This Monday was Laurel Tisdale’s first day working standalone as the executive director of Meredith’s Miracles. Tisdale is an active member of the community, a mother of three, as well as a college student.

“I have big shoes to fill after Emily Yehling,” Tisdale said.

Yehling, the former executive director, retired.

Tisdale worked formerly with Covington Pediatrics as a referral specialist, and had gotten involved with Meredith’s Miracles from there.

“I’ve always had an interest to help people.” Tisdale said.

When her position with Covington Pediatrics ended in April, Tisdale took a step back and focused on her three children.

Once she heard there was a need for an executive director, she pursued the job.

“I don’t believe anything happens without God’s hand,” Tisdale said.

Tisdale had always admired Meredith’s Miracles as a whole, and wanted to do anything to help relieve some of the stress for the struggling families.

Meredith’s Miracles is a non-profit organization that specializes in helping families financially with non-medical expenses when they have to travel to seek medical care for their children.

The organization depends on donations, money raised from their three annual fundraisers, and money earned from the Meredith’s Miracles thrift store.

From 2005 to 2017, the organization has helped some 1,154 children and raised more than $494,000.

“I will do anything to help Meredith’s Miracle grow,” Tisdale said.

She has plans to continue the expansions of the organization’s service to the entire state of Alabama. Her first order of business is organizing the paperwork to apply for grants.

She and her husband, Ben, have three children, Marlee, Kaylee and Adalyn.

To get involved with Meredith’s Miracles, you can call 334-222-2866. Tisdale is in her office on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.