for grades 4^th through 12th. This marks her 32^nd year in education. She loves teaching and is happy and excited to be a part of the ALVA team. Doris retired from Mobile County Public School System in 2026, where she taught high school science including biology, zoology, marine biology, physical science, and Earth & space science for 31 years. She also worked at Dauphin Island Sea Lab for several summers, wrote science curriculum for MCPSS and taught summer school. Doris has been married to the love of her life, her sweet husband, Johnathan since 2007. They love the water and live on the Alabama and Mississippi state line near Mobile, Alabama. They love and enjoy spending time with family especially their nieces and nephews who are so special to them. Doris feels blessed to be teaching Earth science at ALVA and helping students be successful.

My name is Andrew Lipske and I’m ecstatic to join the incredible CTE team this year! This is my 13^th year in education. I am coming from NMDCA, the New Mexico k12 school, which I worked for last school year. Before that, I worked at my alma mater, Baker High School, here in Mobile. In my free time I love to travel, bake, and just live life to the fullest. I can’t wait to meet all my special students this year!

My name is Rebekka Newell. I have nine years of experience in education. I have many years working in Early Childhood Education K and 1st grade. I have also taught 4th grade. Before teaching I worked in restaurant management, catering, and Real Estate. I hold an Associate’s Degree in science from Enterprise state Community College, a Bachelor’s Degree in K-6 Education from Troy University, and a Master’s Degree in Education from the University of West Alabama. I am LETRS and AMSTI certified. I have multiple certifications to include middle school, physical education, and High School Family Consumer Science and Health. I also have I have two daughters (17) and (14). We reside in Enterprise, Alabama. I enjoy travel, gardening, dancing, hiking, and animals. I am excited to join the CTE team!

With a Ph.D. in Special Education and eight years of experience as a special education teacher, case manager, coordinator, university professor, and compliance professional, Allie is passionate about supporting students, families, educators, and school teams. She believes strong special education programs are built on meaningful relationships, clear communication, and shared goals.

Allie’s favorite titles are Wife and Mama. Her husband and her have two young boys, one of whom has a disability. This makes special education deeply personal to her and strengthens her commitment to advocacy, family partnerships, and individualized student support.

Outside of work, Allie enjoys gardening and spending time with her family. She looks forward to getting to know everyone and working together to support our students, families, and school teams!

Cathy graduated from Auburn University with a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood/ Elementary Special Education.  She comes to us with 32 years of experience in the classroom.  She retired from Cobb County School District in Georgia where she worked in the Special Needs Preschool Program.  She lives in Acworth, Georgia and is excited to join the ALVA team!

Melanie Barkley has the privilege of serving as the Executive Director.  She earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from Athens State College in 1996, specializing in Social Science.  She later obtained her Master’s in Administration and Supervision from Tennessee State University in 2002 and an Educational Specialist in Educational Leadership from the University of Alabama Birmingham in 2012.   She has also completed certifications from the University of Alabama Superintendents Academy in 2019 and The School Superintendents Association Aspiring Superintendents Academy in 2021.   She has served in various leadership roles throughout her 29-year career in Alabama public education. Prior to joining ALVA, she served as the Secondary Curriculum and District Technology Coordinator for the Athens City School System.

Her previous experience includes middle and elementary school principal, assistant principal, secondary reading specialist for the state department of education, local instructional specialist, classroom teacher, and athletic coach. She believes in innovation and building capacity among leaders and teachers.   She has been a speaker on best practices in continuous school improvement, leadership, and instructional technology throughout the state of Alabama for many years, conducting presentations and professional development workshops, in-services, and job-embedded training. She has served as a mentor for new principals, assistant principals, and leaders throughout the state. She believes in life-long learning and frequently attends continuing education conferences on instructional leadership and business improvement at both the local and national level.

She and her husband, Scott, live in North Alabama and are proud parents of two sons, Dalton and Bryant. Their family has grown to include two wonderful daughters-in-law, Chelsea and Chloe, and one beloved granddaughter, Vivian, who is the daughter of Dalton and Chelsea. Dalton graduated from the University of Alabama with a degree in Civil Engineering. Bryant also graduated from the University of Alabama, earned his law degree, and passed the Alabama Bar. Melanie and Scott are proud of their family’s accomplishments and cherish the joy their children and granddaughter bring to their lives.

Candace Doak serves as the AL Shared Operations Manager for ALVA, ALDCA, and Legends schools. With ten years of experience at K12, she has held various roles including teacher, school counselor, CRE coordinator, and OPS manager. Candace holds Bachelor of Science degrees in Elementary and Early Childhood Education, a master’s degree in School Counseling, an Ed.S. in Elementary and Secondary Administration, and a Ph.D. in Elementary and Secondary Administration at Auburn University, focusing her research on School Counselor-Principal Collaboration.

Residing in Gadsden, AL, Candace is dedicated to her family, which includes her husband, Daniel, and their four adopted children. In addition to her professional commitments, she serves as the Assistant Preschool Minister at her church on Sunday mornings. Candace is passionate about advancing School Choice in Alabama by addressing the needs of families and staff, ensuring that Alabama virtual schools remain a viable and excellent option for students.

Stephanie has been at ALVA since 2019. She began as the dyslexia interventionist and then began teaching 5^th grade in the fall of 2019. She has also served as the grade chair representative for the 3 years. She is now the Assistant Operations Manager serving ALVA, ALDCA, and Legends schools. Stephanie has taught at Autauga Academy and the Enterprise City School system before joining ALVA. She received her bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology from Auburn University and her master’s degree in Early Childhood/Elementary Education from The University of West Alabama. Stephanie and her fiancé, Alex, currently live in Hartford, Alabama with their 2 fur babies.

Ellen joined ALVA’s team in August 2019 as a 6th grade special education teacher. In January 2020, she moved into the lead special education teacher position and in May 2024 she became Middle School Assistant Principal. She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology, a master’s degree in Collaborative Special education, and recently completed her Administrative Leadership certificate to add on to her master’s degree. She has over 20 years of experience in the education world, working with students of all ages. She began her career working with the early childhood population, but she has found she enjoys Middle School the best! She enjoys leading by example and making a difference in students and teachers’ lives so that we all benefit from the ALVA community. She lives on the Gulf Coast with her husband and four children.

Carla Bates joined ALVA in 2024 as the assistant administrator for the high school. She has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education, a master’s degree as a reading specialist, and certification in leadership. Before transitioning to virtual education, her experience included teaching in elementary and middle school, serving as an instructional partner in middle school, and working as an assistant principal in high school. Carla brings 38 years of experience to ALVA and is excited to continue her career in education with ALVA. She, and her husband, are proud to be the parents of four children and nine grandchildren.