Speaker Bios - Alphabetical by Last Name
Ashley Abrams - Education
Ashley Abrams, MS ALC CTAPSB, is a dedicated mental health professional, currently serving as a Juvenile Court Liaison and Outpatient Therapist at AltaPointe Health. Ashley holds a master’s degree in counseling, which she earned from Faulkner University in 2019. Her academic journey began with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and criminal justice from Troy University in 2012.
Ashley’s specialties include working with adolescents within the juvenile justice system and trauma informed care. She has achieved certification in the treatment of adolescent problematic sexual behaviors, showcasing her desire to address sensitive and complex issues surrounding adolescent behavior. Ashley is also a certified instructor for The Parent Project, demonstrating her commitment to empowering parents and caregivers with effective tools for managing challenging behaviors in their children.
Ashley is dedicated to professional development. This is evident through her role as an instructor for the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC), where she imparts essential knowledge regarding mental health to juvenile probation officers.
In addition to her direct clinical work, Ashley is an active advocate for child welfare and juvenile justice reform. She serves as a board member of the Randolph County Children’s Policy Council and contributes her expertise as part of the Talladega County Multineeds Team. Ashley is committed to the well-being of children and families as evident in her multifaceted approach, addressing both individual therapeutic needs and broader systemic issues.
As a testament to her ongoing pursuit of learning, Ashley is on track to complete her Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) certification and Clinical Trauma Specialist Certification in May. This accomplishment will further enhance her ability to provide comprehensive and ethical mental health services to those she serves.
Margaret Berryman - Health Sciences
Margaret graduated from Faulkner University with her undergraduate degree in Health and Rehabilitation Psychology in 2017. She then, graduated from Faulkner University with her Master’s in Speech and Language Pathology in 2022. She completed her Clinical Fellowship at Excel Rehabilitation in Montgomery, AL before moving to Florence, AL, where she currently works at Stepping Stone Pediatric Therapy. Her clinical interests include: AAC, early language, and swallowing disorders. She loves being able to build relationships with the families she works with and watching the kiddos gain and develop new skills. She has been married to Nick Berryman for 6 years. They have 2 children, Carter (2) and Wanda (1) and are expecting another little girl in early June.
Joey Burns - Mathematics, Natural and Physical Sciences and Computer Science
Joey Burns lives in Grovetown, GA just outside of Augusta. He and his wife Rosalynne have been married for 38 years. Their son, Joseph, is married to Samantha, and they have one daughter, Carolina Rose. Their daughter, Savannah, is married to John Logan Dockins, and they have one daughter, Emma Jo.
Joey has been a lifetime member of the Central Church of Christ in Augusta where he has served as a deacon and currently serves as an elder. Joey received his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology in May of 1985 from Alabama Christian College (ACC). He was also a member of the Epsilon Phi Upsilon social club from 1981-1985. After graduating from ACC, he was employed by Southern Growers in Montgomery, AL from 1984-1987. He moved back home to Grovetown, GA in June of 1987 to start the Double B Plant Farm with his parents, Johnnie and Barbara Burns. Joey owns and operates the nursery along with his son, Joseph.
JL Dockins - Kinesiology & Exercise Science
John Logan Dockins lives in Wetumpka, Alabama and is an active member at the University Church of Christ. He is married to Savannah for 6 years and they have a 15 month old daughter, Emma Jo. JL attended Faulkner from 2011-2015 where he played baseball all 4 years and was a member of the Kappa Sigma Phi social club. He then came back and graduated with his Masters in Buisness Administration in 2022.
JL is a teacher and staff member at Alabama Christian Academy and has been since 2015. He taught Bible classes for 6 years and then took over the Physical Education Department in 2021 as the Director of Eagle FITT. He was named WSFA Teacher of the Month in 2019.
While at ACA, JL also helped coach the football team as the Offensive Coordinator for 7 years. This past year he was named the ACA Coach of the Year. In 2017, and 2020 they set the most wins in a single season in school history, most consecutive years in the playoffs (2016-present) and have assisted players in school records for single season, single game, and career stats. JL is also the Head Middle School Baseball coach.
Mary Lawless Jones - English, Humanities, Music, Great Books Honors Program
Mary Lawless Jones attended Faulkner University from 2008 to 2012. She received a Bachelor of Arts in English Language Arts in Education. During her time at Faulkner, Mary was a member of Sigma Tau Delta, The International English Honor Society. From 2008 to 2010, she was a member of the Tri-Alpha (AAA) social club. Mary began dating her future husband, Justin Jones, in 2010. He played baseball for Faulkner, and Mary never missed a home game during the 2011 and 2012 baseball seasons. Mary spent a lot of time doing practicum hours at schools in the tri-county area, and her love for education only grew from her time at Faulkner.
In 2018, Mary began Faulkner’s online program to pursue a graduate degree. She graduated in fourteen months with her Master of Education in English Language Arts Curriculum in July of 2019. Mary is currently in her twelfth year in Education. She finished her internship in the fall of 2012 and then completed the academic year in Coosa County at Central Middle School. After that, Mary was blessed to return to Elmore County High School (ECHS), where she had worked as an intern. Mary taught ninth-grade English for ten years. She is currently in her second year of teaching tenth-grade English. In addition to her teaching duties, Mary has served her school as the Yearbook teacher for eight
years and as a sponsor for the Key Club and First Priority for twelve years. Mary received the Teacher of the Year award at ECHS for the 2017-2018 academic year, and she received the WSFA Class Act Award in October 2023. Mary’s husband teaches and coaches at Edgewood Academy. The couple have been together for fourteen years and have been married for over eleven years. They have three beautiful children - Sadie, Easton, and Emersyn.
Chuck Knapp - Social and Behavioral Sciences
Chuck Knapp graduated from Faulkner University in 1999. From 1999 to 2006, he was a member of the Faulkner University Admissions team as the Assistant Director of Admissions. In 2006, Knapp became the Director of Football Operation for Faulkner and served in this position until 2019. He is currently Head Football Coach, Athletic Director, and teacher at Georgia Christian School.
Scott McCown - Biblical Studies
Scott McCown (BA ’89; MA ’07) is the pulpit minister at the Central Church of Christ in Tuscaloosa, AL. He served as a youth minister and pulpit minister in Florida before moving to Alabama. He and his wife Amy live in Northport, AL.
Victoria McDaniel - English, Humanities, Music, Great Books Honors Program
For four years, Victoria McDaniel was a student at Faulkner University, where she enjoyed being a member of the Great Books Program, serving on the Honors Council, leading the Marching Eagles Color Guard as its captain. She was also Phi Lambda social club’s Devotional Chair, a Jamboree Coordinator, and an admissions FORCE member. Victoria was honored to receive the Humanities department award in 2020.
She is currently employed at Mobile Christian School, where she teaches 6-8th grade ELA, coaches the color guard, and oversees the drama club. In her free time, Victoria enjoys walking her dog, writing for her Instagram blog @_joyjournal_, and beating her boyfriend in Scrabble.
Kristine Bauer Paulk - Health Sciences
Kristine is a native of Erath, LA. She relocated to Montgomery in 2020 to attend Faulkner University PA program entering as the inaugural cohort. Prior to this endeavor, she practiced as a surgical technologist for 7 years. She has an associate’s degree in applied science, a bachelor’s degree in Biology with a concentration in Medical Sciences, and a Master’s of Physician Assistant Studies. She is currently enrolled in APP certification program in Breast Health. She is fortunate enough to practice as a surgical/oncology PA-C at UAB Breast Health Clinic. She is newly married to a Faulkner Alumni, Brian Paulk, they share two dogs, Brew and Kramer.
Jacob Payne - Legal Studies
Jacob Payne is a 2018 graduate of Faulkner University with a Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies. While in college, Jacob was a proud member of the Legal Studies club and Epsilon Phi Upsilon. After graduation, Jacob went on to Faulkner Law School where he graduated and passed the Alabama State Bar in 2021. Upon graduation, Jacob returned to his hometown of Dothan, Alabama where he practices Personal Injury law. Jacob has been married to his college sweetheart, Ali, for five years. They now have two sons. The Payne family is active with the Westgate Church of Christ. When Jacob is not working or home spending time with his family, you can find him on a golf course.
Rocky Philippou - Mathematics, Natural and Physical Sciences and Computer Science
Rocky Philippou is a 2022 Faulkner Computer Science graduate from Montgomery, AL. Following completion of his Faulkner internship with Hyundai, he was offered full time employment as a Systems Analyst. Rocky played soccer while attending Faulkner and continues to play in his leisure.
Daniel Phipps - Criminal Justice
Captain Phipps has been serving the citizens of Oxford since 2010. He is a graduate of the Northeast Alabama Law Enforcement Academy 142nd Session. During his service with the Oxford Police Department, Captain Phipps served as a Patrolman, Investigator, Sergeant, and Lieutenant before being promoted to Captain in 2023.
Captain Phipps has been certified by P.O.S.T. as a Tier 1 Investigator and by ALEA as a Traffic Homicide Investigator. He is an Axon Taser Instructor and a Strategic Self-Defense and Gunfighting Tactics (SSGT) Instructor. As the Uniformed Division’s Captain, he oversees the department’s Patrol Operations and other specialized units.
Captain Phipps also serves in the Alabama Air National Guard as a Master Sergeant with the 187th Security Forces Squadron. Captain Phipps started his military career with the Army Reserves om 2005.
Captain Phipps holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Jacksonville State University, a Masters in Criminal Justice Administration from Faulkner University, and a graduate certificate in Criminal Justice Education from the University of Virginia. He is also a graduate of the 285th Session of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia.
Karen Pirtle - Education
Karen Pirtle is an active member of Midway church of Christ in Trinity, AL. She teaches Bible classes and is involved in the ladies’ ministry where she leads ladies’ classes, coordinates their annual Ladies Day, and organizes retreats. Karen holds a BS in Elementary Education from Faulkner University, as well as a Master’s Degree in
Elementary Education from the University of North Alabama. She has been an educator for 33 years with the majority of her years spent teaching kindergarten. She was named Alabama Christian Academy Teacher of the Year in 1993, East Lawrence Elementary Teacher of the Year in 2013 and 2020, and Lawrence County Elementary Teacher of the Year in 2013.
She recently married longtime family friend, Casey Pirtle. She is the mother of 3 grown children: Brittany, April, and Sawyer, bonus mom to Hillary, grandmother to 7, and great-grandmother to two. She enjoys gardening, flower arranging, thrifting and finding good bargains, as well as spending time with friends and family.
Karen has experienced more than her share of unexpected twists, turns, and detours in her life. Through these many struggles, she has chosen joy and willingly shares her stories to show God’s providence at work in her life.
Joshua Posey - Biblical Studies
Joshua Posey (BA ’16) is the preacher at the Bowdon Church of Christ in Bowdon, GA. He is married to Morghan, and they have three children: Sidon, Anna, and Asher. He also has a master’s in ministerial leadership from Amridge University.
Brandon Pressnell - Biblical Studies
Brandon Pressnell (BA ’96; MA ’06) is one of the preaching ministers at the Madison Church of Christ in Madison, AL. He has served as a youth minister and family minister before become a preaching minister. He and his wife Cindy have three children: Kenzie, Gage, and Nick.
Jason Roberson - Kinesiology & Exercise Science
Jason Roberson is a Montgomery native where he attended Trinity Presbyterian High School and then attended Faulkner in 1996-2000 where he played on our Men’s Basketball Team. He is married to Lori for 24 years this coming May and have three children: Malia (21), Carson (19), and Brady (18). Jason is currently teaching at Prattville Christian Academy and is teaching Senior Bible class and online courses. He has experience teaching in the Physical Education and Athletic classes at PCA as well.
Aside from teaching, Jason is the Head Men’s Basketball Coach at PCA and has been since 2001 with the exception on 1 year where he coached in Georgia at Stockbridge High School. So far, he accumulated a 680-330 overall record with a 388-230 record in the Varsity Men’s and a 292-100 record in Varsity Girls.
· State Championships in 3A AISA in 2010-2011 season (boys)
· State Runner-Up in 3A in AISA in 2011-2012 season (boys)
· State Runner-Up in 2A in AHSAA in 2012-2013 season (girls)
· Final Four in 3A ASHAA in 2018-2019 season (girls)
· Final Four in 3A ASHAA in 2018-2019 season (boys)
· State Championship in 3A AHSAA in 2020-2021 season (girls)
· State Championship in 3A AHSAA in 2021-2022 season (girls)
· State Championship in 4A AHSAA in 2022-2023 season (girls)
Jeremy VanEgmond - Mathematics, Natural and Physical Sciences and Computer Science
Jeremy VanEgmond currently serves as Chief of the Education Lab for the Air University Innovation Accelerator (AUiX) at Maxwell Air Force Base. Originally from Hamilton, Ontario (Canada), Jeremy came to Montgomery, Alabama on a soccer scholarship to Faulkner University. In addition to playing soccer, Jeremy was a member of the Kappa Sigma Phi social club. He graduated in 2009 and received the Faulkner University Secondary Education Award that year. Following graduation, Jeremy immediately began his educational career serving as a teacher, coach, and school administrator while remaining focused on advocating for learner-centered education that is relevant to the 21st century.
Jeremy has contributed to a wide variety of educational contexts including K-12 and post-secondary public/private schools, written publications, and conference presentations while also fostering personal passions of music, cooking, and the outdoors. Jeremy holds a B.A. in Math Education from Faulkner University and an M. Ed. in Instructional Leadership from Auburn University Montgomery. He and his wife, Rachel, have three children and continue to enjoy residing in the Montgomery community.
Laine Villareal - Mathematics, Natural and Physical Sciences and Computer Science
Laine Villareal graduated with her bachelor’s degree from Faulkner University in 2013. She then went on to obtain her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) in 2019. She has received specialty certifications in Pelvic Health, Parkinson’s Disease, Corrective Exercise Specialist, Dry Needling and IASTM. She works at Therapy South in East Montgomery in Outpatient Orthopedics as well as Encompass Inpatient Hospital.
She and her husband Dustin are active members at Montgomery Inner City church of Christ where Dustin is employed as the Youth & Community Outreach Minister. Laine has been active with the Women’s Ministry, teaching Wednesday night bible class and working to build stronger relationships between the teenage girls and elder female members of the congregation. She has been an Advisor to Faulkner’s Social Club Delta Xi Omega the last two years. When not serving in their church or working she enjoys spending time engaging in sports and exercise, playing adult league kickball, and hiking.
Sarah-Gracen Watts - Education
Sarah-Gracen Watts is an accomplished educator with a passion for shaping young minds. Born and raised in Montgomery, Alabama, she embarked on her
academic journey at Faulkner University, where she not only excelled academically but also showcased her athletic dedication as a volleyball player. Graduating
with summa cum laude honors, Sarah-Gracen was recognized for her outstanding contributions with the Faulkner University Elementary Education Award for the 2021-22 school year.
Currently residing in Vero Beach, Florida, she is in her second year of teaching 2nd grade. Her commitment to excellence in education was further emphasized when she received the Rookie Teacher of the Year award during her first year in the profession. Sarah-Gracen Watts continues to inspire and positively impact the lives of her students as she nurtures a love for learning in the classroom.
James Whitmire - Social and Behavioral Sciences
James Whitmire (25) was born in San Francisco, California. He lived there with his mom, dad, and older sister until he was 8 years old, when his family moved to Ozark, Alabama. James graduated from Carroll High School in 2016. He then attended Faulkner University from 2016 to 2020. At Faulkner, James played baseball and was a manager for the volleyball team. He graduated with his Bachelor’s of Science in History. He earned the Social Studies Department award in 2020.
James is married to his wife, Taylor. The two are high school sweethearts. Taylor also attended Faulkner and was a member of the soccer team. The Whitmire’s now live in Auburn, Alabama, where James has worked for the Auburn Police Department for nearly three years.
Barry Wiginton - Business
Barry Wiginton received his BS in Business Information Systems degree from Faulkner University in 2007. He began his career with Aultman Properties in 2008, and in 2010 he participated in the merger that created what is now known as The Overland Group. The Overland Group has produced well over 13 million square feet of development for projects around the nation to date. Barry lives in Calera, Alabama, with his wife Tiffany and their three children, Beckham, Emmy, and Bear. Barry is a committed member of Birmingham’s Park View Church and enjoys coaching youth baseball.
Hunter Wilson - Business
Hunter Wilson graduated from Faulkner University, earning both a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration. He began his professional journey in public accounting, specializing in tax and financial accounting. After four years, he transitioned to RemTerra, where he currently holds the position of Controller, focusing primarily on tax planning and consulting. Throughout his tenure at RemTerra, Hunter has actively participated in various conservation easement projects while ensuring compliance with IRS regulations. Additionally, he co-founded Marchelle Finance, a firm offering tax, accounting, and consulting services to small businesses. Through Marchelle Finance, Hunter has contributed to the establishment and growth of numerous startups across diverse industries. Outside of work, Hunter and his wife McKenzie are devoted to caring for their six-month-old daughter Maren.