Student Services Home

Anna Gaston is the Director of Student Services for Vestavia Hills City Schools.  She is a Licenced Clinical Social Worker and previously served as a Student Assistance Counselor in Vestavia Hills City Schools for nine years.  Anna earned her Bachelor of Social Work degree from the University of Montevallo and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Alabama. She has over 28 years of experience in the social work field.  Anna is passionate about supporting the whole child and helping schools create environments where students feel safe, connected, and supported. She believes strong relationships are at the heart of student success and is committed to partnering with students, families, school staff, and community members to strengthen supports across the district. Her work is grounded in the belief that when students feel safe, supported, and connected at school, they are better able to learn, grow, and thrive.

Lauren Fagerstrom is a District Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA) for Vestavia Hills City Schools. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology with a minor in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Alabama in 2019. She then went on to obtain her Master’s degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis from Auburn University in 2021. Prior to joining Vestavia Hills City Schools, Lauren worked in a specialized school and residential setting and provided support to foster care youth and foster parents through behavior support and parent training. She specializes in supporting students within the general education setting through the MTSS framework, with a particular interest in executive functioning and helping students develop the skills needed to be successful in school. Lauren values building strong relationships and collaborating with students, staff, and families to develop meaningful and effective supports that help students learn, grow, and thrive. 

MacKenzie Bowers is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst serving Vestavia Hills City Schools. She has been a BCBA for four years and has experience providing behavioral services across home, clinic, and school settings. MacKenzie earned her Bachelor of Clinical Psychology with a minor in Human Development from Washington State University and her Master’s degree in Special Education with a focus in Applied Behavior Analysis from the University of Arizona. She specializes in supporting children with autism and other disabilities through individualized, evidence-based behavioral practices. In her current role, MacKenzie works primarily with the general education population through the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) and Problem-Solving Team (PST) processes.  Her work includes developing individualized behavioral supports, analyzing data, collaborating with school teams and families, and helping educators implement practical strategies within the classroom. MacKenzie is passionate about helping each student feel understood, develop meaningful skills, and have the individualized support they need to be successful in their school environment. 

Courtney Malloy brings five years of expertise as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) to the Vestavia Hills City School System. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education and a Master’s Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis. Courtney’s background spans early childhood education—including teaching Pre-K with the Community Action Partnership of North Alabama—and clinical practice in Birmingham outpatient behavioral settings. Throughout her career, she has focused on empowering students by building critical communication, social, and daily living skills. Courtney is dedicated to creating supportive learning spaces and partnering with parents and educators to help every student succeed. She is thrilled to serve Vestavia Hills and inspire a fresh, positive perspective on behavior in education. 

Summer Lucas is a Student Assistance Counselor with Vestavia Hills City Schools, serving students across the district’s secondary schools. She brings experience in school-based mental health, crisis intervention, outpatient therapy, and intensive in-home services. Summer earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Alabama and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Tennessee. She became a Licensed Master Social Worker in 2020 and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Alabama and Tennessee in 2025. In her role with VHCS, Summer collaborates with students, families, school staff, and community providers to address social, emotional, and behavioral needs, provide crisis support, connect families with resources, and develop supports that promote student success.Summer is passionate about creating accessible mental health supports for students and values collaboration, strong relationships, and a whole-student approach. She is grateful for the opportunity to serve the students, families, and faculty of Vestavia Hills City Schools. 

Katie Willoughby is a Student Assistance Counselor for Vestavia Hills City Schools. Katie has worked in the field of social work since 2022. She earned both her Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations and Master's of Social Work from The University of Alabama. Katie has experience in medical and school-based social work and has spent several years working in school settings in various roles. Katie’s work focuses on supporting students and families, addressing barriers that may impact a student’s well-being and success, connecting families with community resources, and providing short-term support and skill-building for students. She also works closely with school staff, families, and community providers to help ensure students have the support they need both in and outside of school.Katie enjoys building relationships with students and families and values the opportunity to collaborate with others to support the whole child. She believes meaningful change often begins when children and families feel seen, heard, valued, and supported.