Poster presentation at University of Alabama's 2013 Undergraduate Research and Creativity Conference.
Shey's Story
Then
Originally from Mobile, Alabama, I began my journey and love for health and wellness through dance at the age of eight. Now, twenty-three years later, I am pursuing my passion for health, wellness, and community service through nonprofit executive leadership, community involvement, volunteerism, healthcare consulting, coaching, and teaching. In 2009, I was accepted into The University of Alabama’s Dance Program with a focus on dance performance and a student-designed minor in health sciences. In my senior year at The University of Alabama, I won first place at the University’s Undergraduate Research and Creativity Conference where I presented research on incorporating the Bartenieff Fundamentals into one’s daily health and wellness routine. From 2014-2017 I taught Dance Education and Health Sciences at Ben C. Rain High School in Mobile, Alabama.
First Place Award with Sarah Barry, mentor and University of Alabama Faculty Research Advisor.
Now
In 2017 I joined AIDS Alabama South, serving as Prevention Outreach Coordinator until 2019. Now, as Co-Executive Director and Director of Prevention, Education, and Outreach; my priorities include developing and managing the organization's HIV-focused programs such as social services, prevention, testing, and education. I also serve as the creator and Clinical Director of the recently opened, SHELL Health clinic, which is a radically inclusive, stigma-free clinic that bridges the gap in sexual health medical services by providing access to PrEP, PEP, STI screenings/treatment, and HIV and Hepatitis C treatment and care. Additionally, I am responsible for the day-to-day operations of psychosocial mental health services, the 340B program, Ending the HIV Epidemic program, and TARP (Teen Advocates for Risk Prevention). I regularly collaborate with community partners and regional health departments to improve health outcomes for persons living with HIV and those affected by sexual health disparities in Southwest Alabama. I am currently pursuing my Master of Public Health at The University of Alabama.
The Future
I bring critical knowledge and compassion to my work through 12 years of lived experience with HIV and recognition of the solidarity and courage expressed by people living with HIV. I aim to continue to serve Alabama and Mobile County through leadership, activism, and community involvement. I plan to continue my work and community leadership by remaining on the Board of Directors for The Alabama Campaign for Adolescent Sexual Health, Co-Chair for End HIV Alabama (EHA), Vice-Chair for Door to Serenity, and graduating from the IV Class of the Alabama Leadership Initiative. I hold certifications in Trauma-Informed Care and Engaging the LatinX Communities Across the HIV Continuum of Care. I plan to continue my education as I attend Samford University’s Doctor of Public Health Program in the Fall of 2022, as well as achieving certifications in Diversity Equity and Inclusion, Cultural Competency, and Prevention Specialist.