Director of the AVPWP
Jerome B. Williams, DVM
Dr. Jerome B. Williams is a native of Beloit (Selma) in Dallas County, Alabama. He attended Tuskegee Institute where he received a BS degree in Agriculture in 1968 and DVM degree in 1969. After graduation he began working professionally in Chicago at a small animal practice and for the USDA as a GS 12 food inspector. In 1975 he established the Red Mountain Animal Clinic in Homewood, Alabama. Since 1999, he has served as the resident veterinarian of the “Ask the Pet Doctor” segment as well as the co-producer/ co-host of the “Animal Specialist Segment” of Fox6 News morning program, “Good Day Alabama”.
In 2006 he began working with the Alabama Veterinary Professionals Wellness Program. He later served as the Program’s chair until being hired by the Board(ASBVME) as its Director. He has held the position of Program Director since 2011.
Over the years, he has served as an advisor to the AVMA, the State Board of Medical Examiners, the State Wellness Programs, multiple PHP Programs and to numerous health care professionals and academics. His extensive knowledge and expertise on wellness issues and suicide prevention keeps him busy working with veterinary professionals and others requesting his guidance on well-being issues.
He is a nationally recognized authority and has proven to be a continuous advocate for suicide prevention; while doing research, conducting panel discussions, authoring publications and presenting his findings nationally and internationally.
In addition to leadership with Veterinary and health care wellness, he currently holds (or has previously held) leadership positions with Jefferson County Vet Association, Alabama Vet Med Foundation, Alabama Dream Scholarship Initiative, Focus on Recovery, Hand in Paw, Tuskegee Veterinary Medical Alumni Association, Alabama A&M University Board of Trustees and many others. He is a truly vibrant leader in the Veterinary profession and a tireless champion for the entire recovery community.
Case Manager
Lindsey Sexton Earley
Lindsey Is the Case Manager for the Alabama Veterinary Professionals Wellness Program. She manages the cases with Dr. Williams and assists the participants with their profiles and contracts with the Wellness. She has been Case Manager for 14 years. Lindsey is also the Head Receptionist/Vet Assistant for Dr. Williams’ practice at Red Mountain Animal Clinic. She has worked there for 16 years and is an integral part of the team. Lindsey is a big family person, having 3 children of her own and 2 cats and 2 dogs. She enjoys helping others in need of a good support system and thrives on being understanding and kind and caring.
Multimedia Suport
Corteza Townsend, MPA, CCRA
Corteza Townsend graduated from University of Alabama at Birmingham and has worked in the pharmaceutical industry since 2002. Corteza has an educational background and special interest in mental disorders and cognitive impairment. As an avid animal lover and mental health advocate, Corteza supports the program in helping with various multimedia and IT projects for the Wellness Committee. Corteza is married with 3 children and enjoys a variety of outdoor activities, traveling and gardening.