Coordinators
Dustin & Hannah Catherine Phillips
For the past ten years, Dustin Phillips has faithfully served on various committees for Night to Shine Shoals, taking on roles ranging from parking attendant and buddy to co-coordinator of guest registration and volunteer recruitment. This will be his fourth year as the event coordinator, leading the night with dedication as a representative of Christ Chapel Church. In 2024, his wife, Hannah Catherine, joined the Night to Shine Shoals team and has naturally stepped into a leadership role, further strengthening their shared commitment to making the Shoals a more inclusive community.
Guest Relations:
Jen Berry
Jennifer Berry is a National Board Certified Teacher, Exceptional Needs Specialist (Birth-21 Years), and accomplished educational leader currently serving as Executive Director of Educational Programming at Bear Creek Collaborative in Florence, Alabama. She is involved in organizations in the Shoals community focused on bringing awareness and support to the exceptional needs community and currently serves as the Program Strategy Director at The
Extraordinary Foundation.
Jennifer holds a Master of Education in Special Education from the University of North Alabama and maintains additional certifications in Special Education (P-12) and Elementary Education
(K-6). She also has served as Faculty Adjunct Instructor at the University of North Alabama’s College of Education and Human Sciences.
With extensive experience in special education and collaborative teaching, Jennifer specializes in creating innovative learning experiences and comprehensive program development. Her expertise in crisis management is particularly valuable, having served as a district trainer for the Managing Crisis Safely program in both Muscle Shoals City Schools and Florence City Schools,
equipping educators with essential skills for supporting students in challenging situations.
Buddy Recruitment Chair:
Dr. Amanda Hitt
Amanda Hitt is a dual-certified Nurse Practitioner in both family and emergency medicine. She has served as both a nurse and a nurse practitioner in local emergency departments for over 20 years. In 2020, she began teaching full-time at the University of North Alabama in the Undergraduate Nursing Department. Dr. Hitt has enjoyed being a part of the Night to Shine Leadership team for two years and loves being able to bring her nursing students to participate as Buddy volunteers to this event each year!
General Volunteer Recruitment Chair:
Jen Berry
Activities Team Lead:
My name is Annastyn Simpson! I am a senior at the University of North Alabama pursuing a bachelor’s degree in social work. A little bit about me is that I currently work in customer service at Bank Independent, I’m a cat mom, and I have an adorable niece and nephew! This will be my second year as part of Night To Shine. I look forward to seeing everyone there and working with everyone to create an amazing night for our honored guests!
Buddy Check-In Team Lead:
Monica Hester
Coat Check Team Lead:
Flower Station Team Lead #1:
Robin Sessions
Food Service Team Lead:
Adam McCollum
General Volunteer Check-In Team Lead:
Rebecca “Becca” Gans
This is my second year serving on the leadership team for Night to Shine and my third year being a part of this incredible event. From the very first time I attended, I developed a deep passion for supporting this amazing and caring community. My goal is to help ensure that everyone has a safe, fun, and unforgettable experience, and to do whatever I can to help the event run smoothly.
I put my heart and soul into every event I’m involved in, and I’m honored to be part of something so special.
A few fun facts about me: I’m a Sunday school teacher, I love to read, I’m a huge Disney fan, and I share my home with a cat and a dog.
Gift Take Away Team Lead:
Becky Rogers
Hair & Make Up Team Lead:
Kayla Adams
Hair & Make Up Team Lead #2:
Dorenda Fraizer
Hospitality Team Lead:
Jaela Haithcoat
My name is Jaela and I am thrilled to be a part of Night to Shine for the second year in a row! A little bit about me is that I am a high school special education teacher, dog mom, concert lover, and book reader! I can’t wait to serve our exceptional needs community and make it a night to remember for everyone involved!
Code Blue (Medical) Team Lead:
My name is Brandi Ray and I am a local nurse practitioner with 20 years experience in the medical field, including emergency medicine, orthopedics, family practice, and gerontology. I have a doctoral degree in nursing practice from UAB with a passion and concentration on medical care and delivery of services to our extraordinary population. I have two daughters and my oldest rocks an extra chromosome. We all ride horses and participate in equine therapy as well as compete at the state and national levels. Night to Shine is one of my favorite events of the year and it’s always a pleasure to serve alongside an amazing team on this special night.
Code Yellow Team Lead:
Jennifer Berry, M.Ed.
Jennifer Berry is a National Board Certified Teacher, Exceptional Needs Specialist (Birth-21 Years), and accomplished educational leader currently serving as Executive Director of Educational Programming at Bear Creek Collaborative in Florence, Alabama. She is involved in organizations in the Shoals community focused on bringing awareness and support to the exceptional needs community and currently serves as the Program Strategy Director at The
Extraordinary Foundation.
Jennifer holds a Master of Education in Special Education from the University of North Alabama and maintains additional certifications in Special Education (P-12) and Elementary Education
(K-6). She also has served as Faculty Adjunct Instructor at the University of North Alabama’s College of Education and Human Sciences.
With extensive experience in special education and collaborative teaching, Jennifer specializes in creating innovative learning experiences and comprehensive program development. Her expertise in crisis management is particularly valuable, having served as a district trainer for the Managing Crisis Safely program in both Muscle Shoals City Schools and Florence City Schools,
equipping educators with essential skills for supporting students in challenging situations.
Paparazzi Team Lead:
Parking Team Lead:
Bethany Oliver
Red Carpet Team Lead #1:
Julianne Borne is a Certified Academic Language Therapist (CALT) and Licensed Dyslexia Therapist (LDT) with a passion for serving children and families in the Shoals area and beyond. She is the owner of The Learning Collective of the Shoals, a private practice geared toward helping students of all ages with dyslexia and other learning challenges. She provides individualized language therapy, executive functioning coaching, and comprehensive dyslexia assessments. Julianne holds a Master’s degree in Dyslexia Therapy and an Education Specialist degree in Psychometrics. She absolutely loves working with children and is excited to be a part of Night to Shine, celebrating such a fun and meaningful evening for the exceptional needs community. Julianne and her husband, Zach, are proud parents of a very adventurous one-year-old (Merit) who keeps them on their toes!
Red Carpet Team Lead #2:
Donna Abernathy
Red Carpet Team Lead #3
Laikin Monroe
Respite Room Team Leads:
Monica Hester is a registered nurse with a master’s degree in nursing who teaches full-time at the University of North Alabama. This is her third year participating in Night to Shine, and her
first year volunteering for the leadership team. She feels honored to serve in a ministry that celebrates the incredible worth of every guest and shines God’s love so brightly. Monica’s favorite part of the night is watching the guests light up with joy as they walk the red carpet like
royalty!
Security Team Lead:
Howard Phillips
Set Up Team Lead:
Social Media Team Lead #1:
Abbie Bean
Hi! My name is Abbie Bean and I am a junior at the University of North Alabama majoring in early childhood education. At North Alabama I am involved in many things including being apart of Alpha Delta Pi and being the worship leader of a women’s ministry called Delight. I am originally from Birmingham, AL but have fell in love with Florence! I grew up with a special needs twin brother so I am super excited to get the chance to glorify and represent him in this position and express how amazing this organization is through social media.
Social Media Team Lead #2:
Sydney Kate Ervin
Hello! My name is Sydney Kate Ervin and I am a Junior at the Univeristy of North Alabama majoring in nursing! Ever since I first volunteered here for the first time, I developed a big passion for caring for this special community. I am so excited to get to help with Night to Shine this year in a different way!
Social Media Team Lead # 3
Mackenxzie Hoesly
My name is Mackenzie Hoesly and this is my first year with Night to Shine-Shoals, and I am super excited! I currently am a junior at UNA majoring in social work and a part of the sorority Alpha Delta Pi!!
I can’t wait to meet everyone!
Tear Down Team Lead:
Welcome Team Lead:
Alyson Bergner is passionate about building community, creating meaningful connections, and mentoring students through their academic and personal journeys. This is Alyson’s third year serving on the leadership team for Night to Shine, an event close to her heart and one she is proud to help bring to life.