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Board Information

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

Shelby Knight
Executive Director

[email protected]
Toll Free: (888) 360-9654 Office: Po Box 16125, Jonesboro, Arkansas 72403

Board Contact Information

Email [email protected] 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 UALR. Prior to this, she was an assistant professor of special education at HSU. 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 UM and her M.S.E in special education at UCA . Her consultant work includes working with both Easterseals 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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Kimberly Roberts is a special education teacher in the Jonesboro Public School District at the Visual and Performing Arts Magnet school. She attended Mississippi State University and received a B.A. in social work.  She also has a B.A. in elementary education with an emphasis in special education and an M.A. in special education K-12 from A-State. Before becoming a teacher, she worked as a social worker and case manager.  She has been certified as a behavior specialist for adults with serious mental illness in Mississippi and has also been certified as an Autism Family Consultant in Iowa.  She loves to write and has been published in professional journals for social work.  Kimberly loves arts and crafts and is always in the
middle of some project.  Working with children and families is her passion.  Her favorite quote is “Always be mindful of the kindness and not the fault of others” -Buddha. Married for 26 years, she and her family of seven make their home in Jonesboro.

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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 his master’s 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 MSE 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 master’s 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 PhD in Heritage Studies at Arkansas State University. She makes her home in
Jonesboro.

Summer Grider has been an LPN for more than thirty years. For the last fifteen years, she has worked for The Doni Martin Center for Developmental Services in Pocahontas where she serves as the center’s school nurse for their children’s services program. Summer is the mother of four children, three with disabilities.  She has been a lifelong advocate for her children’s medical and educational needs. Always willing to grow and learn, Summer is currently pursuing her Registered Nursing degree. Her family makes their home in Pocahontas in Northeast Arkansas. Summer is excited to be a part of the board of directors to further the mission of The Center for Exceptional Families.

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