About Us

-SOCIAL SERVICES DIRECTOR-

Hettie has dedicated her life to helping the residents of Shelby County and has served at SEA for over 30 years! She is a staple person anyone in Montevallo knows and loves! She enjoys gardening and her favorite thing to grow is garlic! But Hettie can also paint, knit, and so much more. She truly is a talented individual with a passion for helping everyone she can!

-ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT-

Gail has served at SEA for 14 years and her smile at the front door or greeting over the phone is so important for our clients. Besides her charm, Gail can also plan events, decorate like a professional, cook and create! 

"I worked at Shelby Baptist Labor & Delivery for years in the 90's. Later in 2009, I joined the Shelby Emergency Assistance staff. Once, I accidentally answered the phone 'Shelby Labor & Delivery' at SEA (the new Shelby in my life)! Utilizing my wit, I quickly corrected that to the agency greeting!"

- CASE MANAGER-

Hillary graduated from The University of Montevallo with her social work degree and has used her skills in various capacities at SEA over the past 5 years. She is kind, understanding, and is able to quickly connect with those that she serves because of the ease that people feel around her. Hillary prioritizes her family, loves animals and is very involved in community activities of all kinds. One fun fact about Hillary is that she owns her very own bearded dragon!

-PROGRAM COORDINATOR-

Maria joined the Shelby Emergency Assistance family in 2023 as the Program Coordinator. She holds a Bachelors of Social Work from the University of Montevallo and a Masters degree in Social Work from the University of Alabama. Before joining the staff at SEA, she completed an internship that helped her gain a full picture of the work that SEA does. Maria coordinates the education initiatives and special projects at SEA, including back to school, and Project Christmas. 

-Thrive Prosperity Coach-

 Raven works with mothers and children in the Thrive program coaching them towards reaching their goals. Raven is originally from Mobile, AL. She is a Social Work student at the University of Montevallo. Raven has experience working hands on with families from her previous roles with Head Start and Shelby County DHR. She is kind, understanding, and is able to quickly connect with those that she serves because of the ease that people feel around her. Raven prioritizes her family. She is an avid Funko-Pop collector and has over 35 Funko-pops! Her favorite is her huge Baby Yoda.

-ESG Case Manager-

 Shanika is a graduate of the University of Montevallo, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Development and Family Studies. She has worked countless hours with non-Profits in Shelby, Dallas, and Jefferson counties. She previously worked with Pathways Homeless Women Shelter and Viatru Counseling. 

She has now joined SEA as the ESG case manager.  In her she assists families facing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless.  Shanika said, “ SEA gives our community hope, and I am so thrilled to be a part of an amazing team.”  Shanika thoroughly enjoys spending time with her family and friends, as well as with her energetic puppy Kingston. 

-Food Recovery Specialist-

Tom Turnbull joined SEA in early 2024 as the first ever Food Recovery Specialist. He is a graduate of the University of Montevallo, and his family has deep roots in Shelby County.  He enjoys the outdoors, electronics, and the guitar. He loves living in and being a part of the Montevallo community. In his role he looks forward to further connecting with and supporting the community through working with the SEA food pantry and the SEA edible garden.

-CASE MANAGER-

Tanna first joined SEA has a volunteer while in the Social Work program at the University of Montevallo. She quickly became a part of the SEA family and joined the team part time in the fall of 2023. She received her Bachelor's Degree in Social Work from the University of Montevallo in the Spring of 2024.