IMPACT Fellowship Students: Master of Educational Leadership

Brittany Aalto
Lincoln Elementary School, Lincoln Consolidated School District, Second Grade Teacher
- Bachelor of Science, Elementary Education, University of Idaho, 2013
- Master of Science Education, Curriculum and Instruction, Concordia University-Portland, 2017
- Masters of Educational Leadership, University of Arkansas, 2024
The IMPACT Arkansas Fellowship has equipped me to lead with purpose and intention, fostering a school culture that values teacher growth through reflective debriefing. This program has empowered me to guide my team in meaningful conversations that drive professional growth and improve student outcomes.

Stephanie Baker
Greenland High School, Greenland School District, Principal
- Bachelor of Arts, Middle Level Education, Harding University, 2017
- Masters of Educational Leadership, University of Arkansas, 2024
IMPACT Arkansas has been a transformative experience, giving me the leadership skills and strategies to drive positive change in my school. I’ve learned how to support my staff, empower students, and build a culture of growth and success.

Erica Box
McGehee Elementary, McGehee School District, Third Grade Teacher
- Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education, Southern Arkansas University, 2010
- Masters of Educational Leadership, University of Arkansas, 2024
Impact has taught me to be deeply passionate about collaborative practices, striving each day to become the best version of myself through shared growth and learning with others.

James Copeland
Marvell-Elaine High School, Marvell-Elaine School District, Teacher/Coach
- Bachelor of Science, Middle-Level Education, Philander Smith College, 2014
- Masters of Educational Leadership, University of Arkansas, 2024
The Impact Fellowship challenged me to expand my thinking and to become comfortable with leading change, not only for my professional growth, but for my school and community. I am forever grateful for that.

Britney Davis
Cedar Ridge Elementary, Cedar Ridge School District, Assistant Principal (K-5)
- Associate of Arts, General Education, University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville, 2005
- Bachelor of Science, Mid-Level Education, Arkansas State University, 2008
- Masters of Educational Leadership, University of Arkansas, 2024
The IMPACT Arkansas Fellowship has been a transformational journey, both professionally and personally. It challenged me to think critically, lead confidently, and build strong relationships to drive meaningful change. Through one-on-one coaching and immersive leadership experiences, I’ve gained the skills and mindset needed to lead effectively. I’m grateful to be part of the IMPACT family.

Kaylan Ellis
Berryville Elementary School, Berryville School District, ESL Teacher- 2nd Grade
- Bachor of Science, Elementary Education Lincoln University, 2003
- Master of Science in Education: Reading and Literacy Specialization, Walden University, 2015
- Masters of Educational Leadership, University of Arkansas, 2024
“Don’t be afraid of struggles. They are the building blocks of success.” — Unknown

Jessica Gray
Paris High School, Paris School District, Agriculture Teacher
- Bachelor of Science, Agriculture Education, University of Arkansas, 2005
- Masters of Educational Leadership, University of Arkansas, 2024
I now have a professional network of leaders from around the state. The coaching, courses, internship projects and support offered by the IMPACT Arkansas Fellowship provided me a life changing opportunity to grow my leadership capacity.

Meredith Jeter
Park Avenue Elementary School, Stuttgart School District, K-12 Dyslexia Coordinator
- Bachelor of Science, Early Childhood Education, University of Arkansas Fayetteville 2013
- Master of Arts in Teaching, University of Arkansas Fayetteville 2014
- Masters of Educational Leadership, University of Arkansas, 2024
The IMPACT Arkansas Fellowship provided valuable learning, coaching, and support, offering me an opportunity to grow my leadership skills while building a large network of knowledgeable and experienced leaders from across the state.

Ben Jones
Pangburn School District, Pangburn High School, Assistant Principal
- Associates of Arts in General Education, Central Baptist College, 2011
- Bachelor of Science in Education, University of Central Arkansas, 2013
- Masters of Educational Leadership, University of Arkansas, 2024
The Impact Fellowship program has significantly challenged me and enhanced my leadership capabilities. It has equipped me with essential resources to broaden my knowledge as an educator. The individualized coaching I received has enabled me to make a more substantial impact within our school district and community.

DaLecia Jones
Pine Bluff School District, 7-12 Instructional Facilitator
- Bachelor of Arts, English-Liberal Arts, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, 2017
- Masters of Educational Leadership, University of Arkansas, 2024
The IMPACT Arkansas Fellowship has been transformative for my growth as a leader. The regular coaching calls, on-demand support, and collaborative cohort of future leaders have been invaluable in fostering my development. The alignment of fellowship projects with university coursework provided meaningful, real-time experiences that enhanced my ability to lead effectively. Through this program, I’ve gained practical skills that have empowered me to support teachers in delivering quality instruction, improve student outcomes, and guide others into leadership roles. The fellowship has truly been a catalyst for both personal and professional growth.

Marlie Kinard
Douglas MacArthur Junior High School, Jonesboro Public Schools, 9th Grade ELA Teacher/ELA Department Chair
- Bachelor of Science, Mid-Level Education ELA/Social Studies, Arkansas State University, 2015
- Masters of Educational Leadership, University of Arkansas, 2024
Being part of this challenging and nurturing fellowship has shaped me into a learning-focused leader with the ability to lead and inspire growth, no matter my position. This transformative experience has strengthened my commitment to serving my school community and driving meaningful, lasting change.

Cassie King
Clarendon High School of Innovation, Clarendon School District, Secondary Teacher, District ESL Coordinator
- Bachelor of Science, Early Childhood Education Williams Baptist University, 2007
- Masters of Educational Leadership, University of Arkansas, 2024
The IMPACT Program has been instrumental in my professional growth, encouraging me to embrace new perspectives, strengthen my abilities, and drive meaningful progress.I am eager to apply these skills to lead transformative initiatives and drive impactful change in future leadership roles.

Sonja McKinney
Central High School, Helena-West Helena School District, Behavioral Interventionist
- Bachelor of Science, Organizational Management, John Brown University, 2010
- Master of Science Education, Career & Technical Education, Concordia University, 2016
- Masters of Educational Leadership, University of Arkansas, 2024
“One learns from books and example only that certain things can be done. Actual learning requires that you do those things.” — Frank Herbert. In IMPACT you will actually learn!

Patricia Smith
Bismarck Middle School, Bismarck School District, Fifth Grade English Language Arts
- Bachelor of Science, Elementary Education, University of South Florida
- Masters of Educational Leadership, University of Arkansas, 2024
The IMPACT Arkansas Fellowship has transformed how I approach leadership and teaching. It has equipped me with practical tools, a supportive network, and the confidence to make a lasting difference for my students and colleagues. This journey has been a game-changer for my career and personal growth.

Keri Standridge
Leslie Intermediate School, Searcy County School District, Fifth Grade English Language Arts
- Bachelor of Science, Early Childhood Education, Arkansas Tech University, 2016
- Masters of Educational Leadership, University of Arkansas, 2024
The IMPACT program has profoundly shaped me both professionally and personally. The education I’ve gained and the relationships I’ve built through this experience serve as a testament to the program’s ability to inspire and equip current and future leaders with the tools needed to excel and make a meaningful difference.

Laura Starr Phillips
JF Wahl Elementary, Helena West Helena School District, Assistant Principal
- Bachelor of Arts, Early Childhood Education/SPED, University of Arkansas at Monticello, 2005
- Master’s in Education, University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, 2007
- Educational Specialist (Ed.S), Curriculum and Instruction, University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, 2012
- Masters of Educational Leadership, University of Arkansas, 2024
The IMPACT Arkansas Fellowship has inspired me to strive for excellence in education. By applying the strategies and tools I’ve learned, I’m better equipped to empower my students and staff by helping to create a thriving learning environment.

Paula Thiel
Booneville Elementary School, Booneville School District, Third Grade Teacher
- Bachelor of Science, Early Childhood Education, Arkansas Tech University, 2016
- Masters of Educational Leadership, University of Arkansas, 2024
The IMPACT Arkansas Fellowship has transformed me into the school leader I never imagined I could become. This program identified my potential, refined my abilities, and equipped me with the confidence to take risks, drive meaningful change, and advance the success of Arkansas schools impacted by poverty through action-based research and effective leadership. By completing this program, I leave with a robust network of like-minded educators from across the state who share my ideals, motivations, and commitment to excellence in education. Together, we understand that our collective efforts and convictions will contribute to the ongoing improvement of education in Arkansas. Thank you, IMPACT Arkansas Fellowship, for believing in me. I look forward to continuing to make you proud.

Crystal Thomas
Arkansas Middle School, Texarkana Arkansas School District, Eighth grade English Language Arts, Department Head
- Bachelor of Science, emphasis in Occupational Therapy, University of Central Arkansas 2003
- Masters of Arts in Teaching, 4-8 English, Math, Science and History, University of Central Arkansas 2012
- Masters of Educational Leadership, University of Arkansas, 2024
The IMPACT program has provided me with a coaching perspective on leadership. It has offered valuable opportunities to learn how to lead effectively through coaching, recognize the unique strengths individuals contribute, think systematically, and gain a deeper understanding of myself as a leader. Through this process, I have learned to leverage my strengths while addressing areas for growth, enabling me to become a more well-rounded leader.

Tamara Wiley
Brady Elementary, Little Rock School District, Second Grade Teacher
- Bachelor of Science, Elementary Education, University of Nebraska at Kearney, 2005
- Masters of Educational Leadership, University of Arkansas, 2024
Impact Arkansas Fellowship was one of the best professional decisions that I have made. It helped to build my confidence in my ability to be an effective school leader. The challenges, coursework, and projects along the way, were relevant, and targeted skills that great school leaders need to possess, in order to promote positive outcomes.