BREAKING BARRIERS

Angela Jones RN BSN, Head Nurse is a dedicated healthcare professional who has served as a nurse at Baptist Memorial Hospital for over 22 years. Throughout her career, she has earned numerous Nurse Excellence and Leadership Awards, reflecting her deep commitment to clinical excellence and compassionate care. Beyond the hospital, Angela is deeply rooted in community service. She is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, where she serves on the Social Justice Committee, advocating for equity and empowerment within her community. She also volunteers through the ministry at Brown Missionary Baptist Church and dedicates time to feeding the homeless—demonstrating her heart for service both inside and outside the clinical setting. Angela was recently introduced to CHOICE, and is eager to serve and support its mission. Her passion for youth development aligns with her lifelong commitment to nurturing others. Angela’s passion for mentorship and education fuels her goal of becoming a nurse educator. In her free time, she enjoys reading, running, traveling, spending time with family and friends, always seeking new ways to grow and give back.

Aretha Cox is a 20-year educator with Memphis Shelby County Schools (MSCS). She started her teaching career working at Hamiliton Elementary and then changing to Airways Middle School. She worked with middle school children for 14 years and then went back to working with elementary age children. Within the teaching field, she has served roles that include Grade Level Chair, Professional Learning Chair (6th grade), textbook adoption committee, District Calendar Committee, Testing Coordinator, Team Leader, and Association Representative. She is currently certified as School Administrator and a K-8 Highly Qualified Teacher. With this experience, she provides the best possible education for every student who comes within her classroom and school. She is an advocate for supporting literacy and the whole child. She is the mother of one son and grandmother of five: 3 boys and 2 girls ranging from age 7-14. She considers this a blessing to be able to help raise future generations. She received her Bachelor’s degree from Mississippi State University in 1995, a Masters in Education from the University of Memphis in 2004, Educational Specialist Degree from Walden University in 2025, and currently working on her Doctoral Degree in Educational Consultant through Trevecca University in Nashville, TN. She is originally from West Point, Mississippi and moved to Memphis, TN in 1996 after graduating from Mississippi State University. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority, Incorporated.                

Mrs. Deborah A Dixon is a newly addition to the CHOICE leadership team. She currently holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Louisiana State University, a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction, and a Master of Science in Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Memphis. Dixon currently works as a high school Special Education Teacher/Department Chair for Memphis-Shelby County Schools. She is married and the mother of a son and a daughter. She is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, the premier international service organization. Their motto, “Service to all Mankind,” is the cornerstone of my work with CHOICE. I look forward to a new chapter of service to all mankind. Her philosophy, “If you change your mindset, you have the ability to change your whole world.” - Damien Thomas