About Us

Safety Alert

About Us

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.

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Campus Map

Conveniently located on the pristine campus of Troy University, Dothan.

Dothan Campus Map

Facility

Preschoolers enjoying their playground.

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 3-4 classroom

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

Jacqulyn Ketchum

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. She attends Calvary Baptist Church and she enjoys spending time with family at the beach or the lake and watching Alabama football.

 

Program Associate

Chessidy Pryor

Education

  • Charles Henderson High School (2007)
  • A.S. General Education, Troy University (2021)
  • B.S. Psychology Troy University (2023)
  • Master's in Early Childhood Education (2024-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 and her son Leonidas.

 

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

 

Ansley Bryan

Ansley Bryan

Education

  • Rehobeth High School (2021)
  • General Studies at Wallace Community College (2021-2023)
  • Early Childhood Education at Troy University (2024-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 kids learn and grow. She loves going to the beach, eating Mexican food, and watching movies. She plans on attending Troy University and majoring in Early Education.

Alyssa Clark

Alyssa Clark

Education

  • Ariton High School
  • Wallace Community College (2021-2023)
  • Troy University Collaborative Education (currently)

Personal/Hobbies

Ms. Clark is excited to be a part of the Coleman Center and to learn more about the education field. She loves chicken, mexican, and dr. pepper. Alyssa loves to read and spending time at 2nd & Charles. She loves drawing and playing with her dog.

lexie davis

Lexie Davis

Education

  • GW Long High School
  • Wallace Community College

Personal/Hobbies

Ms. Davis loves all things outdoors, the beach, and cooking. She plans to transfer to Troy Dothan and having a long lasting career in Early Childhood Education. Lexie enjoys watching a good show and online shopping.

lilli eldridge

Lilli Eldridge

Education

  • George W Long High School

Personal/Hobbies

Ms. Eldridge loves working with children and watching them grow and learn new things. She has a two year old daughter named Hazel. Lilli loves Mexican food and hanging out with her family and friends.

katelyn holland

Katelyn Holland

Education

  • Pelham High School
  • Psychology at Troy University (2023-current)

Personal/Hobbies

Ms. Holland has worked with children since she was 15 years old. She is currently a student at Troy University majoring in Elementary Education. During her free time she enjoys shopping, running, spending time with her family, and going to the lake. 

kinley mccord

Kinley McCord

Education

  • Headland High School (2023)
  • Elementary Education at Troy University (2023-current)

Personal/Hobbies

Ms. McCord loves the color pink, going to the beach, playing with her five dogs, coffee, sushi, and spending time with family and friends. She plans on earning her degree in Elementary Education.

Alicia McGriff

Alicia McGriff

Education

  • Masters in Elementary Education

Personal/Hobbies

Ms. McGriff retired after teaching for 26 years. She has one daughter that has graduated from Troy University. She enjoys reading, cooking, and working in the yard.

whitney mckenna

Whitney McKenna

Education

  • Dale County High School (2017)
  • Eastern Gateway Community College (2022-current)

Personal/Hobbies

Ms. McKenna has three daughters. She is currently going to college to become a NICU nurse. She loves to read, going to the lake or beach, and spending time in the mountains.

amy pollard

Amy Pollard

Education

  • Frostproof Middle-Senior High School (1997)
  • Studied Elementary Education at Florida Baptist Theological College

Personal/Hobbies

Mrs. Pollard is the mom of six children and her husband is the children's pastor at Rehobeth Baptist Church. She has over 20 years of experience with children. In her spare time she loves shopping, going to the beach and mountains, and enjoying a nice steak.

Tamayo Riley

Tamayo Riley

Education

  • A.S. Early Childhood Education
  • B.S. Troy University, Dothan, AL (currently)

Personal/Hobbies

Ms. Riley loves sunflowers, trips to the beach, sunsets, M&M's with peanuts, Oreos, and to vacation.

Summer Siriphatra

Summer Siriphatra

Education

  • Abbeville Christian Academy (1995)
  • MBA, Troy University (2007)
  • TESOL for Children, American TESOL Institute (2017)
  • PGCE Early Childhood Education, Moreland University (2019)
  • M. Ed Early Childhood Education (2023)

Personal/Hobbies

Mrs. Siriphatra grew up in Abbeville, AL and now lives in Dothan with her husband, two sons, and their four Westies. She began teaching in 2016 and has taught P2, P3, Pre-K 4 and First Grade. Away from school you could find her spending time with loved ones, enjoying an outdoor activities like walking their dogs or practicing yoga.

melana sorrells

MeLana Sorrells

Education

  • Rehobeth High School (2018)
  • A. A. Liberal Arts Wallace Community College (2023)
  • B.S. Elementary Education (2023-current)

Personal/Hobbies

Ms. Sorrells is currently attending Troy University Dothan. She wants to be either a kindergarten or first grade teacher. She loves sunflowers, her dog Sir Jake, and spending time with her family.

Barbara Stowers

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

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

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.

raven torres

Raven Torres

Education

  • Ariton High School
  • FSCC (2023-current)

Personal/Hobbies

Mrs. Torres has been working in education for 5 years. She lives with her husband, her daughter Huxleigh, and their 3 dogs. She loves to paint, travel, and spend time with her family.

mckinley turney

McKinley Turney

Education

  • Bob Jones High School
  • Associate of Science General Studies from Calhoun Community College
  • B.S. Psychology Troy University (2023-current) 

Personal/ Hobbies

After moving from Huntsville, AL McKinley chose to move to Dothan, AL and pursue Psychology at Troy. She plans to get her Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She loves to volunteer with her church's worship team and youth group! She enjoys reading at Mural City Coffee and buying too many plants at Dothan Nurseries.

cierra ward

Cierra Ward

Education

  • Geneva County

Personal/Hobbies

Ms. Ward has been working in child care for years. She loves to shop and Olive Garden is one of her favorite places. She is excited and can't wait to meet and get to know each new child.

grayci webb

Grayci Webb

Education

  • Rehobeth High School (2021)
  • General Studies Wallace (2021-2023)
  • Elementary Education at Troy University (2023-current)

Personal/Hobbies

Ms. Webb loves spending time at the beach. Chick-fil-a is her favorite place to eat and she loves the color pink. She is currently attending Troy University and is majoring in Elementary Education.

Amanda Whirt

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 in 2021. She has one son and one daughter. She enjoys doing whatever sport or activity her children are currently involved in.

Donell Young

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.

 

 

 

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