Our Weakley County Prevention Team

Courtney, a Jackson, TN native, graduated from the University of Tennessee at Martin in 2014 with a Bachelor of Science in Sociology. She served as the WCPC Program Coordinator from 2015-2018 before assuming the role of director. Her top goal is to ensure the coalition remains a well-known resource to community members and implementing effective strategies to reduce substance misuse and abuse in the county among youth and young adults.  She has extensive experience in planning, leadership development and team facilitation, and cross-sector collaboration and engagement. She also is a certified Responsible Beverage Service instructor, Certified Prevention Specialist, and graduate of CADCA Academy. She lives in Martin, TN, with her husband and their two children. She serves on various civic and volunteer groups and has a passion for serving others and making the community a safer place.

Allica Austin achieved an MBA from Liberty University and BS from the University of Tennessee at Martin. She was recruited from her undergraduate internship to help launch employee health initiatives at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center where she moved into roles focused on prevention and reducing chronic diseases. She has taught group exercise classes for many years, indoor cycling class is her favorite. Allica is driven to push herself and others to take action and achieve their goals, even when the task at hand seems challenging. Her favorite quote to push her through work outs and hard tasks is, “you can do anything for 30 seconds.”

Sydney is currently a senior at The University of Tennessee at Martin. She will graduate from the university in December of 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in Public Health. She is an alumna of Zeta Tau Alpha, and she loves to draw and paint in her spare time. Sydney serves as the coalition assistant and intern and looks forward to working with the coalition and seeing the positive change that comes from what we do. Sydney’s desire to work in prevention stems from past experiences with loved ones. Alcohol abuse is a big part of her story, and she is passionate about what the coalitions does. She is looking forward to helping others deal with their difficult situations and being a part of the change.

Brandi Long is the Youth Engagement Coordinator with the Weakley County Prevention Coalition. She provides education on substance use and abuse within the Weakley County School systems and also coordinates events outside of school to aide in drug free alternatives for youth in the community. Brandi graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of Tennessee at Martin in 2011. She has since worked in the mental health field with substance abuse for the past 11 years. She has held positions as a case manager, crisis responder, and an employment specialist. Brandi has been recognized for her success and perseverance by the State of Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse in improving the lives of those suffering from severe mental illness, intellectual/developmental disabilities, and those actively dealing with substance abuse issues. She is passionate about the work she does with the youth and holds herself to high standards when it comes to Prevention. Brandi has seen first hand the negative impact that substance use and abuse has on individuals in the community and strives to prevent our youth from going down this path.

Melesa Lassiter is a Dresden TN native, graduating from Bethel University with a Bachelors of Science in Nursing. She completed the necessary testing to obtain licensure as a Registered Nurse. She has been with the Weakley County Prevention Coalition since September of 2017 as the Regional Overdose Prevention Specialist (ROPS) of Region 6 North covering all off North-West Tennessee. Her goal as a ROPS of northwest Tennessee is to educate the public, medical community, law enforcement, and first responders on the opioid epidemic. She currently trains and equips individuals with the life saving drug Narcan (naloxone). 

Jennifer Watkins, BS (Psy), M.S. Ed., is a Union City, TN native, graduating from Mississippi State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Relations, from Old Dominion University with a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Education, and the University of Tennessee with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology. She has been with the Weakley County Prevention Coalition since January of 2021 as the Regional Overdose Prevention Specialist (ROPS) of Region 6 North covering all off North-West Tennessee, specifically focusing on Obion, Lake, and Dyer counties. Her goal as a ROPS of northwest Tennessee is to educate the public, medical community, law enforcement, and first responders on the opioid epidemic. She currently trains and equips individuals with the life-saving drug Narcan (naloxone). She is an avid football fan and dog rescuer. She has three children; Jamie, Alex, and Elizabeth, and three dogs, Olive, Snickers, and Ripple.

Chris is the new Lifeline Peer Coordinator for Region 6 North.  He comes to us from the Place of Hope in Columbia, TN, where he was part of the Recovery Support staff. He is involved in Jail Ministry for several counties, a certified Recovery Coach, and currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Social Work. He resides in Huntingdon, TN, with his wife and has 11 children. Chris is focused on reducing the stigma related to the disease of addiction and increasing community support for policies that provide for treatment and recovery services. Chris himself, has several years of sobriety and he enjoys sharing his story in hopes that it will inspire someone to change their life.

Ashlyn is a junior at the University of Tennessee at Martin. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in marketing. After graduation, she hopes to be a marketing ambassador for a non-profit organization. Her love for prevention began when she joined the Carroll County Teen Health Council and participated in Tennessee Teen Institute. She enjoys serving others and helping people achieve their long-term goals. Ashlyn is a member of the Alpha Delta Pi sorority, Ned Ray McWherter Institute, and the First Baptist Church college ministry. During her free time, she enjoys shopping, reading, and painting.

Leigha Fishburn is the social work intern for the Weakley County Prevention Coalition. Leigha is from Indianapolis, Indiana. Leigha is currently pursuing her undergraduate degree in social work at the University of Tennessee at Martin. Additionally, she has a minor study in political science. She plans to work in macro level social work, concentrating in policy after graduation. Leigha’s passion for social work lies in advocacy and the right to self determination. On campus, Leigha is highly involved in her organizations and greek life. Leigha loves her family, dogs, and enjoys crafting in her spare time.