Jena Anderson

My name is Jena Anderson. I was born and raised in Houston County, AL. I graduated from the University of Florida (Go Gators) with a BS in Business and went on to work in healthcare. My husband, Dan Anderson, and I have 2 sons, Will and Drew. We moved to Andalusia in 2018.

My first introduction to Meredith’s Miracles was through the Valentines Store. I was impressed with the mission behind the fundraiser and loved the community involvement. I have continued to co-chair this event and have made a “few” candy sundaes.

I joined the board in 2019 and was honored to be voted President in 2022. I continue to be amazed by the community’s generosity and the impact Meredith’s Miracles has on so many families. It is humbling to be a part of God’s work serving others!

Gail Grimes

My name is Gail Grimes, and I am the Vice President on the Board of Directors for Meredith's Miracles. I am a graduate of Andalusia High School and LBWCC. I am retired from the Admissions Office of LBWCC. I have enjoyed being a volunteer and board member of this foundation for years. I am married to Ted Grimes, and we have two children and three granddaughters.

My favorite fundraisers are Cookies with Characters and the Valentine's Store. I love working

at Cookies with Characters and seeing all the characters interact with the children. This has been truly special through the years because we had granddaughters that were characters. Our oldest granddaughter was the first recipient of the Meredith's Miracles Miracle Maker Award. I also love the Valentine's Store. Some of my first volunteer hours were spent making sundaes at several of the first stores on the Square. I love seeing some of the customers that come every year to shop.

My husband and I do what we call "Meredith's Miracles Monday." We take items to the Thrift Store every Monday, and of course, we like to shop!

Our hearts are truly with Meredith's Miracles!!!

Sonja Hines

My name is Sonja Hines, and I am from Andalusia, AL. I moved to Andalusia from Orlando, Florida, when I was in the fourth grade (Umm...a few years ago) and I have lived here ever since. I am married to Keith Hines, have three children and five grandchildren. Amy Williamson is my daughter, and my sons are Tom Hines and Jason Hines. I am a proud Gigi to Lincoln, Rush, Remington, Saylor, and Presley Hines. I retired from a 31-year educational career in January 2020 as a District Administrator from Andalusia City Schools. It was an honor to work and serve in public education with Andalusia City Schools as this is my Alma Mater (graduated from AHS in 1981.)

Favorite Fundraiser:

My favorite fundraiser is Cookies with Characters. It is a lot of work but when you see the fun that children are having while watching their favorite characters on stage or visiting with them in person, it makes it all worthwhile. There is absolutely nothing more heartwarming than to see a child’s precious smile.

History of Board Service

I have been on the Meredith’s Miracle Board since 2015. When asked why is this important to me, I find myself answering with a two-fold answer. First, it is a wonderful organization that supports families with non-medical expenses related to childhood medical emergencies. Secondly, I think about Meredith and how her mom and I were pregnant with girls at the same time. My daughter, Amy, was born five days after Meredith and they would have been classmates. Her memory and what her family went through pull at this momma’s heartstrings and reminds me that you never

know when something like this will impact

your family. Therefore, I have chosen to support this organization with time

and service to honor Meredith’s memory while helping others who are

having to deal with medical struggles their child and families are experiencing.

Hope Weaver

Hi, my name is Hope Weaver I was born and raised in Opp, AL. I married to Andrew Weaver also from Opp. We are the proud parents of two of the most precious boys. John Woodrow also known as JW he is 5 years old and a Kindergarten student at Straughn Elementary and our youngest Tatum he is our sweet angel in heaven. I'm very honored to be a board member of Meredith's Miracle Organization. I've been a member since November 2020. Back in 2019, I was introduced to Meredith's Miracles firsthand. We were in the hospital due to pregnancy complications which resulted to Tatum's premature birth at 22 weeks gestion and once he was born and in the NICU we were told we would have an extended stay. In fact, we ended up in the NICU 2 1/2 hours away from home for a total of 207 days. Meredith's Miracles helped my family in I with non-medical financial support along the way. They paid for the going rate of $12 a day at the Ronald McDonald house where we stayed, and on several occasions, they deposited money to our personal account for things like gas, food, etc. So, needless to say, this organization is very special to my heart and I proud to a part of this nonprofit organization that does such great things right here in the same county where my family I are from. I want to encourage you to come to a fund-raising event or donate if you can so you can also be a part of Meredith's Miracles.

June Simpson

My name is June Simpson. My husband Curtis and

I live in Andalusia. I have lived in Andalusia all my life and

can’t think of a better place to live.

I have four children: Janna, Jonathan, Jaime and

Jeffery. I am blessed to be Gran to 8 wonderful

grandchildren, one of whom was Janna’s daughter

Meredith. When Meredith was only three years old, she was diagnosed with Wilms Tumor, and she unfortunately passed away at the age of five. During this time our community surrounded our family with prayer along with financial and emotional support.

As a way to honor Meredith’s memory and to keep her legacy alive, we formed Meredith’s Miracles, Inc., as a way to pay forward the tremendous love and support we received in our time of need because we understand all too well the many stressful financial and emotional struggles families face during these difficult times. We have grown Meredith's Miracles, Inc., from serving not just families in our local community but to 27 counties across Alabama, and we are working toward growing our services to encompass the entire state. One of the greatest accomplishments of my life has been founding Meredith's Miracles and keeping my granddaughter’s legacy alive for generations to come. It’s hard for me to believe one sweet little

girl and the love surrounding her has touched so many lives in the past

and will continue to do so in the future.

Matthew McQuay

Matt McQuay is a Covington County native, born at Andalusia Regional Hospital in 1993. With the exception of weekdays while at Troy, and one year away teaching in Phenix City, I have lived in Covington County all of my life, and recently built a house in Andalusia.

Educational Experience:

Graduating from Straughn High School in 2011, I enrolled at LBWCC where I was a member of the Phi Theta Kappa (International Honor Society of the 2 year college systems) under the direction of Heather Owen. While in the PTK, I had the opportunity to go to the PTK international convention in San Jose, California and meet with other delegates from around the world. I was also involved with, and President of the LBW chapter of the Civitan Club. After graduating with my Associates Degree, I transferred to Troy University to pursue a degree in Social Sciences Secondary Education, graduating in the Spring of 2016.

Work Experience:

April 2011-October 2012 - Little Caesars of Andalusia

November 2011-July 2013 - Radio Shack of Andalusia

August 2011-Present - WAAO Radio

2016-2017 - South Girard School in Phenix City

2017-2022 - 6th Grade Social Studies Teacher at Andalusia Elementary School

2022-Present - Technology Coordinator & Safety Director at Andalusia City Schools

Volunteer Experience:

My heart is in community service. Though I have participated with various groups over the years, I have been most active in Andalusia Community Christmas. I've served with them since 2011 with the exception of one year.

Favorite Fundraiser: Christmas Toy Shop at Candyland

SalLee Sasser

Mrs. SalLee S. Sasser-Williams is Director of Operations for Sasser Enterprises, Inc. Sasser Enterprises, Inc. is a family-owned health care managing company based in Andalusia. Sasser Enterprises, Inc. manages Savannah Terrace Assisted Living and Andalusia Manor Health Care & Rehab in Andalusia and Southland Nursing Home located in Marion, Alabama. She is a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator since 2004, a Licensed Assisted Living Administrator since 2008, a Certified Risk Manager since 2005, and a Certified Nursing Assistant since 1995. SalLee is currently the Administrator at Savannah Terrace Assisted Living.

SalLee is currently serving as the Past Chair of the Alabama Nursing Home Association Board of Directors. Prior, SalLee served the Alabama Nursing Home Association Board for over 15 years as Region 8 Director as well as Secretary. Region 8 includes ANHA member nursing home facilities located in Barbour,

Coffee, Covington, Crenshaw, Dale, Geneva, Henry, Houston, and Pike counties. She also serves as Secretary/Treasurer of the Board of Trustees for the ANHA Louis Cottrell, Jr. Education Foundation. She is also involved on the Membership/Ethics/Charter & Bylaws (Past Chairperson), Associate Membership (Board Representative), Legislative, Public Relations, Convention/Education, Facility Standards/Quality Assurance,

Human Resource, Life Safety & Physical Plant, Best Practices, Rural Rehab, and the ALF Task Force Committees. She is an Individual Member of the Assisted Living Association of Alabama. She is a member of the Task Force for the National Administrator Board of Examiners as well as a member of the RCAL

Examination subcommittee. She is a 2009 American Health Care Association Future Leader. SalLee also serves as Secretary and Board Trustee for the Alabama Nursing Home Association Worker’s Compensation

Program, CareComp. She is the Secretary of the Board of Directors for SeniorSelect Partners, LLC which is an Integrated Care Network organization for home and community-based programs. She is also the Secretary for

SIMPRA Advantage, a statewide, Alabama managed health care plan. SalLee is a member of Associated Care Ventures and the Alabama Select Network – ICN Board of Directors that provides Medicaid members support through case management, education, and outreach services. SalLee is a past Chair for the State of Alabama Board of Examiners for Nursing Home Administrators and is a board member for the State of Alabama Board of Examiners of Assisted Living Administrators. She is a past ANHA representative for the State of Alabama

Department of Public Health Licensure Advisory Board. She serves as Secretary of the Board of Directors of Pharmacy Care Associates. She is also a representative for Crenshaw County and Secretary for the South-

Central Alabama Mental Health Board that serves Butler, Coffee, Covington, and Crenshaw Counties. She is a board member for Meredith’s Miracles. SalLee also is the Vice-President of Hammer Industrial, LLC which is an

industrial construction company that she owns with her husband. She was awarded the Andalusia Office Professionals Association Boss of the Year for 2019-2020.

SalLee is a 1994 College Preparatory Honors graduate of Crenshaw Christian Academy in Luverne and a 2001 Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Troy State University with emphasis in management, finance, marketing, and administration. She is the Chairperson of the Board of Directors for

Crenshaw Christian Academy, a board member and Past President of the Crenshaw County Chamber of Commerce, a Past President of the LBWCC Foundation, and a past member of the Board of Directors for the Andalusia Chamber of Commerce. She was a member of the Crenshaw County Relay for Life committee from 1999-2009 and Chair for 5 of those years.

SalLee resides in Brantley with her husband Tony and together they have four children, twin daughters, MyLee and MalLee (12) and sons, Chase (20) and Blake (18). She is the daughter of Ms. Sheila H. Sasser of Luverne and the late G. Dale Sasser.

Bill Dillman

Bill Dillman's life has been a testament to unwavering commitment, both to his professional endeavors, his personal life, and his deep faith. With a remarkable career spanning 26 years, he has left an indelible mark on the world of non-profit organizations, and his journey continues to inspire those around him.

As Vice President of Marketing and Development for a prominent National Non-Profit, Bill dedicated over two decades to a cause he held close to his heart. His tenure was marked by transformative leadership, visionary strategies, and an unyielding determination to make a difference. Under his astute guidance, the organization's budget experienced an astonishing growth, surging from 11 million to over 25 million dollars. Bill's ability to inspire philanthropic support and rally stakeholders around a shared vision was nothing short of remarkable.

However, Bill's dedication to making a positive impact extends beyond the boardroom. A year ago, he embarked on a new chapter of his life in the picturesque town of Andalusia. In this charming Southern enclave, Bill took on the monumental task of restoring a historical home, breathing new life into a piece of local heritage. His commitment to preserving the past while embracing the present is a reflection of his character – a blend of tradition and innovation that defines him.

But perhaps the most enduring testament to Bill Dillman's character is his enduring marriage to June, a union that has spanned an incredible 46 years. Their partnership is a source of strength, love, and inspiration, and their journey together is a testament to the values of commitment, trust, and mutual support that they hold dear. Together, they have one beloved son and are the proud grandparents of two cherished grandchildren.

Bill's dedication doesn't stop at his family and career; it extends to his faith and community. He serves in leadership roles at Southside Baptist Church, where his commitment to faith-based values and community service shines brightly. His involvement in the church exemplifies his desire to give back and be a positive force for change in the lives of those around him.

Bill Dillman's life is a compelling narrative of leadership, growth, faith, family, and enduring love. He has made a profound impact on the non-profit sector, his local community, and the hearts of those fortunate enough to know him. As he continues to explore new horizons and create a lasting legacy, Bill remains an exemplar of dedication, integrity, and the enduring power of love, faith, and family.

Yvonne Sowell

Hi, I’m Yvonne Lo Sowell, currently working as a Communications administrative at PowerSouth. In this role, I focus on laying out our employee newsletter, managing digital signs content across the campus, and tackling any other tasks that come my way.

From 2021 to 2023, I served as the Marketing and Communications Coordinator at Andalusia Health where I crafted campaigns, produced printed materials or handouts, and designed ads that are still visible around Andalusia. Community engagement is a core value of mine, believing it to be crucial for collective growth, which is why I remained actively involved within the community.

During my time at the hospital, I learned about Meredith’s Miracles through Patty Ashworth. The impactful work of Meredith’s Miracles deeply resonated with me, sparking a passion for serving children in need. I’m enthusiastic about contributing to this organization in any capacity I can.

A little about me: I am of Chinese descent, born in Malaysia. I hold a degree in Public Relations and Marketing from Curtin University in Western Australia, with a focus on market research, consumer behaviors, and crisis communications—all aimed at connecting organizations with their audiences. Additionally, I have skills in graphic design for ads, social media, and newsletter layouts, along with some experience in video editing. I am multilingual, fluent in English, Malay, Mandarin, Cantonese, and Hokkien—the last three being Chinese dialects. Still trying to get the hang of those country sayings though!

I am married to an Andalusian native, Adam Sowell, and have been living here for 9 years. Adam is all about racing, let’s not get into it. We have an almost 9 year old son, John, who has autism and he brings us so much joy.

In my spare time, you’ll likely find me lost in a book, painting away, cooking, or simply enjoying quality time with my family.

I am really looking forward to teaming up and serve alongside everyone at Meredith’s Miracles.

Dr. Joree Jones

Dr. Joree Jones is currently a consultant and grant writer working with non-

profits and a two-year college to raise funds for their organization. Dr.

Jones retired as Dean of Institutional Advancement and Effectiveness from

Chattahoochee Valley Community College (CVCC) in Phenix City Alabama

in August 2020. Dr. Jones joined CVCC in December of 2011 working in

the area of institutional effectiveness and accreditation, marketing, grant

writing, and strategic planning. Dr. Jones has provided numerous

workshops and sessions on accreditation, fund raising, and strategic

planning. She served as the SACSCOC accreditation liaison for two

colleges and worked with both to achieve their reaffirmation. She worked in

higher education for over 24 years in a variety of administrative roles in

Alabama and Georgia. She completed the Alabama Community College

Leadership Academy in 2001. Dr. Jones has served on statewide

committees in Alabama’s two-year college system and as an evaluator for

the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on

Colleges (SACSCOC) in the area of institutional effectiveness. She has

worked with college foundations and non-profits in fundraising initiatives

and planning. Jones earned a Certificate in Fundraising Management from

The Fund Raising School at IUPUI. Dr. Jones was an adjunct instructor for

6 years for Auburn University Montgomery teaching a graduate course in

Grantsmanship and Fundraising. Dr. Jones represented CVCC in the

Leadership Phenix City/Russell County program. In addition to her work in

higher education she has also worked for the Masonite Corporation,

worked in the banking industry, and owned her own business. Prior to

leaving Andalusia, Dr. Jones worked and served in the community in a

variety of ways including the City of Andalusia, Civic, Church, School, and

non-profits.

Education

PHD - University of Alabama

MBA - Troy University Dothan

Business Admin. Accounting - Auburn University

Certificate in Fundraising - IUPUI

Boards

Boys and Girls Club - Eufaula

Habitat for Humanity - Opelika

Rotary Club - Phenix City

Kiley Spears "Executive Director"

Kiley Davis Spears: An Andalusia native, Kiley serves as the executive director for Meredith’s Miracles, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping families with sick children. Meredith’s Miracles is a 501(c) (3) non-profit that specializes in assisting families with travel expenses during medical emergencies. Meredith’s Miracles exists to bring awareness of childhood medical issues and to assist families with non-medical expenses that can accrue when a child needs medical services.

Kiley began her journey with Meredith’s Miracles when she took the idea about a fundraiser to the foundation in 2006. Kiley was given the role as the fundraiser Cookies with Characters Coordinator in 2006 while being a full-time realtor at Coldwell Banker 1st Choice Realty. Kiley’s concept, Cookies with Characters, started out with 20 characters for children to meet and enjoy and has increased to over 90 characters over the years. She is involved with every aspect of the event and pours her heart into making it a success each year. Cookies with Characters, is now the largest fundraising event for Meredith’s Miracles. Spears has headed this event for 18 years now. This years 18th annual Cookies with Characters broke a record and raised over $111,000 the largest amount raised for the organization to date.

After Cookies with Characters grew through the years it did not take long for Kiley to follow her heart and passion for helping people and she was hired as the Meredith’s Miracles Executive Director in June of 2018. Kiley decided to go “inactive” with her real estate license by the end of 2022. The foundation was growing a rapid rate. Kiley has a love for technology and networking. Her mission was to advance Meredith’s Miracles in multiple ways with technology to help reach so many more families in the 27 counties they serve. Since then, Kiley has dedicated herself to helping as many families as she can through the organization.

Kiley is married to her husband since the year 2000 Paul Spears Jr. of Andalusia, and they have two children, Dalton and Keaton Spears.