Meet the Team

Amy Crotts

Program Director
(256)782-8656
acrotts@jsu.edu 

Hello, Jacksonville State University Family!

I am thrilled to join you as the new Director of the Child Development Center. With 22 years of teaching experience, including 17 years as a lead teacher in a First Class Pre-K program, and a background as Director of After School and Summer Camp Program at Springville Elementary, I bring a deep passion for early childhood education. Holding a Bachelor of Science in Education (PreK-6th grade) and a Master’s in Early Childhood Education, I am thankful for the opportunity to share that passion with the staff and families of Jacksonville State University Child Development Center.

Nikki Zarzabal-Valencia

Assistant Director
256-782-8657
nzarzabal@jsu.edu 

Hello everyone! My name is Nicolette Zarzabal-Valencia but many of you may know me as Mrs. Nikki. I am currently the Assistant Director for the JSU Child Development Center. While I wear many hats, here are a few things to know about me: 

My Child Development experience dates back to 2013, where I served as a camp counselor for special needs children ranging from ages 6 to 21. From there I was chosen to be a pediatric consultant from the University of Miami as manager of the program, while being tasked with things such as budgeting and overseeing projects. Thus, starting my Child Development career. 

I will be receiving my Bachelor’s Degree In Family and Consumer Sciences focusing in Child Development come December. Soon after I will be pursuing my Masters of Science in Education.

Annaleigh Harris

Administrative Assistant
256-782-8659
aharris@jsu.edu 

Hello! My name is Annaleigh Harris and I am the new Administrative Assistant for the CDC. I am a native of Talladega County, and earned my Bachelor’s of Social Work degree from Jacksonville State University. I have been on the Jax State campus for the last 20 years, but I am super excited to begin this new adventure with our outstanding Child Development Center. It’s going to be a GREAT school year!

Kelsey Blair

Lead Pre-K Teacher
kcblair@jsu.edu 

Hello! I am Kelsey Blair. I have a Bachelor’s degree from The University of Alabama in Early Childhood and Elementary Education. I am currently pursuing my Masters in Early Childhood Education here at Jacksonville State. This will be my seventh year teaching early childhood education and sixth year teaching prekindergarten. I am excited to work with your children this year and cannot wait to watch your little learners grow!

Brittany Craig

Lead Pre-K Teacher
bacraig@jsu.edu

I am super excited to be teaching at JSU CDC! I have been teaching for fifteen years. I am a fur mom to six dogs. I have a Bachelors in Early Childhood Education and plan to pursue a Masters Degree soon.

Jasmine Prater

Lead Pre-K Teacher
jprater5@jsu.edu 

Hello, everyone. My name is Jasmine Prater, and I am from Anniston, AL. I graduated from JSU with a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education and I’m currently pursuing my Master's in Early Childhood Education at JSU. I have been teaching Pre-K for seven years, and I am so excited to start working with your child this school year.

Ty Coleman

Aux Pre-K Teacher
Tcoleman78@jsu.edu 

My name is Tyonja Coleman, I am married and have two beautiful girls! I have worked in Early Childhood field for thirteen years! I am currently enrolled at JSU majoring in Family and Consumer Sciences. Working with children is my passion and I am so excited to continue my degree here at JSU!

Mel Paquette

Aux Pre-K Teacher
mpaquette@jsu.edu 

Hello,

My name is Ms. Mel. I have been in the field of early childhood education for last 11 years. This is my second year at JSU as the auxiliary teacher in Pre-K 1! I truly love working with children and watching them grow and learn.

I am the mom of 3 children, my oldest just joined the Navy and I'm so excited to start this adventure as a Navy mom. My youngest 2 are in high school and are both in the band!

Courtney Rich

Aux Pre-K Teacher
cyancey@jsu.edu

Hey, my name is Courtney Rich. I graduated from Jacksonville State University with a degree in Child Development. I have been working with young children for several years. This is my third year as a Pre-K teacher at the JSU Child Development Center. It is such a joy to watch young children learn and grow within the classroom. I am so excited to be your child's teacher. Let's have a great year in Pre-K!

Heather Smith

Lead Three-Year-Old Teacher
hnsmith@jsu.edu

Hello I'm Mrs. Heather. I have been in child care for 15 years. I live in Alexandria with my husband Greg and our children John David (9) and Grace Anne (4). I have been working for the CDC since we opened, where I started as the lead in the infant class. I'm excited to be working with all my new friends in the 3's class.

Emily Walls

Auxiliary Three-Year-Old Teacher

eawalls@jsu.edu 

Hello everyone! I am Mrs. Emily and I am from Gadsden, Alabama. My husband and I live here in Jacksonville with our fur baby Luna. I am the new 3 year old Auxiliary Teacher and I am so excited to learn and grow with all of my new friends! I am currently earning my Bachelor’s degree in Childhood Development at JSU. We are going to have an amazing year! Go Gamecocks!

Marquesha Thomas

Lead Two-Year-Old Teacher
mthomas17@jsu.edu

Hello, my name is Marquesha Thomas, I am 26 years old. I have been working with children for around 7 years now. I received my Bachelors in Sociology with a minor in child development from Jacksonville State University. I have a diverse background in teaching and trying new initiatives. I have taught ages from infancy to elementary education. I also have experience with working in special education as well. I enjoy working in education, I feel it is my passion to work in childcare. I am honored to be your child's teacher for this year. I hope we can have a great school year together.

Kara Prater

Auxiliary Two-Year-Old Teacher
kprater2@jsu.edu 

Hey! My name is Kara Prater, and I am the 2s auxiliary teacher. I am from Weaver, AL making JSU a place I've always known and loved. I have worked with children for the past 4 years, with my last two being at Weaver Elementary as a PE Aide and Jr High cheer coach! Come May, my name will change to Kara Bradley as I marry my sweet fiancé, Xander, and we both have hopes to keep JSU as our long-term home!

Autumn Smith

Lead One-Year-Old Teacher
awsmith90@jsu.edu 

Hi! My name is Autumn Smith! I am 26 years old, and I have 9 years' experience in childcare. I've been at the Child Development Center since August of 2022. My husband and I welcomed our first child in July of 2023 and were so excited to have her join the Growing Gamecocks family!

Vacant

Auxiliary One-Year-Old Teacher

Linda Williams

Lead Teacher, Infants
lawilliams@jsu.edu

Hi, my name is Linda Williams. I've worked in childcare for over 20 years with the military and civilians. I have 7 children. I enjoy working with the infants as they grow and develop. As a childcare provider, I enjoy reading and doing activities that will help them develop gross motor and fine motor skills. I also enjoy talking and singing with infants to help with their communication skills. I am looking forward to having a good year.

Raven McDaniel

Auxiliary Infant Teacher
rmcdaniel3@jsu.edu 

Hey! I am Raven McDaniel, and I will be your infant auxiliary teacher. I am the mother to a wonderful and super-smart three-year-old, Koda. I am so excited to be working with our littles for my second year here at the CDC. I have discovered two new passions for leading and teaching little ones and also watching them grow while learning about each of them along the way. I'm expanding my knowledge as I take on a minor in Child Development. The CDC is filled with teaching, love, and laughter for all. I cannot wait for what is to come for this big family we have created here at the CDC.