Special Needs Trusts, Guardianship, Able Accounts, oh my! Learn all about these important topics on October 19th at 12 PM in the financial planing series webinar, presented by Thomas Smith, a parent of a child with a disability, TCFEF board member, and lawyer. Hosted by TCFEF, contact parent mentor Loreena Hegenbart for more information.
Parent Mentor — Delta
Counties served: Mississippi, Crittenden, Cross, St. Francis, Lee, Phillips, Monroe,
Arkansas, Lincoln, Desha, Drew, Ashley, and Chicot.
Parent Mentor – Northeast
Megan brings a powerful perspective shaped by her own lived experience as an individual who navigated unrecognized learning and processing differences. Having experienced firsthand the gaps in early recognition and support, she has dedicated years to working directly with individuals with disabilities, guiding and empowering them to navigate educational and community resources. Her commitment to advocacy is further driven by her personal journey as a mother to two young children with disabilities. Megan actively volunteers with local organizations and loves connecting families in her community with vital support. She is an avid learner who loves researching new ideas and listening to audiobooks. When she isn’t learning something new, she enjoys outdoor activities and spending time with her family. Megan is thrilled to join the TCFEF family and looks forward to partnering with families across the Northeast region.
Administrative Assistant
Jerrica Switzer is an advocate for children with disabilities and the parent of a son on the autism spectrum. A lifelong Arkansan, she has lived in Randolph County her entire life. Her personal experiences help her understand the importance of connecting families with welcoming, knowledgeable support.
As TCFEF’s Administrative Assistant, Jerrica supports staff members and helps the organization serve families throughout Arkansas. She is active in her local community and enjoys representing TCFEF at community events. Jerrica is proud to be part of the TCFEF team and its work supporting exceptional families.
Parent Mentor — Northeast
Counties served: Randolph, Clay, Greene, Lawrence, Craighead, Poinsett, Jackson, Sharp, Independence, Cleburne, White, and Woodruff.
Parent Mentor – Southwest & Central
Karen Lutrick has more than 20 years of experience advocating for children and adults with disabilities as an educational advocate and resource provider. She is passionate about sharing information, connecting families with helpful resources, and empowering individuals to advocate for equality and meaningful opportunities.
Karen is the parent of three adult children, including the youngest, who has a disability. Her personal and professional experiences help her understand the challenges families may face and the importance of having knowledgeable support. Karen and her family live in Pulaski County.
Parent Mentor – North Central
Brandy Sandersfeld holds a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling from the University of Arkansas. She is a Positive Behavior Support Specialist and holds a certificate in ADA Assessment. With nearly two decades of experience in supported employment, accommodations, health equity, and policy, Brandy is passionate about creating inclusive environments where everyone can thrive.
Brandy is especially dedicated to ensuring that rural families have access to the resources and support they need. She has participated in advocacy work at the national level, including White House events and efforts supporting family-centered policies. Brandy and her husband have two children, one of whom has autism, and they live in the Baxter and Searcy County area.
Parent Mentor – Northwest & River Valley
Curriculum Specialist
Data & Technology Specialist
Tiffany Slone brings more than 16 years of experience teaching and supporting students with disabilities, including extensive work with children in their early formative years. She is passionate about helping every student succeed and ensuring their individual needs are understood and addressed. Her advocacy is also personal: Tiffany has overcome her own learning differences and supports her oldest son, who has sensory processing needs.
At TCFEF, Tiffany works directly with families as a Parent Mentor and also supports the organization as a Curriculum Specialist and Data & Technology Specialist. She enjoys turning complicated information into practical tools that families can understand and use. Outside of work, Tiffany enjoys spending time with her two sons and her mother, as well as caring for her dogs and chickens in Benton County.
Parent Mentor — Southwest & Central
Counties served: Garland, Hot Spring, Clark, Pike, Howard, Sevier, Little River, Hempstead, Nevada, Ouachita, Union, Columbia, Lafayette, Jefferson, Grant, Bradley, Cleveland, Dallas, Calhoun, Miller, Saline, Pulaski, Lonoke, Prairie, and Perry.
Parent Mentor — North Central
Counties served: Boone, Marion, Baxter, Fulton, Newton, Searcy, Stone, Izard, Johnson, Pope, Van Buren, Conway, and Faulkner.
Parent Mentor — Northwest & River Valley
Counties served: Benton, Carroll, Washington, Madison, Crawford, Franklin, Sebastian, Logan, Yell, Scott, Polk, and Montgomery.
Kayla has worked in law enforcement for almost 20 years. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Arkansas State University, majoring in Criminology and minoring in Sociology. Kayla is a parent of a child with disabilities and utilized the services offered by TCFEF. She obtained the supports her student needed in the public education system, specifically in special education. That experience motivated her to be proactive and learn how to help other parents understand their rights and their students’ rights in public schools, including special education. Kayla and her family reside in Northeast 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 strongly advocates for helping families understand their rights in 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 everyone deserves dignity, opportunity, and the support needed 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.
Jeremy Ellis is a Certified Public Accountant based in Northeast Arkansas. He currently serves as Administrative Director of Outcomes ABA and is the owner of Betterday CPA. His professional background includes budgeting, financial reporting, accounting, and revenue cycle management, with experience supporting organizations that serve children and families.
Jeremy lives in Jonesboro with his wife, Holly, and their three sons—Benjamin, Jacob, and Lucas. As a board member of The Center for Exceptional Families, he is committed to supporting strong financial stewardship and long-term stability so the organization can continue helping children and families across Arkansas.
Dr. Celeste Michaud is a lecturer at the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville, where she earned her Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction, with an emphasis in 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.
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, including volunteer speaking, 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 to understand their rights and their children’s rights regarding special education, how to prepare for IEP meetings, etc. Karen and her family live in Northwest Arkansas.
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.
Kelly graduated from Arkansas State University. She has an M.S.E. in Physical Education and is a former teacher and coach. Kelly is passionate about 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 airs locally on The Big 107.9 KFIN and is heard throughout the state. Kelly loves going to concerts, watching funny movies, and spending time with family & friends.
Russell Dupwe is a lifetime resident of Jonesboro. He earned an M.A. in Special Education from Arkansas State University and has 24 years of 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.
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 strong advocate for special needs families and works hard to help them safeguard 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.
Hannah is an occupational therapist who has worked in public schools, adult day treatment facilities, and early intervention programs. She earned her Doctor of Occupational Therapy from Arkansas State University in 2021. She currently works at Miracle Kids Success Academy. She lives in Lafe, Arkansas, and enjoys living in the country with her husband and dogs. She loves gardening, tending her chickens, and hunting and fishing. Hannah is passionate about her community and committed to helping develop resources for children of all abilities and their parents.
Ruth has worked directly with students with various disabilities for more than 24 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 the University of Arkansas-Little Rock. Previously, 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. She aims to provide meaningful training to educators, families, and students on key concepts in comprehensive sexuality education. She completed her PhD in Instructional and Curriculum Leadership at the University of Memphis and her M.S.E in special education at the University of Central Arkansas. Her consulting 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).
