Our Team
President, Executive Director, Founding Member
Stephanie Brewster
Stephanie Brewster has consistently demonstrated a dedication to supporting individuals with disabilities. She holds a degree in Human Service Management from the University of Phoenix. Following the completion of her degree, she began her professional journey at the nonprofit organization, Darden Rehabilitation Center, located in North Alabama.
After the birth of her son, she observed that he was not achieving developmental milestones and promptly enrolled him in therapy sessions. The extensive range of therapies required necessitated her decision to take a permanent leave of absence from work.
Leveraging her academic knowledge, professional experience, and personal insights, Stephanie has co-founded The Arc of Gulf Coast, where she serves as President. In her own words, she stated, “I am truly passionate about bringing vital services to the disability community on the Gulf Coast. I feel honored to play a role in making a meaningful difference in their lives.”
Co-Founder & Office Manager
Ashley Stewart
Ashley Stewart is the Co-Founder and Office Manager of The Arc of Gulf Coast Alabama, where she oversees daily operations and helps advance the organization's mission of supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Before co-founding The Arc, Ashley worked in a pediatric habilitative clinic and as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), gaining valuable experience serving children and teens with autism and developmental disabilities.
As the mother of twin boys with autism and intellectual disabilities, Ashley understands firsthand the challenges families face when seeking services, support, and opportunities for their loved ones. Her personal and professional experiences inspired her to help create an organization that provides resources, advocacy, and meaningful programs for individuals with disabilities across the Gulf Coast.
Ashley is dedicated to building a community where individuals of all abilities are supported, included, and empowered to reach their fullest potential.
Cecilia Hammond
Board Member
Cecilia Hammond serves as Foundation Manager for North Baldwin Infirmary, part of Infirmary Health, where she works to strengthen community partnerships, support philanthropic initiatives, and connect resources with the hospital’s mission of providing high-quality health care to North Baldwin and surrounding rural communities.
A lifelong resident of North Baldwin County, Cecilia brings a diverse professional background in human resources, banking, leadership development, and community engagement. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of South Alabama and is a graduate of the Alabama Banking School. Throughout her career, she has focused on building relationships, developing people, and bringing organizations and community partners together around shared goals.
Cecilia is deeply involved in the North Baldwin community and has served in leadership and board roles with the North Baldwin Chamber of Commerce, United Way of Baldwin County, The Arc of the Gulf Coast, and other community organizations. She is passionate about serving on The Arc’s Board of Directors because she believes every person deserves to be valued, included, and given opportunities to live a meaningful and fulfilling life. She is especially drawn to The Arc’s work to advocate for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families and is honored to help strengthen awareness, partnerships, and support for its mission.
Cecilia and her husband, Dustin, live in Perdido, Alabama. They enjoy traveling, camping, and spending time outdoors with their two dogs, Duke and Shadow.
Bethany Brand
Board Member
My name is Bethany Brand, and I am a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with a Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis. I have spent the past 11 years working with children and families. The last 5 years I have served individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities across clinic, home, school, and telehealth settings.
As a mother and professional, I have developed a deep appreciation for the importance of advocacy, inclusion, and access to quality services. Throughout my career, I have been passionate about helping individuals reach their fullest potential while also supporting the families who care for them. I believe every person deserves opportunities to participate fully in their community and to be valued for their unique strengths.
I am passionate about serving on The Arc of Coast Alabama’s Board of Directors because I want to help strengthen resources and opportunities for individuals with disabilities in our local community. The Arc’s mission aligns closely with both my professional experience and my personal values, it is an honor to contribute to improving the lives of the individuals and families The Arc of Gulf Coast Alabama serves.
Savannah Cooper
Board Member
Savannah Cooper has taught Special Education in self-contained classrooms for the past 11 years. Throughout her career, she has had the privilege of working with students ranging in age from Pre-K through 21 years old. She earned both her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Special Education from Bethel University. Savannah has been involved with The Arc since she was 15 years old and is excited to continue serving and supporting individuals and families through The Arc Gulf Coast chapter.
Jim Kinder
Board Member
Over the past 22 years Jim has served as local Pastor in Mobile and Baldwin County area. He and his wife Kari Ann have two sons and 6 grandchildren His heart is to see all families flourishing in our community. “While there are so many needs within our community, the Arc of the Gulf Coast reaches out to those hidden treasures that are too often overlooked.”
Carolyn Greene
Director: Time with Friends/Art for All
Carolyn Greene is a professional artist, art teacher, and dedicated advocate for people with disabilities. As the mother of John, who experienced a near-drowning accident as a young child, she brings years of firsthand experience navigating life alongside a child and adult with disabilities.
Carolyn is passionate about creating opportunities for individuals with disabilities to engage with their communities through the arts and meaningful activities. She is the founder and teaching artist of Art for All, an inclusive arts education program for adults that brings people of all abilities together to express their creativity, develop artistic skills, and build lasting friendships.
She also created The Arc of Alabama Time with Friends, an inclusive community program designed to foster friendships, enhance quality of life, and build social and life skills through art, volunteerism, community involvement, recreation, and shared experiences. Through her leadership and advocacy, Carolyn continues to inspire inclusion, creativity, and connection for people of all abilities.