Hey there! My name is Allison Collins and I am honored to serve in the role of Hand-in-Hand Director. My husband, Ruston, and I started attending South Spring in 2018 and became members soon after. I started in my role at the church in the summer of 2024.
I grew up in Tyler with my family and graduated from Grace Community School. I then moved to Dallas and attended college at Dallas Baptist University. After earning my bachelors degree, I then attended Dallas Theological Seminary and earned my masters degree in Christian Education. It was through my time at DTS, that the Lord increased my knowledge of His Word, stretched my beliefs, and showed me my desperate need for Him. I’m so thankful for that season and for all the things He did in my heart.
After finishing my time in Dallas, I moved back home to Tyler and Ruston and I got married at the end of 2018. I worked as a full-time After School Director and oversaw after school programming in various elementary schools across Smith County. While I worked in this role for 4 years, I discovered my passion for leading teams of people and impacting children. This led me to earn my teacher certification and I became a public school teacher and taught Pre-K and 3rd grade.
I taught for a couple of years and my husband and I welcomed our sweet son, Gillen, into our family in the summer of 2023. I had the blessing to stay home with him his first year and started in my role as Hand-in-Hand Director in the summer of 2024. I am so thankful for this role, and it’s pretty awesome that I get to bring my son to work with me everyday – what a blessing!
When I’m not running a preschool program, I love spending time with my family and creating memories playing outside, going on walks, and making yummy meals. You can also find me reading books (historical fiction is my favorite!), playing board games, or hosting friends at our home.
I’m thankful to serve in this role and if you ever see me, please come say hi!
