Gary Hicks began working as the Executive Director at Childhaven in August 2020. Gary has a bachelor’s degree in Biblical Studies and a master’s degree in Professional Counseling from Amridge University. Gary enjoys spending time with his wife, Lauren and three children Joshua, Braylehn, and Matti.

Shelley first worked at Childhaven as a licensed social worker from 2006-2010. In 2017, we were able to talk Shelley into returning to Childhaven. She served as a program supervisor until January 2023 when she transitioned into the Director of Social Services position. Shelley is the wife of Jared and mom to Easton and Bennett.

Glenys Robertson began working at Childhaven in January of 1994. She served as a social worker for various programs until she earned her Master’s Degree in Counseling in 2004. Glenys is currently our on-staff Therapist. She lives happily with her husband Mitch. Glenys is the mom of three boys, Brad, Brian, and Bart, but she is most proud to be “gramma” to Flynn, Bruce, Evie, and Bridgett.

Rhonda Sharp began working at Childhaven in 2004. In that time, Rhonda has served as Childhaven’s Receptionist, the Administrative Assistant to the Executive Director and the Director of Social Services, and she is currently serving as the Business Manager. Rhonda’s favorite role is being “nana” to Easton, Keeli, Bennett, Copper, and Makade!

Cindy began working at Childhaven as a part-time receptionist in 2016. She has also served as a Medicaid Specialist for the Transitional Living Program and Pathways Program. She is now working full-time. Cindy enjoys going to the mountains of Tennessee with her husband Dale. She is also the mom to Katie (Doug) Gullion, Wes, and Julie. Her favorite thing to do is spend time with her five grandchildren, Sam, Drew, Colt, Briar Kate, and Mia!

Anna Claire started working with Childhaven while completing her undergraduate field placement through Harding University. Anna Claire was hired on as a full-time social worker in April 2021. She completed her Master's degree in Social Work through the University of Alabama (Roll Tide!) Anna Claire currently serves as the program director for our Pathways Program. Anna Claire recently married her husband Jason in June of 2023!

Kip began working at Childhaven in May of 2021 to aid in coordinating compliance and development and provide additional support to houseparents. He received his Master’s Degree in Counseling from Amridge University in 2014. Kip lives with his wife Tracy and is the father of Garrett (Jessica) and Addison.

Madison started working at Childhaven in the beginning of 2023 to help rebuild and develop our Foster Care program. She completed her undergraduate work in Counseling from Faulkner University and then received her Master’s in Social Work from the University of Alabama. She is happily married and has been blessed with 4 wonderful kids: Charlie, Kylie, Kenlee, and Emry.

Katya was hired to be our next Transitional Living Program Social Worker in August 2023. Katya graduated from Freed-Hardeman University in May of 2022 and worked in foster care and adoption for a year before joining us. She is currently working on her Masters in Social Work through the University of North Alabama online program! Katya enjoys spending time with her niece and is looking forwarding to being Aunt Tya to another niece or nephew in March 2024!

Vicki was first hired as a social worker at Childhaven in 1984. She earned her MSW in 1988 from the University of Alabama, and she became the Director of Social Services in 1989. Vicki left Childhaven in 1990, but she returned to Childhaven in 1993, and she has served as the Director of Social Services since. Vicki retired at the end of 2022 and is currently working as needed to provide licensure supervision to our social workers as well as 24 hour relief.

Kenny Barnett has been working at Childhaven for 19 years. He and his wife have served as house parents on two separate occasions during his time here, but mostly Kenny serves as our Mr. Fix-it. Kenny is married to Robin, and they have three children, Anna (Marcus) Clarke, Corbin (Autumn), and Fischer. Anna and Marcus made Kenny a "chief" to their granddaughter Blakely!

Rusty and Monica Nelson first served as house parents from 1986-1991. In 2015, Rusty and Monica rejoined the Childhaven family. Monica grew up in the foster care system, and Rusty was raised by extended family who worked at group homes. They desire to show love to all of the youth and their families! Rusty and Monica have been married for 35 years! They have 3 biological children, 2 daughters-in-love, 3 grandchildren, and a lot of kids who they claim as their own.

John and Sherry Owen came to serve at Childhaven in August 2020. John and Sherry are from the Kansas City area, where they lived up until moving to Cullman. John and Sherry are serving as house parents for 5-day relief. They chose to come to Childhaven to fulfill their desire to work with and minister to youth in need. John and Sherry have been married for 30 years, and they have two grown daughters.

Terri and Paul joined the Childhaven family in August of 2022 as our Transitional Living Program houseparents. They moved to Cullman after serving as houseparents for over 10 years in both Colorado and Texas because they felt that working with youth in TLP was the next step they were called to take! Terri and Paul will celebrate their 30th anniversary this year!

Cortney and Anthony Myers became houseparents at Childhaven in January 2024. They have been married for 3 years and are excited to serve in this role at Childhaven! Cortney and Anthony came to us from Florence, AL where they previously served as houseparents to teenage girls. Both of their families have been involved with foster care and adoption throughout their lives and have instilled that love in Cortney and Anthony!