History and Philosophy
Coleman Center for Early Learning and Family Enrichment (Coleman Center) was established in 2019 by Troy University’s College of Education and College of Health and Human Services. Both colleges have a long-standing history of concern, commitment, and involvement in programs for young children and their families. This commitment is exemplified through the university’s mission of educating the mind to think, the heart to feel and the body to act. This mission is accomplished through teaching, research and outreach. Teacher candidates and other students who are training in related fields observe and study the developmental characteristics of young children while gaining invaluable clinical experiences and an in- depth perspective of the early childhood industry as a career in education, health, or human services.
Campus Map
Conveniently located on the pristine campus of Troy University, Dothan.
Facility
Coleman Center is a 14,000 square foot facility providing state-of-the art features to 92 children and families.
- Gross motor indoor room
- Individual playgrounds for infants/toddlers and preschool
- Exam rooms which allow privacy for nursing mothers and children receiving on-site speech, occupational, physical therapy, etc.
- Extra-large preschool classrooms equipped with developmentally appropriate resources and educational technology (4)
- Infant room (1)
- Toddler room (2)
- Kitchen
- Laboratory/Research classroom featuring technology to enhance the learning process for faculty, teacher candidates, teachers and children
Pre-K 3 Classroom with a STEAM focus.
Our gross motor room provides lots of indoor fun.
Our exam rooms provide privacy for breastfeeding mothers, therapy and health exams.
Security/Safety
- Facility is locked 24/7, with an electronic entry system
- Security and educational cameras inside and outside the facility
- Campus security- 24/7
- Intruder, fire, severe weather drills routinely performed
- ICC-500 Shelter – provides safety for winds up to 250 mph
Administration
Coleman Center is governed by a state institution of higher education (Troy University) and cannot be licensed by the Alabama Department of Human Resources. Coleman Center meets or exceeds the licensing standards, Minimum Standards for Day Care Centers and Nighttime Centers, as prescribed by the State of Alabama Department of Human Resources. Coleman Center will be monitored annually by the Alabama Department of Human Resources to ensure compliance with the Health and Safety Guidelines – Requirements and Procedures for Facilities Participating in the Child Care Subsidy Program. To obtain a copy of Minimum Standards for Day Care Centers and Nighttime Centers, you may write or call the State Department of Human Resources, Office of Day Care Licensing, 50 Ripley Street, Montgomery, AL 36130-4000, or the local County Department of Human Resources. It is also available on line at: https://dhr.alabama.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/No-Highlighted-MS-for-CENTERS-revised.pdf
Meet the Director
Education
- B.S. in Education, Troy University, Troy, AL
- MS in Early Childhood Education, Troy University, Troy, AL
- 22 years in public education
- 2 years private school
Personal/Hobbies
- Married to Jason Ketchum and has three children; Jackson, Hattie and Hannah Claire. Attends Calvary Baptist Church. Enjoys spending time with family at the beach or the lake and watching Alabama football.
Program Associate
Education
- B.S. in Human Services, Troy University, Dothan, AL
Personal/Hobbies
- Mrs. Brown is married with a son, Sawyer. She enjoys baking, going to the beach, and spending time with her family, and 3 dogs.
Teachers and Staff
Coleman Center employs administrative and support services staff in addition to teachers and auxiliary teachers. Teachers have a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or a related field. Auxiliary teachers have an associate’s degree or a Child Development Associate (CDA). All staff participate in professional education and are committed to providing the best in early childhood practice.
All staff must receive the following clearances:
- State Registry on Child Abuse and Neglect
- Alabama Bureau of Investigation/Federal Bureau of Investigation
- Sex Offender Status
- Health Screening
Christy Brown
Education
- A.A., Fine Art, Florida SouthWestern State College, Naples, FL
- Early Childhood Administration, Auburn University, Montgomery, AL
- Early Childhood Management Certification, State of AL
- A.A., Child Development
Personal/Hobbies
Mrs. Brown used to own and operate her own early learning center, and train caregivers though Family Guidance in Dothan, Alabama. Mrs. Brown moved to Headland, Alabama in 2004 with her husband, three children, and two grandchildren. She enjoys playing softball and/or baseball, pickleball, rollerskating, hiking, antiques, art, and gardening.
Ansley Bryan
Education
- Rehobeth High School (2021)
- General Studies at Wallace Community College (2021-current)
Personal/Hobbies
- Ms. Bryan would love to become a 3rd grade teacher one day. She is very involved in the children's ministry at her church and has always loved helping kid learn and grow. She loves going to the beach, eating Mexican food, and watching movies.
Arrica Donalson
Education
- A.A.S. Supervisory Management in Business (2016)
- B.S. K-6 Elementary Education (2022)
Personal/Hobbies
- Mrs. Donalson loves serving the Lord. She enjoys teaching students. She also enjoys traveling, spending time with her family, and eating.
Amy Galletly
Education
- B.S. Criminal Justice, Dothan, AL (1992)
Personal/Hobbies
Ms. Galletly is the cook and laundress at the Coleman Center. She considers herself "semi-retired". She is a bibliophile with interests in needlework, crafts, astronomy, trivia, and home improvement. She has two children and two fuzzy children.
A’nya Godwin
Education
- Northview High School (2017)
- A.S. General Studies, Wallace College (2020)
Personal/Hobbies
Ms. Godwin has an awesome support system! She loves the Lord and attends St. John A.M.E. Church in Campbellton, Florida. She loves singing, praise dancing, listening to music, and spending time with family.
Anita Godwin
Education
- Dothan High School (1995)
- A.S. Early Childhood Education (2018)
Personal/Hobbies
Ms. Godwin has been in childcare for 30 years! She loves taking care of her family, which includes her wonderful husband of almost 23 years, 5 children, and 1 grandchild with another one on the way. She enjoys spending time with family, eating ice cream, and doing word searches.
Melissa Hall
Education
- B.S. Psychology, Troy University, Dothan, AL (2011)
Personal/Hobbies
Ms. Hall was born and raised in Dothan, Alabama. Ms. Hall has worked with children for over six years, including children with Autism. She enjoys spending time with her family and traveling.
Katherine Jones
Education
- Rehobeth High School (2020)
- B.S. Psychology & Master's in Psychology & Counseling (2020-current)
Personal/Hobbies
Ms. Jones enjoys going to the beach, eating Chick-fil-A, and spending time with her family and friends.
Kimberly Mabry
Education
- A.S. Early Childhood Education (2017)
- B.S. Psychology (2020)
Personal/Hobbies
Mrs. Mabry has worked in the field of education since she was 16 years old. She has one son named Jacob. She loves to sing, dance, and collect souvenir mini spoons from around the world.
Alicia McGriff
Education
- Masters in Elementary Education
Personal/Hobbies
Ms. McGriff retired after teaching for 26 years. She has one daughter that attends Troy University. She enjoys reading, cooking, and working in the yard.
Sanara Norfleet
Education
- B.S. Early Childhood Education, University of Alabama
- Masters in Criminal Justice
Personal/Hobbies
Ms. Norfleet loves working with children and getting to know their families. She likes to cook, read, travel, and spending time with her son and family.
LaBrea Potter
Education
- Ashford High School (2009)
- A.S. Child Development, Wallace Community College, Dothan, AL (2017)
- B.S. Early Childhood Education (2021-current)
Personal/Hobbies
Ms. Potter has been working with children for over ten years. She loves serving the needs of others, including her son. She enjoys traveling, eating seafood, and spending time with her family.
Chessidy Pryor
Education
- Charles Henderson High School (2007)
- A.S. General Education, Troy University (2021)
- B.S. Psychology (2019-current)
Personal/Hobbies
Ms. Pryor was born and raised in Troy, AL. She has been working with children for over eight years. She enjoys baking, swimming, photography, and spending time with her family.
Tamayo Riley
Education
- A.S. Early Childhood Education
- B.S. Troy University, Dothan, AL
Personal/Hobbies
Ms. Riley loves sunflowers, trips to the beach, sunsets, m&m's with peanuts, oreos, and to vacation.
Barbara Stowers
Education
- Dothan High School (1987)
- B.S. Business Administration Troy State University (1994)
Personal/Hobbies
Ms. Stowers has been working with children for nearly 35 years. She loves children of all ages. She enjoys traveling, meeting new people, gardening, crochet, painting, beading, and whatever she can get her hands on to create.
Pamela Stowers
Education
- Ashford High School
- George C. Wallace (1979-1981)
- Secondary Education Degree Paul Quinn College, Waco, Texas (1981-1984)
- A.S. Physical Therapist Assistant (2001-2003)
Personal/Hobbies
Mrs. Stowers loves the Lord! She enjoys helping someone reach the next level in their life. She loves teaching children to reach their goals every day as well as in the future. Mrs. Stowers enjoys reading the Bible, walking, bowling, and gardening.
Ingrid Thomas
Education
- Abbeville High School
- A.S. Early Childhood Education and Administration, George C. Wallace Community College
Personal/Hobbies
Mrs. Thomas is married to Robert, they have four children, fourteen grandchildren, and one great grandchild. She enjoys being a part of the children's education.
Amanda Whirt
Education
- Garden Spot High School, New Holland, PA (2006)
Personal/ Hobbies
Mrs. Whirt has been working with children for over 8 years. She and her family relocated to Alabama with her family in 2021. She has one son and one daughter. She enjoys doing whatever sport or activity her children are currently involved in.
Donell Young
Education
- B.S., Elementary and Early Childhood Education, Mississippi University for Women
Personal/Hobbies
Ms. Young was born and raised in Moss Point MS. She has resided in Dothan with her son and daughter since 1997. They attend Ridgecrest Baptist Church in Dothan. Ms. Young enjoys spending time with her family and friends, going to the beach and watching Alabama football.