Who We Are
Cairn Guidance brings decades of experience in education, as well as community and school health at the local, state and national levels.
Our team
Jessica Lawrence, MS
Jess Lawrence is an enthusiastic, energetic, extroverted New Englander living in Eastern Kentucky by way of Portland, Oregon after 20 years. She started her career doing exactly what she wanted to do since her own high school experience—teaching 7th graders health education. In 2003, Jess was hired as the Health Education Curriculum Specialist for the Oregon Department of Education, where she provided assistance and professional development to health education teachers across Oregon. In 2006, Jess pursued a career as a national school health consultant, working with state departments of education and health, school districts and non-profits working to create healthier schools and communities. She writes health education curriculum, facilitates and trains educators and community members on school & public health issues and presents at conferences. Her true passion is working with organizations and agencies on leadership development around systems thinking. In 2015, Jess fell in love with someone and left her beloved Portland Oregon to be with him and his three children in Morehead KY! They have two dogs Ase and Hope and Jess enjoys cycling, international travel, cooking and watching soccer. To hear more about Jess’ personal and professional journey, listen to P&P’s Podcast called Pursuing Fearless here. Jess was the first guest on this podcast!
Samantha Lowe McCleese, MS
Samantha Lowe McCleese, MS
Samantha Lowe McCleese is a graduate of Morehead State University’s Experimental Psychology master’s program. Originally from Maysville, Kentucky she has been a resident of Eastern Kentucky her entire life. Growing up in Appalachian culture sparked Samantha’s interest in sex education, and she later went on to further research the topic in her Master’s research project; A Vagina is an Ugly Duckling: Metaphors for Sex Education. Samantha has been a member of the Cairn Guidance team since 2016 and is excited to continue! During her time with Cairn Guidance she has worked on multiple projects and has had the opportunity to travel the United States for the Dove Self Esteem Project. Samantha has previously worked as a Behavior Specialist, where she helped individuals and families with diagnosed disabilities reach their full potential and personal goals. Samantha currently lives in Morehead, Kentucky with her three dogs; Tesla, Luna, and Dr. Popsicles. When Samantha has free time you can find her hula-hooping, hanging out with plants, playing videogames, or spending quality time with her husband and 4 younger sisters.
Antionette Meeks, EDD, CPP, MCHES
Antionette Meeks, EDD, CPP, MCHES
Antionette Meeks is formerly with the Florida Department of Education as the Health Coordinator/Assistant Director, where she worked with district offices, state and community organizations, and other state agencies. Antionette organized and led a professional development cadre and a cadre of district-level health education coordinators who acted as an advisory board. She also created, organized, and facilitated the Academy for Teachers of Health Education, worked with the Florida Department of Health on the implementation of the Youth Risk Behavior Survey, and facilitated the implementation of the School Health Profiles. As she closed her career, she was a staff member for the Monique Burr Foundation for Children, where she assisted with aspects of their bullying and child abuse prevention education programs.
Riley Peyton
Riley Peyton is currently attending Morehead State University while pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Health Promotion and a minor in Business. She is currently serving as the treasurer on the executive board of the Epsilon Theta Chapter of the Chi Omega Fraternity. After graduating high school as a three-sport athlete with accolades in all, she has moved her focus to helping the Make-A-Wish Foundation through their partnership with Chi Omega. By helping to lead community service events, her chapter alone raised $14,000 to help a wish child in the school year 21-22. She also is the head of the budget committee, assistant for the fall recruitment process, and has served on other committees throughout her time in the chapter. During her spare time she loves hanging out with her family and friends, spending time with my sorority girls at events, baking, going on walks with my roommate, and spending time with my cat Vader.
Sterling Ta’Bon, MSPH
Sterling Ta’Bon, formerly the Project Coordinator for South Carolina Department of Mental Health’s Office of Suicide Prevention, developed and promoted one of the nation’s first recognized community-based trauma-informed suicide prevention gatekeeper programs. Sterling is a two-time Campbell University graduate, earning a B.S. in Exercise Science/Kinesiology and a Master of Science in Public Health, concentrating on trauma-informed care. While a student, Sterling was able to focus on community health disparities, consult with faith justice organizations, and form bonds with rural foster children as a Guardian Ad Litem advocate. Sterling had the privilege to lead discussions and facilitate workshops on Neighbor Suicide Prevention, trauma informed care in communities, and public health, specifically in rural communities. His journey in the field started with his passion for community, allowing him to grow an array of skill sets including his work as an Epidemiologist during the COVID-19 outbreak and providing consultation and support in community-based participatory research across the Carolinas. Sterling was born and raised in Sumter, SC, and moved back to his hometown after graduate school. He is active in community development and Director of a local youth-centered grassroots organization called the Diamond Stackz Classic. This organization uses local basketball tournaments and community events to fund and advocate for a youth mentor leadership program which works with over 25 families. Sterling has been awarded Sumter’s 20 under 40 by the Chamber of Commerce, Jerry Wallace Fellowship Scholar, and seen on the front cover of the region’s Lakeside Living Magazine. Sterling finds comfort in being the “Fun Uncle”, fishing, staying active, DJ’ing his friends’ weddings, reading, and watching historical documentaries. He resonates with this quote shared by his Grandfather, “The Future isn’t a place we walk into, it’s a place we create together.”
Brittany Echols, M.Ed.
Brittany Echols, M.Ed.
Brittany Echols has an undergraduate degree in Health Education from Virginia State University, and holds master’s degrees from Towson University, in School and Community Health, and Loyola University Maryland, in Educational Leadership. She describes herself as a lifelong learner and is currently working towards her Doctor of Education degree at Temple University. Brittany started her career with Charles County Public Schools in Maryland where she supported and provided Special Education services and instruction. She eventually transitioned to Prince George’s County Public Schools in Maryland to teach health education. Additionally, during her time in Prince George’s, Brittany developed district and state health education curriculum. Prior to joining Carin Guidance, Brittany worked at Baltimore City Public Schools as their Educational Specialist for Health and Physical Education. In this position, she supported teachers, worked with community partners, and assisted with the development of the Maryland Health Education Framework. Brittany has a heart for young people and is passionate about ensuring they have access to high-quality skills based health education! If you catch Brittany outside of work and school, you may find her volunteering at church, getting her nails done, or spending time with family and friends.
Kevin Lorson, Ph.D.
Kevin Lorson is a Professor and Co-Program Director for the Health & Physical Education Program at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio. Kevin is the Principal Investigator and Project Manager for the Health and Opioid Prevention Education (HOPE) Curriculum and the Health, Opioid Prevention, Education and Support (HOPES) in Schools project. He has worked on many Ohio health and education initiatives including: the Ohio Physical Education Standards, Ohio Physical Education Evaluation, Ohio’s Early Learning Standards, Ohio Department of Education (ODE) Strategic Plan Committee; ODE Behavioral Health & Wellness Advisory Committee; Ohio Joint Study Committee for Drug Prevention Education in Schools; Ohio Health Education Model Curriculum and the Health & Opioid Prevention Education (HOPE) Curriculum. In 2018 he was recognized with the Meritorious Award from OAHPERD, Ohio SOPHE Outstanding Contributions to Health Education Award, and the Chancellor Award from the Ohio Department of Higher Education for his work with health and physical education in Ohio. Kevin and Cairn Guidance have worked collaboratively for a number of years on multiple projects including co-facilitating a series of school district-level institutes focusing on substance abuse prevention, social and emotional learning and the Whole Child. Kevin supported Cairn Guidance in the development of a toolkit called– Supporting the Whole Child During a Pandemic Response. Currently Kevin is working with us to create a survey and collect data on the status of Health Education in Oregon. This project will be used to inform curriculum development, support for health teachers, and used for advocacy for comprehensive, skills-based health education.
