Our Story

WHO ARE WE?

YOUR COALITION. IN YOUR CORNER.

Our Coalition's goal is to work towards a drug-free community here in Cheatham County, TN, for the benefit of our youth and adults. Not only do we engage in outreach efforts, but we also partner with local businesses, faith groups, law enforcement, schools, and other youth-serving organizations in order to truly immerse ourselves into the community and promote our mission to keep everyone safe, happy, healthy, and drug-free. We host events throughout the year such as Overdose Awareness Day, Celebration of Hope, Kick Butts Day, and Red Ribbon Week. We host meetings once a month on the 2nd Tuesday and provide free trainings and presentations to educate our community members and we do all we can to ensure everyone has the best experience possible. How do we do all of this? By establishing lasting relationships as well as having an amazing group of people!

MEET THE TEAM

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

DRUG FREE COMMUNITIES PROJECT COORDINATOR

Laura started forming the Coalition in 2011 and in 2014 established 501 ( c ) 3 status. She currently oversees $500,000.00 in annual grant funding for 6 programs. She is responsible for all coalition activities, funding and grant reporting and attends Local, State and National meetings on behalf of the Coalition. Laura is also the Managing Director for the Tennessee Association of Alcohol, Drug & Other Addiction Services (TAADAS) and has been since April 1997. Aside from her Coalition duties, Laura enjoys being a second-generation travel softball parent and spending time with her family. She likes to travel with friends and attending Nashville Predators Hockey games.

ldurham@crazydondon.net

Jaleese Simpson is the Drug-Free Communities Project Coordinator. Jaleese has previously worked for the Cheatham County Coalition in several different roles, most recently the Drug Endangered Children Project Coordinator. Through her Coalition based experience, passion for the community, and desire to immerse herself deeper into coalition work we are fortunate that Jaleese has moved into the DFC Project Coordinator role. Jaleese has excelled at everything she has done with the Coalition and we are excited to see what she will bring to the DFC program. Outside of work time she enjoys spending time with her family and fur babies. She enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time outdoors.

jsimpson@crazydondon.net

REGIONAL OVERDOSE PREVENTION SPECIALIST

Casey joined our team as our Regional Overdose Prevention Specialist in October 2023. As a former Sober Living Coordinator, she has formed deep roots in the surrounding recovery communities. In her free time, she enjoys songwriting and hiking. She is excited to bring her lived experience to the table to better serve the recovery community in Cheatham and other counties in the region.

creynolds@crazydondon.net

REGIONAL OVERDOSE PREVENTION SPECIALIST

Amber Jones joined our team in February 2023 as the Regional Overdose Prevention Specialist. She is a graduate of the University of Kentucky with a Bachelor of Science degree. Amber was a part of the US Army Corps of Engineers for over 12 years and worked in Cheatham County. During that time she enjoyed participating in community events and educating students and groups on water safety and other topics. She enjoys visiting with family and friends. Her other hobbies include traveling, research, and anything outdoors.

ajones@crazydondon.net

DRUG ENDANGERED CHILDREN PROGRAM COORDINATOR

Kennedy Day is our Drug Endangered Children (DEC) Project Coordinator. Kennedy is a Clarksville, Tennessee native and is excited to be a new addition to her neighboring county! Kennedy graduated with her B.S. in Human Health and Performance with a concentration in Public Health Sciences and Education from the University of Tennessee, at Martin. In her free time, Kennedy enjoys traveling and trying new things. Kennedy is ready to be of service to Cheatham County and ready to meet those in the community.

kday@crazydondon.net

PROGRAM MANAGER

Alyssa McGirt is the Program Manager. Alyssa began her work at the Coalition as an intern. After graduating from Austin Peay with her BSW she decided to join the Coalition full-time. As the Program Manager, Alyssa manages social media, helps with data reporting, and assists with events and lots of other background work. Alyssa is also the communications chair for the Cheatham County Long Term Recovery Organization and works with other organizations and community members to assist Cheatham County residents in disaster preparedness. Alyssa enjoys spending time at home with her cat and growing collection of CDs.

amcgirt@crazydondon.net