Faculty

With more than 30 years of experience teaching English and language arts, Mrs. Cain brings a passion for literacy, critical thinking and academic excellence to ASHS.

She has taught students in grades 7-12 and at the junior college level in the Demopolis, Pell City and Monroe County school systems, with much of her career devoted to advanced coursework, including AP Literature, AP Language, Dual Enrollment English 101 and 102, honors and gifted classes.

Mrs. Cain is committed to challenging students to read deeply, write effectively and think critically. At ASHS, she will teach both Advanced Placement and Dual Enrollment courses while also leading sophomores in Medical Research and Writing, an innovative course designed to provide students with an essential foundation for success in healthcare and beyond.

She was drawn to ASHS by the opportunity to be part of an innovative school rooted in the community, where motivated students can experience rigorous learning and use it to make a difference in the world.

Cain earned a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Alabama, a Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of West Alabama and an educational specialist degree from Jacksonville State University.

Having begun her teaching career in Demopolis, she has a deep appreciation for the strength and spirit of the community that ASHS proudly calls home. She and her husband, Clay, have three grown children — Conner, Randy and Malin.

Amber Emerson brings more than 11 years of experience teaching science in middle and high school classrooms and a passion for helping students understand the connections between science and healthcare.

Inspired by the vision behind ASHS after seeing the school’s groundbreaking, she was drawn to the opportunity to teach science through a healthcare lens and help students explore careers that can improve health outcomes across Alabama.

Known for making complex scientific concepts engaging and approachable, Mrs. Emerson brings organization, high expectations and an energetic teaching style to the classroom. She believes that learning is a collaborative process and that students and teachers learn from one another every day.

Her strong background in biology and the health sciences helps students see the real-world applications of scientific discovery and prepares them for future studies and careers in healthcare.

Mrs. Emerson earned a Bachelor’s degree in biology with minors in chemistry and nutrition and a Master’s degree in secondary education from the University of Alabama. She also holds a Master’s degree in educational administration from the University of West Alabama and is board-certified in early adolescence science. She is currently pursuing a doctorate in organizational leadership at Trevecca Nazarene University.

Students often describe her as “little but mighty” — a reflection of the enthusiasm and energy she brings to teaching. Outside the classroom, she enjoys traveling and participating in mission work. She and her husband live in Tuscaloosa with their son, Atticus, two dogs and a cat.

A proud Demopolis native and experienced educator, Myra Harris brings more than 14 years of experience helping students think critically, make connections and understand how classroom learning applies to the world around them. Her career in education has included service in the Hale County School System as well as experience in children’s therapy, computer science instruction and school administration.

At ASHS, Ms. Harris will help students explore history through the school’s unique healthcare lens, examining how medicine, public health, leadership, innovation and society have influenced one another throughout history. She is committed to helping students understand the connections between the past and the challenges and opportunities facing healthcare today.

Ms. Harris holds a Bachelor of Science degree in human resource management and a Master of Science degree in community counseling from the University of South Alabama, a Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of West Alabama, and an educational specialist degree in educational leadership. She also holds administrative certification.

A 1997 graduate of Demopolis High School, Harris brings both extensive instructional experience and a strong connection to the community that ASHS is proud to call home.

Morgan Houston brings a unique blend of clinical experience, athletic training expertise and a passion for mentoring young people to ASHS. Her professional background has provided firsthand experience caring for athletes at the collegiate and professional levels, giving students insight into the many career pathways available within healthcare and sports medicine.

Ms. Houston’s experience includes serving as assistant athletic trainer for the DC Defenders of the United Football League, athletic trainer with Andrews Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center in Birmingham, graduate assistant athletic trainer with the University of Georgia football program, and an athletic training internship with the Arizona Cardinals.

Through those experiences, she has worked alongside healthcare professionals in fast-paced environments where teamwork, communication and patient care are essential.

Ms. Houston earned a Bachelor of Science degree in athletic training from the University of West Alabama and a Master of Science degree in kinesiology and exercise science from the University of Georgia. She is also a certified personal trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine.

At ASHS, she looks forward to sharing her experiences with students and helping them explore the many opportunities available in health sciences and related fields.

Jay Smith brings a unique combination of secondary and postsecondary teaching experience to ASHS, helping students develop the strong mathematical foundation needed for success in healthcare and other STEM-related fields. Throughout his career, he has taught a wide range of subjects, from middle school mathematics to college-level pre-calculus, trigonometry and Calculus I.

A graduate of the University of West Alabama, Smith earned both a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and a master’s degree in math education. His career has included teaching at Sumter Central High School, his alma mater, the University of West Alabama, and most recently William R. Martin Middle School in Dallas County. Deeply rooted in West Alabama, he understands the communities served by ASHS and is committed to helping students reach their full potential.

Smith is known for his relational, student-centered approach and his dedication to student success. His experience teaching at both the secondary and college levels will help prepare ASHS students for the rigor of advanced coursework and the mathematical skills required for future healthcare careers.