Jena Anderson

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 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! 

No Bio

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.

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.

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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. 

 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

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.

Rosemary Bass Spann is a graduate of Andalusia High School and a proud alumna of the University of Alabama, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Education. She now serves as the student recruiter for LBW Community College, where she finds great joy in helping students discover their path and purpose.

Rosemary has proudly served as Cwc Junior/Co- Director with Meredith’s Miracles since 2014. “My favorite time of the year is Cookies with Characters, one of our biggest fundraisers. Seeing our community, and even those from other cities, come together to support such an amazing organization is just so special. It’s so rewarding at the end of the weekend to hear the final amount we raised that goes back to the precious children we help. Even more rewarding than that is seeing the beautiful children we support, who are able to attend the event, smiling and so excited to meet all of the fun characters. That is my heart. That is our why.”

She is also an active member of First Baptist Church. A proud coach’s wife, Rosemary is married to John Patrick Spann of Opp, who serves as the defensive coordinator at Straughn High School. Together, they share a love for students, Friday night lights, and their golden retriever. In her free time, Rosemary enjoys spending time with family and seeking out adventure.

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 Davis Spears is an Andalusia native and the Executive Director of Meredith’s Miracles.  

Kiley’s journey with Meredith’s Miracles began in 2006 when she introduced the idea for what would become the organization’s signature fundraiser, Cookies with Characters. At the time, she was working full-time as a realtor with Coldwell Banker 1st Choice Realty while volunteering her time as the event coordinator. What started as a small community event with just 20 characters has grown into one of the region’s most anticipated family events, now featuring more than 90 characters and volunteers each year and welcoming more than 3,000 attendees annually. As Meredith’s Miracles events and community outreach continued to grow, the foundation established a Student Community Service Program in 2018 serving Andalusia City, Covington County, Opp City, Coffee County, and Crenshaw County schools. It is called “Meredith’s Miracles Miracle Makers” Kiley also oversees this program, which currently has more than 700 students enrolled ranging from 8th grade through college age.

For nearly 20 years, Kiley has dedicated countless hours and unwavering passion to Cookies with Characters, helping it become the largest fundraiser for Meredith’s Miracles. The organization’s 20th Annual Cookies with Characters recently raised more than $115,000, setting a new fundraising record for the foundation.

In June 2018, Kiley officially joined Meredith’s Miracles as Executive Director, following her passion for helping families during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. As the organization rapidly expanded, she made the decision in 2022 to place her real estate career on inactive status in order to fully devote herself to the foundation and its mission.  Known for her passion for technology, networking, and community outreach, Kiley has played a major role in modernizing and growing Meredith’s Miracles to reach more families than ever before. She oversees all operations of the organization and continues to work tirelessly to ensure families receive support, encouragement, and hope when they need it most.

Meredith’s Miracles is supported by an incredible Board of Directors who work alongside Kiley and continually support the organization’s mission and growth. Kiley believes the true heart of her work is found in the families Meredith’s Miracles serves each day. One piece of advice that has stayed with her throughout her journey is, “Wake up each day and be a blessing in someone’s life.” She strives daily to live by those words and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Kiley is married to her husband of nearly 26 years, Paul Spears Jr. of Andalusia. Together, they have built their lives and raised their family in the community they proudly call home. Years ago, Kiley and Paul made the decision that Andalusia was the best place to raise their children, believing there was no better community to grow roots, build relationships, and give back to others.
Together they have two children, Dalton and Keaton Spears, who have grown up surrounded by the values of compassion, community service, and helping others. Family has always been at the center of Kiley’s life and the driving force behind her passion for serving families through Meredith’s Miracles.

Kiley often says Andalusia’s motto, “Love Where You Live,” perfectly reflects how she and her family feel about their hometown. She is incredibly proud to be part of a community that continuously embraces and supports the mission of Meredith’s Miracles. From volunteers and donors to local businesses and families, Kiley believes the overwhelming support from the community is what makes it possible for Meredith’s Miracles to continue changing lives across the region. 

Full time resident of Covington County since 1980

Graduated from Andalusia High School in 1993

Is Married to Jeremie Shaffer of Andalusia and 

has two children Lorren and Riley

Frank has been involved with MM by way of Cookies 

with Characters for several years .

He is a very active member of our community. Always coming out to support whatever group is doing whatever thing.

Frank and Jeremie are also Family Pastors at Andalusia Bible Church in Andalusia.

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.