Speaker Bios - Alphabetical by Last Name
Celá Quinise Ardis is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Alabama and a proud Birmingham native. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Alabama State University and later obtained her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Faulkner University. Before transitioning into counseling, Celá spent several years in the classroom as a Pre-K teacher from 2017 to 2021. It was during this time that her passion for mental health advocacy truly began. While teaching, she witnessed firsthand how emotional wellness impacts students, families, and the individuals who serve them daily. These experiences, along with her own journey navigating anxiety and functional depression, led her to explore human behavior more deeply and ultimately pursue a career in counseling. Celá is passionate about supporting all individuals who are seeking healing and a deeper understanding of their mental health, with a specialization in working with adolescents, adults, and older adults. Her counseling framework is rooted in empowerment, helping individuals overcome obstacles, reclaim control of their lives, and grow into the best versions of themselves. She views counseling as a space for transformation, supporting individuals as they move through the different seasons of life with resilience, clarity, and purpose. Celá believes her work is deeply supported by her faith in God, which has guided her through self discovery, healing, and personal growth. This foundation allows her to approach counseling and life with enthusiasm, passion, authenticity, and empathy. She believes mental health is often described as invisible, yet it deserves to be fully seen, understood, and honored. Through her work, she strives to shine light on mental health, reduce stigma, and create space for honest conversations and healing. With experience in both psychiatric inpatient settings and private practice, Celá integrates evidence based therapeutic approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and mindfulness based interventions. She remains committed to meeting individuals where they are while encouraging meaningful change and emotional balance. Celá is a proud and active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, where her passion for service and supporting others aligns with her commitment to giving back in any way she can. She is also an active member of the American Counseling Association, which reflects her dedication to ongoing education, professional growth, and striving to be the best version of herself for those she serves. In her spare time, Celá enjoys spending time with her family and friends, caring for her dog Charm, and continuing her journey of personal and professional development.
Emma Cornell attended Faulkner University from 2014 to 2018, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Management. During her four years at Faulkner, Emma was a member of the softball team and was proud to be part of the first team in program history to earn a World Series berth in 2018. Following graduation, Emma earned her Master of Science degree in Athletic Training from Charleston Southern University in 2021. She returned to Montgomery that same year to begin her professional career as an assistant athletic trainer at Huntingdon College. After spending a year in that role, Emma continued her career as an assistant athletic trainer at Auburn University at Montgomery. In 2024, Emma returned to Faulkner University, where she now serves as the Head Athletic Trainer. Emma attends worship with the University Church of Christ and is grateful for the opportunity to serve student-athletes through her profession.
Emily Freeman is a National Board-Certified Teacher serving students in a PreK–5 elementary school in Huntsville, Alabama. She was honored as Huntsville City Schools Elementary Teacher of the Year and is a two-time Alabama State Department of Education grant award recipient, recognized for her commitment to innovative cross curricular work, STEAM, and student-centered instruction. Emily earned her master’s degree in Elementary Curriculum and Instruction from Faulkner University in May 2025. With a passion for nurturing both academic growth and character development, she is dedicated to creating learning environments where all children feel valued, supported, and inspired. She has been married to her husband, David, for over 20 years and is the proud mother of two children, Ryland, aged 16, and Elle, age 14. Emily believes teaching is both her calling and her purpose, grounded in her faith and her desire to live out God’s commandment to love one another through service, compassion, and seeing every student’s God-given abilities.
Riley Hall, also known as Coach Hall, is a 2024 graduate of Faulkner University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Sports, Recreational, and Fitness Management. During his time at Faulkner, Riley was actively involved on campus as a member of the Faulkner Football Team, served as the university mascot with the Faulkner Cheer Team, and was an active member of Kappa Sigma Phi. Riley is currently in his second year of teaching Middle School History at Riverside Christian Academy. While at RCA, he has served as an assistant coach for both middle and high school basketball and football. He now holds the roles of Middle and High School Athletic Director and Varsity Head Football Coach, where he is passionate about developing student-athletes both on and off the field. Riley is engaged to be married to Libby Wright on February 28, 2026. Libby is also a 2024 Faulkner University graduate, earning her bachelor’s degree in Health Science. Riley is extremely grateful for the opportunity to share what God has done in his life through athletics and looks forward to continuing to impact students through faith, leadership, and sport.
Kenneth Hill earned his Business Administration degree from Faulkner University in 1991 and began his banking career that same year with Colonial Bank and later Sterling Bank. In 2001, he moved into mortgage finance, where he continues to build a distinguished career. He currently serves as Vice President of Mortgage Services at MAX Credit Union. During his 18 years at MAX Credit Union, Kenneth has led a mortgage team of up to 15 associates and approved more than $1 billion in home loans. Having experienced three major mortgage booms, he jokes he’s hoping for one morebefore retiring. Kenneth has served on numerous boards and committees, including MAX4Kids—where he has volunteered for 15 years—AGAPE of Central Alabama, and the Affiliate Council for the Montgomery Area Association of Realtors. He currently serves as Secretary of the Arrowhead Country Club Board of Directors. Kenneth and his wife, Gena, live in Montgomery, Alabama, have two sons, and are active members of Landmark Church of Christ.
Samuel Jackson is an investigator with the Prattville Police Department assigned to the Criminal Investigative Division. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Faulkner University in May 2023. He believes that Faulkner provided him with strong academic guidance and valuable professional connections that helped prepare him for his career. Samuel lives out his faithin the workplace by applying morals, ethics, and integrity in his decision-making, leading by example through discipline, reliability, and a strong work ethic.
Annie B. Jones owns The Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in beautiful downtown Thomasville, Georgia, where she’s lived happily with her husband Jordan for more than a decade. Annie also hosts From the Front Porch, a weekly podcast about books, small business, and life in the South. Her work and podcast have been featured in national media including Southern Living and Country Living magazines, and her first book, Ordinary Time: Lessons Learned While Staying Put, released April, 2025.
Abby Lorence (Bachelor of Arts in Choral Music) graduated from Faulkner in 2020 and is the owner/operator of Lorence Music Inc. and the Director of Fayetteville First UMC Preschool. While at Faulkner, Abby participated in Faulkner University Chorus, Faulkner Singers, the Great Books program and Thesis Defense, Faulkner’s Collegiate chapter of the National Association for Music Educators, the Student Government Association, Dalraida church of Christ’s College Ministry, and was a member of Delta Xi Omega. After graduating summa cum laude with honors, Abby (eventually) began her career in 2021 as an early childhood music teacher at The Preschool at Peachtree Road UMC and teaching private lessons in voice, guitar, and piano. Abby joined Fayetteville First UMC Preschool in 2023, serving first as a Music Teacher, then Assistant Director, and, more recently, as the Director. Launching Lorence Music Inc. in 2024, Abby continues to teach music lessons to cultivate virtues alongside musical skills, empowering each student to be their most capable, creative, curious, and compassionate self. Abby lives in Fayetteville, GA with her husband, Brenton Lorence, and their three cats (Lilo, Stitch, and Bubbles).
Matt Oliver is a 2020 graduate, and 2023 graduate of Jones School of Law, after moving to Montgomery from Augusta, Georgia. He works with Swatek, Vaughn and Bryan, a Governmental Relations firm, where he served in various rolls since 2019, now as an Associate. He lives in Pike Road, with his wife, Paisley, and their son, Callahan, and is a member of Landmark Church.
Tera Broome Pressnell grew up in Valdosta, GA, and is the daughter of Terry and Kathy Broome. She attended Faulkner University on a Lads to Leaders scholarship from 1989 to 1993, majoring in elementary education. While at Faulkner, Tera met and eventually married Chris Pressnell. They have four children and five grandchildren. Tera has taught in Title I schools for the entirety of her 30-year career. She added to her B.S. a Master’s in Elementary Education at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. While there, she obtained a Reading Specialist certification. Tera has served as a classroom teacher, inclusive classroom teacher, reading coach, dyslexia therapist, and reading interventionist. She is certified through Shelton School in TX to use the MSLE approach when working with dyslexic students. Tera became a National Board-Certified Teacher in 2007 and holds certification to this day. Tera’s mentors in the realm of the classroom are Sue Crabtree, Howard Weinstein, Emily Paschal, and those too numerous to name who have worked beside her for over three decades.
Cori Rogers graduated from Faulkner University in 2016 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management. She currently serves as a Project Client Manager at ArMex Stone in Buford, Georgia, where she oversees client projects from concept to completion and supports daily operations in