Our Staff
Leah Allen
Executive Director
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Leah grew up in Helena and graduated from Pelham High School. She then furthered her education with a Bachelors of Science Degree from the University of Montevallo where she participated in philanthropic activities through U of M's Phi Mu Fraternity. Along with husband, John B. Allen and son John David Allen, they live on a cattle farm in Alpine. She brings 7 years of advertising experience along with 6 years of special education experience to the Arc.
Goal: Bring more awareness to the community about who/where/what we do and why/who we do it for.
Favorite bit about the Arc: "Individuals here are defined by their ABILITIES, not their disabilities."
Chelsea Dobson
Administrative Director
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Chelsea grew up in Sylacauga and graduated from Sylacauga High School. She received her Bachelors of Science Degree from Jacksonville State University in Business Management. She married her husband Kyle Dobson in 2017 and traveled the country as he worked on the pipeline. They had their daughter, Penelope, in January 2022. She has over 5 years of management and marketing experience.
Jackie Potts
Program Director
Cheryl Meads
Instructional Assistant
De'Forest Godfrey
Substitute/Bus Driver
Jackie grew up in Sylacauga and worked 30 plus years in the Sylacauga School System. She retired as Special Education Transition Coordinator at Sylacauga High. She has 2 grown sons, Luke and Kirby, and a brand new granddaughter, Mila.
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Cheryl graduated from Tahlequah, Oklahoma. She moved to Sylacauga in 1994. Chery has worked for the Arc for 14 years. She is married to Gary and has one son, Greg and a daughter in law, Deanna. They have one son Odin.
I am a strong and independent mom of 4! My sons Aiden, Hero and Mason (Mason was my blessing with an extra chromie, Down Syndrome). I also have a daughter Fallon. I have devoted my life to my children. I have owned 2 businessess, worked in the medical field, tax accounting and I was an apprentice to be a Dr. in Accupuncture & Herbology. I love spending time with my family, painting, my Jeeps and all the outdoor events we can get too! We love Tracel, camping and board games! We have been to 24 states and 6 countries.
Terrie Crane
Instructional Assistant
De'Forest was born and raised in Sylacauga. De moved to New York City for about 15 years. He attended West Chester Business College and graduated with an associates in Business Administration. He moved back to Sylacauga and in 2001 was liscenced and ordained in ministry. He is Pastor of New Beginnings Ministries in Sylacauga. De has been with the Arc for years and started as Mobile Supervisor and is now a Program Assistant and Busdriver. He is married to Denise Godfrey.