July 2021 News

Meet Our Board of Directors

Gayle Canaga Brown, NAJA President

Life Member of JA of Monticello, AR

Gayle currently lives in Ocean Springs, MS where she grew up. She is a Workforce Developer and Grant Writer for Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College.

Fun Fact: Gayle became a mom of two daughters through adoption.

Noel Smith-Howe, NAJA First Vice President

JA of Tipton County, TN

Noel is a busy boy mom who is usually in the gym, but between saving the world and practices, she is the COO of IPL Industrial Services.

Fun Fact: Noel is a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

Paige Spears, NAJA Second Vice President

Life Member of JA of Columbus, MS

Paige is a Wealth Planning Specialist in Columbus, Mississippi.

Fun Fact: Paige took piano lessons for 14 years, but cannot read sheet music.

Nicolle Allen, NAJA Third Vice President

JA of Gulfport, MS

Nicolle's husband calls her the CHO—Chief House Operator.

Fun Fact: Nicolle met her husband while working at People's Bank by putting her number is his envelope.

Abby McBroom, Marketing & Technology Vice President

Associate Member of JA of Lauderdale County, TN

Abby is a Complex Pharmacy RN.

Fun Fact: Abby is an old soul and loves New Orleans, St. Louis Cardinals, and all things Disney.

Kelly Freeland, Ex-Officio

JA of Crittenden County, AR

Kelly is the Owner, Florist & Event Designer of Southern Bloom in Memphis, TN.

Fun Fact: Once while singing the National Anthem on ESPN, Kelly is almost positive she forgot the words and sang the first verse twice.

Gina Spratlin, NAJA Treasurer

Life Member of JA of Greenville, MS

Gina is a Clinic Administrator for The Greenville Clinic.

Fun Fact: Gina's favorite pastime is roller skating, and she's always up for a road trip or day on the lake.

Sarah Yarberry, NAJA Recording Secretary

JA of St. Francis County, AR

Sarah is a 5th & 6th grade teacher.

Fun Fact: Sarah also has a degree in Radiology.

Tina Garrett, NAJA Education Chairman

Life Member of JA of Winona, MS

Tina is a Division Chair and Psychology Instructor at Holmes Community College.

Fun Fact: Tina & her sister had babies on the same day in the same hospital, which was also her birthday.

Kaila Timbs, NAJA Membership Chairman

JA of Tishomingo County, MS

Kaila is an Assistant Vice President/Loan Officer and Branch Manager at First American National Bank.

Fun Fact: Kaila is the mom of a NICU baby who was born at 29 weeks.

Kristi Prince, NAJA Scholarship Chairman

JA of Monticello, AR

Kristi helps run her family business.

Fun Fact: Kristi likes to travel alone—she's been to Disney World by herself.

Debbie Pearson Bailey, NAJA Foundation Chairman

JA of Greenville, MS

Debbie owns a Rental Property Accounting & Bookkeeping Business with seven locations throughout Mississippi & Tennessee.

Fun Fact: Debbie is blessed to work from home, usually in her pajamas.

Wilma Wilbanks, NAJA Parliamentarian

JA of Cleveland, MS

Wilma is a Pharmacist.

Fun Fact: Wilma supplied store setting props for The Divine Secrets of the Ya Ya Sisterhood movie.

Debbie Jones, CSC Region I East

JA of St. Francis County, AR

Debbie is a Legal Assistant.

Fun Fact: Debbie can drive an 18-wheeler.

Samantha Huggins, CSC Region I West

Life Member of JA of Russellville, AR

Samantha is an Academic Advisor at Arkansas Tech University.

Fun Fact: Samantha once broke her finger catching a nerf ball.

Penny Sloan, CSC Region I Central

JA of Lawrence County, AR

Penny is a 7th Grade English Teacher.

Fun Fact: Penny is an avid reader, loves to cook, and planted her first garden this year.

Meg Glenn, CSC Region II East

JA of Clinton, MS

Meg works in Sales/Development & Marketing for an advertising agency.

Fun Fact: Meg is ambidextrous.

Kathryn Huffman, CSC Region II West

JA of Tipton County, TN

Kathryn is a Federal Grants Manager for Tipton County Schools.

Fun Fact: Kathryn is mom to five kids, four dogs, three grand-dogs, and one grand-hedgehog.

Patricia Kelly, CSC Region III East

JA of Greenville, MS

Patricia is a Medical Laboratory Scientist, currently serving as the Dean of Health Sciences at Mississippi Delta Community College.

Fun Fact: Patricia is currently working on her doctorate in higher education.

Rhonda Bryant, CSC Region III West

JA of Monticello, AR

Rhonda is the Office Manager of Bryant Chiropractic Clinic and Owner of Rhonda's PillowTalk.

Fun Fact: Rhonda took dance & tap lessons and performed in a recital for the first time in her 40s.

Rachel Epps, CSC Region IV North

JA of DeSoto County, MS

Rachel is an International Income Tax Manager at AutoZone.

Fun Fact: Rachel & her husband are movie lovers and own 600+ blu-rays.

Amy Lynn Littleton, CSC Region IV South

JA of Tupelo, MS

Amy is a former High School English & Journalism Teacher.

Fun Fact: Amy recently completed her course with the MSU Extension Office to become a Master Gardener.

Kim Knight, CSC Region V East

JA of Tupelo, MS

Kim is an Owner/Principal Agent at Midas Medical.

Fun Fact: Kim's USTA tennis team recently won the state championship for women's doubles.

Edith Crosby, CSC Region V West

JA of Madison County, MS

Fun Fact: Edith was on the pole vaulting team when she was in Junior High.

Stephanie Payne, CSC Region VI East

JA of Biloxi-Ocean Springs, MS

Stephanie is a Stay-at-Home Mom and Philanthropist.

Fun Fact: Stephanie enjoys cooking, crafting, Duke basketball, and spending time with friends.

Megan Landry-Lalande, CSC Region VI West

Voting-Associate of JA of Abbeville, LA

Megan is a Manager of Human Relations.

Fun Fact: Megan is an ordained minister and loves joining two hearts in matrimony.