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 Louisville 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, facilitates strategic planning processes, runs the Systems Simulations, and presents at conferences. Her true passion is working with organizations and agencies on leadership development around systems thinking. Jess enjoys bicycling, international travel, cooking, swimming, doing yoga, and watching soccer.
Samantha Lowe McCleese, MS
Samantha Lowe McCleese, MS
Samantha Lowe McCleese is a graduate of Morehead State University’s Experimental Psychology master’s program. Samantha also holds certificates in Systems Change from Cornell University and the Waters Center. 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.
Gaige Webb
Gaige Webb is an Alumnus of the National Speech and Debate Association (NSDA), where he served as lead debate coach at Rowan County Senior High. During his time with NSDA he developed a passion for policies which advocated for comprehensive sex education and mental health services within schools. Gaige is thrilled to start a new journey with Cairn Guidance as the new Executive Assistant! In his free time Gaige is often spending time with his partner, listening to vinyl records, playing video games, or re-watching movies.
Sterling Ta’Bon, MSPH
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 of Health and Physical Education. 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.
