About Us

Brenda Maddox has been a driving force behind the Tuscaloosa SAFE Center. As founding Program Director, she built and launched the Center’s clinical program, establishing a strong foundation of trauma-informed care, and later transitioned to Executive Director, leading its strategic growth and community partnerships over the past seven years. With a background in nursing, education, and healthcare administration, Brenda has guided the Center’s expansion and strengthened its role as a vital resource in West Alabama. Over the next year and a half, she will thoughtfully transition leadership to Melissa Hanks as she begins to slow down and spend more time with family.

Melissa recently assumed the role of Associate Executive Director while continuing to serve as Program Director at the Tuscaloosa SAFE Center. A nurse by training, she brings 12 years of experience, including time on a medical-surgical unit and 5.5 years in the Emergency Department.

Melissa joined the SAFE Center in the summer of 2019—just nine months after it opened—starting as an on-call Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner. Since then, she has steadily advanced within the organization.

Outside of work, Melissa enjoys spending time with her husband, twin boys, and their friendly Great Dane.

Shannon earned her Master’s in Social Work from Arizona State University in 2005 and has been working in the field ever since. She joined the Tuscaloosa SAFE Center in 2022 as a full-time therapist. In 2024, she became a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) and plans to continue offering individual and group therapy at TSC for the foreseeable future.

Outside of work, Shannon enjoys spending time with her many pets, unintentionally killing houseplants, and relaxing with friends.

Sara recently graduated magna cum laude from the University of Alabama with her Bachelor’s in Social Work and is already continuing her academic journey by beginning her graduate studies in social work. Passionate about supporting survivors of sexual assault, she hopes to continue this work long term and make a meaningful impact in the lives of those she serves. Outside of work and school, Sara enjoys unwinding with yoga, binge-watching her favorite TV shows, and diving into anything crafty she can get her hands on.

Alexus Edwards began her nursing career in a trauma-surgical ICU and started working part-time as a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) in October 2022. She has since transitioned into a full-time role at the Tuscaloosa SAFE Center, where she now serves as Clinical Coordinator. At home, Alexus lives with her two cats, Frank and Tootsie, who keep her on her toes—and motivated to keep the food bowls full.

Samantha Giambalvo began her nursing career in 2007, with experience ranging from oncology and hospice to pediatric emergencies—essentially, if it’s high-intensity, she’s been there. Today, she serves as a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner, blending clinical expertise with deep compassion and advocacy.

She’s also a mom of seven (yes, seven) and married to her longtime partner-in-chaos, Josh—making her a seasoned pro in multitasking, crisis management, and snack distribution. After living all over the country, Samantha has happily settled in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, where she continues the hard, meaningful work of showing up for people when they need it most.