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Southern Preparatory academy

Department: Leadership & Character Development

Full Faculty List

Rod Siggers

Barber, Chaplain

Nichol Morgan

Parent Coordinator

Nichol Morgan is the Parent Coordinator. She is in her eighth year at Southern Preparatory Academy and her twenty-seventh year in education. Nichol has an Associate of General Studies degree from the American Military University. She served in the Pennsylvania Air National Guard for 8 years as a firefighter. Nichol taught Study Skills, oversaw the EdGenuity Program, and served as a librarian for twenty-three years before transitioning into her current role as the Parent Coordinator.

MAJ Taher Manasterli

Weekend Residential Director

Major (Ret) Taher Manasterli is a veteran of 28 years of military service. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1987 after he graduated from high school in Atlanta, GA. Following his enlistment, he attended and graduated college then decided to pursue a career in the U.S. Army. He received an Army commission through Army Officer Candidate School in 2000, and was assigned to the Military Intelligence Corps. In 2010, he joined the U.S. Army Foreign Area Officer branch working in military diplomacy and cooperation at U.S. Embassies overseas. In 2020, MAJ Manasterli retired to the great state of Alabama, and in 2022, he joined the team as a weekend TAC officer, and became the Interim Commandant in 2024. MAJ Manasterli holds a Bachelor degree in International Relations from The American University in Washington D.C., and a Master of Science degree in International Studies from Troy University. He is married to his highschool sweetheart the former Ms. Jennifer Mitchell of Atlanta, GA, and they have five grown children.

Shawn Williams

Residential Director

Shawn Williams served 21 years in the Alabama Army National Guard, beginning in 1998 as a culinary specialist. He advanced to First Cook with the 167th FSC and Mess Sergeant with the 1208th QM. His deployments included Operation Noble Eagle in 2001 and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, where he served as Truck Commander and NCOIC of the Personal Security Detail for Echo Company 1/167th Infantry.

John Gatzman

Residential Director

Bill Monk

Residential Director

Bill Monk is a Residential Director at Southern Preparatory Academy. He works closely with students to create a positive, structured environment where they can learn, grow, and succeed. Bill earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Jacksonville State University (Go Gamecocks!) and has spent much of his career working with youth. Before joining Southern Prep, Bill served as a Juvenile Probation Officer and later as Chief Probation Officer. His experience in youth services has given him a strong understanding of how guidance and consistency can help young people reach their potential. He has also been active in several government and civic organizations, including the United Way of East Central Alabama, the Young Leaders Society of Calhoun County, the Multiple Needs Facilitation Team (as Co-Chair), the Department of Human Resources Quality Assurance Committee, and the Coosa Valley Youth Services Board of Directors. Bill is married with 2 sons and 3 dogs. In his free time, Bill enjoys spending time with family, watching his oldest son in the marching band and coaching his youngest son’s sports teams.

MSG Kimberlyn Burns

Junior Army Instructor

MSG Kimberlyn Burns brings a monumental 25-year career in the United States Army right into the classroom. A native of Columbus, Georgia, she has served on active duty as the Executive Administrative Assistant to a Regimental Command Sergeant Major, a position following her role as a Battalion S-3 Sergeant Major. Her career is defined by mentorship and leadership development. She served nearly five years as a Senior Drill Sergeant across both Basic Training (Fort Jackson, SC) and AIT (Fort Gordon), directly shaping the next generation of soldiers. Additionally, she has held vital roles as a Brigade Equal Opportunity Advisor and a Master Resilience Program instructor. She has also earned her degree in Information Technology and is a part of the team responsible for starting a Cybersecurity program at Southern Prep!

CAPT Raoul Rall

Commandant of Cadets & Dean of Student Affairs

CAPT Rall brings a deep commitment to student development, academic excellence, and leadership education as Southern Prep continues to strengthen campus life and the overall student experience. CAPT Rall’s professional background is rooted in education, leadership development, and mentoring young people. He previously served as an Adjunct Professor of Aerospace Science with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, teaching high school students in a dual-enrollment environment focused on advanced STEM and aviation studies. His instructional leadership produced outstanding outcomes, including an 82% FAA exam pass rate and multiple students earning their Private Pilot License prior to high school graduation. In recognition of his impact in the classroom, he was named Embry-Riddle Pilot of the Year. He holds a Master of Science in Aerospace Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and a Master of Arts in Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College, along with a Bachelor of Science from Auburn University and early academic training at Marion Military Institute. His academic preparation reflects a strong foundation in analytical thinking, leadership, and student-focused instruction. In addition to his work in education, CAPT Rall brings extensive organizational and leadership experience from a distinguished career in the United States Navy, retiring at the rank of Captain (O-6) after more than 30 years of service. Throughout his career, he led large, complex organizations, managed significant budgets, and prioritized the development, well-being, and accountability of those under his charge. This experience informs his approach to structure, consistency, and mentorship– skills that translate directly to supporting students in a residential and day school environment. As Commandant of Cadets and Dean of Student Affairs, CAPT Rall will oversee student life, leadership programming, student discipline, and mentorship. His focus will be on fostering a positive, inclusive, and supportive campus culture that emphasizes personal responsibility, character development, and growth for all students.

CSM Greg Caywood

Senior Army Instructor

Command Sergeant Major (Retired) Gregory Caywood, a native of Greenup, Illinois, enlisted in the Army in 1995 and served for 27 years, retiring in 2022. A decorated veteran, he held leadership roles from platoon forward observer to Brigaide CSM and deployed three times in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. CSM Caywood holds a Bachelor of Arts from Columbia College and two Master’s degrees—in International Relations from Webster University and Secondary Education Social Sciences from the University of West Alabama. After retiring, he taught high school English and served as a substitute teacher before becoming the JROTC Senior Army Instructor at Southern Prep. His awards include the Legion of Merit, two Bronze Stars, six Meritorious Service Medals, and the Combat Action Badge.

Sara Kelly, RN, BSN

Academy Nurse

Sara Kelly serves as the Academy Nurse at Southern Preparatory Academy, where she has been a dedicated member of our school community since 2022. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of South Alabama and brings a strong clinical background to her role. Prior to joining Southern Prep, Sara worked as an orthopedic nurse at East Alabama Medical Center, where she gained extensive experience in patient care, injury management, and post-operative recovery. In her role as charge nurse, she further developed her strengths in collaboration, critical thinking, and conflict resolution. Committed to promoting student health and well-being, Sara strives to provide compassionate care, educate students on healthy habits, and support the overall safety of the campus community.

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