• Get to Know Us

Motivated to
Serve
Northern Alabama

Drug use touches every corner of our community. While the battles may be personal, the impact is something we all feel. Every family has been, or knows someone who has been, affected by the heartbreak of addiction. That’s why we live by these core values:

Community First

We make every decision and measure every outcome based on how well it serves our community.

Team on a Mission

It’s only through teamwork that we achieve greatness, so we work together with equal parts humility and ambition.

Think Big

We never settle in anything we do. So, we challenge our own ideas of what’s possible to meet the needs of others.

Act With Integrity

We demand honesty and transparency from ourselves and each other–collaborating in the pursuit of truth.

Make a difference every day

We constantly push ourselves to be our best. Focused on solutions, we show up every day inspired to make an impact through our talents, passion, and hard work.

• Our History

Transforming
Pain
into Purpose

The idea for Partnership was born out of the pain of losing a child to a car accident caused by a drunk driver. After the loss of her son, our founder, Deborah Soule, committed her life to alcohol and drug prevention, education, and awareness efforts throughout Northern Alabama.

Our Founding

Partnership for a Drug-Free Community, Inc. was established on May 19, 1988 in the hope of reducing the illegal and harmful use of drugs—including alcohol, tobacco, prescription pills, marijuana, heroin, fentanyl, methamphetamine, and inhalants—especially among youth.

TYTL Announced

In 2015 Deborah Soule announced a new program aimed at developing student leaders who could gain training, professional experience, and volunteer hours while making a positive impact in their own schools and surrounding community. It was the final initiative Deborah launched herself.

Launching the HUB

In response to the growing need for these services, Partnership’s Recovery Resource Hub was launched. We began working with licensed clinical assessors, case workers, and state-certified recovery support specialists (CRSS) to offer 100% FREE support to anyone suffering with SUD (Substance Use Disorder).

This Year

By 2025, Partnership has made an impact on nearly half a million lives through youth education, community outreach initiatives, peer support, case management, and assessment services. This mission was born out of pain, but it has now brought so much joy and hope to people in need.

1988
2015
2020
2025

• Our Team

Meet the
Team
Behind Partnership

Following in the footsteps of our founder, our team members understand the often tragic consequences of substance misuse on those affected, their loved ones, and the community around them––but we’ve also seen how beautiful and precious life can be for those in recovery, how impactful their stories can be for everyone who hears them, and how some use their personal experience to give back and transform even more lives.

Jessica Nall, M.S., ADC/ICADC

Executive Director | Partnership for a Drug-Free Community (PDFC)

Leading with Purpose. Serving with Compassion. Creating Hope.

For Jessica Nall, leadership is more than a title—it is an opportunity to transform lives, strengthen families, and inspire meaningful change throughout the community.

As Executive Director of Partnership for a Drug-Free Community (PDFC), Jessica brings more than a decade of experience in addiction treatment, substance use prevention, behavioral health, recovery services, and community advocacy. Her career has been driven by a powerful belief: Every individual deserves to be seen, heard, supported, and given the opportunity to build a better future.

Jessica holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Counseling and a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and is an internationally credentialed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC/ICADC). Her extensive experience working directly with individuals and families affected by substance use disorders, mental health challenges, and barriers to treatment has shaped her compassionate, person-centered approach to both service and leadership.

Throughout her career, Jessica has witnessed firsthand the challenges individuals face when seeking help—and the extraordinary transformation that becomes possible when compassion meets opportunity. These experiences have fueled her commitment to breaking down barriers, challenging the stigma surrounding addiction, and ensuring that individuals and families have access to the resources, education, and support they deserve.

In her role at PDFC, Jessica is committed to strengthening community partnerships, expanding prevention and recovery initiatives, advocating for underserved populations, and creating meaningful connections among healthcare providers, schools, law enforcement, the judicial system, and community organizations.

Her vision extends beyond addiction prevention and recovery. It is about building a community where hope is restored, families are strengthened, and no one feels they must face their struggles alone.

Jessica believes that meaningful change does not happen through the efforts of one individual or organization—it happens when an entire community comes together with compassion, collaboration, and a shared commitment to making a difference.

For Jessica, success is not simply measured by programs developed or services provided, but by lives impacted, barriers removed, families reunited, and hope restored.

“True leadership is not about the position you hold, but the lives you touch, the barriers you break, and the hope you inspire along the way.”

Stacie Cochran

Executive Assistant

Staci brings more than two decades of administrative and leadership experience to PDFC, with a professional background spanning real estate, escrow, payroll, office operations, compliance, and client relations. Throughout her career, she has managed everything from complex real estate transactions to weekly payroll for more than 750 employees.

Known for her organization, dependability, and ability to keep things moving behind the scenes, Staci brings both experience and heart to her role. She enjoys connecting with others, supporting her team, solving problems, and helping create an environment where people feel welcomed and supported.

Since joining PDFC, Staci has found a renewed sense of purpose in being part of a mission-driven organization. She is grateful to use her experience in a way that supports the team, strengthens the organization, and contributes to meaningful work within the community.

Catherine Lawson B.A.

Recovery Resource Hub Coordinator

Originally from rural Virginia, Catherine’s passion for helping others is deeply connected to her own experiences growing up in a community impacted by generational substance use. Seeing firsthand the challenges individuals and families can face inspired her to pursue a career dedicated to mental health, substance use services, and recovery support.

Catherine holds an Associate of Science in Behavioral Science from Snead State Community College and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Alabama in Huntsville, along with several professional certifications in the behavioral health and substance use field.

With experience in substance use services, including residential treatment, Catherine brings compassion, understanding, and a genuine desire to help others to her role at PDFC. As the Recovery Resource Hub Coordinator, she is passionate about connecting individuals and families with the resources, support, and encouragement they need to move forward.

Catherine believes that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity, kindness, and respect—and that sometimes the right connection and a little hope can be the beginning of meaningful change.

Brooke Mooney M.S.

CLINICAL ASSESSOR

Brooke brings a caring and compassionate approach to her work, believing that every person deserves to feel heard, respected, and supported when reaching out for help.

She holds a Master of Counseling Psychology from Alabama A&M University and a Bachelor’s degree from Indiana University Bloomington. Her professional background includes experience in behavioral health, evidence-based counseling, crisis intervention, and youth development.

In her role at PDFC, Brooke understands that asking for help can be one of the hardest first steps a person takes. She strives to create a welcoming, judgment-free environment where individuals can feel comfortable sharing their experiences and needs.

With compassion and attention to detail, Brooke is committed to helping each person identify the level of care and resources that best fit their unique circumstances. For her, every assessment is more than a process—it is an opportunity to listen, connect, and help someone take the next step toward hope and healing.

Sarah Perry
B.S., CTRS

YOUTH PROGRAMS DIRECTOR

Sarah brings creativity, energy, and a genuine passion for working with young people to her role as Youth Program Coordinator at PDFC. She believes prevention is about more than providing information—it’s about building relationships, encouraging confidence, and giving young people the tools they need to make healthy choices for their future.

Sarah holds a Bachelor’s degree in Recreation Therapy and is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS). Since 2021, she has worked in the substance use field, combining her therapeutic background with her passion for youth education, prevention, and community engagement.

Known for her fun, approachable, and engaging style, Sarah has a special ability to connect with youth and create spaces where they feel comfortable learning, asking questions, and being themselves. She develops evidence-based prevention programs that encourage resilience, strengthen healthy coping skills, and empower young people to make informed, substance-free choices.

Whether she is in a classroom, at a community event, or working alongside youth leaders, Sarah is committed to creating positive experiences that help young people feel supported, valued, and confident in their ability to thrive.

• We’re Not Alone

There’s a Reason why
Partnership
is in the name

We believe a strong community is a healthy community. By partnering with local schools, businesses, and dedicated volunteers, we are building a united front against substance abuse. Together, we are creating a network of support that provides hope and resources to everyone in need. Our mission is to ensure that no one has to face this alone–so we don’t either.