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

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@cheathamcoalition.org

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR

Jaleese Simpson serves as our Assistant Director and is a Certified Prevention Specialist I and a Suicide Prevention QPR Trainer. Jaleese brings a wealth of leadership skills and practical knowledge to her role. As a Cheatham County resident, she is deeply connected to the community she serves, understanding the unique challenges and opportunities it presents. Jaleese's work is driven by a genuine care for the community she calls home. Through her efforts, she strives to build a healthier and safer environment, contributing to the overall well-being of Cheatham County residents. In her free time Jaleese enjoys browsing antique shops and bookstores, traveling, and spending time with her family!

jsimpson@cheathamcoalition.org

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.

rops1@cheathamcoalition.org

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@cheathamcoalition.org

OFFICE ASSISTANT

Linda Perkins serves as our Coalition assistant. She graduated from Austin Peay with a BSW in 2021. She grew up in Cheatham County and is looking forward to working with the community as the Coalition Assistant. In her free time, she enjoys reading and spending time with her dogs.

lperkins@cheathamcoalition.org

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@cheathamcoalition.org