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July 2021 News

Meet Our Board of Directors

Gayle Canaga Brown, NAJA President

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

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

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

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.


Kelly Freeland, Ex-Officio

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

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

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