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
Interim Director & 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
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
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
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
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
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.
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.
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
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
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.