If you suspect child abuse, call the National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-4ACHILD (800-422-4453)

Meet Our Team and Board

Terri DuBose

Executive Director

BIO

Terri joined the CAC in 2018 and brings with her over 20 years’ experience working with children and families in non-profit settings. She graduated from Wesleyan College with a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and Troy University with a Master’s degree in Counseling and Psychology. She has worked as a mental health therapist and administrator in school, community, correctional and inpatient psychiatric settings. Terri has worked extensively in the areas of crisis prevention and intervention, the treatment of sexually abusive behaviors and the assessment and treatment of serious mental illnesses. Working to help vulnerable children was an easy choice for someone who is a big believer in Muhammed Ali’s quote that “Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.” A parent of two teenagers, Terri currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors for the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce, the Alabama Network of Children’s Advocacy Centers, and was selected by Northeast Regional Children’s Advocacy Center to participate in their Leadership Exchange & Coaching Project.

Jennifer Kennedy

Victim Services Advocate

BIO

Jennifer has been with the CAC since 2003 and has a wealth of knowledge regarding the children and families we serve. She received her Associate of Applied Science in Office Administration from Wallace Community College. When children enter the CAC, they are always greeted by Jennifer’s smile and hello! Jennifer stays busy answering the phone, scheduling appointments, and helping our team members when they come in for meetings or forensic interviews. Jennifer lives in Kinsey and attends New Freedom Church in Webb. She is a thrift store shopaholic, and enjoys painting and crafting, spending quality time with her family and being active with her church.

Lynette Celis

Bilingual Forensic Interviewer/Family Advocate

BIO

Lynette joined the CAC Team during the Summer of 2021. A graduate from Troy University, Lynette acquired a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a minor in Rehabilitation. She brings experience of working with children on the Autism spectrum to the CAC. Lynette helps bridge the gap of our need for interpreters for exclusively Spanish speaking children, and parents, here at the CAC as Spanish is her first language. (She has also taught many Spanish commands to Henry, too!) Lynette was trained as a Forensic Interviewer through CornerHouse. She has also received an Advanced Forensic Interviewer certification through the Children’s Alliance of Montana. Lynette firmly believes in the Maya Angelou quote “I’ve learned people will forget what you say, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel”. Lynette admires each precious, resilient child who walks through our doors. She feels she has found her purpose in helping each child use their voice to tell their story. It is an honor for her to play a small part in a child being able to heal at their own pace. Outside of work, Lynette loves to spend time traveling, as well as spend time with her husband and her family.

Shelby Marsh

Forensic Interviewer/Family Advocate

BIO

Shelby graduated from Elon University in 2017, with a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology and a concentration in Early Childhood Development. After graduating, Shelby spent four years working as a Prevention Educator followed by two years in Marketing and Fundraising at the Child Protection Center in Sarasota, Florida. Shelby is certified in forensic interviewing through the National Child Advocacy Center. Shelby says, “I believe that every child deserves to have a childhood free of abuse and harm. When I was asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, all I could say is that I wanted to help kids. I feel so honored that I get to help children on their path to healing and provide a safe space for them to share their story on their journey back to safety.” When Shelby’s not at work, she enjoys spending her free time with her partner, their two dogs, going to the beach, or teaching indoor cycling classes!

Laurabeth Ross

Community Advocate

BIO

Laurabeth, a native of the Wiregrass, resides in Headland, Alabama, with her husband Lee and their daughters, Ella and Allie. She has been with our CAC since September 2021, bringing her professional skills in marketing and communications along with a passion for helping others. Laurabeth serves as an Ambassador for the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce and is a member of the Alabama Prevention Network. In 2024, she was honored as one of the Dothan Area Young Professionals Top 20 Under 40. Laurabeth graduated from Auburn University with a Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Public Administration from Troy University. Laurabeth coordinates all fundraising efforts for our center and also manages the CAC Junior Board. She and her family are members of Church at the Crossing, where she serves on the worship team. As Community Advocate, Laurabeth strives to create opportunities for community involvement in our mission and advocates for safer childhoods for all children. She firmly believes in the power of community, resonating with Helen Keller’s words, “Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much.”

Melissa Maddox

SANE Program Coordinator

BIO

Meet Melissa, an experienced Registered Nurse who has taken on the challenging role of Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Program coordinator at the CAC. With a diverse background in military service, radiology technology, and emergency nursing, Melissa brings a unique perspective and a wealth of knowledge to her role. Melissa has received extensive specialized training as a SANE for both pediatrics and adults, and is committed to provide compassionate, trauma-informed care to the victims of sexual assault. On a personal note, Melissa is a Kentucky native who has called Enterprise home since 2001. She is a mother to two active kids and credits her husband as being her biggest supporter. She cherishes moments spent with her family, their playful dogs, and most importantly quiet nights at home.

BIO

Madison is from Dothan, Alabama and obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice and Psychology from Troy University Dothan in 2019. She learned about the Child Advocacy Center from a Forensic Psychology instructor in an undergraduate class. In that moment, she knew she wanted to be involved with the organization. Madison quickly fell in love with everything the CAC does for the children and families they provide services to. She volunteered at the 2020 Tee Off for Kids Golf Tournament and then completed volunteer hours at the CAC in the summer of 2021 while working on her master’s degree. The next year, she completed her internship at the CAC and graduated with a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Troy University Dothan. To further her involvement with the center, Madison was a member of the 2021-2022 CAC Junior Board. In her free time, Madison loves to spend time with friends & family, relax by the pool and read a book.

Emily Woodall

Education Advocate

BIO

Emily lives in Slocomb, Alabama, with her husband, Chase and their dog, Lola. She graduated in July 2023 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration, concentration in Management. As an extrovert, Emily loves people and enjoys developing relationships with those around her. When Emily was young, she said on more than one occasion that she wanted to have at least 20 kids.Though that number has significantly lowered, her love for children still stands true today. She is an avid member of Ridgecrest Baptist Church, and occasionally serves in the 2-year old room. In her free time, Emily enjoys spending time with her family, day trips to the beach, pickleball, and a cold diet coke! She believes that knowledge is a powerful tool that creates progress, helps make informed decisions, and acts as a guide for the future. As Education Advocate, Emily is excited to extend her knowledge of safety tips and tricks with children in the Wiregrass area.

Aline Mays-Easley

Mental Health Counselor, LMFT

BIO

Aline Mays-Easley has worked as a mental health professional for over 20 years. Aline has been employed at the Southeast Alabama Child Advocacy Center since 2011. She loves working with children and providing Trauma Focused Therapy to hurting families. Aline has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from California State University, Fresno and Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from National University in Fresno, California. She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Mental Health Therapist, and Entrepreneur. Aline desires to empower and educate women on the importance of dealing with past hurts and trauma through her public speaking awareness events. She enjoys spending time with her family, supporting the community, and her involvement in her church.

Laura Bertagnolli

Mental Health Counselor, Associate Licensed Counselor

BIO

Laura began work as a therapist at the Child Advocacy Center in October 2012. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Master of Science in Counseling and Psychology from Troy University in Dothan. Laura spent years working in office administration before returning to school to earn her degrees and follow her heart into victim advocacy. Laura provides trauma-focused therapy services to victims of all ages to help them begin their journey toward healing. Along with the other members of the therapy and advocacy team, Laura works with adult survivors and caregivers in therapeutic therapy groups. Laura is a native of the Mobile area but has lived in Ashford for many years. She has one adult son and one furry son, our very own Henry. When she isn’t working, Laura enjoys reading, traveling, and scavenging antique and junk stores for treasures.

Henry Elton Bertagnolli

Resident Therapy Dog

BIO

Henry, a four-year-old Australian Shepherd, is the furriest member of the CAC team. He has completed his special training to be a certified therapy dog onsite. He provides comfort and affection to clients at the center, whether it be in therapy sessions, or simply interacting with him around our facility. Research shows that interacting with therapy dogs can temporarily affect neurotransmitters in the brain, raising levels of oxytocin and dopamine (feel-good hormones) while suppressing those hormones linked with stress. Therapy dogs can also help with self-confidence, brighten the day, lift spirits and motivate people. Henry was handpicked by his breeder to be our therapy dog. When he isn’t at work, Henry lives with our therapist Laura.

2022 Board of Directors

  • Mike Martin - President
  • Karen Morris - Vice President
  • Michelle Freeman, MD - Secretary
  • Gunter Price - Treasurer
  • Ron Watts - Member at Large
  • Scott Applefield
  • Melanie Cotter, PhD
  • Deborah Crawford
  • Heidi Condrey
  • Emily Darnell
  • Sarah Germanson, MD
  • Neil Guess
  • Ken Lane
  • Ellen Lee
  • Keith Saulsberry
  • Carolyn West

2022 Junior Board of Directors

Heather Gatewood, President

Abby McKay, Vice President

Jessica Scarratt, Secretary

Kendretta Thornton, Marketing Officer

Christen Bane

Taylor Edwards

Brandi Epperson

Emily Harrell

Sarah Holland

Lois Katherine Jackson

Kristien Pierce

Alex Rainey

Kayla Redmon

Hunter Skipper

RaeLeigh Baldwin VanScyoc

Jake Wood

If you suspect child abuse, call the National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-4ACHILD (800-422-4453)