---

Board Information

---

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.

---

Board of Director Bios

---

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).

---

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 Arkansas State University. 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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

Tina dedicated 23 years as a special education paraprofessional, inspired by her family’s search for resources for her daughter, Mallory. She recently retired from leading a transition program that helped students with disabilities gain workplace experience. Alongside her husband, Leeton, she developed a social program for adults with disabilities. A lifelong advocate for creating opportunities for individuals with significant challenges, Tina now enjoys spending time with her family—including four dogs—camping, fishing, and attending concerts. She makes her home in Manila.

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.