Bethany started at First Choice as the development director in 2014 and became the executive director in 2017. She is an Auburn University graduate with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. Bethany’s husband, Dave, is an engineer, and their three kids are Kirby, Hannah, and Davis. As the director, she works with the board to clarify and execute the vision of the ministry, provides leadership to the staff and oversees all fundraising efforts for the ministry. Bethany loves getting to know the people who support this ministry and make our work possible.

Melinda started working at First Choice in 1987. She is a graduate of Western Illinois University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s in counselor education. Melinda is married to Don, and they have an adult “foster son,” Jason Lee. They enjoy hiking and camping with their two rescue dogs, Shiloh and Gunner. As the operations director, Melinda oversees the financial operations of the ministry, manages HR policies/issues and keeps the day-to-day operations running smoothly. This includes working with technology, janitorial and building/grounds personnel.

Rachel started at First Choice in 2020 as the development coordinator and then became the marketing director in 2023. She is a graduate of Auburn University with a bachelor’s degree in public relations and a graduate of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary with a master’s in Christian education. Rachel is married to Dale, and they have two sport-loving boys, Aiden and Holden. As the marketing director, she oversees all marketing tasks for clients and supporters. She also assists with development and service projects.

Lynn volunteered at First Choice in 2018-20. She joined our staff in 2021 as the center director. Lynn’s most recent work experience includes serving as an administrative assistant at a local church. She is married to her husband, Trey, and they have three boys. When they aren’t transporting children or watching a kid’s sporting event, they enjoy movies and visiting new places. As the center director, Lynn oversees daily operations of both locations with attention to schedules, EWYL programming, Fathers First programming, appointments, client care and data entry.

Tisha started at First Choice in 2024 as the center director at our Elmore County location. She is a graduate of Auburn University of Montgomery with a bachelor’s degree in nursing and is an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant. Before becoming a lactation consultant, Tisha served as a NICU nurse for 11 years at Baptist Medical Center South. She and her husband, Chris, reside in Wetumpka and have three children: Hudson, Sarah, and Levi. Her hobbies include reading and doing puzzles. As a center director, Tisha oversees daily operations at our Elmore County location with attention to scheduling, EWYL programming, and establishing community relationships. She also utilizes her skills as a registered nurse through providing direct client care such as pregnancy testing and ultrasounds.

Robert started at First Choice in 2023. He is a graduate of Samford University with a bachelor’s degree in music and a graduate of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary with a master’s in religious education. Robert has served in many ministry roles including pastor, student minister, revivalist and chaplain. His passion is teaching the Beatitudes. He is also an avid hiker and national park enthusiast. As the fathers first coordinator, Robert provides support to male clients who come with their partner and equips dads for fatherhood through parenting education opportunities just for men.

Khandi started at First Choice in 2023. She is currently working on a bachelor’s degree in social work. Khandi resides in Montgomery with her husband, Adrian, and their three children, Ziv, Taj, and Eva Rose. She previously served in the United States Air Force as an administrative specialist and advocate for victims/survivors of sexual assault. As the school programs director, Khandi oversees youth outreach by providing sexual risk avoidance education to students in our community. Her curriculum focuses on equipping youth to make healthy choices concerning relationships and sexual health.

Dr. Waddell became the First Choice medical director in 2019. She is a graduate of medical school at Texas Tech University and completed her residency at Ohio State University. Dr. Waddell began practicing with Montgomery Women’s Health Associates in 2016. As our medical director, she has oversight of all clinic operations at the center. We are thankful for the professional expertise she brings, as well as a genuine desire to serve and empower women to make a decision for life.

Kristi started at First Choice in 2024. She is a graduate of Samford University with a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Her experience includes 10 years in Labor and Delivery before serving another 10 years as a nurse home visitor. She and her husband, Brian, have three children: Andrew, Eden and Matthew. Kristi enjoys musical theater, traveling and doing mission work. As the nurse manager, Kristi oversees the staff nurses and is involved in direct client care by providing nursing care that consists of pregnancy testing, ultrasounds and STI testing.

Julia started at First Choice in 2018. She is a graduate of Auburn University with a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Julia’s husband, Grady, is a local pastor, and they have four children, Grady, Richard, Mary Elizabeth and Timothy. She enjoys serving her church body, reading, traveling and taking care of four very busy kids. As a staff nurse, Julia is involved in direct client care by providing nursing care that consists of pregnancy testing, ultrasounds and STI testing. She loves using her medical skills and training to meet physical needs of our clients while sharing the love of Christ.

Mimi started at First Choice in 2024. She is a graduate of Union University with a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Mimi’s former work experience includes 14 years in the Intensive Care Unit. She and her husband, Andrew, have two young boys, Eben and Zeke. They enjoy outdoor adventures together including running and hiking. As a staff nurse, Mimi provides direct client care such as pregnancy testing, confirmation ultrasounds, and testing/treatment for STIs. 

After volunteering at First Choice in 2023, Tara came on staff as a part-time nurse in 2024. She is a graduate of Auburn University with a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Her experience includes working on cardiac floors and home health. Tara is married to Cameron, and they have four children: Mary Whit, Shep, Kyng, and Maj. She enjoys being outside with her family and going on walks. As a staff nurse, Tara provides nursing care that consists of pregnancy testing, ultrasounds and STI testing. She is at First Choice, because she has the desire to serve and care for the women in our community and show them the love of Christ.