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SCP Director

RSVP Coordinator, Jefferson County

LaQuita Smith              

Interim Executive Director

LaQuita has a passion for connecting seniors through volunteerism and fostering meaningful relationships that enrich lives and strengthen communities. A Birmingham, Alabama native, she graduated from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) School of Social Work with a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree. During her internship at Positive Maturity in 2000, she discovered her calling to serve older adults and developed a lifelong commitment to helping seniors maintain their independence while aging in place with dignity and support.

Throughout her 26-year career with Positive Maturity, LaQuita has dedicated herself to creating opportunities for seniors to remain engaged, connected, and active within their communities by serving as the Foster Grandparent Program Director 7 years and Senior Companion Program Director 19 years. She believes that social connections, volunteer service, and community involvement plays a vital role in promoting healthy aging and overall well-being. Her work focuses on bringing people together, and ensuring that older adults have access to resources and support systems that enhance their quality of life.

LaQuita is passionate about community outreach, networking,and creating environments where people feel valued, included, and empower.

Kimberly Jones              

Director, Foster Grandparents Program

Kim moved to Birmingham from Mobile, Ala., in 1995 to attend UAB, where she received her bachelor’s degree in Social Work. With more than 20 years of social service experience, Kim has worked with a diverse population of all ages at State of Alabama/Child Welfare, Alabama Mentor, and Safehouse of Shelby County. Since joining Positive Maturity, Kim has been embraced by a wonderful group of co-workers and volunteers. “It has been an amazing experience getting to know the volunteers in our Foster Grandparent Program, observing them within the educational programs we partner with in Jefferson County, and witnessing the dedication they have for the children we serve,” Kim says. She looks forward to building partnerships within the communities Positive Maturity serves, and assisting our FGP volunteers and stations to enhance the educational and social needs of the children served in Jefferson County.

Juanita Macon              

Director, Shepherd Center

Juanita Macon always had a heart for young people and enjoyed the jobs she had where she could touch their lives in some way. When her grant at the Girls Scouts ended, Juanita found herself without a job and mourning the loss of her mother. Once she joined Positive Maturity as the RSVP Coordinator, she found she had a bunch of women ready to mother her. “I saw people in their 80s and 90s volunteering who had more energy than me,” she says. “It is so rewarding to work with them. I am learning from their experiences and we are growing together and enjoying life one day at a time.”

Selina Huff 

Director, Information and Referral Geriatric Social Services

Selina is a native of Mobile, Alabama, and earned her bachelor’s degree from Alabama State University and her graduate degree from the University of South Alabama.
After retiring from the Mobile County Department of Human Resources (DHR) in September 2023, following nearly 27 years of dedicated public service, Selina joined the Positive Maturity team. Throughout her career with DHR, she served in both Child Protective Services and Adult Protective Services, supporting children, families, and vulnerable adults across Mobile County.
At Positive Maturity, Selina enjoys building meaningful relationships with older adults and connecting them with programs and resources that help them thrive. She especially loves participating in health fairs and community outreach events, where she shares information about Positive Maturity’s services and mission. As she says, “I really enjoy talking to seniors and participating in health fairs and community resource events to spread the word about Positive Maturity.”
When she’s not working, Selina enjoys spending time with her family and friends and taking cruises. She is married and has one adult daughter.

Dorinda Canibano  

RSVP Coordinator, Blount County

Birmingham, Ala., native, Dorinda Canibano has spent the majority of her working career in the accounting field, but aging seniors have always held a special place in her heart. “I have always been fascinated by the wisdom and stories from our seniors,” she says. “There is so much to learn from them.”

Organizations like Positive Maturity gives seniors the opportunity to remain active even after retirement from the workforce. “I think that is truly wonderful and I can’t wait until I reach the age where I can be a part of this wonderful group of volunteers,” Dorinda explains.
Dorinda is married to her husband of 10 years, Mike, and has one daughter. In her spare time, she enjoys outdoor activities, traveling and crafting.

Gloria Susanne Gilmer

RSVP Coordinator, SHELBY County

Gloria Susanne Gilmer has lived in Shelby County, Ala., for nearly 30 years. “This is a wonderful area to raise a family, to explore nature and enjoy the beauty of Appalachia,” she says. The significant growth of Shelby County has attracted people from all around the country and the world. Gloria cherishes the friendships she has built while contributing to the community. Educated in music and the liberal arts, Gloria has served as a pianist and educator, coordinating local music presentations and performing with the Alabama Ballet Company. As a volunteer, she contributed countless hours to promote the arts. When the Czech Republic opened in 1992, Gloria immediately brought talented musicians to the United States and SMU Meadows School of the Arts. In addition, she has presented a lecture demonstration to the Alabama Music Teacher’s Association on teaching piano to the visually impaired. Her work as piano accompanist with professional choreographers at Lakeshore Foundation and UAB resulted in a new exercise program for people with disabilities. Most recently, Gloria has volunteered to coordinate presentations and to perform piano music for Alabaster Senior Activity Center.

Zan Brock  

RSVP Coordinator, Walker County

Zan Brock has had a heart for helping others since she was a child, which is appropriate since her Greek name means “helper of mankind.” As a Licensed Social Worker, Zan has worn many hats. During her career, she worked with foster care, the Free Will Baptist Children’s Home in Eldridge, as a therapist in the behavioral medicine unit of a local hospital, in the maternity clinic of a health department, as director of Social Services in a nursing home, as a case manager in a homeless shelter for women and as a care manager with an insurance company.

In 2017, Zan retired from VIVA Health where she served as a Social Worker care manager. Since retiring, Zan has volunteered for the J.A.M.E.S. (Jasper Area Ministerial Emergency Services) Ministry, Operation Thanksgiving, Operation Christmas Child and Backyard Blessings. She also coordinated a Christmas basket ministry for shut-ins and served on the Missions and Everyday Needs committees at her church. In her spare time, Zan enjoys reading, gardening, traveling, quilting, cooking and spending time with her friends and her cat.

Doris Oats

SCP COORDINATOR

Doris is a born leader with a heart for helping people in any way that she can. She’s a very passionate person about serving people of all ages. A concerned listener, a giver and honest team player who enjoys the job of touching lives to make a positive impact. The Birmingham, AL native has an Associate degree in Business Administration. Doris started her journey with Positive Maturity, Inc, in 1999 after completing her course in Business Law through the Continuing Education Program at University of Alabama, Birmingham. Through the job placement program, she accepted the receptionist and later became an Administrative Assistant. Her first coordinator position for Positive Maturity was at Positive Maturity’s Adult Day Care, C.A.M..P., in 2005. Doris enjoys spending time with her 2 children, 5 extended children including a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Brenda Woodley

Foster Grandparents, Coordinator

Brenda found her passion at Positive Maturity in 2020 when she started working with seniors as the Foster Grandparent Program Coordinator. “It is so rewarding to work with seniors who redefine aging every day in unique ways.” She loves offering words of encouragement to program participants as well as sending them birthday wishes, and get-well cards to let them know that she is thinking about them.
Brenda is a lifelong native of Birmingham and completed her undergraduate studies in Health Administration at the University of Phoenix in Birmingham.
In her spare time, she enjoys spending quality time with her children, grandchildren and volunteering at her church.

 Regina Gallagher Allison

RSVP Director

Regina Gallagher Allison, M.S., is a seasoned nonprofit professional with over 25 years of experience dedicated to serving and strengthening communities. A true dedicated leader and mentor, Regina believes deeply that intentional volunteerism is essential to building vibrant, resilient communities. She holds a Human Services Master of Science degree in non-profit studies that supports her extensive public service. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to making a meaningful impact through effective program leadership, community engagement, and collaborative partnerships that drive sustainable results. Her professional expertise spans grant management, as well as the development and oversight of impactful volunteer programs.

In addition to her formal career, Regina is an active volunteer within her church and local community. Her exceptional dedication has been recognized with honors such as Woman of the Year and Friend of Children. Personally, Regina is happily married and the proud mom of three children and grandmother of ten grandchildren. Outside of her human family, she channels her passion for service into animal welfare by actively rescuing cats.