ABOUT US
The Autauga/Western Elmore Arc is a membership organization open to all persons who wish to advocate for and support persons with intellectual disabilities. Our organization operates four programs in the River Region: The Louise M. Smith Developmental Center, Supported Employment, Doris Jean Grant Residential Program and the Early Infant Education Intervention Opportunities Program (E.I.E.I.O.).
Learn more about our services >
AWE Arc is a member chapter of the Arc of Alabama and Arc of the U.S. Organized in 1984, the AWE Arc is a non-profit , Board administered United Way member agency supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Autauga and Western Elmore Counties. The Arc Chapters in Alabama are the largest service providers to persons with intellectual disabilities in the state.
Our Board
Chris Peak
Ivy Johnson
Johannah Munck
Sloan Hicks
April Bush Baker
Chrissy Voss
Phillip Rawls
Kahlil Blake
Tara Chambliss
Chic Lineberry
Kim Hicks
Leisa Lee
Jessia Sanders
Coree Toney
VISION
Inclusion. Empowerment. Possibility—for every person, every day.
MISSION
Supporting individuals with disabilities across the lifespan to achieve growth, independence, and inclusion in every aspect of life.
Our Partners
The Arc of Alabama,
Chapter Member
The Arc of the United States,
Affiliated Chapter Member
Alabama Department of Mental Health
Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services
River Region United Way
Prattville Chamber of Commerce
Autauga County School System
Elmore County School System
STAFF PROFILES
Jess Butrica, Executive Director
Jess joined the Smith Center in January 2007 and has served as the agency’s Executive Director since 2013. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Sociology and a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology. Outside of her professional role, Jess and her wife, Lisa, are proud parents of three children and five pets. In her spare time, she enjoys relaxing in her front yard, spending quality time with family, listening to music, traveling, and cheering for Alabama football (Roll Tide!).
Jess is deeply committed to advocating for individuals with disabilities and enhancing services for people of all abilities. She is dedicated to contributing to the ongoing development of programs and supports within the Alabama Department of Mental Health, working to drive positive change across the state.
Kenyatta Dennis, Transportation Supervisor/ Activities Coordinator
Kenyatta is a mother of 3 beautiful children: Karmen, London, and Traylon. Outside of working at AWE/Arc, her kids keep her super busy with basketball, football, and various after school activities. She started with the agency on September 24, 2019, as a driver in the transportation department. Although she has worked in mental health for over 10 years, she has never felt so at home until she started with the Smith Center. Working in transportation gave her the opportunity to really bond with the people we serve. Ten months into her employment at the center, she was promoted to Supervisor in the transportation department. She’s been faced with many challenges, but having a strong and dependable team behind her has made her job here successful. Her goal here is to keep growing and improving community integration with our individuals.
Carla Darby, Early Intervention Director
Carla began working at the Smith Center in March of 2015 as a Service Coordinator with EIEIO (Early Infant Education Intervention Opportunities). She now works as EIEIO Director, alongside five Service Coordinators. Carla received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Auburn University in Early Childhood Special Education. She taught school for 27 years, retiring from the Autauga County School system May 2012. Carla has been married for over thirty-seven years to her husband, Andrew, and they have 3 sons, 2 daughters-in law, 2 grandchildren and a rescue dog. Carla loves everything Auburn, gardening, going to the beach and mostly spending time with her family.
Jamie Mims, Early Intervention Service Coordinator
Angela Weldon, Assistant Director of Early Intervention
Angela started working with EIEIO in July of 2017. She has worked in Early Intervention for over 20 years as a service coordinator and special instructor. She currently serves as assistant director of EIEIO and service coordinator. She holds a bachelor’s degree in speech language pathology and audiology. Angela has been married to Charlie Weldon for 40+ years. They have 1 son (Wrett) and 1 fur baby, (Lil Mama). In her free time, Angela enjoys reading, gardening, and cooking for others. Angela has a passion for serving others and empowering families to learn how to advocate for their children.
Rachael Cromwell, Early Intervention Service Coordinator
Rachael started Early Intervention in June of 2023. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Early Childhood from Auburn University of Montgomery. She comes from a long line of educators and has worked with children since she was sixteen years old. Rachael has been married to her husband, Jesse, for six years and they have a daughter and two dogs. Rachael loves spending her free time with family, watching Alabama football, reading a book, and going to the lake. She loves being an advocate for all families and has a passion for making a difference in our community.
Audra Sampley, Early Intervention Service Coordinator
Audra started with Early Intervention in July of 2022. She has earned a Bachelor's of Science in Psychology, a Master of Science in Criminal Justice, and a Master of Healthcare Administration. Audra is married to her husband of over 20 years, and they have three children together. She has a passion for helping parents advocate for their children. She is the parent of a child with developmental delays, autism, and health concerns and has spent years navigating special education within the school system. She enjoys spending time with her family, relaxing at the beach, and visiting new places.
Gail Reeves, Business Office Manager
Gail has been with AWE Arc since May 2010. Before joining as the receptionist, she volunteered with the agency for several months. Soon after, she transitioned into an accounting role, where she gained 12 years of experience before advancing to Business Office Manager. With over 30 years of experience in the accounting field, Gail brings extensive expertise to her position. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business/General Management from the University of Phoenix. Working at the Smith Center and with the people we serve brings her great joy. Outside of work, Gail enjoys spending time with her family and especially cherishes quality time with her grandchildren. She holds several leadership positions in her church and actively participates on multiple committees. Gail tries to stay positive in all situations and makes a point to show kindness to everyone she meets.
Kearra Brown, Assistant Director of Services
Kearra began working with Autauga Western Elmore ARC in 2015. Since her employment with the agency, she has worked in almost every role from 1:1 staff to appointment coordinator to residential department head/QDDP. She is now stepping into a new role as the Assistant Director. She is overjoyed with this opportunity to work alongside the Executive Director. She is dedicated to ensuring the growth and reputation of the agency. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Liberty University. Kearra sees the need for more providers and professionals in the DMH system. She aspires to be a behavior analyst with the ambition in getting her PhD in the future. This will give her the opportunity to provide more resources to the people that we support on a daily basis.
Sabrina Fagg, Residential Coordinator- Doris Jean Grant Residential Program
Sabrina has been with the residential program since 2017. She specializes in overseeing daily operations, supporting residents’ needs, and fostering a safe, supportive living environment. Sabrina is known for her strong leadership, crisis management skills, and dedication to promoting resident growth and independence. With a proven track record in coordinating services, training staff, and ensuring compliance with program standards, she is committed to creating positive outcomes for both residents and team.
Outside of work Sabrina is a wife and is a proud mother to a lively son born in 2021. Sabrina enjoys traveling, spending quality time with her family, and cookouts where laughter and good food bring everyone together. She values connections, community, and making lasting memories with the people she loves.
Danyell Monk, Registered Nurse
Danyell began working at the Smith Center in July of 2024. She is the RN Supervisor of the nursing program. She has been a Registered Nurse for 32 years and brings with her a broad range of nursing experience. Danyell has 2 sons, a daughter and 1 granddaughter. She enjoys being on the lake, gardening, antiquing, golfing and spending time with family.
Angelique Evans, Direct Support Professional/ Residential
Angelique has been employed at the Smith Center since October of 2013. She has worked in pre-vocational services, the Day Hab program and the Residential program. She has 3 children and enjoys reading, sci-fi shows, horseback riding and American Sign Language.
Jocelynne Bruce, Day Program Manager/QDDP
Jocelynne began working for the Smith Center in 2003 as a Residential DSP. She now holds the position of program manager/QDDP. She has an associate’s degree in Radio and TV Broadcasting and has earned a bachelor's in psychology from Ashford University. Jocelynne is currently pursuing her masters. She is dedicated to the individuals she supports, helping them become more independent and confident in their own abilities. Jocelynne encourages all in her area to try new things.
Jenny Chavers, Day Program QDDP
Jenny began working for the Smith Center in August 2023. Although new to day hab, she has been in the field for over 20 years. Jenny has a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and a Master’s Degree in Human Services. She is married and shares 3 grown children and 5 grandchildren. Her hobbies include reading, listening to music, writing, anything with animals, traveling with her husband and helping take care of their animals. She is very dedicated to the individuals she helps support and is an advocate for educating and helping them make their own choices and exercise their rights.
Raymond Thomas, Maintenance Worker
Raymond has been with the Smith Center since December of 2023. Raymond moved to Alabama from Mississippi after Hurricane Katrina. He has spent years in Warehousing, General Maintenance, Security, and was Supervisor for the City of Prattville in the Urban Management Division for 15 years. Raymond and his wife, Charyl, have 4 children and 3 wonderful fur babies. In his free time, he likes the outdoors, playing video games and sitting around his house with his dogs.