River Valley Early Childhood Association (RVECA)

Fort Smith area

President: Ashley Napurano
rveca50@gmail.com

Please visit our Google Site that is updated with information and links and our Facebook group.

Meetings

All of our meetings will be in the Echols building at UAFS. Register through the PDR website.

Meet the Board

Ashley Napurano

President

Ashley has worked in the Early Education field as a Lab School administrator and teacher. She is a Professional Development Trainer for the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith. Ashley received her B.S.E in Communication Disorders from the University of Arkansas and M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education from Texas Woman’s University. Ashley has been active in the River Valley Early Childhood Association since 2017 and believes quality Early Childhood Education is essential for the overall well-being of children.

Ronnette Haynes

Vice President

Ronnette is the lead advisor for the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith Early Childhood Education Degree Program, the Coaching/Outreach Coordinator and the Local Lead Captain for their Early Childhood Education Professional Development Program. Ronnette was a classroom teacher for many years and believes that a strong educational system begins with teachers that are knowledgeable in child development and equipped with the skills and strategies proven to increase student learning.

LaKeisha Stinyard

Treasurer

LaKeisha has worked in the Early Childhood Education field for 28 years. Currently, she is the UAFS’ Little Lions Child Development Center’s Director, UAFS Early Childhood Education Adjunct, a Professional Development Trainer for the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith, and the Early Care and Education Projects/Train the Trainer for the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, and the UAFS Little Lions Child Development Center’s Behavior Pyramid Model Site Leadership Coordinator. LaKeisha received her Child Development Associate, Technical Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Associate of Applied Science in General Technology with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education from the University of Arkansas at Monticello. Later, LaKeisha Stinyard continued her education and achieved a Bachelor of Applied Science and a Masters of Business Administration with an emphasis in Human Resources at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona.

Deborah Dow

Secretary

Deborah is a Program Specialist for A-State Childhood Services, where she supports administrators and classroom staff through mentoring, training, coaching, and technical assistance. She holds an M.S. in Early Childhood Services from Arkansas State University and a B.S. in Elementary Education from Northeastern State University, with additional early childhood coursework from Arkansas Tech University, as well as an A.A. in Education from Carl Albert State College. With over 20 years of experience in early childhood education, Deborah has served as both a classroom teacher and program administrator, working with infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and K-3 students. Her experience spans Early Head Start, Head Start, ABC, Better Beginnings, and both public and private schools. Deborah is married and has a son who recently became an “adult”. In her spare time, she enjoys crafting and shopping, but you’re most likely to find her curled up with a book.

Thelma Russell

Member-at-Large

Thelma is a Pre-K teacher at Morrison Elementary. She has 16 years of experience in early childhood which includes Van Buren Public School, James R. Tate Elementary School, Fort Smith Public Schools, Sunnymede Elementary School, Lincoln ABC, New Orleans Parish School Board, Frazier-Kieffer Daycare, and Solomon’s Daycare. Thelma also works at the Fort Smith Public Library.

Susan Wilkins

Member-at-Large

My family includes my husband, Paul, we have been married 28 years and we have two handsome sons. Lawson is 21 and will graduate from college in May 2025. Gunner is a junior in high school and will graduate in May 2026. I opened my Family Child Care Home in Danville (Yell Co.) almost 20 years ago. This was never my dream, but it became one of the best decisions I have ever been led to. I could not find childcare that I felt comfortable with. I have always loved children; we are often drawn to each other. I like them and they like me. I left my profession as a Radiology/Ultrasonography tech and dove heart first into childcare. There has never been one regret. I love this job and the people in it, even when the days can be hard. I try to stay current on everything that will help me, and help my children and families have the best resources. My priority is children. I am very pleased our state recognizes the importance of a child’s Social/Emotional well-being as most important for their development. Through help and encouragement from the T.E.A.C.H. program, I will graduate with a BS in ECE in May 2025 the same time my oldest son does. I am so happy to be a part of associations like AFCCA, AECA, RV-AECA, EXCEL by 8, and a member of the Danville school board. My preschool serves as a training area for high school girls interested in ECE. Good Morning Sunshine Preschool is Nationally Accredited and Better Beginnings Level 6.

Kayla Fight

Membership Committee

Kayla is currently a 3’s Lead Teacher at Harvest Time Academy. She spent the last four years in Early Childhood Education at HTA. Kayla has worked with children preschool through elementary age. Kayla will complete her CDA this spring and hopes to continue her education with a Bachelors in Early Childhood Education. She is excited to grow as an educator as well as help grow the River Valley Early Childhood Association. Kayla is passionate about Early Childhood Education and truly enjoys the opportunity to help set a strong foundation for our students in their early years.