By SANDRA THAMES / Community Columnist

Born and raised a small-town girl in Opp, today’s subject has a very long list of educational, community and church involvement.

After graduating from Opp High School, she attended Lurleen B. Wallace in Andalusia where she received her associate degree. Shores went on to Auburn where, in the next several years, she earned a bachelor’s in secondary education (mathematics and chemistry) in 2002. Shores continued with graduate school where she earned her master’s in mathematics education, a master’s in applied mathematics and finally in 2004 her doctorate in educational psychology.

Married in 2004 to Brad Shores, they are the parents of Anna Klaire, age 8, and Tucker, age 5. Shores has been teaching for nearly nine years at UAB where she is currently an online professor of measurements, evaluations and statistics.

Shores will take over as executive director of the School Science and Mathematics Association in June, is involved with Girls, Inc. and served as president of the Alabaster City Board of Education. As a member of First Baptist of Alabaster she teaches preschool Sunday School.

While working for Lynne’s Gift Shop and Florist in Opp (from the age of 14 to 20), Shores discovered her passion for art design, crafts and of course floral design.

This year, after the tragic unexpected death of her brother, Shores, after much prayer and examination decided to take that step of opening her own business.

“My brother got back from Afghanistan in May and was accidentally killed at home this January. Life is so short,” Shores said, noting she had always wanted to open her own business.

Flowerz N More is the place to go for unusual gift items covering babies, teens and adult needs.

Easter bunnies, sport necklaces, unusual ceramic bracelets, baskets, flower pots along with beautifully designed floral arrangements (weddings, funerals, sickness, cheer-ups, prom and special items)…the possibilities go on and on.

Located on Highway 119 South near the First Presbyterian Church of Alabaster next to Monograms N More, Shores will be glad to help you with your ideas or purchases.