Northwest Arkansas Early Childhood Association (NWAECA)
Benton and Washington County
President: Terri Teters
nwaeca@gmail.com
Get in touch with fellow early childhood educators across Northwest Arkansas over in our Facebook group!
Meetings
We had so much fun at the Amazeum for Educator Night Out in January! Check out the photos below.
Meet the Board
Terri Teters
President
Terri has been a passionate advocate for children, adolescents, families, and early childhood professionals throughout her 37-year career in early childhood education. Since 2014, she has served as a Project Specialist with A-State Childhood Services, where she provides technical assistance, coaching, and mentoring to empower early childhood professionals and strengthen their programs. Terri holds a National Director’s Credential from National Louis University and is a certified PAS and BAS assessor. She is deeply committed to supporting programs on their Better Beginnings journey. Terri serves as an Arkansas T.E.A.C.H. Coach and Mentor, helping educators advance their careers and improve outcomes for young learners.
An active member of the Arkansas Early Childhood Association (AECA), Terri has contributed as AECA Secretary and held leadership roles within NWAECA, including two years as Secretary and three years as President. Her dedication to the field extends beyond technical support, as she works to elevate the voices of early childhood professionals and promote the importance of quality education for all children.
A Springdale resident, Terri has been married to her husband for 42 years and is a proud mother of four and grandmother to six. She treasures cheering on her kids and grandkids in their coaching and sports activities, hosting lively family game nights, and enjoying dinner-and-movie outings with loved ones.
Amy McCann
President-Elect
Amy is the Director of Brick Street Childcare and Learning Center, formally the Mother’s Day Out Plus Program at the First United Methodist Church in downtown Rogers. She holds a Bachelor’s in Human and Environmental Sciences with a Child Development emphasis and she has worked with children for over 20 years.
Amy has a National Director’s Credential through National Louis University, is a member of NAEYC, and a certified PDR and ECEP trainer. She just received a technical certificate in Child Advocacy Studies from NWACC. Amy has been the Director at Brick Street for 15 years.
Amy has been married to her husband, Michael, for 17 years and they live in Springdale with their 5-month-old chocolate lab named Tucker. In her free time, she enjoys doing craft projects, going to estate sales and spending time with family and friends. She is excited to be President-Elect of NWAECA and looks forward to providing support, networking opportunities to early childhood educators, while sharing/advocating of early childhood educators and the field.
Natasha Kile
Treasurer
Natasha has been in the early childhood field for over 27 years, with positions in public schools, higher education, and the nonprofit sector. Natasha holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Environmental Science with an emphasis in Child Development from the University of Arkansas, and a Master of Science in Childhood Services from Arkansas State University.
Natasha is married and has two daughters, Lizzy, 24, and Crosby, 4. She is also the current President of the Arkansas Early Childhood Association.
ShaRonda Sandidge
Secretary
Cody Steussy
Vice President of Communications
Cody is an Early Childhood Education major at Northwest Arkansas Community College (NWACC). He serves on the advisory committee for NWACC’s Early Childhood Program and is a board member of the Arkansas Early Childhood Association. Additionally, Cody holds the position of Vice President of Communications for the Northwest Arkansas Early Childhood Association.
As a non-traditional student and member of the Student Government Association, he enjoys representing online students. Professionally, Cody is the Assistant Executive Director of the rogers Activity Center and the Lead Teacher for Yoga Story.
Melanie Kelly
Member-at-Large Benton County
Melanie is a PreK teacher at DOCK Preschool in Bentonville. After 20 years, she still enjoys working with children and families in the classroom. She celebrates 29 years of marriage this year, has four adult children, two young granddaughters, and a grandson due to arrive in April. Melanie is also a T.E.A.C.H. student taking courses to complete her bachelor’s degree at the University of Arkansas in Ft. Smith (UAFS).
She has the privilege to meet some amazing educators, advocates and leaders in the early childhood field inspiring her to become more active as an Early Childhood Professional. Melanie is excited to continue being involved in the NWAECA community and networking with local programs while learning with others to help bring quality care to all children. She believes that we are all lifetime learners as we build knowledge and skills together. Melanie is also the current Vice President of Communications for the Arkansas Early Childhood Association.
Sarah Sandoval-Jastal
Member-at-Large Benton County
I have had a career in childcare and early childhood education since 2016. Currently, I am the Office Manager for Casa Castillo in Bentonville. I have also served in the capacity as an assistant and lead teacher with both infants and toddlers. I have learned so many valuable things along the way. The unconditional love that children show and want to give is one of the reasons I choose to serve those who need that same unconditional love the most.
I have a wonderful husband and two amazing daughters. I have lived in NW Arkansas since 2021, moving from my home state of Ohio.
Sarah Paul
Member-at-Large Washington County
Hi everyone, my name is Sarah Paul! I’m a native of Northwest Arkansas and cherish this community that I’ve lived in for 40 years. My parents both worked with children – my mother was a speech and language therapist turned classroom teacher, my father a youth sports specialist and coach. The first childcare program I attended was actually a family childcare home owned by my mom’s best friend.
I received my bachelor’s degree from the University of Arkansas and began my career as a social worker at the Department of Human Services. I then had the opportunity to work as a Family Service Manager in the Fayetteville Public School Pre-K program for 3 years where I met my first mentor, Kathleen Hale. I quickly realized my passion for working with children and families. One tool we used to connect with families was Caring Conversation Cafes facilitated by Curricula Concepts. I began facilitating trainings for our program and others in the area. In 2019, I transitioned to the Curricula Concepts team full-time. Working for and learning from Jamie Ward has been one of the biggest blessings of my life. I’m able to travel the state, building relationships with early educators and connecting with families of young children. A highlight of 2024 for me was developing a session called “Fathers are Key to Family Engagement” and presenting it at conferences in Atlanta and San Diego.
I live in Fayetteville with my soon-to-be teenage son, Britain, and our mischievous dog, Theo. Last year I fulfilled a life-long dream of being the “fun aunt” when my sister became a mother of four. I am thrilled to be part of the NWAECA and look forward to a wonderful year!