Meet Cramer's Young Advisory Circle (CYAC)
-A young professionals' program of Cramer Children's Advocacy Center
Katie Smith, President
Katie Smith is the director of advancement at Northwest Shoals Community College. She has more than a decade of experience working in the nonprofit sector, and holds a master of nonprofit management degree from The University of Central Florida. She's looking forward to working with Cramer's Young Advisory Circle to have a meaningful impact on furthering the mission of the Cramer Children's Center.
Matthew Vest, Vice President
Matthew is a financial advisor with Merrill Lynch where he enjoys serving the community through financial planning and multigenerational wealth management. He is a 2015 graduate of the University of North Alabama and 2017 graduate of the University of Alabama. His passion for helping the children in our area stems from his own children, Micah (3) and Madelyn (3 mos.). In his spare time, Matthew enjoys spending time with his family, golfing, exercising, and reading.
Amy Lovelace, Secretary
Amy Lovelace is the Customer & Community Relations Director for LONG-LEWIS™ Automotive Group, where she has proudly worked for more than ten years. In her role, she leads community outreach initiatives and builds lasting partnerships with organizations that share LONG-LEWIS™’s commitment to serving others. Amy’s favorite part of her work is connecting with people and supporting causes that create meaningful, lasting impact across Alabama.
Kayla Patterson, Fundraising Chair
Kayla Patterson is a family law attorney in the Shoals with more than 10 years of legal experience—first as a paralegal and now as a family law attorney. Kayla has dedicated her career to helping children and families navigate some of life’s most challenging moments. As a mother of two powerful young ladies, she is deeply passionate about advocating for the safety, well-being, and empowerment of children in our community. Kayla is excited to work alongside others who share her commitment to ensuring every child feels valued, supported, and loved.
Rachel Carver, Membership Chair
Rachel Carver is an administrator at River Cross Properties, where she oversees all tenant/prospect communications and operations. Originally from Baltimore, she moved to the Shoals two years ago and has come to love the community and close connections it offers. Rachel joined the Advisory Circle to become more involved and support the Shoals' continued growth.
Meghan Bailey
Meghan Bailey and her husband were both born and raised in the Shoals, and now they're raising three boys of their own. They love calling the Shoals home and being part of the community. As a mom, Meghan is excited to get involved in a young advisory board for children to help create positive opportunities for local kids to thrive. Meghan currently works as the Shoals Section Manager for Alabama AGC.
Kenzie Churchwell
Kenzie Churchwell works at Lauderdale County DHR and earned her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from the University of North Alabama in 2022, followed by her Master’s in 2024. She is so excited to be part of Cramer's Young Advisory Circle and looks forward to getting involved and making a positive impact in the community!
Desireé Cole
Desireé Cole is a Shoals native, and currently serves as the Human Resource Recruiter for PROJECTXYZ in Muscle Shoals, AL. As a graduate of the University of North Alabama, a volunteer to local school system committees and her church’s children’s ministry, Desireé is dedicated to serving with purpose, leading with compassion, and encouraging others to reach their fullest potential. Desireé is the wife to Martez, and Mommy to Eden, Harrison and Kingslyn. She has a heart for advocacy and is dedicated to help shape positive change for generations with this phenomenal group of leaders!
Madison Crowley
Madison Crowley is a Wealth Management Client Associate at Merrill Lynch. She was born and raised in Panama City, Florida before moving to Florence, AL in 2021 to attend the University of North Alabama. She is very passionate about the Cramer Children's Center’s mission and looks forward to contributing new ideas to help expand its impact on the community.
Noah Daugherty
Noah Daugherty works at Lauderdale County DHR. As a former foster youth, he is deeply passionate about supporting children and families through the challenges of the foster care system. He is also a husband and father to two beautiful daughters, which gives him an even stronger commitment to creating stability and opportunity for others. He is grateful for every chance to connect with others and build relationships that expand his ability to serve and support those in need.
Kaelin Denton
Kaelin Denton was raised in Florence, Alabama and graduated from the University of North Alabama in December 2021 with a B.S. in Entertainment Business. He is currently pursuing a career in voiceover narration, while employed as a certified gemologist/salesperson at KAY Jewelers. Kaelin's voice has been widely used for various companies, such as: UNA, Life Flight Network, and more. He also has a production credit for the 2022 Peacock docuseries "I Love You, You Hate Me". Kaelin believes in the betterment of children's lives and the arts and that Cramer Chidren's Center has the best resources available to help children in need.
Peyton Gillott
Peyton Gillott is the Branch Sales Manager at CB&S Bank on Pine Street in Florence, Alabama. He is looking forward to working with the people at Cramer Children's Center and for the wonderful cause they support. He is always willing to help someone in need. Providing support and assistance for children in need in this area is a great cause and Peyton is happy to join and be a part of this group.
LaJoy Johnson
LaJoy Johnson is a School Social Worker for Lauderdale County Schools with a background in child welfare. She earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Social Work from the University of North Alabama and is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Social Work at the University of Kentucky. LaJoy is passionate about supporting children and families, and strives to create safe, nurturing environments where students can thrive. Outside of her professional and academic roles, she is a proud mother of two boys who inspire her every day. "It’s inspiring to be part of a Circle that’s focused on giving children a brighter future. I’m thrilled to join this group of change-makers and look forward to growing together, both personally and professionally, as we make a difference."
Whitney King
Whitney King is the Assistant Restaurant Manager at 360 Grille in Florence. She is a native to North Alabama and a recent transplant to the Shoals from Huntsville, AL. As a mother to a daughter with special needs, advocating for children in the community is her passion!
Baylee Mardis Little
​Baylee Mardis Little is a Human Resources professional with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business from Jacksonville State University, and is SHRM-CP certified. Baylee and her husband Luke have one son, Zealand. Baylee is looking forward to this program because she has a passion for service and a love for the Shoals community that has helped shape who she is. As the oldest sister of 9 siblings, and as a mother, advocating for children who can’t always advocate for themselves is a task she takes very seriously, and she wants to do all that she can to make sure their voices are heard.
Sarah Peavy
Sarah Peavy is a Family Support Worker for the Youth Advocate Program and has lived in the Shoals for nearly 5 years. She looks forward to the many opportunities she will have as a member of Cramer's Young Advisory Circle to help in an area she feels passionate about.
Anna Sapp
Anna Sapp is a current student at Northwest Shoals Community College finishing her basics before transferring to the University of North Alabama to pursue a degree in Social Work. She is a 9-1-1 Call Taker for Lauderdale County and loves the opportunity to help out in her community. This is Sarah's first volunteer experience, and she is excited and honored to have the privilege of volunteering with Cramer Children’s Center.
Georgia Claire Varble, CFMP
Georgia Claire Varble, CFMP, serves as the Director of Market Development for First Metro Bank. In 2025, she graduated from Leadership Shoals, a program offered through the Shoals Chamber of Commerce. Professionally and personally, Georgia Claire values strong connections and always has open ears for those needing to be heard. Additionally, Georgia Claire is a member of the Rotary Club of Florence, serving as Public Image Chair. She previously served as a volunteer alumna-advisor for the University of North Alabama Chapter of Alpha Delta Pi Sorority and a volunteer for community organizations in both her hometown in Tennessee and the Shoals.
Interested in joining CYAC?
Check back in August for our new application!