Department: Leadership & Character Development

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.

Dalis Smith is the Director of Student Life, Summers at Southern, and Service Learning Coordinator at Southern Prep. Since joining in 2020 as Parent Coordinator, she has taken on key roles, including Director of Student Life and Summer Camp in 2022 and Service Learning Coordinator in 2024. A Huntingdon College graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies, Dalis has 9 years of experience from her undergraduate and professional years in student engagement programs and initiatives. At Southern Prep, she has enhanced campus life by organizing activities, off-campus trips, a mentor program fostering teamwork and school spirit, and transforming the summer camp into Summers at Southern, a traditional camp experience. Known for her energy, creativity, and resourcefulness, Dalis is dedicated to advancing Southern Prep’s mission.