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Meet The Team

Nichole Dawsey

Executive Director
Nichole graduated with her B.A. from the Catholic University of America and found herself in the field of education. Her exposure to the importance of supporting young people’s mental health, wellness, and development of life skills led her to pursue a Master of Public Health from Saint Louis University. Throughout her career she has worked in many positions addressing various public health and social justice challenges. This includes her 16 years at PreventEd (NCADA) in St. Louis where she oversaw the expansion of the prevention education program.

Nikki Macon

Director of Strategic Partnerships
Nikeisha "Nikki" Macon is a Birmingham native with deep roots in the community and a passion for service. A proud graduate of Birmingham City Schools and the first in her family to earn a college degree, she holds a B.S. in Human Resources Management from Faulkner University. With over 15 years of experience in operations, community engagement and program leadership, Nikki now serves as the Director of Strategic Partnerships at APC, where she works to build meaningful connections and bring life-changing resources to neighborhoods across the state of Alabama.

Abimbola Famurewa

Epidemiologist
Abimbola "Abi" Famurewa is a graduate of Texas A&M University with an MPH in Epidemiology. She is Certified in Public Health and a Certified Prevention Specialist. She is a strategic and result-driven Epidemiologist with expertise in program evaluation, public health research, data collection, and analysis.

Ashley Loftis

Director of Mental Health Programs
Ashley Loftis is the Director of Mental Health Programs. In 2019, Ashley graduated from UAB with a MA in Counselor Education, and in 2016, she graduated from The University of Alabama. Currently, she is pursuing her PhD in Counseling and Supervision. Ashley is a Licensed Professional Counselor, National Certified Counselor, and a Certified Prevention Specialist. Ashley is passionate about working with adolescents and people who are justice-involved. 

Jasmine Gilbert

Program Coordinator
Jasmine Gilbert, a proud Birmingham native and Woodlawn High School graduate, holds a B.S. in Rehabilitation Services with a concentration in Addiction Studies and a Certification in Maternal and Child Health from Alabama State University, as well as a Master’s in Nonprofit Leadership and Management from Arizona State University. She brings over 12 years of experience in the nonprofit sector and currently leads APC's student initiatives. Jasmine is passionate about service, equity, and youth empowerment. She is committed to creating meaningful, lasting change in communities and inspiring future leaders.

Morgan Grace

Program Manager
Morgan graduated from University of Alabama where she received her BSW. While she started her work at APC as an intern, Morgan now serves as a Program Manager for the STOP Act Grant which targets underage drinking, working alongside fellow staff and students to provide prevention information to youth. Morgan is passionate about collaboration and teamwork, as evidenced by her favorite APC event - the annual EAB Walk.

Christen Craig

Communications Coordinator
Christen graduated with a B.A. in Visual Communications from Tusculum University in 2018 and earned her MBA in 2019. She has over six years of experience working in and providing resources to the community. At APC, she leads all communications efforts as the Communications Coordinator. She also supports the organization’s mission by coordinating prevention efforts through initiatives like ONEbox.

Patty Baker

Administrative Coordinator
Patty Baker brings extensive experience in organizational support and office management to the team.  She is excited to contribute to APC’s goal of preventing substance misuse and making a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by substance use disorder.

Randy Hall

Program Coordinator
Randy Hall received a B.A. in English and Political Science from Vanderbilt University, a J.D. from the University of Florida College of Law, and a M.Ed. from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He is a person in long-term recovery, a Certified Recovery Support Specialist, a SMART Recovery Facilitator, and the former leader of the Recovery Dharma Global community. Randy works as a Program Coordinator with APC where he coordinates Mental Health First Aid Trainings, manages volunteers, and provides peer support services, including facilitating numerous peer support group meetings every week.

Sonia Simmons

Bookkeeper
Bio Coming Soon!

Christie Caruana

Program Manager
Christie Caruana is the Prevention Specialist for APC. Christie graduated with her B.S. from Troy University in 2021, and received her M.S. in Sociology in 2022. Christie is a member of the Association of Applied and Clinical Sociology and serves on the Advisory Board for the Department of Youth Services.

Carie Wimberly

Executive Director
Carie brings 20+ years of experience in Management and Process Improvement at BellSouth to the mission of APC. She has worked hard to create a safe place for community members struggling with the effects of SUD through her creation of APC’s Family Support Groups, Celebrate Recovery, and her 10 years of dedication to APC’s SUD Prevention strategies in the Birmingham community.

Nichole Dawsey

Deputy Director
Nichole graduated with her B.A. from the Catholic University of America and found herself in the field of education. Her exposure to the importance of supporting young people’s mental health, wellness, and development of life skills led her to pursue a Master of Public Health from Saint Louis University. Throughout her career she has worked in many positions addressing various public health and social justice challenges. This includes her 5+ years PreventEd (NCADA) where she oversaw the expansion of the prevention education program.

Carie Wimberly

Executive Director
Carie brings 20+ years of experience in Management and Process Improvement at BellSouth to the mission of APC. She has worked hard to create a safe place for community members struggling with the effects of SUD through her creation of APC’s Family Support Groups, Celebrate Recovery, and her 10 years of dedication to APC’s SUD Prevention strategies in the Birmingham community.

Nichole Dawsey

Deputy Director
Nichole graduated with her B.A. from the Catholic University of America and found herself in the field of education. Her exposure to the importance of supporting young people’s mental health, wellness, and development of life skills led her to pursue a Master of Public Health from Saint Louis University. Throughout her career she has worked in many positions addressing various public health and social justice challenges. This includes her 5+ years PreventEd (NCADA) where she oversaw the expansion of the prevention education program.

Carie Wimberly

Executive Director
Carie brings 20+ years of experience in administration and BellSouth to the mission of APC. She has worked hard to create a safe place for community members struggling with the effects of SUD.

Tara Wilkinson

Director of Operations
Tara Wilkinson earned a Bachelor of Arts in social work from Franklin Pierce University and a Master of Social Work degree from the University of South Carolina. She spent 25 years working in student housing in higher education and applies transferrable skills associated with supervision, operations, community building and financials to APC. Tara believes efficient business practices can apply to nonprofits which allows for more community connections and service to others. She is interested in the systematic influences to SUD and supporting the APC team to serve the community.

Nikeisha "Nikki" Macon

Program Coordinator
Nikeisha "Nikki" Macon was born and raised in Birmingham and educated in the Birmingham city school system. She is a first generation graduate with a BS degree in Human Resources Management from Faulkner University. She brings over 15 years of experience to her Program Coordinator role here at APC as she navigates prevention throughout the city of Birmingham.

Christie Caruana

Prevention Specialist
Christie Caruana is the Prevention Specialist for APC. Christie graduated with her B.S. from Troy University in 2021, and received her M.S. in Sociology in 2022. Christie is a member of the Association of Applied and Clinical Sociology and serves on the Advisory Board for the Department of Youth Services.

Nikisha Macon

Program Coordinator
Nikeisha "Nikki" Macon was born and raised in Birmingham and educated in the Birmingham city school system. She is a first generation graduate with a BS degree in Human Resources Management from Faulkner University. She brings over 15 years of experience to her Program Coordinator role here at APC as she navigates prevention throughout the city of Birmingham.

Christie Caruana

LEAP Prevention Navigator
Christie Caruana is the LEAP Prevention Navigator for APC. Christie graduated with her B.S. from Troy University in 2021, and received her M.S. in Sociology in 2022. Christie is a member of the Association of Applied and Clinical Sociology and serves on the Advisory Board for the Department of Youth Services.

Abimbola Famurewa

Epidemiologist
Abimbola "Abi" Famurewa is a graduate of Texas A&M University with an MPH in Epidemiology. She is Certified in Public Health and a Certified Prevention Specialist. She is a strategic and result-driven Epidemiologist with expertise in program evaluation, public health research, data collection, and analysis.

Ashley Loftis

Mental Health Program Coordinator & Director of Continuing Education
Ashley Loftis is the Mental Health Program Coordinator and the Director of Continuing Education. Ashley is a 2019 graduate from UAB with a MA in Counselor Education, and a 2016 graduate from The University of Alabama. She is also a Licensed Professional Counselor in Alabama, a National Certified Counselor, and a Certified Prevention Specialist. Ashley is passionate about working with justice-involved adolescents and people with substance use disorders

Jasmine Gilbert

Youth Tobacco Prevention Student Specialist
Jasmine serves as the Youth Tobacco Prevention Student Specialist. Her daily tasks include training students on the consequences and harm of adolescent tobacco and vaping use. Jasmine is also working on updating Tobacco policy in High Schools and planning in person and digital media campaigns about Tobacco Prevention.

Morgan Grace

Resource Coordinator
Morgan is a University of Alabama graduate where she received her BSW. She was an intern at APC, then a part-time work administrative support. Now she serves as the Resource Coordinator where she uses her passion to help people get connected to the resources they need. Morgan plans to use her social work background to connect the community to APC.

Allison Jacobs

Media & Events Coordinator
Allison graduated from Auburn University in 2014 with a B.A. in Communications. Using her previous experience working at the Southeastern Conference and Dale Carnegie Training, Allison currently manages our social media platforms and plans events for the organization.

Ashley Loftis

LEAP Prevention Navigator & Director of Continuing Education
Ashley Loftis is the Prevention Navigator for Project LEAP and the Director of Continuing Education. Ashley is a 2019 graduate from UAB with a MA in Counselor Education, and a 2016 graduate from The University of Alabama. She is also an Associated Licensed Counselor in Alabama, a National Certified Counselor, and a Certified Prevention Specialist. Ashley is passionate about working with justice-involved adolescents and people with substance use disorders.

Christen Craig

Prevention Specialist
Christen graduated with a B.A. in Visual Communications from Tusculum University in 2018 and earned her MBA in 2019. Christen has over six years of experience working and providing resources in the community. She currently coordinates and manages preventive services at APC as the Prevention Specialist

Gerri Philips

Project Coordinator
With a decade of experience in education, specializing in higher education, and a background in social media marketing, Gerri brings a unique blend of skills to the mental health and substance prevention field. Gerri is dedicated to leveraging her expertise in communication and community engagement to make a positive impact on mental health awareness and substance abuse prevention efforts.

Kanissia Rounds

Program Director
Kanissia is an alumnus of Wilmington University, where she received a B.S. in Psychology and a MS in Administration of Human Services. She continued her education at Delaware State University, where she received her Master of Social Work. Kanissia has over 25 years of experience working with the community. Currently, she is a Program Director responsible for all aspects of the agency's substance abuse prevention programs.

Shawn Windham

Prevention Specialist
Shawn moved to Alabama in April of 2023. He has worked in Law Enforcement for 29 years working with youths and the Special Victims Unit. Currently at APC, Shawn is a Prevention Specialist coordinating and managing prevention services designed to reduce substance misuse in Blount and St. Clair Counties.

Beniria White

Project Director
Edward holds a B.S. from Auburn University in Philosophy and a M.S. in Management from Troy University. Edward is a Certified Recovery Support Specialist and a Certified Prevention Specialist. With the APC, Edward oversees the implementation of evidence-based prevention efforts in Blount and St. Clair counties.

Edward Taylor

Director of Prevention Initiatives
Edward holds a B.S. from Auburn University in Philosophy and a M.S. in Management from Troy University. Edward is a Certified Recovery Support Specialist and a Certified Prevention Specialist. With the APC, Edward oversees the implementation of evidence-based prevention efforts in Blount and St. Clair counties.

Katlynn Nguyen

Prevention Program Coordinator
Katlynn Nguyen is an alumna of Texas Woman’s University where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. Katlynn currently serves as a prevention specialist and program coordinator at the Addiction Prevention Coalition. Katlynn is continuing to further her education by pursuing her Master’s Degree in Public Health with an emphasis in community outreach education in hopes of reducing the stigma of addiction and stopping overdose fatalities.

Raven Johnson

Director of Student Initiatives
Raven is a MSW student at Alabama A&M and is a part of the Opioid Impacted Families fellowship. She received her B.S. in Public Health and Psychology at UAB in 2018. She is also a Certified Prevention Specialist and is passionate about tackling addiction from all angles.

Michaela Smith

Media & Event Coordinator
Michaela is graduate of Troy University with a B.S. in Broadcast Journalism and currently attends the University of Alabama to obtain her Master's degree in Advertising and Public Relations. Michaela manages our social media platforms, edits videos, and plans events for the organization. Michaela is passionate about serving and informing her community on mental health awareness and prevention strategies.

Carie WimberlyCarie Wimberly

Executive Director

Carie brings 20+ years of experience in administration and BellSouth to the mission of APC. She has worked hard to create a safe place for community members struggling with the effects of SUD.

Tara WilkinsonTara Wilkinson

Director of Operations

Tara Wilkinson earned a Bachelor of Arts in social work from Franklin Pierce University and a Master of Social Work degree from the University of South Carolina. She spent 25 years working in student housing in higher education and applies transferrable skills associated with supervision, operations, community building and financials to APC. Tara believes efficient business practices can apply to nonprofits which allows for more community connections and service to others. She is interested in the systematic influences to SUD and supporting the APC team to serve the community.

Raven JohnsonRaven Johnson

Director of Student Initiatives

Raven is a MSW student at Alabama A&M and is a part of the Opioid Impacted Families fellowship. She received her B.S. in Public Health and Psychology at UAB in 2018. She is also a Certified Prevention Specialist and is passionate about tackling addiction from all angles.

Ashley LoftisAshley Loftis

LEAP Prevention Navigator & Director of Continuing Education

Ashley Loftis is the Prevention Navigator for Project LEAP and the Director of Continuing Education. Ashley is a 2019 graduate from UAB with a MA in Counselor Education, and a 2016 graduate from The University of Alabama. She is also an Associated Licensed Counselor in Alabama, a National Certified Counselor, and a Certified Prevention Specialist. Ashley is passionate about working with justice-involved adolescents and people with substance use disorders.

Abimbola FamurewaAbimbola Famurewa

Epidemiologist

Abimbola "Abi" Famurewa is a graduate of Texas A&M University with an MPH in Epidemiology. She is Certified in Public Health and a Certified Prevention Specialist. She is a strategic and result-driven Epidemiologist with expertise in program evaluation, public health research, data collection, and analysis.

Edward TaylorEdward Taylor

Director of Prevention Initiatives

Edward holds a B.S. from Auburn University in Philosophy and a M.S. in Management from Troy University. Edward is a Certified Recovery Support Specialist and a Certified Prevention Specialist. With the APC, Edward oversees the implementation of evidence-based prevention efforts in Blount and St. Clair counties.

Michaela SmithMichaela Smith

Media & Event Coordinator

Michaela is graduate of Troy University with a B.S. in Broadcast Journalism and currently attends the University of Alabama to obtain her Master's degree in Advertising and Public Relations. Michaela manages our social media platforms, edits videos, and plans events for the organization. Michaela is passionate about serving and informing her community on mental health awareness and prevention strategies.

Beniria WhiteBeniria White

Project Director

Beniria is a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi with a B.S in Public Health and an awaited Master's degree in Clinical Social Work. She is passionate about mental health awareness and prevention efforts that help others understand and effectively address substance use and related mental health problems in their communities.

Katlynn NguyenKatlynn Nguyen

Prevention Program Coordinator

Katlynn Nguyen is an alumna of Texas Woman’s University where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. Katlynn currently serves as a prevention specialist and program coordinator at the Addiction Prevention Coalition. Katlynn is continuing to further her education by pursuing her Master’s Degree in Public Health with an emphasis in community outreach education in hopes of reducing the stigma of addiction and stopping overdose fatalities.

Jasmine GilbertJasmine Gilbert

Youth Tobacco Prevention Student Specialist

Jasmine serves as the Youth Tobacco Prevention Student Specialist. Her daily tasks include training students on the consequences and harm of adolescent tobacco and vaping use. Jasmine is also working on updating Tobacco policy in High Schools and planning in person and digital media campaigns about Tobacco Prevention.

Morgan GraceMorgan Grace

Resource Coordinator

Morgan is a University of Alabama graduate where she received her BSW. She was an intern at APC, then a part-time work administrative support. Now she serves as the Resource Coordinator where she uses her passion to help people get connected to the resources they need. Morgan plans to use her social work background to connect the community to APC.

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