Our Story

Our Coalition's goal is to work towards a drug-free community here in Cheatham County, TN, to benefit our youth and adults. We engage in outreach efforts, and partner with local businesses, faith groups, law enforcement, schools, and other youth-serving organizations to immerse ourselves into the community and promote our mission to keep everyone safe, happy, healthy, and drug-free. 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 Durham 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. 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 the Assistant Director of the Cheatham County Community Enhancement Coalition and has been part of the team since 2021. As a TN Certified Prevention Specialist, Jaleese is deeply passionate about supporting youth and families across Cheatham County through meaningful prevention and connection.

Her background in small-group facilitation has taught her the power of active listening and the importance of meeting people where they are.

She continues to advocate for the role of youth in shaping the community’s future, engaging district representatives and community leaders to ensure young voices are heard and valued.

Driven by the belief that strong families build strong communities, Jaleese takes great pride in serving the community she calls home.

In her free time Jaleese enjoys cheering on the sidelines at her son's soccer games, spending quality time with her family and puppy, traveling and trying every coffee shop along the way.

jsimpson@cheathamcoalition.org

615-988-0858

DRUG-FREE COMMUNITIES PROJECT COORDINATOR

Payton Goncalves serves as the Coalition's DFC Coordinator. With a background in Secondary Education, Payton has dedicated her career to empowering young people as both a high school teacher and coach. Her passion for education and mentorship has touched the lives of countless students, helping them grow not only academically but personally. Driven by a desire to make a broader impact beyond the classroom, she transitioned into roles that allow her to engage more directly with the community. Known for her creativity and energy, she loves organizing fun, engaging events that bring people together, foster connection, and create lasting memories. Her work reflects a deep commitment to service, growth, and making a positive difference in the lives of others. In her free time Payton loves hanging out with her two adorable pups, baking, and spending time with her husband.

pgoncalves@cheathamcoalition.org

615-988-1175

REGIONAL OVERDOSE PREVENTION SPECIALIST

Joyce Craig joined the team in March of 2025. She received her BS in Psychology in 2015 after serving in the Navy for 17 years. Having worked in the Dental Industry for over 30 years, her love of teaching became a new career goal. In September 2023, she became a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist and enjoyed helping clients learn new life skills to assist them in becoming more independent and self-reliant. After working for the 988 Suicide Crisis Lifeline, she became acutely aware of the profoundly negative impact drugs are having on our nation, which compelled her to become more involved in the solution. As the Regional Overdose Prevention Specialist with our team, she is able to combine her love of teaching, personal experience, and formal education to provide excellent training on topics such as addressing stigma, increasing public awareness of the broader trends of the opioid crisis, the brain science of addiction, compassion fatigue, and how to administer naloxone to assist our citizens in combating the national drug crisis. In addition to enjoying her work she finds pleasure in growing vegetables, writing poetry and exploring the woods with her loyal dog, Boomer.

Rops2@cheathamcoalition.org

615-636-7840

REGIONAL OVERDOSE PREVENTION SPECIALIST

Jesse Smith has a background in behavioral health and a strong commitment to educating the community about the disease of addiction. Jesse became a certified peer recovery specialist in August of 2025 to further his goal of spreading awareness on how to combat the growing opioid epidemic. In Jesse previous role in treatment he learned how to effectively communicate with individuals and their families that they are not alone in this struggle and there is someone that cares and will go to any lengths to help. Jesse says he was drawn to the Cheatham Coalition because of his own struggles with opioids and seeing how it affected his family, and he wishes to pay it forward to the community so that no one must watch someone they love struggle to find help with this disease. Jesse proudly works a 12 step AA program every day to inspire hope in those still struggling and will not hesitate to answer the call of someone reaching out for help. In his free time, he enjoy playing volleyball, ultimate frisbee, and flag football in the park with friends in a growing community which strives to bring people together called Nashville Connect. "I love spending time with my partner, dog, and cat while we watch movies and football together at home."

rops1@cheathamcoalition.org

615-339-9630

CARE COORDINATOR

Kaylee Reed serves as the Care Coordinator for Robertson, Dickson, Montgomery, and Cheatham Counties. On June 13, 2025, she celebrated 4 years in recovery. As a dedicated peer support specialist with lived experience in both substance use and mental health recovery, her journey has fueled a deep passion for helping others find their own path to healing and hope.

Through personal experience and professional training, she offers compassionate, non-judgmental support to those navigating recovery. She believes in the power of shared stories, mutual empowerment, and creating safe spaces where recovery is not only possible but sustainable.

She is also the proud mom to an amazing 10-year-old son who continues to inspire her every day. Outside of work and parenting, Kaylee is an animal lover and loves to share fun facts or enjoy a good cuddle with a furry friend.

kreed@cheathamcoalition.org

615-920-2398

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT COORDINATOR

Hannah Hampton McKay is a family-oriented person who believes in working hard but also enjoying life along the way. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Public Health from Austin Peay State University in 2020, and will be finishing her graduate certificate in Public Administration Executive Leadership at Tennessee State University in December 2025. Hannah grew up in Cheatham County, so being able to give back to the community that raised her means a lot to her. Joining the coalition has always been a dream of hers because she truly values its mission and focus on teamwork and making a difference. During her time with the Tennessee Department of Health, she gained experience in leadership, networking, team building, and teaching, all things she is excited to bring with her. Most of all, she is thrilled to be part of a team where she gets to do what she loves: creating, educating, and coordinating to help our community thrive.

hhampton@cheathamcoalition.org

615-988-1275

COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR

Josh Baker has a background in broadcast and government communications, with a degree in Mass Communications and Broadcasting from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. He loves spotlighting people and giving them a chance to share their stories through video and community engagement. Before working with the coalition, he did everything from producing television for news and PBS to flying drones for real estate photography.

A North Carolina native, Josh has always been passionate about helping others. Growing up in a small town, he witnessed firsthand the impact addiction can have in rural areas. He’s thrilled to serve those who are struggling or who are in recovery and aims to inspire positive change every day through service. He believes outreach builds community - and that community is key to lasting change.

An animal lover, Josh has a dog, three cats, and a human son. He also enjoys reading, all things nerdy, and cooking.

jbaker@cheathamcoalition.org

615-988-0903