Bettie Ross
Bettie S. Ross, Executive Director, is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the agency. This native of Tennessee grew up as an Army Brat. After attending school in multiple communities, she graduated with a BS in Education from the University of Tennessee. She is a Certified Prevention Manager and has a 25 year passion for drug abuse prevention. Among her awards and recognition are 1988 Most Distinguished Juvenile Justice Support Professional presented by Juvenile Justice Advisory Committee; 1990 Award for Community Leadership for exemplary service to your community in promoting health and advocating healthy behavior by Louis M Sullivan, Secretary, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; 1991 Special Recognition (non-member) from Mississippi Counselors Association; and the 2003 Liberty Bell Award-Law Day USA. She is a teacher, a mom, a grandmother and a community volunteer. Her favorite activities include cooking, reading, writing, beading, story-telling, photography and travel.
Dr. Linda Vasquez
Linda presently serves as Deputy Director at DREAM of Hattiesburg, Inc. She also currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Educational fund to End Handgun Violence in Washington, D.C. She has received the MAAP, Mississippi Prevention Professional 2006, MAHPERD Recreation Community Teaching Award and The University of Southern Mississippi, School of Social Work Research and Leadership awards. Linda has completed her Ph. D. in Human Performance (Emphasis Administration and Teaching) from The University of Southern Mississippi, School of Human Performance and Recreation. Her dissertation was “The Effects of an Experiential-Based Prevention Education Program on Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs Knowledge, and Social Attitudes and Skills of First-Time Offender, Non-Adjudicated Youth.” She also holds a Master of Social Work from The University of Southern Mississippi. She holds other degrees from Oklahoma State University, a Master of Science in Health, Physical Education, and Leisure Sciences (Emphasis Therapeutic Recreation) and Bachelor of Science in Sociology. Her licenses and certifications include CPM, LMSW and ACSW.
Rev. Julie Collins
Rev. Julie Collins was born and raised in Mississippi. She attended Birmingham-Southern College, from which she graduated with a BA in Music. The summer after college graduation was spent at Lake Junaluska, N.C. as a Junaluska Singer. Julie then entered seminary at Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University where she graduated with both a Master of Religious Education and a Master of Sacred Music. Ordained a Permanent Deacon in the United Methodist Church, Julie has served local churches in Texas, Mississippi and Tennessee for over fifteen years. While in Tennessee, she earned her Senior Certification status with the International Conference of Police Chaplains and worked as a volunteer chaplain for the Knoxville Police Department. Julie is currently appointed full-time to DREAM of Hattiesburg, Inc. as the Coordinator for the DREAM Community Planning Coalition.
Julie is married to Sid and they have two children, Emily and Keith. A 14-year old cat, Miti, and a one-year old Weimeraner, Jasper, complete their family. Julie enjoys spending time with her family and friends, cooking, singing, and a good crime drama novel.
Ursula Jones
Ursula Jones is a retired health educator and has been involved with DREAM of Hattiesburg, Inc. for over 25 years. She served on DREAM of Hattiesburg, Inc.'s founding Board of Directors. Throughout her service to DREAM, Ursula has been a volunteer, a collaborator, and currently serves as the Financial Assistant to the Executive Director.
Ursula enjoys photography, local history, and displaying her loyalty to her country.
Johnny B. Hansell
Johnny B. Hansell is the Strategic Prevention Framework Regional Master Trainer for the Southern Region of Mississippi. He attended The University of Southern Mississippi and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in community health science with an emphasis in health promotion. He went on to attend graduate school at “Southern Miss” as well, graduating with a Master’s in Public Health with an emphasis in policy/administration. Currently, he is working to become a certified prevention specialist. He can be reached at (601)543-4632 or email at johnnyhansell@dreamofhattiesburg.org
Johnny Hansell is the Strategic Prevention Framework Regional Master Trainer for the Southern Region of Mississippi
Anne Nelson
Anne Nelson was born and raised in Vicksburg, Mississippi. She attended Delta State University where she received a bachelor’s degree in Social Work. She is also licensed in Social Work through the MS State Board of Examiners. Anne worked for South Mississippi State Hospital in Purvis for two years before returning to her home town of Vicksburg, Ms. She then worked at Warren-Yazoo Mental Health as the Prevention Coordinator and Directors Assistant where she received her Certified Prevention Specialist certification through MAAP (Mississippi Association of Addiction Professionals). Prior to working for DREAM Mrs. Nelson worked at the local hospital, River Region where she was a Geriatric Psych. Therapist. Anne currently is employed full time at the Strategic Prevention Framework -State Incentive Grant (SPF-SIG) Coordinator working mainly with underage alcohol prevention.
Anne is married to Riley, who is a local graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi. They have one child, Brindle the Boston Terrier and enjoy fishing, motorcycle riding, jeeping and visiting with friends in their free time.