Central Alabama Chapter
3813 Avenue I
Birmingham, Alabama 35218
205-780-2355
info@sicklecellbham.org

Sharon Byrd Lewis, BS, MPHHA
Executive Director, SCDAA-Central Alabama Chapter

Sharon B. Lewis assumed her duties as Executive Director of the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America-Central Alabama Chapter, upon its inception as the Jefferson County Sickle Cell Foundation and Clinic in 1978. 26 years of her dedicated leadership have contributed to the development of a statewide sickle cell disease screening program for newborns, an expansive sickle cell trait education and testing program in the Foundation’s 22 county Central Alabama service area, and dramatically increased psychosocial and direct support to individuals and families whose lives are affected by sickle cell disease.

Prior to joining the Foundation, Sharon taught at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa and served as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where she also earned her Master of Public Health and Hospital Administration degree.

The Birmingham native is immediate past President, Community Health Charities of Alabama; member, National Sickle Cell Medical and Research Advisory Committee, UAB School of Public Heath Advisory Board, and the National Association of Health Service Executives; Leadership Birmingham, Class of 1992; past Board member, Health Care for the Homeless; and past member, National Society of Fund Raising Executives.



Earlean B. Smith, B.S.
Assistant Director

Earlean B. Smith has held staff and management positions at the Foundation. Presently she is the Assistant Director and responsible for financial management. She graduated from Miles College in 1976 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management and Secretarial Science. Her 26 years of client focused service and leadership has contributed to the successful transition of the Foundation to becoming a part of the National Sickle Cell Disease Association of America network. Prior to joining the Foundation, Earlean worked in the Division of Natural Sciences at Miles College.


Maurice Dandy, A.A.
Administrative Assistant

Ms. Maurice has given the Foundation 20 years of dedicated, client-centered service. Employed with the organization in 1985, she began as clerical support staff. Her responsibilities have increased to providing support to the Foundation’s staff, Board of Directors, numerous clients and outside entities. Maurice previously worked as Secretary in the School of Community and Allied Health Resources at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and at the Cancer Center of Birmingham. Her caring nature leads her to additional work as a Medical Technician for Retarded and Disabled Citizens, Inc.


Claudette Stallworth, B.A.
Sickle Cell Trait Counselor

Claudette W. Stallworth is a 1973 graduate of Alabama A&M University, and holds a BA in English and Sociology. She currently serves as Sickle Cell Trait Counselor II and Newborn Screening Counselor for the Foundation. Certified as a Sickle Cell Disease Counselor/Educator in 1991, 1995, 1996, she was further certified as Sickle Cell Disease Counselor/Educator, Category B in 2002. Ms. Stallworth has been involved in Sickle Cell education and counseling for over 29 years. She was the Senior Laboratory Technician/Genetic Counselor and Prenatal Program Coordinator for the Sickle Cell Detection & Information Program, Inc. and Hutzel Hospital in Detroit, MI for 17 years and joined the staff of the Foundation in 1990.


Wanda C. Borders, B.S., LBSW
Sickle Cell Adult Social Worker

Wanda Borders has been a Social Worker with the Foundation for 10 years. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Jacksonville State University, and is licensed by the State of Alabama. She is a Certified Sickle Cell Disease Educator/Counselor. She is responsible for managing the delivery of all social service requests for the agency. Wanda also serves as a long-term care Volunteer Ombudsman for Jefferson County.


Phyllis C. Harris, B.S.
Education Resource Center Coordinator

Phyllis Harris serves as the Education Resource Center Coordinator for the Foundation. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Miles College. Her responsibilities include the coordination of education services for sickle cell clients: computer literacy, GED preparation, and life skills for adults and an after school tutoring program for our youth. She also serves as “computer guru” and public relations assistant for the Foundation. Prior to joining the staff in 1998, Phyllis worked for Human Resource Services, Inc. as a GED Instructor.