Alanna Oliver is a dedicated and passionate educator with over 12 years of experience in public education. Throughout her career, she has served in a variety of impactful roles, including special education teacher, alternative education instructor, basketball coach, and program leader. Driven by a deep commitment to student success, Alanna consistently fosters inclusive, supportive, and engaging learning environments for all students.
A standout moment in her career was helping launch the JAG program in her district, where she served as both Program Director and student mentor. Her exceptional contributions were quickly recognized with multiple honors, including JAG Newcomer of the Year, JAG National Outstanding Specialist of the Year, and the Macon Extra Mile Award for her dedication to students and the community.
Alanna holds a Bachelor of Arts in Educational Studies and Mild to Moderate Special Education from Lindenwood University and a Master of Education in Administration from William Woods University.
Outside the classroom, Alanna enjoys hunting, spending time outdoors, and cheering on her children—Lane and Harper—at the ball field.
Testimonials
Born into a family where addiction was a generational struggle, Destany Massey faced her own battles with substance abuse and a life lacking direction. Determined to break free from the cycle of trauma and hardship, she sought a different path. That path led her to the JAG (Jobs for America’s Graduates Missouri) program, a turning point she never saw coming. With the unwavering support of the program and her teacher, Destany found purpose, healing, and hope.
“JAG and my teacher literally saved my life,” she shares. Through resilience and determination, Destany overcame addiction, broke the chains of a painful past, and transformed her life into a story of success and the promise of a brighter future.
JAG has been a life changer.
JAG pushes us out of our comfort zone. It has truly helped me find my voice. I have learned how to voice my opinions the right way – when to speak and when to listen. Without JAG I have no doubt I would still be living my old life. I wish I could have found my voice sooner, but the important thing now is: I have found it, and I will never let it go.
I felt hopeless because no matter what I did, I thought the future I wanted was too far out of reach. I wasn’t smart enough or rich enough to live the life I wanted. Because of this, at the age of 15, I exploded. Everything parents pray their child isn’t doing, I was, or I was trying to. In the midst of this self destruction, the greatest opportunity came up and shook my hand. I went from dropping out to picking up my cap and gown. JAG didn’t save my life, it taught me how to save my own.
Before I joined JAG, I was lost. JAG provided assistance in pinpointing a career and making steps in order to pursue it. My JAG Specialist motivated me to make connections and to continue my education in the emergency response industry. JAG has changed my life!
