Collie joined the APC staff in January 2019 as the Early Language and Literacy Coordinator for the Read Right from the Start program.
Collie has over 29 years’ of experience in public education where she taught eight years in Decatur, Alabama, as a Family and Consumer Sciences teacher. Additionally, she worked for 20 years at the Alabama Department of Education serving as an Education Specialist, Education Administrator, as well as the Interim Deputy State Superintendent for the Career and Technical Education (CTE)/Workforce Development (WFD) Division. During that time,Collie managed staff and initiatives that focused on developing the talents and skills of students in classroom settings that are rigorous, progressive, and certified to industry standards. She provided professional development to educators regarding the integration of core academic skills, employability skills, and technical, job-specific skills into their CTE classroom instruction.
Having served as the State Advisor for three career technical student organizations (Alabama FCCLA, Alabama FFA, and Alabama HOSA),Collie had the opportunity to empower students to build their leadership skills, develop an awareness of careers, and participate in community service projects. She has worked closely with postsecondary education leaders, other state agency staff, and business and industry representatives to ensure that partnerships were developed and to avoid duplication of services.
Collie received a bachelor’s degree from the University of West Florida in 1990, and a master’s degree from Alabama A & M in 1997.