Dr. Linda Vasquez
Linda presently serves as Executive
Director at DREAM of Hattiesburg, Inc. 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. She was recently awarded Social Worker of the Year!
Bettie Ross
Bettie S. Ross, Resource Coordinator, 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 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.
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 a prevention coordinator
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 as a prevention coordinator.
Anne is married to Riley, who is a local graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi. They have one daughter, Kennedy and enjoy fishing, scuba diving, jeeping and visiting with friends in their free time.
Clai Meador
Clai Meador was born and raised in Hattiesburg. He earned a BS in Business
Administration from Mississippi College and his MBA from the University of
Southern Mississippi. He is currently a Financial Assistant for DREAM and an
instructor for the Wilderness and Remote First Aid course. Other achievements
include earning the rank of Eagle Scout. He enjoys playing recreational and
competitive softball in his spare time.