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Board Information

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Email your application to Shelby Knight. Call for more information!

Shelby Knight
Executive Director

shelby.knight@tcfef.org
Toll Free: (888) 360-9654 Office: Po Box 16125, Jonesboro, Arkansas 72403

Board Contact Information

Email boardmembers@tcfef.org if you would like to speak with a board member. If you want to talk to a specific board member, please put their name in the subject line.

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Board of Director Bios

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Ruth has worked directly with students with various disabilities for over twenty-four years as a public-school teacher and educational consultant. Ruth is a Nationally Board-Certified Teacher and currently works as an assistant professor of special education at University of Arkansas-Little Rock. Prior to this, she was an assistant professor of special education at Henderson State University. Her research focus is on sexuality education for students with intellectual disabilities and Autism. Her goal is to provide meaningful training to educators, families, and students on the important concepts of comprehensive sexuality education. She completed her PhD in Instructional and Curriculum Leadership at University of Memphis and her M.S.E in special education at University of Central Arkansas. Her consultant work includes working with both Easter Seals Arkansas and STAR Autism Support programs coaching school teams to implement evidence-based practices with fidelity. She is active on the boards of the Arkansas Subdivision on Autism and Developmental Disabilities (DADD) and the Arkansas Council for Exceptional Children (CEC).

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Sierra is an attorney in Little Rock whose practice includes special needs trust planning, guardianship proceedings, probate and trust administration, and estate planning. She is a great advocate for special needs families and works hard to assist them in safeguarding their futures. Sierra and her husband live in Vilonia where her husband teaches at the local high school. They are active in their community and with the Vilonia Church of Christ. She is passionate about disability and special needs advocacy and seeks to promote acceptance and inclusion both in her community and across Arkansas.

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Russell Dupwe is a lifetime resident of Jonesboro. He obtained an M.A. in Special Education at Arkansas State University and has 24 years’ teaching experience with an emphasis on special education. Russell enjoys helping children succeed. He enjoys duck hunting, high school football, Ole Miss football, and looking at old junk.

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Kelly graduated from Arkansas State University. She has a M.S.E. in Physical Education and is a former teacher and coach. Kelly has a passion for helping children succeed. She lives in Jonesboro and is the proud Mom to one son, Kurt. Kelly currently co-hosts Arkansas’ Morning Show with Brandon & Kelly which is heard throughout the state and airs locally on The Big 107.9 KFIN. Kelly loves going to concerts, watching funny movies, and spending time with family & friends.

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Hannah is an occupational therapist who has worked in public schools, adult day treatment facilities, and early intervention programs. She completed her doctorate of occupational therapy at Arkansas State University in 2021. She is currently on staff at Miracle Kids Success Academy. She lives in Lafe, Arkansas and enjoys living in the country with her husband and dogs. She loves to garden, tend to her chickens, and go hunting and fishing. Hannah is passionate about her community and is committed to assisting in the development of resources for children with all abilities and their parents.

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Dominique Hallett has been a librarian in Jonesboro for 20 years. She obtained her M.A. in Library and Information Science at Louisiana State University and has worked in various positions since then. Dominique is interested in students transitioning to college and how their needs are being met for success. She enjoys knitting and other fiber arts, as well as tabletop role-playing games. Dominique is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Heritage Studies at Arkansas State University. She makes her home in Jonesboro.

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Cecilia graduated from Arkansas State University-Mountain Home. She was a Care Coordinator with Summit Community Care and worked specifically with the developmental disability population. She has navigated varying aspects of insurance and therapy services. She is also knowledgeable about CES Waiver and all that it can offer to benefit recipients. Cecilia wants to continue to advocate for individuals with disabilities and their families through her position on the board. She lives in Mountain Home and is the mother of a nonverbal Autistic 10-year-old son.

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Sharece Smith is a parent of a child with a disability. After her son’s Autism diagnosis in 2011, she became passionate about assisting other families who have children on the spectrum. She has resided in Jonesboro for 15 years with her husband and 3 sons.

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Karen Linton is a retired high school math teacher and cheer coach, having taught in Arizona and North Carolina. She has extensive experience in nonprofit ministry as a volunteer speaker, major donor development, planned giving, and grants development. She has three grandchildren with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs), and has had to join the IEP team from the parents’ side. This eye-opening experience led her to seek out the services of The Center for Exceptional Families. Karen is currently working to become a certified parent advocate, not only to facilitate meetings between parents and school personnel, but also to empower parents so they know their rights and their children’s rights regarding special education, how to prepare for IEP meetings, etc. Karen and her family make their home in Northwest Arkansas.

Dr. Celeste Michaud is a lecturer at the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville, where she earned her Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction, emphasizing Special Education Transition. With a background that includes honorable service in the U.S. Army, she holds a B.A. in Biology from the University of Mary-Hardin Baylor, an M.A.T. in Secondary Science Education, and additional graduate certificates in Transition and Education Statistics and Research Methods from the University of Arkansas. Dr. Michaud has 16 years of teaching experience across grades 7-12 and higher education, founded a nonprofit organization that enhances community awareness and education for people with disabilities, and volunteers as a Court Appointed Special Advocate. As the parent of an autistic son, her lived experience includes advocacy for educational support and community inclusion while emphasizing the importance of partnership and reflection in her work.

Ashley Villarreal Fleeman was born in McAllen, Texas, and raised in Springdale. She grew up with strong roots and an even stronger sense of community. Her passion for helping children led her to pursue a bachelor’s degree at the University of Central Arkansas, followed by a graduate degree in Speech Pathology from Harding University. Ashley is the co-founder and co-owner of Amigos Pediatric Therapy Services, where she combines her clinical expertise with a deep love for kids. She’s known for her warm
spirit, her dedication to families, and her belief that every child deserves the chance to shine. Ashley and her family make their home in North Little Rock. Whether she’s at home with her family or working with her team at Amigos, Ashley leads with compassion, purpose, and heart.

Jeremy is a Certified Public Accountant based in Northeast Arkansas. He currently serves as the Controller for Miracle Kids Success Academy, where he oversees budgeting, financial reporting, full-cycle accounting, and revenue cycle management. He lives in Jonesboro with his wife, Holly Ellis, and their three sons—Benjamin, Jacob, and Lucas. Jeremy is honored to support The Center for Exceptional Families’ mission by helping ensure strong financial stewardship and long-term stability in service of children and families across Arkansas.

Dr. Joeanna Lynn Cooper is the Executive Director of The Learning Center of Northeast Arkansas (TLC). With more than 27 years of experience in public education as a special education teacher and director, she has dedicated her career to advocating for and empowering individuals with disabilities. Dr. Cooper holds a Bachelor of Science in Education (BSE) in Special Education, a Master of Science in Education (MSE) in Educational Leadership, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership. She has extensive expertise in dyslexia therapy and evaluations, autism services, and special education programming. Her background uniquely positions her to bridge educational, clinical, and leadership practices to improve outcomes for children and adults with disabilities. Dr. Cooper is passionate about equipping parents with knowledge and confidence. She is a strong advocate for helping families understand their rights within special education and empowering them to navigate the IEP process to secure appropriate services for their children. Her work is driven by the belief that every individual deserves dignity, opportunity, and the support necessary to reach their fullest potential.

Sydney Dennis is a Care Coordinator for a PASSE program in Northeast Arkansas. She brings professional experience with the Department of Human Services educational pilot program, Developmental Disabilities Services, and the Department of Special Education Advisory Board, along with personal experience as the mother of a child with disabilities. Sydney is passionate about empowering families with the tools and knowledge needed to advocate for their children’s individualized success. Born and raised in Cave City, Arkansas, Sydney lives there with her husband and children. Outside of her professional and advocacy work, she enjoys spending time outdoors and making memories with her family.

Kayla has worked in law enforcement for almost 20 years. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Arkansas State University, with a major in Criminology and a minor in Sociology. Kayla is a parent of a child with disabilities and utilized the services offered by TCFEF. She was able to obtain her student the supports needed in the public education system, specifically in special education. That experience motivated her to be proactive and learn how to help other parents learn their rights and the rights of their students in public schools, including special education. Kayla and her family reside in Northeast Arkansas.