Meet Our Members

Diane Watson

Executive Director

Hi, I am Diane Watson and I am currently the Executive Director at Addie’s Place. I am a forensic interviewer and assist in managing the center. My previous career of 34 years was with the Department of Human Resources serving families and children in Winston County. It was my intent when I retired to work with the center to continue to serve vulnerable families and children in Winston County. I obtained my bachelor’s degree from the University of North Alabama in 1987 and then furthered my education by obtaining a Master’s degree in Social Work in 2010. I am a licensed graduate social worker. I spend most of my free time with my family including my three grandchildren. I enjoy any outdoor activities, especially hiking and kayaking.

Brittany Bailes

Project Coodinator

I am Brittany Bailes and I am the Project Coordinator at Addie’s Place. I am the primary therapist at Addie’s Place, I also complete forensic interviews and act as family advocate as needed. I obtained an associates degree of criminal justice from Gadsden State Community College in 2004, a bachelor’s degree of social work from Jacksonville State University in 2008, and a masters degree of social work from Jacksonville State University in 2019. I am passionate about my role assisting families in need across Marion and Winston Counties. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends.

Meet Our Board Members

Dr. Debra Baird

Board Chair

Debra is a native of Walker and Winston Counties. Her branch of the Baird family lived in Walker County, where she graduated from Dora High School. Summers were spent with her larger family in Winston County, who have been here since 1832. She taught at Meek School as her first Alabama education job and learned how to teach effectively from that very talented faculty. Dr. Baird is currently a professor of Religious Studies and Interdisciplinary Studies at Athens State University where she teaches religion classes each semester, as well as the Individualized Degree Program and the Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies. She earned her Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Alabama, her Master of Arts in Education from UA also, and her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with a general science concentration from Auburn University. After the doctorate, she attended Spring Hill College in Mobile and earned 45 semester hours in Theology, as post-doctoral work. Debra researches immigration over time, especially in Scotland and the US, and the policies and practices used by the United States regarding refugees. While a professor in Texas, Debra worked on the challenges refugees face, with the US State Department. She spent time in the United Nations Refugee Camps in the Mexican states of Yucatan and Quintana Roo in 1992, working to set up schools for the many Guatemalan children who were pouring over the border as their villages were burned and pillaged by their government. She continues to work toward fair and compassionate means of welcoming refugees into the US, as well as teaching tolerance. Since coming to Athens State University, Debra has been involved in helping to set up Family Resource Centers and Child Advocacy Centers in North Alabama. She worked to bring the certificate in Child Advocacy courses to the university, which has allowed so many child advocacy employees to gain their training. Dr. Baird was also responsible for bringing AMSTI (Alabama Math, Science, and Technology Initiative) to Athens State and the counties served by the Teacher In- Service Region there. Her lifework has been serving the children of the state of Alabama and supporting efforts to educate our citizens.

Greg Farris, Attorney at Law. Board Vice Chair

Kerrie Lewis, Secretary

Beverly Donaldson, Secretary

Missy Brimer

Sanda Posey

Brittney Green

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