THE A+ TEAM

mark@aplusala.org

As president of A+, Mark is proud to lead a statewide education advocacy nonprofit working to build an Alabama where every child has access to a world-class education, regardless of circumstance. In addition to statewide advocacy, A+ makes an impact directly in schools across Alabama through its two programs, the Alabama Best Practices Center and A+ College Ready. 

After earning his B.A. in Political Science from Wake Forest University, Mark spent five years as education policy advisor and then policy director to former Alabama Governor Bob Riley, where he led the development and implementation of the Governor’s education agenda. With an expressed desire to learn more about nonprofit management, Mark moved to Washington, D.C. to pursue his M.B.A. in Strategic Management and Public Policy from The George Washington University School of Business, during which he held an Education Pioneers Fellowship with Teach for America. Following business school, Mark spent seven years working globally at General Electric (GE). A graduate of GE’s Experienced Commercial Leadership Program, Mark helped build a commercial consulting organization, and led teams on strategic projects for senior leaders on five continents.

Mark is grateful for the opportunity to serve on the boards of directors of Children’s of Alabama, the Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Alabama Possible, the Business Council of Alabama, and the Southern Regional Education Board.

 Mark was born and raised in Birmingham and now calls Montgomery home with his fiancé, Collier, and their very-loved pet family: dog Harper and cats George and Martha. Ask him about travel, food, and Lake Martin.

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Corinn O’Brien is the Vice President of Policy for A+ Education Partnership, where she is responsible for developing and advancing the organization’s student-centered policy & advocacy strategy.  She began her career working to expand educational equity as a 2008 Teach For America corps member teaching 8th-grade math in New Orleans.  Throughout her ten years as an educator, she taught in a traditional public school setting, served as a founding teacher of a turnaround K-8 charter school in New Orleans, and coached twelve teachers as the assistant principal of a charter middle school in Nashville. In 2021, she was nominated by Governor Kay Ivey to serve on Alabama’s Elementary Mathematics Task Force, which is the group that will advise ALSDE on implementing the Alabama Numeracy Act.

Corinn earned her B.A. in Economics from Louisiana State University and an M.Ed. in Learning, Diversity, and Urban Studies from Vanderbilt University.  She is a member of the Kiwanis Club of Birmingham, Alabama School Readiness Alliance Pre-K Task Force, Alabama Extended Learning Alliance Executive Leadership Team, Class V of the Alabama Leadership Initiative, and Cohort 8 of the PIE Network Leadership Institute. She is married to Mark, has one daughter, Louise Reneé, and loves to bake and make gumbo.

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Megan joined the A+ team in December 2018 as Director of Communications. In 2021, Megan was promoted to Vice President of Communications & Strategic Initiatives.

Megan began her career in Montgomery at the Montgomery Education Foundation in 2016 as a communications and research coordinator. She left the non-profit world briefly to work as a political strategist during the 2018 midterm election season. Now, she continues her work in education policy and communications at A+.

She received a bachelor’s degree in human development and family studies, focused in public policy from Auburn University. She also holds a master’s degree in strategic communication from Troy University.

Originally from Daphne, AL, Megan has made a home in Montgomery with her partner, Hunter, her dogs Jack and Rocky, her cat Piper, and many loved ones.

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Dawn began her career in finance after obtaining her degree in Accounting from Auburn University.  She spent 33 years in public accounting, gaining valuable experience in financial management, budgeting, and strategic planning.  She has a passion for driving financial sustainability and growth in the not-for-profit sector, streamlining operations, improving transparency, and optimizing resource allocation to further the mission of A+.  In her off time, she enjoys photography, including sessions for seniors, families, and newborns.  She lives in Montgomery with her husband, Steve, and enjoys spending time with her three children and large extended family.

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Stirling joined the A+ team in September 2021 as Development Director. Most recently, she served as the Legacy Gifts Officer and Senior Relationship Manager for United Way of Central Alabama. In these roles, she worked to grow the endowment through the strategic use of planned gift vehicles, worked closely with volunteers, individual donors, and corporate partners, and led diverse teams of Loaned Executives through three campaign cycles. In 2019, she was the staff lead for the Pacesetter Campaign, raising $13.8 million, making it the largest campaign to date in both companies participating and dollars raised.

Stirling began her nonprofit career as an AmeriCorps member with Impact America and stayed on to serve as National Expansion Director for FocusFirst, a free vision screening initiative for preschool children, overseeing the growth of the program to Tennessee, South Carolina, and Florida through Head Start and Community Action partnerships.

Stirling earned her B.A. in Business from Judson College, completed a Certificate in Fundraising Management from the Indiana University Lilly School of Philanthropy, and is a Certified Fund Raising Executive. She has an only cat, Pepper, enjoys Alabama football and Braves baseball, and shows her love to others through cooking and making them playlists.

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Jason Meadows is the Advocacy and Partnerships Director for A+ Education Partnership, where he is responsible for building a coalition to advance student-centered policy solutions in the state and A+’s policy priorities. Jason has two decades of youth empowerment and community development from his teenage years as a summer camp counselor to serving as the Director of Community Engagement at Woodlawn United. There he led efforts to increase homeownership, economic mobility, and public safety. 

He formerly served as the Manager of Community Partners at Oliver Elementary School. There he organized partnerships and provided wraparound services to improve academic outcomes. In this role, he also served as the Attendance Administrator of the Attendance PLC, a cross-collaboration with multiple school districts and the District Attorney’s Office to combat truancy. He also served on the Helping Families Initiative (HFI) Task Force to help families address issues that affected their children’s ability to learn. 

Jason is a current Birmingham Board of Education member and the former President. He also is a facilitator for WE Lead, a leadership accelerator for grassroots community leaders. Lastly, he serves as the Chairman of Alabama First Jurisdiction COGIC Men’s Department. Jason Meadows is a husband, father of four, a rabid sports fan and a part-time drummer.

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As a member of the charter class of Leadership Alabama, Caroline learned about the depth of Alabama's challenges in education, and the role citizens played in organizing efforts to improve education in states such as Kentucky. Caroline challenged her class to promote excellence and equity for all children in our state. Caroline and her classmate, Bill Smith, chairman of Royal Cup Coffee, launched A+ in 1991 with the support of committed Alabama educators and other business and civic leaders.

The A+ message that we can succeed with the right mix of high expectations, support for educators and students, and accountability for all stakeholders has helped to build strong partnerships throughout the state. Caroline believes that we can create opportunities for all Alabama students to pursue their dreams by ensuring that we are constant learners ourselves. She has worked diligently to build support for improving schools and develop programs to actually deliver support to educators and students through the Alabama Best practices Center and A+ College Ready.

Although Caroline retired as founding President of A+ Education Partnership in February of 2019, she remains part of the team, serving as Senior Advisor. To stay connected to national resources and local issues, she serves on the boards of the Education Commission of the States, the Southern Regional Education Board, the Business Council of Alabama, Sterling Bank, and Leadership Alabama. She and her husband, Tabor, are proud that their children, grandchildren and grand-dogs call Alabama home.

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Caroline joined the A+ team in 2023 as Communications and Strategic Initiatives Manager after completing an internship on the advocacy team. Caroline is a graduate of Auburn University where she received her B.A. in political science with a social work minor.

Through her experience within the social work field providing direct service with agencies such as the Auburn Housing Authority, Caroline recognized that the barriers many children and parents experience are a result of poor access to quality education. By understanding the significance of education accessibility and the need for high-quality standards within the K-12 system, she hopes to preemptively combat inequities by advocating for high education standards.

Caroline’s concentration in child advocacy throughout her education forged her interest in impacting the lives of Alabama students. She aims to emphasize the importance and impact of students’ perspectives in educational spaces and beyond.

Caroline enjoys trying new recipes, scoping out vintage furniture, and always having a concert on her calendar.

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Keenan serves as the Program Manager for the A+ Student VOICES Team. Joining the A+ team in June 2024, he brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for education, student leadership, and student advocacy to the team. Keenan earned a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies, with a concentration in teaching and learning from Auburn University Montgomery where he developed a profound appreciation for the transformative power of education.

With a strong background in teaching and education, Keenan is dedicated to empowering students to succeed and take control of their educational journeys. As a former middle and high school history teacher, he has extensive experience working with 6th through 12th grade students, fostering authentic connections that inspire and motivate young minds to become active participants and student leaders in their schools and communities.

Keenan is enthusiastic about contributing to the A+ Student VOICES Team and is committed to advancing student advocacy and educational initiatives. His dedication to helping students succeed and become advocates for their own education is at the heart of his work. Keenan enjoys cooking, traveling, and volunteering with the March of Dimes Foundation, Future Business Leaders of America, and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, inc.

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Stoney grew up in Blount County, Alabama. He attended the University of Montevallo, where he completed his undergraduate degree in Spanish and English with a secondary teaching certificate. He completed his Masters in Secondary Education while teaching at Hoover High School. He then went to work with the United States Peace Corps in Paraguay, extending his service to be the Education Volunteer Coordinator and eventually was named the Assistant Director of Peace Corps Training.

Five years later, Stoney returned home, teaching English, Spanish, and drama at his alma mater, Cleveland School, for the next ten years. During that time, he finished his Educational Specialist Degree, became a National Board Certified Teacher, was inducted into the Jacksonville State University Teacher Hall of Fame, was named Alabama Secondary Teacher of the Year, and received the National Milken Family Foundation Award for Educators (the Oscars of Teaching). 

In 2006, Stoney took a position as the Secondary Curriculum Coordinator for Blount County, and later the Assistant Superintendent, where he served for the next fourteen years. During this time, he received his Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction Teaching and Learning from the University of Alabama.

Stoney joined the A+ team as the Assistant Director of the Alabama Best Practices Center in 2020, so as to have a broader impact on student learning. He then became Vice President in 2022, ushering the ABPC into a new phase.

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Dakota joined the A+ team in March of 2020.  He was born in Indiana, and has spent the last 20 years in Alabama. Since graduation from Troy University in 2015, Dakota has worked in the non-profit world in many different capacities. Prior to joining A+, he had the opportunity to teach reading classes to K-12 students over the summer. This illuminating experience gave him an even greater appreciation for the expertise and talent that teachers bring to the profession. 

He was homeschooled from Kindergarten-9th grade and credits his mother for instilling his lifelong love of learning. He graduated from Cleveland High School in Cleveland, AL, and went on to earn his bachelor's degree in Sport Management from Troy University. Dakota proudly says “Go Trojans!” when asked whether he is an Auburn or Alabama fan, taking the non-confrontational path in that rivalry.

In his spare time, Dakota likes to read, listen to music, go to the gym, and spend time with his dog, Cooper.

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Tammy is a 34 year career educator. The first 17 years of her career were spent in science classrooms in Tennessee and Hoover, Alabama, teaching biology, chemistry, physics and AP biology. In 2007, she became the science supervisor for Jefferson County Schools where she facilitated the curriculum, instruction, professional learning, and assessment for 6 - 12 science education in 14 high schools and their feeder middle schools. While working with Jefferson County schools, Tammy helped manage the A+ College Ready grant program implementation in its first year, and in 2010, she became the Program Manager for A+ College Ready. In 2013, she went to serve as the Chief Academic Officer for Mathematics and Science for Hoover City Schools, and in 2016 returned to A+ College Ready as the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Tammy earned a bachelor's degree from the University of North Alabama, a master's degree from the University of Alabama in Birmingham, and an Education Specialist's Degree from Samford University, in addition to an administrative certification earned at the University of Montevallo.

Tammy achieved certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) in 1999 and renewed the certification in 2009 and served for nine years on the NBPTS board of directors. She received the 2001 Presidential Award for Excellence in Science Teaching and was the 2003 Alabama Teacher of the Year.

Tammy and her husband Ray love to travel and play golf. The joy of her life is enjoying her family, especially her five grandchildren, Ava, Olivia, Zadie, Caden, and Sophie.

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Teri has been involved with public education in Alabama for 42 years.  She began teaching in the Birmingham City System in 1984. After retiring in 2014,  she began working with A+ College Ready full-time. Her classroom experience includes teaching high school English, grades 9-12 and AP Literature and Composition in diverse educational settings from urban to rural to magnet.

In 2010, Teri became a certified Laying the Foundation trainer and has presented at summer trainings across the state as well as presenting at Advanced Placement (AP) Literature Saturday Study Sessions in Alabama, Tennessee, and Georgia.

Teri joined the staff of A+ College Ready in 2014 as the manager for Partner Schools; she is currently the Vice President of Operations.

Teri has served on the Board of Directors for Leadership Elmore County and is currently serving on the Board for the Montgomery Red Elephant Club.  She is married and lives in Wetumpka, AL.

Sara graduated from the University of North Alabama in 2015 with her BSEd in Social Science Education in 2015 and her MA in Secondary Education in 2018. After earning her BSEd she returned to UNA and assisted preservice teachers as they navigated completing their edTPA portfolios while she completed her MA. She began teaching at Decatur High School in 2018 where she teaches AP Macroeconomics, AP Human Geography, and Economics. She also sponsors the Scholars Bowl Team and National Social Studies Honor Society. Sara is also an AP Reader for College Board. She received the Whit King Jr. Excellence in the Teacher of Economics Award in 2022. Sara began working with A+ College Ready in 2019 as a study session writer and presenter. 

Sara lives in Rogersville, Al with her husband and enjoys spending her free time with family, reading, and riding horses. She is excited to have the opportunity to support fellow economics teachers with A+!

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Melissa has served as the executive assistant for A+ College Ready since 2015. She earned a B.A. in Anthropology and Master of Public Health, both from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Her passion for the education field stems from her upbringing in a small, rural town. She graduated from Fayetteville High School in Sylacauga, AL, and is encouraged by the opportunities the A+ program offers to so many students in similar settings.

Melissa lives in Sylacauga, and has three children: Madelyn, Marcus Jr, and Maxxon. In her spare time, she enjoys photography and spending time outdoors.

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Matt has taught AP Biology for over 20 years and AP Physics for over 5, and is currently the Science Content Director for A+ College Ready. He has presented at numerous AP professional development conferences and Saturday study sessions across the state.

Matt attended Madison County High School in Gurley, AL, and earned Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of Alabama in Huntsville. Additionally, he earned Educational Specialist and Doctoral degrees from the University of Alabama. He was awarded National Board Certification in 2001 and 2011. He enjoys kayaking and farming in his spare time.

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Katherine joined A+ College Ready as the Training Manager in 2016.  Prior to joining our team, she worked in the legal profession while pursuing a long-held interest in education and completing an M.Ed from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Katherine graduated from Tulane University with a B.A. in Political Economy, and obtained a J.D. from the Birmingham School of Law. She enjoys working as part of a team to help ensure the quality of public education and, in doing so, to open the doors of opportunity for every Alabama student.

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Jenifer joined the A+ team in 2014, serving as its Finance Manager. She earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree and MBA from South University. 

Jenifer is a native of Spring Hill, Florida: however, her roots have grown deep in Elmore County over the past twenty-plus years. She and her husband LaDon have four children and three grandchildren. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her grandchildren and volunteering in her community.

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Jessie is currently serving as the AP Spanish Language and Culture Content Specialist. She is the AP Spanish Language and Culture and AP Spanish Literature and Culture teacher at Mountain Brook High School and has taught Spanish II, III, and IV at the school. Her collaborative efforts with her colleagues have helped make AP Spanish more accessible to students, leading to increased enrollment cband high success rates. She is passionate about providing the best possible educational experience for all students.

A native of Honduras, with a strong bilingual background in English and Spanish, Jessie pursued her education at the University of New Orleans, earning an undergraduate degree in English and a master’s degree in education, along with 30 additional hours of coursework in the field. She holds Alabama teacher certification in multiple subjects, including Spanish, English, Social Studies, Elementary Education, Special Education, and English as a Second Language, reflecting her varied teaching interests and experience. Jessie is a National Board Certified Teacher in World Languages.

Jessie was a 2001 recipient of the Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award. While teaching in New Orleans, she was recognized as the Warren Easton Fundamental Senior High School Teacher of the Year. In Alabama, she was named the Mountain Brook High School Teacher of the Year and the Mountain Brook City Schools Secondary Teacher of the Year in 2016-17. In 2021, she earned a Mountain Brook High School Performance Award for her contributions to the school community. 

She has been an AP Reader for AP Spanish Language since 2015 and has read all four free response questions on the exam. This year, she has accepted an invitation to serve as a Table Leader at the 2024 AP Reading. 

Outside of work, Jessie enjoys spending time with her husband Archie and their family, including three children, three beautiful grandchildren, and two adorable dogs. She is an avid reader, loves to cook, and is trying to learn French in her spare time.

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Erica has worked with AP English teachers and students across the country and has been invited to present at numerous national conferences, including the National Council for Teachers of English, the Advanced Placement Annual Conference, and the College Board Forum. More recently, Erica served as an adjunct professor in the College of Education at Athens State University. She currently lives in Hartselle, Alabama, and is motivated and inspired every single day to help schools, administrators, and teachers assess, act, and reflect on their academic culture, pedagogical practice, and intentional systemic alignment, striving for a world-class education for every student, regardless of circumstance.

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Mallory serves as the 6-10 Science Content Director for A+ College Ready. Prior to joining A+, Mallory served nine years in the middle school classroom teaching mainly physical science while also serving in various roles with student leadership, and as an A+ Coordinator. She began working for A+ as part of the 6th and 8th grade curriculum development teams and became a Laying the Foundation and A+ summer institute trainer. Additionally, she is an AMSTI presenter.

Mallory earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from the University of Alabama in 2008 and her Master's degree in Secondary Science Education from the University of Montevallo in 2010. Originally from Trussville, she now lives in Prattville with her husband and two daughters. She enjoys time at the lake and being with friends and family.

Amanda has taught Spanish for the past 14 years and is currently the A.P. Spanish Language and Culture teacher at Vestavia Hills High School. She has taught every level of Spanish, but loves the intensity, variety and difficulty of A.P. Spanish the most. The most exhilarating part of teaching Spanish is helping students make connections, build bridges, and begin a life-long learning journey of their own. She received her Bachelor’s in Spanish with a concentration in secondary education from Samford University in 2007. 

Amanda’s love of the Spanish language and culture began as a young child growing up in Lima, Peru. Her passion grew in high school and college through several travel, volunteer and study abroad experiences in Spain, Honduras, Mexico and Costa Rica. She hopes to one day visit all 21 Spanish-speaking countries and Puerto Rico. 

Amanda lives in Birmingham with her husband, Kevin, and their two children, Parker and Penny. She adores a good cup of coffee, an interesting book and a warm, sunny Saturday morning. 

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Dieatra taught World History, U.S. History, U.S. Government, Economics and AP U.S. History for several years and served as the graduation coach. She also served as an instructional coach and supported both school and district level initiatives. Additionally, she served as a summer instructor for history classes for the Upward Bound Program at Troy University and as an adjunct professor for Troy University’s College of Education.

Dieatra received both her Bachelor’s Degree of Science and Master’s Degree of Science in Social Science Education from Troy University, and a Master’s Degree of Science in Instructional Leadership from Jacksonville State University. She has facilitated several professional development workshops and developed curriculum on the local, state, and national level.

Dieatra was a member of the University of Alabama Advanced Placement Team, and has been a consultant and trainer for the Alabama Department of Education with the implementation of the Social Studies Career and College Readiness Standards. She also served on the A+ College Ready Social Studies Development Team and as an AP U.S. History Saturday session presenter and was named the 2014 Alabama History Teacher of the Year. She is involved in numerous professional organizations and enjoys mentoring new teachers.

She is happily married and the mother of one. She enjoys traveling, scrapbooking, and writing in her free time.  She believes that education is the key that can open endless doors, and one of the greatest gifts educators have is the ability to truly make a difference in another’s life.

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Lee Ann joined A+ College Ready in June 2015. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education Mathematics from the University of South Alabama in 1996. She is a 19-year veteran of the Birmingham City School system where she taught everything from Algebra I to AP Statistics and AP Calculus. She also served as the AP math lead teacher for the district. Lee Ann has facilitated professional development workshops at the local, state, and national level as a trainer for the National Math and Science Initiative / Laying The Foundation and through her work with Birmingham City Schools and A+ College Ready.

Lee Ann enjoys spending time with family, traveling, reading, doing crafts, and savoring the outdoors in warm weather. Her passion is for all kids, regardless of where they live, to receive a high-quality education so that they have the opportunity to pursue any dream in their heart. Through her work at A+ College Ready, she strives to empower all teachers to believe in their students’ potential and equip them to challenge their students to reach it.

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Gina has been working in education since leaving industry in 1999. Her higher education began with a Bachelors in Computer Science and while she was working in industry she received a Masters in Business Administration. After leaving industry Gina received an Education Masters and Instructional Leadership certification. Before beginning her work with A+ College Ready in 2020, she taught computer science at the high school and middle school level. Gina joined  A+ College Ready in 2020 after working in two A+ program schools. She experienced the benefits from a teacher and mother’s perspective and shared in the joy of her students' success with the program. Working in computer science nationally, Gina has served as a consultant with organizations including College Board and NMSI.  

Gina, along with her husband and son, enjoys spending time at home on the family farm which is located in Bankhead National Forest. Reading and playing with her golden retrievers is how Gina spends some of her free time.

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Kitty Morgan taught AB and BC Calculus for 20 years at Homewood High School in Birmingham, Alabama. For the last 13 years, Kitty has been supporting AP Calculus, AP Statistics, and AP Precalculus teachers in the state of Alabama as the AP Math Content Director of A+ College Ready. Kitty has shared her love of teaching mathematics through presentations at ACTM and NCTM and a consultant for the Bureau of Education and Research.  Kitty’s joy for learning led her to gain National Board Certification, be a AP Calculus Reader for 6 years, provide professional development for new AP Calculus teachers through a AP Summer Institute and attend regional national workshops in mathematics and technology. The work with A+ College Ready has allowed Kitty to develop materials for AP Calculus, AP Statistics, and AP Precalculus.

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Originally from Wetumpka, Alabama, La’Marla moved to Troy, Alabama to earn her Associates Degree in General Education in Business at Troy University. After earning her degree, she decided to move back to the River Region where she worked in the Hospitality industry for 9 years prior to getting hired at A+ College Ready in 2021. La’Marla has also been a licensed Realtor for 4 years and is a part of the National Association of Realtors, and the Montgomery Area Association of Realtors. La’Marla is the mother to a very active 9 year old boy who keeps her very busy with basketball, swim team, and travel baseball. In her spare time she loves traveling, Crossfit, reading, and spending time with her family.

Jess is joining A+ College Ready as the 2D Art and Design Specialist. She is currently teaching visual arts at Mountain Brook High School in Birmingham, AL. Her classes include Foundations of Drawing and Painting, Advanced Drawing and Painting, Portfolio Enhancement, AP 2D Design and AP Drawing. She is also an AP Studio Art Table Leader and AP Reader for the College Board.  Jess received her BFA with a minor in Drawing and a minor in Education as well as a Master’s Degree in Art Education from Auburn University at Montgomery.

Jess has a passion for teaching art and strives to create a classroom environment that nurtures creativity, encourages experimentation and problem solving, with a focus on technical skill to cultivate successful student artists. She knows the importance the arts have in touching the lives of children and the positive impact it has on keeping students engaged and in school. She is excited about the opportunity to support and collaborate with fellow art teachers and eager to participate in the growth of AP Visual Art programs across Alabama. 

Jess has a passion for teaching art and strives to create a classroom environment that nurtures creativity, encourages experimentation and problem solving, with a focus on technical skill to cultivate successful student artists. She knows the importance the arts have in touching the lives of children and the positive impact it has on keeping students engaged and in school. She is excited about the opportunity to support and collaborate with fellow art teachers and eager to participate in the growth of AP Visual Art programs across Alabama.     

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John joined the A+ College Ready team in 2015 to serve as Leadership Consultant, working primarily as a liaison between A+ College Ready and schools involved in the program. Prior to 2015, John served as a teacher and Administrator in the Albertville, Arab, and Guntersville CitySchool systems. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from Auburn University in 1986, a Master’s degree in education from the University of Alabama in Birmingham in 1988, and an educational specialist degree in Administration from the University of Alabama in 1998.

John is originally from St. Clair County and now lives in Arab with his wife, Laura.  They have three sons and a daughter by marriage. 

John enjoys travel, sports, cooking, reading, and helping schools grow academically by partnering with A+  College Ready.

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Rhonda has taught social studies in Alabama for 33 years and is currently the Social Studies Content Director for A+ College Ready. She is a graduate of Etowah High School and earned a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from Jacksonville State University.  She taught her first AP course in 1986 and has since taught AP United States History at Saks High School in Calhoun County, at Hillcrest High School in Tuscaloosa County and at Bob Jones High School in Madison County. In 1998, she began teaching at Homewood High School, where she taught AP United States History  and in 2006 added AP United States Government and Politics. She has served as an AP exam reader and a consultant leading AP Summer Institutes.

Through the years Rhonda has presented at numerous conferences on the state, regional and national level. She achieved certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) in 2009 and has served as a mentor and facilitator for NBCT candidates. Reading and sewing occupy her free time and she loves to spend time at the lake with her family.

Rebecca Thrash graduated from the University of Alabama with a BS in Psychology and an MA in Science Education in 2010. She completed an EdS from UAB in 2020. Her work with A+ College Ready began in 2011 as a program teacher and then as a study session presenter. She joined A+ as the AP Psychology Content Specialist in 2021. 

She is a former faculty member of the Math and Science Specialty Department at the Alabama School of Fine Arts where she taught AP Psychology, AP sciences, and research courses. She also coordinated student work for various student research competitions particularly for Behavioral Sciences. She has developed curriculum for ASFA’s senior research capstone program and the American Association of Immunologists. Rebecca has also been an AP Reader for the College Board. She currently works for the State Department of Education as an Education Specialist for AMSTI where she coordinates the development of curriculum and professional development for ASIM.

Her work with A+ College Ready began in 2011 as a program teacher and then AP Biology presenter.  She has since been involved with developing materials for AP Environmental Science.

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Pam joined A+ College Ready in June of 2015. She is a twenty-nine-year veteran English teacher who has taught in both Georgia and Alabama public schools.  Her wide array of teaching assignments gives her the experience necessary to serve and mentor English teachers across Alabama. Pam earned her bachelor’s degree in Language Arts Education from Auburn University in 1995. Originally from Auburn, she now lives in Wetumpka with her husband, who is also an educator. In her spare time, Pam enjoys spending time with her three adult children, reading, writing, cooking, and traveling with her husband.

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Kim joined the A+ team in 2018.  She is a Mississippi State University graduate with a Bachelors in Business Administration. Kim grew up in Memphis, Tennessee, and now calls Wetumpka her home. She is happily married with two children. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling, walking, and reading.