- 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.
With a Masters in Clinical Psychology and a Bachelors in Criminal Justice, Jessica is a dedicated leader in the field of addiction prevention, treatment, and recovery support. She holds credentials as an Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC/ICADC) and brings more than a decade of professional experience to the team. Though deeply rooted in her passion for helping individuals and families overcome the challenges of substance use, her mission goes beyond guiding individuals toward recovery––desiring to build a stronger, healthier community where compassion creates lasting change.
Jessica Nall M.S., ADC/ICADC
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
As Executive Director of Partnership for a Drug-Free Community (PDFC), Jessica Nall brings more than a decade of experience in addiction prevention, treatment, recovery support, behavioral health, and community service.
Jessica holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology and a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and is a credentialed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC/ICADC). Throughout her career, she has worked alongside individuals and families navigating substance use and mental health challenges, experiences that continue to shape her compassionate and person-centered approach to leadership.
For Jessica, this work is about more than helping someone find a path to recovery. It’s about strengthening families, creating meaningful connections, reducing barriers to care, and building a healthier, more supportive community.
As Executive Director, Jessica is passionate about bringing people and organizations together to create opportunities for prevention, recovery, education, and hope. She believes lasting change happens when people feel seen, supported, and valued—and when a community comes together with compassion and a shared commitment to making a difference.
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.S.
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.
