The Center for Exceptional Families provide services to the entire state of Arkansas with the help of our amazing staff!
Tiffany Slone
Parent Mentor – Northwest and River Valley Region
Counties Served: Benton, Washington, Madison, Crawford, Franklin, Sebastian, Logan, Yell, Scott, Polk, Montgomery, Carroll
Tiffany Slone has 16 years of experience in teaching and assisting exceptional students with expertise in the crucial early formative years. Her unwavering passion revolves around advocating for the success of every student, ensuring that their unique needs are met. This commitment is deeply rooted in her personal journey, having overcome her own learning difficulties, as well as supporting her oldest son with sensory processing issues. Beyond her professional endeavors, Tiffany cherishes quality time with her two sons, mother, and friends. Additionally, she finds solace in the company of her beloved dogs and chickens. Tiffany looks forward to joining forces with your family, forging a strong partnership in pursuit of educational excellence.
Brandy Sandersfeld
Parent Mentor – North Central Region
Counties Served: Boone, Marion, Baxter, Newton, Searcy, Stone, Izard, Johnson, Pope, Van Buren, Conway, Faulkner
Brandy Sandersfeld has a BA in International Studies with a minor in political science and rehabilitation counseling from ATU and an MS in rehabilitation counseling from the UARK. She is also a positive behavior support specialist and has a certificate in ADA Assessment. As a disability specialist with almost two decades of experience in supportive employment, accommodations, health equity, and policy, Brandy has a passion for creating inclusive environments where everyone can thrive. Her heart is especially dedicated to supporting rural families like hers, ensuring they have access to the resources and support they need. She has actively participated in advocacy work on a national level, including White House events and lobbying for family-supportive policies through her work with Zero to Three. She continually seeks new ways to benefit her community, state, and all families with members who have disabilities, contributing to her goal of building a more inclusive world for all. Brandy and her husband have two children, one with autism. Her family lives in Baxter/Searcy County, in the North Central region of Arkansas.
Keith Watson
Parent Mentor – Delta Region
Counties Served: Crittenden, Mississippi, Cross, St. Francis, Lee, Monroe, Phillips, Arkansas, Lincoln, Desha, Drew, Ashley, Chicot
Keith Watson retired from Wynne Public Schools as a high school administrator. He also worked at Trumann Public Schools as a teacher, coach, and an administrator for a number of years. He looks forward to working with families in order to improve educational opportunities for students with disabilities. Keith has been married to his wife for over 41 years. They live in northeast Arkansas where they enjoy spending time with their children and 4 granddaughters.
Karen Lutrick
Parent Mentor – Southwest and Central Region
Counties Served: Garland, Hot Springs, Clark, Pike, Howard, Sevier, Little River, Hempstead, Nevada, Ouachita, Union, Columbia, Lafayette, Jefferson, Grant, Bradley, Cleveland, Dallas, Calhoun, Miller, Saline, Pulaski, Lonoke, Prairie, Perry
Karen Lutrick has advocated for children and adults with disabilities for more than 20 years as an educational advocate and resource provider. Karen enjoys sharing information and empowering individuals to achieve equality. She is a parent to three adult children, the youngest an individual with a disability. Karen is the TCFEF representative for the Independent Futures That Work (IFTW) project to expand resources for teens and young adults with disabilities in Arkansas. She and her family live in Pulaski County.
Teresa Hendrix
Curriculum Specialist and Parent Mentor – Northeast Region
Counties Served: Randolph, Clay, Greene, Lawrence, Craighead, Poinsett, Jackson, Sharp, Independence, Cleburne, White, Woodruff
Teresa Hendrix is a retired educator and special education director. Having an aunt with a disability who spent much of her time in their home allowed Teresa to see the unique challenges facing students with disabilities and their families. Her personal and career experience have made her invaluable to families and schools when working together to meet the needs of kids with disabilities. She is the TCFEF representative on the State Personnel Development Grant (SPDG) Core Management team where she functions as the Family and Community Liaison. Teresa and her family live in Poinsett County.
Candie Corona
Parent Mentor & Hispanic Community Outreach
Serves all counties in Arkansas and supports TCFEF Staff Members.
Candie is from Fort Worth, Texas and has called Conway, Arkansas her home for over 20 years. She graduated from UCA with a B.A. in Spanish, is a certified Family Support Specialist, and a Certified Education Interpreter. She has worked for non-profits for over a decade. She currently works at Choosing to Excel, where she connects young parents to support, resources, activities, and education during their pregnancy and their child’s early years. She is a parent and passionate about connecting Hispanic families to resources and support through The Center for Exceptional Families!
Michele Lappin
Data Manager & Tech Support Coordinator
Serves all counties in Arkansas and supports TCFEF Staff Members.
A native of Louisiana, Michele Lappin comes to TCFEF with years of experience in advocating for persons
with disabilities, including time spent advocating for children and adults in the Louisiana legislative
session. Michele is a wife and mother of three children with varying disabilities including Autism. She has a BA in Education. Michele is an avid researcher, and her focuses include behavioral and mental health, disability laws, teaching resources, LGBTQIA+ issues, neurodiversity, and the sciences as related to disability. She and her family make their home in White County, which is located in Central Arkansas.
Jerrica Switzer
Administrative Assistant
Serves all counties in Arkansas and supports TCFEF Staff Members.
Jerrica Switzer is a huge advocate for children with disabilities. She has a 6 year old son who is on the Autism Spectrum. Jerrica is a native Arkansan and has lived in Randolph County her whole life. She graduated from a local high school there in 2011 and is an active member of her local community and enjoys participating in local events. Jerrica is so excited to be a part of the TCFEF family.
