Our Mission

Gerry Brooks has been an educator for 25 years, beginning as a third grade teacher in Palm Bay, FL. He is a Troy University graduate and earned his masters in administration from the University of Kentucky. He has been an elementary principal for 15 years. Originally using humorous videos to encourage his staff, Gerry has become a national encourager for teachers through social media and speaking events. He is a voice for teachers, but his passion is leading others to be responsible for their own personal climate and culture in the workplace. His book, “Go See the Principal,” outlines strategies for taking on this responsibility. Gerry and his wife, Kelly, have 3 adult children and live in Lexington, KY. 

 Originally from Panama City, Florida, Dr. Kirkman is a graduate of Rutherford High School. He made his way to the state of Alabama on a full music Scholarship from the University of North Alabama in 1992.  He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education in the fall of 1997, and a Master’s Degree in Music Education from UNA in the summer of 2000. He received his Doctorate Degree in Education Leadership from Nova Southeastern University in the summer of 2009. 

While at UNA, Eric was the lead trumpeter and featured soloist in the marching, jazz and concert bands. He was also the director of the Ascending Voices Gospel Choir for three years. Eric is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc, Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, and an honorary member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. One of his most cherished memories of UNA involved his selection as “University Man of the Year” in 1997. 

Dr. Kirkman’s educational experience spans over 21 years, serving as a choral and band director at the elementary, secondary and college levels. Prior to retiring from band directing and moving into an administrative role, Dr. Kirkman was named the 2012 State of Alabama Secondary “Teacher of the Year” for District 7. He was also named the University of North Alabama Alumni Educator of the Year for 2012. Dr. Kirkman has served as a career tech coordinator, a vice-principal and a principal while in Sheffield City Schools. Dr. Kirkman is currently an assistant professor and the Director of The Kilby Laboratory School located at the University of North Alabama. Since being at Kilby, Dr. Kirkman has led his school to be recognized as an Alabama Bicentennial School of Excellence and a National Blue Ribbon Lighthouse School of Excellence. He is a Certified Instructional Leader through CLAS, and a graduate of the NAESP Pre-K – 3 Leadership Academy. He is currently enrolled in the University of Alabama Superintendent’s Academy. In addition, he serves on the Board of Directors for Safe Place, The Shoals Symphony Orchestra, and the International Association of Laboratory Schools. Dr. Kirkman is also the Worship Leader at Highland Baptist Church, Broadway Campus of Florence, Alabama.

Dr. Kirkman’s most recent research pursuits involve exploring intra-professional collaborations as various agencies work together to engage the social-emotional trauma among the families of school-aged students in the age of a pandemic. Another ongoing project involves exploring S.T.E.A.M. education as it pertains to the preparation of pre-service teachers for S.T.E.A.M. classrooms in the real-world workplace.  

Lastly, Dr. Kirkman is the husband of Dr. Tera Kirkman, who is the Associate Dean of Nursing at the University of North Alabama. They have two sons, Jalen and Justin. Dr. Kirkman’s favoite children’s book is a toss-up between Pete the Cat “I Love My White Shoes” and Judy Blume’s “Superfudge.” 

Edward Noriega is Cooper Union graduate. He participated in the graphic design program at the Kunst Gewerbeschule in Basel, Switzerland, and the Yale Summer Program in Graphic Design in Brissago, Switzerland. He taught art and design courses and developed curricula for nearly thirty years at Cooper Union, Fashion Institute of Technology, and Parsons School of Design. 

He has lectured nationally and internationally on design, color, and technology. In 1999, Edward was awarded the Distinguished University Teaching Award from the New School University, and awarded the Wallace D. Malone Jr. Distinguished Faculty Award from Troy University in 2005. Edward Noriega is a professor of graphic design and Director of <<dti.center>>, which stands for The Center for Design Technology and Industry. The mission of this center is to promote design as a catalyst for social change. 

His work addresses local and regional planning, politics, and economic development in the Southeast region. Edward Noriega is the principal of a graphic design studio specializing in book design, information graphics and presentations. He is also the co-author of Design Fundamentals for the Digital Age, 1998, John Wiley and Sons. 

 
Steve Ogburn is Vice President and Commercial Relationship Manager for Trustmark Bank in Auburn. He has over 27 years of experience in banking and finance. He is a 1992 Troy University grad and began his career in the corporate credit department at Russell Corporation in Alexander City, AL. In 1998 he moved to the Atlanta market where he worked as a credit manager in the factoring division of SunTrust Bank. In 2005 he joined Synovus Bank in Douglasville, Ga as a commercial lender transferring to its Opelika branch in 2007 where he worked as branch manager and commercial lender. In 2012 Steve joined BankTrust which was subsequently purchased by Trustmark Bank. Steve is a past president of the Alexander City Lions Club and current treasurer of the Kiwanis Club of Auburn. Steve and his wife Beverly live in Auburn and have two sons. Steve’s favorite children’s book is the classic Poky Little Puppy.

Denzel is an associate at Burr & Forman LLP Birmingham, Alabama office where he primarily works in commercial and consumer finance litigation. In his first year of practice, Denzel was awarded the American Bar Association's Young Lawyers Division Scholarship. Denzel received his Juris Doctor from Cumberland School of Law, Samford University. At Cumberland, Denzel served as President of the Student Bar Association, as a board member of the Black Law Students Association, and as a Legal Extern for the Honorable Abdul K. Kallon. Additionally, Denzel was a member of Cumberland’s top ranked National Trial Team and the winner of the Judge James O. Haley Federal Trial Competition. Throughout his time in law school, Denzel was listed on the Dean’s List, was selected to serve as a Judge Abraham Caruthers Teaching Fellow, and was the recipient of both the Russomanno Leadership Award and the Magic City Bar Association’s Outstanding Legal Scholarship Award. He was also a frequent contributor at the Glenn Iris Elementary Book Club. 

Prior to attending law school, Denzel earned his undergraduate degree from Birmingham-Southern College where he majored in political science with minors in religious studies and human rights & conflict studies. At Birmingham-Southern, Denzel served as President of the Student Government Association, was a Ronald & Donne C. Hess Fellow, and was the recipient of the David J. Vann Award in Political Science. Throughout his time as an undergraduate, Denzel was a weekly volunteer at a local Birmingham after-school program where he would assist students from low-income households with homework assignments and help them prepare for college entrance exams.

In his free time, Denzel enjoys watching soccer, playing with his goldendoodle (Kennedy), and reading a good book. Denzel's favorite children's book is the BFG by Roald Dahl. 

David Van Buskirk holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Science and Business Administration from Troy University. He went on to earn his Juris Doctorate from Thomas Goode Jones School of Law.
David began his career with the Crosslin, Slaten, and O’Connor law firm in Montgomery, Alabama, focusing on Insurance Defense and Mortgage Banking matters.  In 2000, he joined the firm of Morris, Schneider, and Prior as a Managing Attorney for their Alabama operation.  In 2005, David moved to Orlando, Florida to join the Walt Disney Company’s Real Estate Division.  He oversaw over 24,000 real estate transactions and handled title issues. David also assisted in the development of a credit underwriting program and negotiated contracts on behalf of Disney Vacation Club.  
David returned to Troy University in 2015 as a Lecturer to teach law related courses in the Sorrell College of Business.  David has also had the opportunity to teach courses overseas in both Saigon and Hanoi, Vietnam, and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.  
 

Vanessa was born in Colombia and moved to Alabama at the age of five. Since a young child, she has been involved in the growth of the Hispanic community. Vanessa is the acting manager for Latino News, LLC, a free, weekly Hispanic newspaper that is delivered throughout Alabama and has been in the market for 23 years. Vanessa is a graduate from the University of Alabama – Birmingham where she completed both her undergraduate degree in Human Resource Management and Masters of Business Administration. She serves on other boards such as Fiesta, Hispanic Catholic Social Services of North Alabama Advisory Board, U.N.C.F. Young Professional Advisory Committee, Hispanic Interest Coalition of Alabama (HICA), Bare Hands Inc., and others. Some of her interests include traveling, exercising, eating, and being involved within the community. Her favorite children’s book is Little Red Riding Hood.

Lotoya West is a 19-year veteran in the field of education. She began her career as a classroom teacher and taught for eight years. She left the classroom to work as a school counselor for nine years before accepting a position as an Assistant Principal. After a two year

stint as an Assistant Principal, Lotoya was promoted to the position of Federal Programs/Assessment Supervisor for the Escambia County School District. Lotoya holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, a Master of Science in Counseling and Human Development with a concentration in School Counseling, a Master of Education with a concentration in Instructional Technology, and an Education Specialist degree in School

Counseling. In addition, she is certified in Instructional Leadership. She is a doctoral candidate seeking a Doctorate of Rural Education with a focus on Organization and Leadership. Lotoya's dissertation topic is "The Perceptions of Minority Parents on Student Achievement and Parental Involvement in Rural Middle Schools." Lotoya loves to read and has been passionate about

reading since she was a child. While in elementary school, she read all of the Nancy Drew mysteries in the school&#39;s library. She would often get in trouble at home for using a flashlight to read under the covers when it was way past her bedtime. Lotoya's favorite children's book is We're Going on a Bear Hunt.

McRae Young serves as an Assistant District Attorney in Mobile, Alabama, where she interned while in law school. A 2019 graduate from the University of Mississippi School of Law, McRae was chair of the Honor Council and led both the Dean’s Leadership Council and the Animal Legal Defense Fund as president. She was also involved with Law Association for Women, Public Interest Law Foundation, and Delta Theta Phi law fraternity and assisted with the authorship of a Sports Law casebook. She is an honors graduate of Auburn University where she holds a bachelors degree in Health Services Administration with minors in Psychology and Business. The idea for SHORT originated with McRae’s early observations of families attending court. As a high school student, she founded CheeReaders, a 501(3)(c) dedicated to pairing cheerleaders reading to emerging readers. The organization garnered international following and resulted in Varsity Sports picking up the organization as McRae went to college. She and her mother co-wrote the children’s young adult book review column for the Winston-Salem Journal for several years. McRae’s favorite children’s books are the Harry Potter series, and they remain on her shelf today.

 Kristopher Ballard, an illustrator with a degree in Graphic Design from Troy University, was born and raised in Mobile, Alabama. He has been drawing for most of his life, specializing in creating cartoons and characters. Kris has used his passion in this realm to mentor others interested in this space.  Kris has used his talent for freelance illustration projects and has started to work on animation as well.  
Not surprisingly enough, Kris was influenced by several children’s books, including “David, No,” “A Bad Case of the Stripes,” “Chicka Chicka Boom Boom,” and “The Very Hungry Caterpillar.” Kris has fond memories of reading these books with his mother at a young age. “The Rainbow Fish” by Marcus Pfister is Kris’ favorite children’s book from that age.  

Terry Crawford lives in Union Springs, Alabama (Bullock County) where he currently teaches fourth grade English Language Arts  at Union Springs Elementary School. Terry has been teaching for six years, has his master's in education and is pursuing a certificate in educational leadership.  Terry has also worked as a court specialist in the Bullock County Circuit Clerk Office. Author Wilbert Awdry wrote his favorite childhood series Thomas and Friends. Terry still has his collection, including some framed and hanging on his walls.

 Jake Gipson is an attorney who focuses his practice on intellectual property law, including trademarks, copyrights, and patents for Bradley Arant Boult Cummings in Birmingham. Jake regularly assists clients with obtaining, managing, protecting, and defending various intellectual property rights. Jake's background includes a degree in industrial and systems engineering and work as a website application and database developer, both of which he draws on in his work for clients. Outside of his law practice, Jake is an avid fisherman and a two-time College Fishing National Champion. His favorite book is Double Whammy by Carl Hiaasen. 

Tammy Waege Hughes is a senior Interdisciplinary Studies major with minors in Leadership, Psychology, and Rehabilitation. She holds an Associate Degree in General Education from Troy University. Tammy served in the Alabama National Guard as a Personnel Management Specialist from 1991 to 1997. She graduated from Highland High School in 1992. Currently, Tammy works as a Departmental Secretary for the Institute for Leadership Development. After completing her degree, Tammy would like to start her Master’s in Student Affairs Counseling. She is married to Terry Hughes and has two children, Nikki and T.J.

Chelsie Russell is a recent Auburn University graduate with a major in Media Studies. She currently works as a full-time freelancer. She runs her own photography business, publishes for multiple companies, and is now the Communications Specialist for SHORT the Squirrel. Chelsie has always had a passion for creating! Whether she’s planning shoots or creating social media content for companies, she loves being able to bring new visions to life. Her favorite childhood book was anything Junie B. Jones! 

 Chloe Scrushy is a graduate of Pepperdine University in Malibu, California where she majored in Screen Arts. Her passions for film and culture were furthered through her experiences studying abroad in Shanghai, China, and London, United Kingdom. From working as a floor director, editor, and camera operator on Pepperdine’s live news show to creating promotional videos for various programs on campus, she finds joy in telling meaningful stories through video. SHORT’s story is one that she can’t wait to play a part in sharing. Chloe’s favorite children’s book is Eloise at the Plaza.  

 
Sierra is a senior Communications Arts major with Public Relations and Leadership Development as her minors. She is currently studying at Troy University. She is from Trussville, Alabama and graduated from Hewitt-Trussville High School in 2017. Sierra is the youngest of four siblings in her family. Sierra has a growing passion for helping others and is a friend to everyone she meets. After graduation, Sierra plans to work with a non-profit organization on their Public Relations team to help better serve the community where she is placed. Her favorite book is Paper Towns by John Green. 

Malik Cooper is a junior in high school. Malik participates in several student organizations in his high school, including the National Honor Society, Beta Club, and Future Business Leaders of America. He is also a youth ambassador for the Monroe County Chamber of Commerce. Malik has been an active member of the marching band at his high school for the past four years. He has served as the Drum Line Captain and as the Assistant Drum Major. Malik also likes to write music. He was selected to participate in the SEUS Honor Band at Troy University. In addition, he selected to represent his high school at the Lion’s Club Leadership Forum. Malik earned his Microsoft Word and PowerPoint certification during his freshman year. He takes dual enrollment classes at Coastal Alabama Community College. After graduation, Malik plans to attend college and eventually go to law school.  Malik’s favorite children’s book is If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff. 

Amelia Felder is a senior elementary education major at Troy University from Montgomery, Alabama. She has always loved working with children and cannot wait to become a future educator and help shape the minds of children. she danced for 16 years, which led to her being very passionate regarding the arts. Because of this passion for the arts, Amelia is very excited to begin working with SHORT the Squirrel and for her love of the arts to continue to grow. Amelia's favorite book is Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers.

Julia Funderburg is a senior at Auburn University, majoring in Human Development and Family Sciences with a concentration in Child Life and a minor in Counseling. She is volunteering with Children's of Alabama this summer.  Her favorite children's book is Oh the Places You'll Go, written by Dr. Suess. She has always enjoyed this book because it encourages everyone to follow their dreams even in the mazes of life.

Gretil Adriana Sutton is a senior elementary education major with a concentration in leadership development from Valley, AL. Gretil’s mother has worked in the school system for 15+ years, and her father is a well-known pastor in their area. Gretil is a natural-born leader and is committed to positively impacting the lives of each person she meets. Gretil is extremely active in the community of Troy and within Troy University. She serves as the president of the Miss E.L.I.T.E Society. Gretil’s desire to teach children led her to Auburn Daycare where she served as a teacher during their 2019 summer program. Her favorite children’s book is I Am Enough by Grace Byers.

Mallory Westry is a University of Alabama senior with a major in Public Relations and a minor in Communication Studies. Throughout her college experience, Mallory has been involved in numerous clubs and organizations, both on and off-campus, that have promoted professional development. Mallory is always on the look-out for the latest social media trends and hopes to become involved in social media management in the future. Her favorite children’s book is Fancy Nancy!  

Sarah Baker is a Troy University senior majoring in elementary education. She has served as a university orientation leader and president of her social organization. A Monroeville, Alabama native, Sarah Beth's father is a teacher and her mother is a children’s minister so she has enjoyed working with children for as long as she can remember. The favorite book she has read in college is Grace for President by Kelly DiPucchio. 

Samantha is a freshman Communications PR & Advertising major with a minor in Graphic Design at Spring Hill College. She is from Chicago, Illinois and has 2 siblings who attend colleges in Illinois and Missouri. After college, Samantha would like to begin a career in social media management. She is passionate about reading and would love to share her love with others. Her favorite book is Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard.
 

  Timothy D. Lett Jr. is a current student at the University of South Alabama, studying Political Science while minoring in Liberal Arts as a Blount Honors college scholar. Passionate about tackling humanitarian issues, Timothy is dedicating his education and life plan to a path of servant leadership. As for career aspirations, Timothy plans to eventually study law in the hopes of seeking amends for those impacted by environmental injustices. 

 Jordan Sampson is a native of Daphne, AL, and a graduate of Daphne High School. She is currently a freshman at Savannah State University majoring in International Business. Jordan loves serving her community and has served on the United Way of Baldwin County Youth Board, is a graduate of the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce Youth Leadership Program, and served as her school's delegate for ALA Alabama Girls' State 2019. Jordan also volunteers yearly at the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office Camp Shining Star for children. Jordan is a proud dog mom to two rescue dogs, Henry and Charlie.