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, our latest newsletter here, and visit our Facebook group.
Meetings
All of our meetings will be in the Echols building at UAFS. Register through the PDR website.
Meeting Minutes
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. 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
Susan is a Family Child Care Provider. She works with Curricula Concepts as a Family Advisor for Children and Families. She serves on the Excel by Eight committee for children as a child and family advocate.
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