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 is a dynamic professional recognized as a Delta Regional Innovator by the Delta Regional Authority in 2022. With an MBA from Liberty University and a BS from the University of Tennessee at Martin, Allica combines her academic background with a passion for promoting employee health and wellness. As the Assistant Director, Allica Austin actively focuses on cultivating a culture of well-being in Weakley County. She is deeply committed to making a tangible impact in the community by reducing substance misuse and abuse through enhanced self-regulation and stronger community relations. Allica’s primary focus is on programing and initiatives that address the underlying factors contributing to substance abuse, aiming to create a supportive environment where individuals in Weakley County can make positive choices and access the necessary resources and support. With her Delta Regional Innovator distinction and extensive expertise in health and strategic planning, Allica is excited to bring about lasting positive change and remarkable results in the pursuit of optimizing the well-being and overall health for her fellow Weakley County residents.”

Leigha Fishburn is the Youth Engagement Coordinator for the Weakley County Prevention Coalition. Leigha started at WCPC as an intern, and quickly fell in love with the field of prevention. Leigha is from Indianapolis, Indiana. Leigha obtained her Bachelor’s of Science in Social Work from the University of Tennessee at Martin in May of 2023. Leigha’s passion for social work lies in advocacy for others and the right to self determination. Leigha spends her free time with her partner, Jacob, and cat, Alani. She loves her family, crafting, and playing video games. 

Sydney Parimore is the Campus Engagement Coordinator for the Weakley County Prevention Coalition. Sydney started as an intern and loved the team and the coalition’s mission. She graduated with a BS in Public Health from The University of Tennessee at Martin in December of 2021. Sydney’s desire for coalition work stems from past experiences with loved ones. Prescription drug and alcohol abuse are a big part of her story, and she is passionate about what the coalition does. She looks forward to helping others deal with their difficult situations and being a part of the change

Baylee is a graduate from The University of Tennessee at Martin where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Minor in Sociology in 2021.  She is originally from Orlando, Florida, where she fell in love with the sport soccer. While in college, she competed as a Division 1 collegiate soccer athlete for two years at Samford University and two years at UT Martin. In 2023, Baylee graduated with a Master of Science in Psychology with a concentration in Forensic Psychology at Nova Southeastern University. Baylee loves spending time with her two cats and two dogs. When she is not hanging out with her animals, you can find her on the pitch coaching the younger generation in soccer andhelping them meet their full potential in both athletics and academics. As the DEC Coordinator, her goal is to break generational cycles of substance misuse, reduce trauma and improve community health and well-being.

Melesa is a dedicated healthcare professional and Regional Overdose Prevention Specialist (ROPS) from Dresden, TN. With a passion for making a difference in her community, Melesa graduated from Bethel University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, acquiring the knowledge and skills necessary to provide comprehensive care to those in need. Since September 2017, Melesa has been a dedicated member of the Weakley County Prevention Coalition,  other coalitions in NWTN, health councils, and many other local organizations that support helping individuals thrive instead of just survive. She serves as the ROPS for Region 6 North, which encompasses all of Northwest Tennessee. In this crucial role, she tirelessly works to combat the substance abuse epidemic by raising awareness and providing education to various stakeholders, including the general public, medical professionals, law enforcement agencies, and first responders. One of Melesa’s primary objectives as a ROPS is to equip individuals with the knowledge and tools to save lives. She conducts training sessions and equips qualified participants with the life-saving drug Naloxone (Narcan or Kloxxado), empowering them to respond effectively to opioid overdoses and potentially save lives in emergency situations. Melesa’s commitment to her community and her dedication to addressing the substance abuse crisis have been instrumental in creating a safer and more informed environment for the residents of Northwest Tennessee. Her efforts serve as a testament to her unwavering determination and her genuine concern for the well-being of others. In her spare time, Melesa enjoys engaging in various hobbies and interests. She understands the importance of self-care and finds solace in activities such as reading, crafting, exploring nature, and spending quality time with loved ones. Melesa’s personal quote encapsulates her unwavering spirit: “Saving lives starts with education and compassion.” She continues to strive for positive change, using her knowledge and expertise to make a lasting impact in the fight to Save Lives.

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.