Teachers
Room 1
Four Year Olds
Ms. McAdams
Dee McAdams is beginning her eigth year at the CLC. She has 18 years experience working with children of all ages. She has an Associate's degree in Office Administration. Dee grew up in the McCalla area and lives in Bessemer. She looks forward to a great year with your children.
Can be contacted via email at: lmcadam@samford.edu
Dee McAdams is beginning her eigth year at the CLC. She has 18 years experience working with children of all ages. She has an Associate's degree in Office Administration. Dee grew up in the McCalla area and lives in Bessemer. She looks forward to a great year with your children.
Can be contacted via email at: lmcadam@samford.edu
Ms. Stedeford
Kelly Stedeford began teaching at the CLC when it opened in July 1998. She has seventeen years of experience working with preschoolers. Kelly grew up in Hoover, attended Samford University, and lives in Bluff Park with her dog Grady.
Can be contacted via email at: kastedef@samford.edu
Kelly Stedeford began teaching at the CLC when it opened in July 1998. She has seventeen years of experience working with preschoolers. Kelly grew up in Hoover, attended Samford University, and lives in Bluff Park with her dog Grady.
Can be contacted via email at: kastedef@samford.edu
Room 2
Three Year Olds
Ms. Stephanie
Stephanie Honeycutt started at the CLC two years ago and has enjoyed working with the three year olds. Currently, she is raising her two beautiful daughters, Jai and Jordyn. She is going to school part time to receive her degree in Child Development/Education. Her hobbies include shopping, reading, and spending time with her girls. She is very excited about another year with the threes.
Can be contacted via email at: shoneycu@samford.edu
Stephanie Honeycutt started at the CLC two years ago and has enjoyed working with the three year olds. Currently, she is raising her two beautiful daughters, Jai and Jordyn. She is going to school part time to receive her degree in Child Development/Education. Her hobbies include shopping, reading, and spending time with her girls. She is very excited about another year with the threes.
Can be contacted via email at: shoneycu@samford.edu
Mrs. Jenni
Jenni Riffe has over 10 years of experience as a preschool teacher and nanny. She lives just outside of Montevallo with her husband Dale and three sons Tyler, Chad, and Max. She enjoys leading her son’s Boy Scout troup in her spare time.
Can be contacted via email at: jriffe@samford.edu
Jenni Riffe has over 10 years of experience as a preschool teacher and nanny. She lives just outside of Montevallo with her husband Dale and three sons Tyler, Chad, and Max. She enjoys leading her son’s Boy Scout troup in her spare time.
Can be contacted via email at: jriffe@samford.edu
Room 3
Four Year Olds
Ms. Thompson
Debbie Thompson has been a four year old teacher at the CLC since 2002. Her goal is to give children a place of belonging and to nurture their own creativity and innate desire to learn. Debbie has over 20 years teaching experience including working with children and adults with autism and developmental disorders at Allan Cott School and Studio by the Tracks. She is a graduate of Auburn University.
Can be contacted via email at: dathomps@samford.edu
Debbie Thompson has been a four year old teacher at the CLC since 2002. Her goal is to give children a place of belonging and to nurture their own creativity and innate desire to learn. Debbie has over 20 years teaching experience including working with children and adults with autism and developmental disorders at Allan Cott School and Studio by the Tracks. She is a graduate of Auburn University.
Can be contacted via email at: dathomps@samford.edu
Ms. Young
April Young is a native of Albany, Georgia and has lived in Birmingham for five years. She has had nineteen years experience and training in the field of Early Childhood Education including four years as a teacher with Head Start. In addition to teaching she is the mother of one and serves on the ministerial board of New Dimension Christian. April is currently a student in the Samford Metro Program.
Can be contacted via email at: adyoung@samford.edu
April Young is a native of Albany, Georgia and has lived in Birmingham for five years. She has had nineteen years experience and training in the field of Early Childhood Education including four years as a teacher with Head Start. In addition to teaching she is the mother of one and serves on the ministerial board of New Dimension Christian. April is currently a student in the Samford Metro Program.
Can be contacted via email at: adyoung@samford.edu
Room 4
Three Year Olds
Mrs. Pitts
Margi Pitts is a staunch supporter of Samford University having had all three of her children graduate there. She and her husband are first time grandparents. Her hobbies include reading, antique shopping, and spending time with her family. This is her seventh year at the CLC.
Can be contacted via email at: mkpitts@samford.edu
Margi Pitts is a staunch supporter of Samford University having had all three of her children graduate there. She and her husband are first time grandparents. Her hobbies include reading, antique shopping, and spending time with her family. This is her seventh year at the CLC.
Can be contacted via email at: mkpitts@samford.edu
Ms. Ward
Melissa Ward graduated from Samford University with a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood/Elementary Education in 2001. She has worked with children of all ages, including toddlers and four year olds at the CLC .She has worked at the CLC for 7 years She is very excited about the challenges ahead for the new year. Melissa is a native of Birmingham and is a member of First United Methodist Church.
Can be contacted via email at: mkward@samford.edu
Melissa Ward graduated from Samford University with a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood/Elementary Education in 2001. She has worked with children of all ages, including toddlers and four year olds at the CLC .She has worked at the CLC for 7 years She is very excited about the challenges ahead for the new year. Melissa is a native of Birmingham and is a member of First United Methodist Church.
Can be contacted via email at: mkward@samford.edu
Room 5
Young Infants
Mrs. Mickey
Mickey Naro (“Yes, Mickey is my real name”) began working at the CLC when it opened in 1998. She is one of two staff members still here who opened the center. She has been teaching and caring for children for over 30 years. Mickey and her husband have three sons, three daughters-in-law, four granddaughters, and three granddogs.
Can be contacted via email at: mbnaro@samford.edu
Mickey Naro (“Yes, Mickey is my real name”) began working at the CLC when it opened in 1998. She is one of two staff members still here who opened the center. She has been teaching and caring for children for over 30 years. Mickey and her husband have three sons, three daughters-in-law, four granddaughters, and three granddogs.
Can be contacted via email at: mbnaro@samford.edu
Mrs. Rose
Rose White has lived in Birmingham for three years. She is originally from Cherokee County. Rose has several years of experience in working with young children in an Early Childhood setting. She graduated from Gadsden State Community College in May 2007. Rose and her husband Rubbie are the proud parents of Hanna who is in the toddler room at the CLC.
Can be contacted via email at: rbush@samford.edu
Rose White has lived in Birmingham for three years. She is originally from Cherokee County. Rose has several years of experience in working with young children in an Early Childhood setting. She graduated from Gadsden State Community College in May 2007. Rose and her husband Rubbie are the proud parents of Hanna who is in the toddler room at the CLC.
Can be contacted via email at: rbush@samford.edu
Room 6
Young Toddlers
Ms. Jessica
Jessica Bosley graduated from the University of Montevallo in 2009 with a degree in Psychology. She has worked in childcare since 2008. Jessica and her husband live in McCalla and enjoy being outdoors whenever possible. She has worked at the CLC since May 2009 and is truly thankful for the opportunities God has presented!
Can be contacted via email at: jbosley@samford.edu
Jessica Bosley graduated from the University of Montevallo in 2009 with a degree in Psychology. She has worked in childcare since 2008. Jessica and her husband live in McCalla and enjoy being outdoors whenever possible. She has worked at the CLC since May 2009 and is truly thankful for the opportunities God has presented!
Can be contacted via email at: jbosley@samford.edu
Ms. Katie
Katie Spencer began working at the CLC in March 2008. She and her husband Judd moved to Birmingham from Illinois and are both originally from Massachusetts. She loves working with infants and toddlers and is excited about being in a new class. She received her Bachelor’s degree in 2003 and has worked with both children and adults with developmental disabilities.
Can be contacted via email at: kspencer@samford.edu
Katie Spencer began working at the CLC in March 2008. She and her husband Judd moved to Birmingham from Illinois and are both originally from Massachusetts. She loves working with infants and toddlers and is excited about being in a new class. She received her Bachelor’s degree in 2003 and has worked with both children and adults with developmental disabilities.
Can be contacted via email at: kspencer@samford.edu
Room 7
Older Infants
Mrs. Kela
Kela Stanford began working at the Children’s Learning Center in July 2008. She is married with two children. Kela has worked with children for over 10 years. She has an associate’s degree as a Medical Assistant and is currently in school pursuing a degree in Education.
Can be contacted via email at: kstanfo1@samford.edu
Kela Stanford began working at the Children’s Learning Center in July 2008. She is married with two children. Kela has worked with children for over 10 years. She has an associate’s degree as a Medical Assistant and is currently in school pursuing a degree in Education.
Can be contacted via email at: kstanfo1@samford.edu
Mrs. Michele
Michele Fiut lives in Sylacauga with her two children, Austin and Jennifer. She has four years experience working in a childcare setting and has also worked at the Alabama School for the Deaf and Blind. In her spare time, she enjoys renovating her house and refinishing furniture.
Can be contacted via email at: mfiut@samford.edu
Michele Fiut lives in Sylacauga with her two children, Austin and Jennifer. She has four years experience working in a childcare setting and has also worked at the Alabama School for the Deaf and Blind. In her spare time, she enjoys renovating her house and refinishing furniture.
Can be contacted via email at: mfiut@samford.edu
Room 8
Older Toddlers
Mrs. Lisa
Lisa Falletta lives in Leeds with her husband Mark and three children. She attended college at Birmingham Southern. Lisa has worked in child care for the past 19 years. Over this time, she has worked in many areas from infancy to middle school age as well as working with children with special needs.
Can be contacted via email at: lffallet@samford.edu
Lisa Falletta lives in Leeds with her husband Mark and three children. She attended college at Birmingham Southern. Lisa has worked in child care for the past 19 years. Over this time, she has worked in many areas from infancy to middle school age as well as working with children with special needs.
Can be contacted via email at: lffallet@samford.edu
Room 9
Younger Twos
Mrs. Anne
Anne Hanks recently moved back to the Birmingham area with her husband Cary. She is a native of Birmingham and has lived in Florida, Louisiana, Ecuador, and Indiana. Anne has a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and has worked for a number of years with children of all ages. She has two adult children and one grandchild.
Can be contacted via email at: chanks@samford.edu
Anne Hanks recently moved back to the Birmingham area with her husband Cary. She is a native of Birmingham and has lived in Florida, Louisiana, Ecuador, and Indiana. Anne has a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and has worked for a number of years with children of all ages. She has two adult children and one grandchild.
Can be contacted via email at: chanks@samford.edu
Miss MIchelle
Michelle Kelly moved Birmingham in the Fall of 2005 from Troy, AL to attend Samford. She graduated in May 2009 with a degree in International Relations and Spanish. Michelle began working at the CLC as a student worker in August 2008 and became a full-time floater upon her graduation. She enjoys politics, pop culture, and spoiling her two year old niece.
Can be contacted via email at: mkkelly@samford.edu
Michelle Kelly moved Birmingham in the Fall of 2005 from Troy, AL to attend Samford. She graduated in May 2009 with a degree in International Relations and Spanish. Michelle began working at the CLC as a student worker in August 2008 and became a full-time floater upon her graduation. She enjoys politics, pop culture, and spoiling her two year old niece.
Can be contacted via email at: mkkelly@samford.edu
Room 10
Older Twos
Mrs. Katrin
Katrin Cotten is a native of Turkey. She has been employed at the CLC since August of 2005. She speaks Turkish, Arabic, English and a little French. She has over 18 years experience working with children of all ages including almost six years at St. Vincent’s Child Care in Birmingham. Katrin and her husband Bill have been married for 18 years. She loves working with children. Her goal is to always improve herself so that she may be a better teacher. Her plan for the year is to plant seeds of knowledge and growth for years to come.
Can be contacted via email at: kcotten@samford.edu
Katrin Cotten is a native of Turkey. She has been employed at the CLC since August of 2005. She speaks Turkish, Arabic, English and a little French. She has over 18 years experience working with children of all ages including almost six years at St. Vincent’s Child Care in Birmingham. Katrin and her husband Bill have been married for 18 years. She loves working with children. Her goal is to always improve herself so that she may be a better teacher. Her plan for the year is to plant seeds of knowledge and growth for years to come.
Can be contacted via email at: kcotten@samford.edu
Mrs. Melinda
Melinda Butts is a native of Birmingham. She has been married to her husband, Dennis, for 25 years. They have three children, Melanie, 22, John, 20, and Matthew, 12. Her family loves to camp and play board games. Melinda recently completed her B.A. degree at Huntingdon College in Montgomery. Her 16 years of childcare experience includes classroom instruction and administration.
Can be contacted via email at: mbutts@samford.edu
Melinda Butts is a native of Birmingham. She has been married to her husband, Dennis, for 25 years. They have three children, Melanie, 22, John, 20, and Matthew, 12. Her family loves to camp and play board games. Melinda recently completed her B.A. degree at Huntingdon College in Montgomery. Her 16 years of childcare experience includes classroom instruction and administration.
Can be contacted via email at: mbutts@samford.edu
Administration
Dr. Finn
Dr. David Finn holds a bachelor’s degree in Multiple Disabilities, a master’s in Educational Psychology and a doctorate in Special Education; all from the University of Alabama. He opened the CLC in 1998 and serves as its CEO. He is also Director of Special Education for the University. Dr. Finn’s research interests include young children with disabilities, particularly those who have autism or attentional challenges.
Can be contacted via email at: dmfinn@samford.edu
Dr. David Finn holds a bachelor’s degree in Multiple Disabilities, a master’s in Educational Psychology and a doctorate in Special Education; all from the University of Alabama. He opened the CLC in 1998 and serves as its CEO. He is also Director of Special Education for the University. Dr. Finn’s research interests include young children with disabilities, particularly those who have autism or attentional challenges.
Can be contacted via email at: dmfinn@samford.edu
Mrs. Tippen
Alayna Tippen is a graduate of the University of Alabama at Birmingham with a degree in Early Childhood Education. She has worked with children for over 19 years. She was a teacher at BEKare Child Development Center and St. Vincent’s Child Care. She was Director of the program at St. Vincent’s for two years before coming to Samford in April 2005 as the Chief Operations and Learning Officer. Alayna and her husband Scott are the parents of Noah and Olivia.
Can be contacted via email at: actippen@samford.edu
Alayna Tippen is a graduate of the University of Alabama at Birmingham with a degree in Early Childhood Education. She has worked with children for over 19 years. She was a teacher at BEKare Child Development Center and St. Vincent’s Child Care. She was Director of the program at St. Vincent’s for two years before coming to Samford in April 2005 as the Chief Operations and Learning Officer. Alayna and her husband Scott are the parents of Noah and Olivia.
Can be contacted via email at: actippen@samford.edu
Mrs. Amy
Amy Gale graduated from Florida State University with a degree in Child Development. She has worked with children for 14 years. She began working at the CLC in 2003 as a Two Year Old Teacher. In 2004 she began working in administration as the Assistant Chief Operation and Learning Officer. Amy and her husband Andy are proud parents of Drew and William.
Can be contacted via email at: argale@samford.edu
Amy Gale graduated from Florida State University with a degree in Child Development. She has worked with children for 14 years. She began working at the CLC in 2003 as a Two Year Old Teacher. In 2004 she began working in administration as the Assistant Chief Operation and Learning Officer. Amy and her husband Andy are proud parents of Drew and William.
Can be contacted via email at: argale@samford.edu
Mrs. Alice
Alice Eldridge Summerville joined the CLC in May 2007. She is a 1979 graduate of Mountain Brook High School. She attended Auburn University and UAB. She has over 20 years experience in accounting and office administration. Alice and her husband Walter reside in Homewood with their two sons, Owen and Will.
Can be contacted via email at: asummerv@samford.edu
Alice Eldridge Summerville joined the CLC in May 2007. She is a 1979 graduate of Mountain Brook High School. She attended Auburn University and UAB. She has over 20 years experience in accounting and office administration. Alice and her husband Walter reside in Homewood with their two sons, Owen and Will.
Can be contacted via email at: asummerv@samford.edu
Floaters
Ms. Judy
Judy Meyer joined the CLC in September 2008. She attended the University of Minnesota but has lived in the South all of her adult life. She has over 5 years of experience as a nanny but many more years experience as a Mom. She has two adult sons and is a grandmother to 9, 5 of whom are chosen. Mrs. Judy teaches 5 and 6 year old Sunday School and is a Confirmation mentor. She loves being a floater because she gets to know and love ALL our precious children.
Can be contacted via email at: jmeyer1@samford.edu
Judy Meyer joined the CLC in September 2008. She attended the University of Minnesota but has lived in the South all of her adult life. She has over 5 years of experience as a nanny but many more years experience as a Mom. She has two adult sons and is a grandmother to 9, 5 of whom are chosen. Mrs. Judy teaches 5 and 6 year old Sunday School and is a Confirmation mentor. She loves being a floater because she gets to know and love ALL our precious children.
Can be contacted via email at: jmeyer1@samford.edu
Ms. Joy
Joy Henninger attended Jacksonville State and studied Elementary Education. She has been working with infants, toddlers, and preschoolers for 20 years. She has been at Samford CLC since December 2005. The past two years have been spent with the toddlers. Joy lives in Pell City with her two children Ashley and Austin.
Can be contacted via email at: jmhennin@samford.edu
Joy Henninger attended Jacksonville State and studied Elementary Education. She has been working with infants, toddlers, and preschoolers for 20 years. She has been at Samford CLC since December 2005. The past two years have been spent with the toddlers. Joy lives in Pell City with her two children Ashley and Austin.
Can be contacted via email at: jmhennin@samford.edu
Nutrition Assistant and Center Support
Mrs. Beryl
Beryl Flurry lives in Homewood with her husband R.C. They have resided there for 40 years. They have three children and nine grandchildren, two of which are chosen. She has more than 35 years of experience in childcare and loves being around children. Beryl has been at the CLC since August 1998.
Can be contacted via email at: bsflurry@samford.edu
Beryl Flurry lives in Homewood with her husband R.C. They have resided there for 40 years. They have three children and nine grandchildren, two of which are chosen. She has more than 35 years of experience in childcare and loves being around children. Beryl has been at the CLC since August 1998.
Can be contacted via email at: bsflurry@samford.edu
Friend
Mr. Ford
My name is Sam Ford. I am a brown bear. I have always had a great love for children. When I found the CLC, I was so happy. Everyday, I am greeted with hugs and kisses. I help children when they are sad or waiting for their parents. They tell me all of their secrets and concerns.
Can be contacted in person at the CLC
My name is Sam Ford. I am a brown bear. I have always had a great love for children. When I found the CLC, I was so happy. Everyday, I am greeted with hugs and kisses. I help children when they are sad or waiting for their parents. They tell me all of their secrets and concerns.
Can be contacted in person at the CLC