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Southern Preparatory academy

Faculty and Staff

Ryan Montgomery

Director of Maintenance

Ryan Montgomery serves as our Director of Maintenance, bringing a wealth of technical expertise and a “mission-first” mindset to Southern Preparatory Academy. A native of Tallapoosa County and a Master Plumber by trade, Ryan’s professional background is rooted in service; he previously served as a Mess Specialist with the U.S. Navy’s Seventh Fleet in Yokosuka, Japan, and brings over 15 years of experience in high-level operations to our campus. Beyond keeping our facilities in top shape, Ryan is a vital part of our athletic and agricultural growth. He has led the initiative to launch our greenhouse and compost programs, bridging the gap between maintenance and sustainability, and previously managed our Dining Hall. Deeply committed to mentorship, Ryan also serves as our Junior Varsity football coach and was the driving force behind establishing the school’s wrestling program. Whether he is overseeing a complex campus project or coaching our students on the mat, Ryan’s dedication to excellence helps make Southern Prep a better place every day!

Susie Alvies

Server

Ian Sanford

Night Security

Justin Hanners

Night Security

Justin Hanners holds a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Huntingdon College. He served four years active duty in the United States Air Force in the Security Forces field before transitioning to civilian law enforcement, where he spent six years as a police officer with the City of Auburn, Alabama. Following his public service, Mr. Hanners has spent five years in private security, asset protection, and loss prevention, including three years in a supervisory role. Drawing on a combined 15 years of experience in security and law enforcement, he is dedicated to maintaining safety, integrity, and professionalism in every environment he serves. Mr. Hanners is married and the proud father of two.

Amber Willford

Supply Officer

Amber Willford is the Supply Officer and is entering her third year at Southern Preparatory Academy. Amber studied Criminal Justice at Motlow State in Lynchburg, TN. Shortly after leaving Tennessee, she dabbled in retail management where she obtained her small business and wholesalers license which she used to open her own retail boutique in Indiana. Amber later received her Correctional Officer training at Westville Correctional Facility in Westville, IN.

Savitra Huntley

Laundry

Brittany Davis

Laundry

Joshua Gatlin

Instructor

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.

Rob Stockwell

Chef

Rod Siggers

Barber, Chaplain

Marvin Kelley

Chef

Stacey Rowell

Instructor

Stacey Rowell teaches high school science courses at Southern Prep Academy. A 2004 graduate of Austin Peay State University, she holds dual bachelor’s degrees in Environmental Geography (with an emphasis on Environmental Hazards) and Geology. With 25 years of combined service in the Army Active Duty and Reserves, Stacey’s dedication to service extends to her personal life. Her son, Jakob, graduated from Southern Prep in 2023 and is now proudly serving in the Army.

Stephen Utsey

Technical Specialist

Sierra Vickrey

Assistant Summer Camp Director

Sierra Vickrey holds a B.S. in Wildlife Ecology & Management from Auburn University and has supported wildlife monitoring projects in Alabama and Georgia. After graduating, she worked at Auburn University, contributing to statewide mammal population surveys for the Alabama Department of Conservation & Natural Resources (ADCNR). She later assisted Northern Bobwhite quail research at the University of Georgia, helping evaluate population health and long-term sustainability. Sierra’s passion for environmental education began at Southern Preparatory Academy, where she worked as a Summer Camp Counselor. She now serves as Summer Camp Accreditation Lead and Assistant Camp Director for Summers at Southern. In this role, she oversees American Camp Association accreditation and helps lead the planning and enhancement of camp programming. Her work focuses on creating safe, inclusive, and engaging outdoor experiences that inspire campers to explore and connect with nature.

Department