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
Hello! I am Dr. Tonya Conner and I am the Director for the Office of Certification and Field Experience. I hold BSE and MSE degrees from Troy University and EDS and EDD degrees from University of West Florida. I have recently been appointed the Interim Director for the Coleman Center of Early Learning and Family Enrichment. I will be working through the transition as a search takes place for a permanent director.
I have been married to my high school sweetheart for 35 years and we have two sons and daughters-in-law, one granddaughter, Makenzie, and two grandsons, Riley and Henry. I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, and traveling when the I have the opportunity.
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
Sarah Bass
Education
- A.A., Child Development Administration, Wallace Community College, Dothan, AL (2017)
- B.S., Social Work, Troy University, Dothan, AL (Present)
Personal
Mrs. Bass has been married for nearly five years, and has two young children ages three and one. In her spare time, Mrs. Bass enjoys cooking, reading, writing and playing video games.
Hobbies
Mrs. Bass likes to binge watch Monk on Netflix.
Tanisha Benjamin
Education
- A.S., Early Childhood Development
- B.S., Psychology - Assistant Director and other Leadership Roles
- Currently working on a Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy- student intern
Work Experience
- Family and Center-Based Childcare/Ages Birth-18 years (2003-current)
Personal
Ms. Benjamin has been married since 2004. They have four beautiful children and 3 dogs. Her father and husband both served in the military so she was able to learn new cultures and travel throughout the world.
Hobbies
Ms. Benjamin enjoys family time and making memories. She serves in the church, enjoys reading, crocheting and watching movies. Ms. Benjamin loves working with people and truly wants to make a difference in the lives of others.
Christy Brown
Education
- B.S., Fine Art, Florida SouthWestern State College, Naples, FL
- Early Childhood Administration, Auburn University, Montgomery, AL
- Early Childhood Management Certification, State of AL
Personal
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 and three children. Mr. and Mrs. Brown have also raised three additional children, for a total of six.
Hobbies
Mrs. Brown enjoys playing softball, baseball, pickleball and hiking.
Jenna Brown
Education/Work Experience
- BS in Human Services, Troy University, Dothan
- Previously owner of a child care center (2013-2016)
Personal
Mrs. Brown is married with a son, Sawyer.
Hobbies
Mrs. Brown enjoys baking and spending time with family and 3 dogs.
Joanie Fulford
Education/Work Experience
- BS in Early Childhood Education, Troy University, Dothan
- Lead Teacher with Alabama Pre- K, 2015-2020
- Dothan City Schools - 2 years
- Child Care Experience – 20 years
Personal
Mrs. Fulford is a wife and mother of 6 children, Grandmother to 2 children and attends Grace Church.
Hobbies
Mrs. Fulford enjoys spending time with family and crafting and using her Cricut machine.
Rose Gibson
Education
- A.A., Applied Science Child Development Educator and Administrator, Wallace Community College, Dothan, AL
Work Experience
- Beulah Land Christian Academy, Dothan, AL
Personal
Originally from New Jersey, Ms. Gibson has been teaching children the last nine years in Dothan, Alabama. Ms. Gibson has four children, two girls and two boys. Mrs. Gibson also has five grandchildren, four grandsons and one granddaughter.
Hobbies
Mrs. Gibson enjoys shopping, traveling, and spending time with her family and friends. She also loves to eat at Red Lobster!
A’nya Godwin
Education
- Northview High School (2017)
- A.S., General Studies, Wallace College (2020)
Work Experience
- Covenant United Methodist (2016-2017)
- Ridgecrest Baptist (2018-2019)
- Coleman Center (2019-current)
Personal
Ms. Godwin has an awesome support system! She loves the Lord and attends St. John A.M.E. Church in Campbellton, Florida.
Hobbies
Ms. Godwin loves singing, praise dancing, listening to music, and spending time with family.
Anita Godwin
Education
- Northview High School (1995)
- A.S., Early Childhood Education (2018)
Work Experience
- Family and Center-Based Child Care (1992-present)
Personal
Ms. Godwin has been married since 2000. She and her husband Lounorris, have been blessed with four wonderful children A’nya, Lounorris, Jr., Bryson and Maryunna.
Hobbies
Ms. Godwin is an active church member where she serves in the choir, Women’s Missionary and as an usher. She also enjoys spending time with her family, reading and completing word search puzzles. Ms. Godwin lives by the saying, “Teaching is not a job, it’s a gift.”
Melissa Hall
Education
- B.S., Psychology, Troy University, Dothan, AL (2011)
Work Experience
- Katy Independent School District, Katy, TX
Personal
Ms. Hall was born and raised in Dothan, Alabama. Ms. Hall has worked with children for over six years, including children with Autism.
Hobbies
Ms. Hall enjoys spending time with her family and traveling.
Tiffany Jordan
Education
- A.S., Early Childhood Education (2019)
- Pursuing a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education, Troy University (2019-current)
Work Experience
- Center-Based Child Care (2017-present)
Personal
Ms. Jordan lives with her parents and brother in Skipperville.
Hobbies
Ms. Jordan enjoys art and craft projects. She is the proud owner of her Rottweiler, Xena.
Chassity Mills
Education
- A.S., Early Childhood Education, Wallace College (2017)
Work Experience
- Head Start-Disability and Pre-K Auxiliary Teacher (2017 to present)
Personal
Ms. Mills enjoys working with young children. She and her son reside in Ozark.
Hobbies
Ms. Mills enjoys reading, drawing and Alabama football.
Emily Neumann
Education
- A.S. Degree, Wallace Community College
- Currently pursuing a B.S. in Secondary Education - English Language Arts at Troy University.
Personal
I am the oldest of three girls. I have a 5 year old German Shepherd named Zaida.
Hobbies
I love to read, spend quality time with my loved ones, and paint in my spare time.
LaBrea Potter
Education
- A.S., Child Development, Wallace Community College, Dothan, AL (2017)
- Ashford High School, Ashford AL (2009)
Personal
Ms. Potter has been working with children for over seven years. She loves serving the needs of others, including her 7-year old son.
Hobbies
Ms. Potter enjoys traveling, eating seafood and spending time with her family.
Felicia Smith
Education
- A.S., Child Development, Wallace Community College, Dothan, AL
- B.S., Sociology, Troy University, Dothan, AL
- MSW, Troy University, Dothan, AL
Work Experience
- Early Headstart 0-3 years, Salibia Family Service Center, Dothan, AL
- Midland City Headstart 3-4 years, OCAP, Troy, AL
- Mental Health Therapist, Dothan, AL
Personal
Ms. Smith is originally from Alexander City, Alabama, but later moved to Dothan, Alabama in 2004. Ms. Smith was born into a large family, and also has a daughter in the United States Army. Winter is Ms. Smith’s favorite time of year.
Hobbies
Ms. Smith likes to garden in her spare time.
Natalie Walden
Education
- A.A., Liberal Arts, Wallace Community College (2015)
- Pursuing a B.S., Elementary Education, Troy University (current)
Work Experience
- Calvary Baptist Church, Preschool (2014-current)
- Workship Student, Troy University (2020 – current)
Personal
Ms. Walden attends church with her family at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Slocomb, Alabama. She truly loves working with children and her goal in life is to reach as many children as possible and be a positive impact on their lives.
Hobbies
Ms. Walden enjoys shopping, drinking coffee CONSTANTLY, reading, spending time with friends and family, taking road trips, binge watching FRIENDS, and spoiling her cat (Chloe) and her dog (Gibbs).
Donell Young
Education
- B.S., Elementary and Early Childhood Education, Mississippi University for Women
Work Experience
- Jackson County, MS Schools (6 years)
- Dothan City Schools (2 years)
-
First Presbyterian Preschool (15 years)
Personal
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.
Hobbies
Ms. Young enjoys spending time with her family and friends, going to the beach and watching Alabama football.