Welcome to the ALCA High School Counseling website
We will help you become a successful young adult prepared for your future.
ALCA High School Counselors
The Counseling Team at Alabama Connections Academy provides students and care takers professionals to assist with navigating through high school and all aspects of planning for the future. Our grade level counselors move with their class each year from freshman year through to graduation. Together, we provide a comprehensive counseling program for all students. We seek to prepare every student to be able to become successful in a Global and ever changing society. Our program offers guidance in the areas of Academic, Career, Social and Emotional development, planning, and preparation.
Counselors offer meetings with students individually through Open Office Hours for general questions as well as by appointment to address social, emotional, or academic needs. We provide Live Lessons to help students acquire personal & social skills, career awareness & exploration as well as studying & organizational skills. These lessons are once a month by grade level and once a month for the entire high school.
Mrs. Amanda Findlay
Manager of COunseling
For the last decade I have worked with high school students to identify, set and meet their post-secondary goals. I love what I do! Being able to share information, talk through the tough questions, and watch students cross the graduation stage is worth every minute spent entering transcripts and changing schedules. I am a Nationally Certified Counselor with a M.Ed. in Counseling from the University of Montevallo, a M.A. in Communication from Auburn University and a B.S. in Communication Arts from the University of North Alabama.
My handsome husband and I have been married for 16 years and we have 3 kids, one cat and one dog. Our home is noisy, you’ll find SEC football on TV every Saturday, and there is always someone sneaking a snack out of the kitchen.
As one of the original Alabama Connections Academy (ALCA) staff members I was present in 2017 when we created the school vison, All Learners Can Achieve. It’s this attitude we all have toward education that makes ALCA special; students who work full time, students who practice their sport full time, students with families that travel, whatever the reason traditional school doesn’t work, ALCA provides the opportunity for ALL to find success. I am so proud to be a part of this school!
MRs. Jera Havard
Professional School Counselor, Class of 2025, alpha a-k
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8am-4pm CST
This is my 8th year as a school counselor and my 3rd year with Alabama Connections Academy. I graduated from William Carey University with my Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education and also my Master of Science Degree in School Counseling.
I live in South Mississippi with my husband and 2 year old daughter. I enjoy spending time with my family, playing with my daughter, binge watching Netflix shows, and taking trips to Disney World.
I love being part of the ALCA Counseling Team and helping students reach their academic and career goals.
MRs. Patty Tribble
Professional School Counselor, Class of 2024, alpha a-k
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8am-4pm CST
This is my 27th year in education and my 13th year as a school counselor. I hold a Bachelor’s degree from Athens State College in Secondary Education and earned a Master’s degree in School Counseling from University of West Alabama. I have worked with students in grades 6-12 in my career as a science teacher, coach, and counselor.
I am a native of Huntsville, Alabama where I live with my husband of 28 years. We have three children and two dogs. In my spare time, I enjoy traveling and spending time with family.
I am excited to have the opportunity to work with the students and families of ALCA.
Mrs. Caitlin Feeley
Professional School Counselor, Class of 2027, alpha a-F
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8am-4pm CST
This is my 14th year in Education. Previously, I was an athletic academic counselor for student-athletes and business students at UAB (Go Blazers!). I have also taught Physical Education and Family & Consumer Sciences at the high school level.
My Bachelors is from DePaul University, where I was a 4 year volleyball student-athlete (Go Blue Demons!). My Masters in School Counseling is from Concord University Chicago. I am from the Chicagoland area (Go Cubs Go!) and born into a sports loving family. I am the youngest of four children and have many nieces and nephews. I currently live in the Birmingham, AL area with my husband and daughter.
This is my first year with ALCA and I am beyond thrilled to be a part of this community! Welcome and I hope to connect with you soon!
Ms. Yochabelle Greene
Professional School Counselor, Class of 2026, alpha A-K
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8am-4pm CST
This will be my eight year as a School Counselor. I graduated from University of Central Florida with my Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and later obtained my Master of Education degree in School Counseling from American Public University System.
I have a teenage son and 2 dogs. In my free time I enjoy attending my son’s athletic events,
spending time with friends and family, and relaxing while watching tv.
I am so excited to be a part of the ALCA family. I look forward to serving all the students and
families of ALCA.
Mrs. Mary Sykes
Professional School Counselor, Class of 2025, Alpha L-Z
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8am-4pm CST
This is my 6th year as a school counselor and my 10th year in education. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Disorders and a Masters degree in School Counseling from Liberty University.
My husband, Brad, is Active Duty Coast Guard and together we have a 3 year-old daughter named Piper and a fur baby named Lucy. In our free time, we love to travel, enjoy time on the water, and spend time with family and friends.
This is my 2nd year with Alabama Connections Academy and I am so excited to be a part of the ALCA family! I am looking forward to a great school year!
Dr. JEssica Quaife
Professional School Counselor, Class of 2024, Alpha l-z
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8am-4pm CST
I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from William Carey University. I earned my Education Specialist Degree from Carson-Newman University in Administrative Leadership. I also earned my Doctorate of Education in Administrative Leadership from Carson-Newman University, focusing my dissertation on virtual education.
I have three dogs, Jasper, Sophie, & Pepper who I love dearly and who keep me busy in my free time. I enjoy spending time with my friends and family, as well as reading, watching movies, and playing board games. Another passion of mine is travel and I head the travel program here at ALCA.
This is my 13th year as a School Counselor and my 6th year with Alabama Connections Academy. I am so happy that you have chosen to be part of the ALCA family and I am excited to help you along your academic and career journey!
Mrs. Julie Reeves
Professional School Counselor, Class of 2027, alpha G-M
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8am-4pm CST
I attended Jacksonville State University, where I earned Bachelor’s Degrees in Early Childhood and Elementary Education. I later earned my Master’s of Education in School Counseling from the University of West Alabama. I am entering my 19th year in education, my 5th as a School Counselor.
My husband, Matt, is an Exercise Physiologist, and we have one, perfectly precious fur baby, Lutzie, who is our whole world. In our free time, we love to attend as many sporting events as possible in Auburn (War Eagle!), take trips to the lake with family, and enjoy as many concerts as we can.
This is my 1st year with Alabama Connections Academy, and I am looking forward to many great days ahead with ALCA!
Mrs. Casey Ritchey
Professional School Counselor, Class of 2026 alpha L-z
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8am-4pm CST
I earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Auburn University in Human Development and Family Studies as well as Psychology before going on to receive my Master of Education in Community Agency Counseling. I attended UAB and earned an Education Specialist degree in School Counseling. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, a National Certified Counselor, and a National Certified School Counselor in addition to being certificated as a Bully Prevention Specialist, Trauma and Crisis Specialist, college Admissions Specialist, & Career Development Specialist.
I have a Husband, Thomas, and 2 children, Preston & Eva. We have 2 cats, Pete & Graycee as well as 2 Crested Geckos, Max & Ruby and a tank full of fish. We enjoy spending time playing board games and watching movies.
This begins my 19th year as a School Counselor and my 4th with Alabama Connections Academy. I am so excited to be working in a virtual environment with just wonderful faculty, students, and families.
Mrs. Nafiyah Kirkland
Professional School Counselor, Class of 2027, alpha N-z
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8am-4pm CST
This is my 9th year in Education as a School Counselor and my 6th year with ALCA. I graduated from William Carey University with my Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and then my Master’s Degree in School Counseling. I am a National Board Certified Counselor, a member of the American School Counselor Association, and a member of the Alabama School Counselor Association.
I have a busy, curious six-year-old little boy and a feisty, sweet two-year-old little girl. I enjoy spending quality time with my friends and family, volunteering at my church, and being a school counselor.
Being a part of the ALCA family is the best professional decision I have ever made and I hope you will be able to say the same!