Tracey N. Childs, Ed.D.
Owner
Dr. Tracey Childs is the owner of Class 101-Mobile. She has spent her career working in higher education, and she is aware that the expectations of college bound students are increasing. She is excited to help students meet these expectations by bringing the proven methods of Class 101 to the Mobile community. Tracey earned her B.A. and M.Ed. degrees from Auburn University and her Ed.D. from the University of South Alabama. She has worked at the college level as an assistant professor, Director of Student Success, and Associate Dean of Students. She and her husband, Andy, are the proud parents of a daughter, Katelyn. Tracey says, “I am passionate about helping young people realize their fullest potential by reaching their educational goals. Watching that process from start to finish is fulfilling for both the students and families and for me!”Samantha Church, Ed.D.
College Planner
Dr. Samantha Church has spent her working career in educational settings. From financial aid to residence life to serving as an adjunct professor, Dr. Church understands the complexities involved at every level in a collegiate setting. Currently, Dr. Church is working as the Vice President of Development and Outreach at the Alabama School of Mathematics and Science (ASMS) and working with Class 101 as a College Planner. Her greatest joy at Class 101 is working individually with students and seeing them grow through the college planning process. She is married with 3 amazing daughters and 1 fabulous son-in-law. She and her husband are die hard Ole Miss Rebels fans!
Mary Sweet, M.Ed.
Test Prep Coordinator
Mary has been a teacher for the Mobile County Public School System for 23 years. She earned her B.S. and M.Ed. degrees from the University of South Alabama. Mary first came to Class 101 as a (parent) client. She later took on the roles of college advisor and test prep coordinator. Mary enjoys the challenge of helping students reach their goals and explore new environments. When Mary is not working with students, she enjoys spending time with her husband John and their daughters Cori and Haley.Kristie J. Matthews, M.Ed.
College Planner
Kristie J. Matthews is a school counselor at a local high school in the Mobile County Public School System. She has 24 years of experience in education. As a counselor, she has assisted many students with academic and post-secondary planning. She is passionate about helping students achieve their short- and long-term goals, identifying their strengths and seizing opportunities for growth and development. She feels that all students can reach their full potential with Class 101. Kristie earned her B.S. in Human Sciences from Auburn University and her M.Ed. in School Counseling from the University of South Alabama. She also holds a certification in Educational Leadership. She began her “educational journey” as a Career Technical Teacher and has worked as a school counselor in the elementary, middle, and high school levels. Kristie has said that she shares in the successes of each of her students and takes great pride in each of their accomplishments. "The college planning roadmap is often quite different for each student, and I am excited to help them navigate and discover their own path to success!"
Amanda Freyaldenhoven, M.Ed.
College Planner
Shay Moore, M.S.
College Planner
Shay Moore has spent most of her working career assisting students with reaching academic achievements. Shay is currently serving as the Guidance Counselor at a local school. She is excited and prepared to help students successfully transition from high school to college. She originally came to Class 101 as a potential client and returned as a College Planner. Shay is a believer in Class 101 and loves to celebrate her students as they accomplish their short and long term goals.
Shay is a 1997 graduate of Talladega College, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. In 2002, she completed a Master of Science Degree in Counseling from the University of South Alabama. Shay is married to her college sweetheart, Ron, and together they have a son, Blake and two daughters, Brooke Taylor and Briley.
Andy Childs
Business Manager/ACT Prep Instructor
Andy Childs has spent most of his working career leading Information Technology and Security teams for a software company specializing in healthcare revenue cycle solutions. Andy earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Engineering in 1997 and has held some of the highest industry certifications in networking and security. Throughout his career, Andy has had a passion for assisting and connecting the dots for students interested in fields of technology and engineering by providing technical internships, speaking at local colleges, and providing insight to young professionals with certification paths and career growth. After taking an early retirement in 2023 and taking a more involved role with Class 101, it has allowed him to concentrate on his passion of helping students uncover their strengths and achieve their goals.
Owner
Tracey N. Childs, Ed.D.
Phone
(251) 529-6811
Address
1555 S. University Blvd., Mobile, AL 36609
My journey with Class 101 coincided with the beginning of my college application season. Between the ACT, college essays, scholarship and applications, the entire process can feel very overwhelming. When I first walked into the office, I was so confused on all things college planning and had no idea where to begin. However, Dr. Tracey and the entire Class 101 team made me feel so secure and confident throughout the entire process. They helped to answer any and every question I had when it came to college planning and helped to make my college application and decision experience seamless. The entire Class 101 team is fantastic, as they are always so kind and supportive and truly concerned for their student’s best interests! I cannot recommend Class 101 enough and am so grateful to have had my Class 101 family with me along the way!
Nina P
University of Mississippi
My journey with Class 101 began with ACT prep classes and then evolved into full college planning services. When I started with Class 101, I knew that I wanted to go to college, but I wasn’t sure where I wanted to go or what I wanted to study. Trying to figure out how to navigate setting up college tours, applying to colleges, and applying for scholarships is overwhelming. But, Dr. Childs and her team guided and supported me throughout the entire process, making it much easier. They were there to help me stay organized and to answer questions that I had along the way. They were also there to celebrate with me for every college acceptance and scholarship offer! It was truly a great experience and I am going to miss my Class 101 family!
Kaylen F
Auburn University
I work with Dr. Tracey Childs, and she has been helping me explore colleges and careers. In addition, I have improved my speed reading for the ACT. I look forward to the next three years with her.
Emma C
