IMPACT Fellowship Graduates: Master of Educational Leadership
Sean Bennett
Rivercrest High School, Rivercrest School District, High School Instructor
- Bachelor of Business Administration, University of Central Arkansas, 2005
- Juris Doctorate, Vanderbilt University Law School, 2009
- Masters of Educational Leadership, University of Arkansas, 2023
The IMPACT Arkansas Fellowship has both broadened and deepened my leadership capabilities through the rigorous challenges of the program. Further it has helped me connect with a network of leaders who will help lead, guide, and direct one another for many years to come.
Teresa Blake
Nevada Elementary School, Nevada School District
Sixth Grade Math and Science
- Bachelor of Science, Biological Sciences, Southern Arkansas University, 1994
- Bachelor of Science, Cytotechnology, UAMS, 1996
- Master of Art in Teaching, Southern Arkansas University, 2013
- Masters of Educational Leadership, University of Arkansas, 2023
The Impact Fellowship Program faculty taught me so much. Faculty and staff always encouraged me and were there anytime I needed assistance. Now, I have an extended and supportive professional community who I know I can depend on for advice and encouragement. Hands down the best program for cultivating and nurturing leaders.
Karla Brasher
Baldwin Elementary School, Paragould School District, Second Grade Teacher
- Bachelor of Science Early Childhood Education, Arkansas State University, 2005
- MSE Theory and Practice of Education, Arkansas State University, 2009
- MSE English to Speakers of Other Languages, Arkansas Tech University, 2018
- Masters of Educational Leadership, University of Arkansas, 2023
The IMPACT Arkansas Fellowship provided me with the support I needed to become a better leader. I have been through two other graduate level programs and IMPACT provided the support needed to grow and reflect on my growth. IMPACT coaching is individualized for the fellow and that is what makes IMPACT effective in leadership growth.
Melissa Bratton
Hot Springs School District, District ESOL and Testing Coordinator
- Bachelor of Science in Health Service Management – DeVry University, 2009
- Masters of Human Resource Management – Keller Graduate School of Management, 2013
- Masters of Educational Leadership, University of Arkansas, 2023
The IMPACT Arkansas Fellowship has allowed me the opportunity to build my confidence in building teacher and student capacity through building my understanding of vision, high expectations and clarity. Working with such an amazing Cohort of leaders has truly enriched my professional and personal life. #scollaborators
Debbie Brown
West Side High School, West Side Greers Ferry School District,
Dyslexia Interventionist
- Bachelor of Science, Early Childhood Education, University of Central Arkansas, 2005
- Master of Science in Education, Reading, Harding University, 2010
- Masters of Educational Leadership, University of Arkansas, 2023
I knew when I applied for the IMPACT Arkansas fellowship that it would be one of the most unique learning experiences I would ever have the opportunity to participate in. Building my leadership abilities and knowledge in so many areas of education alongside each of my cohort members was an experience like no other. Their support, friendship, example, and leadership taught me just as much as I learned from our remarkable professors and coaches. I am forever grateful to my cohort and everyone at IMPACT Arkansas for this opportunity.
Leah Carpenter
Midland Elementary School, Midland School District, STEM and EAST Facilitator
- Bachelor of Science, Elementary Education, Arkansas Tech University, 2001
- Masters of Educational Leadership, University of Arkansas, 2023
IMPACT Arkansas has given me the experience of exceptional coaches, remarkable peers, and amazing professors. It has been an incredible positive journey of growth.
Aaron Choate
Arkansas School for the Deaf High School,
Lead Teacher and High School Social Studies, District Testing Coordinator
- Bachelor of Business Administration, Economics, University of Central Arkansas, 2014
- Master of Arts in Teaching, University of Central Arkansas, 2019
- Masters of Educational Leadership, University of Arkansas, 2023
For the longest time, I desired to be a change agent at my school but lacked the tools and training. The IMPACT Fellowship gave me everything I needed to become an effective school leader and to truly make an impact on student learning.
Daniel Daley
Malvern High School, Malvern School District
History Teacher
- Bachelor of Science in Education, Social Science, Arkansas State University, 2016
- Masters of Educational Leadership, University of Arkansas, 2023
You don’t know what you don’t know. Through the IMPACT Program I have been exposed to the work and disposition of a building leader, and I am confident that my learning will allow me to better serve Arkansas communities for years to come.
Katie Drake
Hope Academy of Northwest Arkansas Public Charter School,
Principal
- Bachelor of Science in Communication Disorders, University of Arkansas Fayetteville, 2013
- Master of Arts in Teaching Special Education, Harding University, 2019
- Masters of Educational Leadership, University of Arkansas, 2023
The learning, coaching, and support offered by the IMPACT Arkansas Fellowship provided me a life changing opportunity to grow my leadership capacity while building a professional network of leaders from around the state.
Melissa Hurst Bravo
eStem Downtown Elementary School, eSTEM Public Charter School, Director
- Bachelor in Early Childhood/Elementary Education, UALR, 1997
- Master in Counseling Education, UALR, 2012
- Masters of Educational Leadership, University of Arkansas, 2023
My experience in the IMPACT program was incredibly positive. The blend of practical projects and the camaraderie within our cohort provided a supportive environment for learning. Together, we not only gained valuable knowledge, but also applied it in meaningful projects, fostering a holistic and enriching educational experience.
Cheslea LaRue
Crawford Elementary School, Russellville School District, Assistant Principal
- Bachelor of Science, Early Childhood Education, Arkansas Tech University, 2004
- Masters of Educational Leadership, University of Arkansas, 2023
The IMPACT Arkansas Fellowship has improved me as an educator, a leader, and a team member. IMPACT has equipped me with the tools to be a leader, given me the understanding for all, built my confidence to take on challenges, and allowed me opportunities to focus on my “why” in order to impact student outcomes.
Kristal Leach
Lake Hamilton School District, 5th ELA/Lead Teacher
- Bachelor of Arts, Elementary Education, Champion Christian College, 2019
- Master of Arts in Teaching, University of Arkansas Monticello, 2021
- Masters of Educational Leadership, University of Arkansas, 2023
IMPACT has made a profound impact in my educational journey. It has given me the confidence to be a leader that will impact student achievement. It has given me the tools to build relationships with my peers that improve the school culture.
Tayler Lynch
Yellville-Summit High School, Yellville-Summit School District,
Business Teacher
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Arkansas Tech University, 2010
- Master of Science in College Student Personnel, Arkansas Tech University, 2013
- Arkansas Professional Pathway to Educator Licensure Program, 2019
- Masters of Educational Leadership, University of Arkansas, 2023
The IMPACT Arkansas Fellowship is life-changing, professionally and personally. This program is incredibly rigorous and rewarding. I feel confident and equipped to be a school leader, and I am grateful to be part of the IMPACT family!
Daniel Meyer
Decatur High School, Decatur School District,
Teacher/Athletic Director/Federal Programs Director
- Bachelor of Arts, Criminal Justice, J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences, 2013
- Master of Arts in Teaching, University of Arkansas at Monticello School of Education, 2018
- Masters of Educational Leadership, University of Arkansas, 2023
The best things about the IMPACT Arkansas Fellowship journey are the connections you make with other school leaders and the revelations of continued growth within your school and yourself!
Carolina Salinas
Russell D. Jones Elementary School, Rogers Public Schools,
Literacy Facilitator
- Associate of Arts in Teaching, 2010
- Bachelor of Science-Early Childhood Education, 2013
- Masters of Educational Leadership, University of Arkansas, 2023
I have enjoyed finding such caring and knowledgeable fellow colleagues across the state. We truly are like family now.
Brook Sanchez
Bob Courtway Middle School, Conway School District,
Science Teacher
- Bachelor of Arts, Psychology, University of Arkansas Little Rock, 2005
- Master of Education, Middle Childhood Education, University of Arkansas Little Rock, 2008
- Masters of Educational Leadership, University of Arkansas, 2023
The IMPACT Fellowship has been one of the most well rounded, educational opportunities I’ve ever experienced. It was challenging, but incredibly purposeful. I’m confident that there isn’t another program that offers as solid boots on the ground education leadership training. The projects are authentic and prepare you for what you will experience when leading a school. You are supported all the way through by your cohort and mentors. I know I will be forever connected to these people and grateful for this opportunity.
Cheyenne Smith
Waldron Elementary School, Waldron School District, Assistant Principal
- Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education, Arkansas Tech University, 2013
- Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, Arkansas Tech University, 2016
- Masters of Educational Leadership, University of Arkansas, 2023
Through the IMPACT Arkansas Fellowship, I discovered my identity as a leader. Each project was meticulously designed to resonate with the needs of my school. The one-on-one coaching provided a guiding hand, helping me leverage my strengths and strengthen my weaknesses. This fellowship not only shaped me as a leader but also empowered me to begin making a meaningful impact on my school community.
Calvin Walker
Mountain Pine Elementary School, Mountain Pine School District, Fifth/Sixth
Grade Math
- Bachelor of Arts, Educational Services, Louisiana Tech University, 2004
- Masters of Educational Leadership, University of Arkansas, 2023
The IMPACT Fellowship has opened my eyes to not just read the Mission and Vision of district but to use them as a driving force of my leadership and instruction.
Britney Warren
Dardanelle Primary School, Dardanelle School District, Second Grade Teacher
- Bachelor of Science, Early Childhood Education, Arkansas Tech University, 2012
- Masters of Educational Leadership, University of Arkansas, 2023
IMPACT Arkansas has given me the confidence and knowledge necessary to further my career in education. To have the support of my fellow cohort members was so valuable and will allow me to always have a wonderful group of educators on my side. The leadership team of IMPACT are amazing and will support me even after graduation. IMPACT Arkansas ROCKS!!!
Wayne “Allen” Warren
Scranton High School, Scranton School District
High School Math
- Bachelor of Science, Pre-Vet Animal Science, Oklahoma State University, 1998
- Masters of Educational Leadership, University of Arkansas, 2023
IMPACT Arkansas proves you never stop learning, growing, and reaching for new levels in all areas of education and life.
Haleigh Young
Caddo Hills Middle School, Caddo Hills School District,
Middle School Math Teacher
- Bachelor of Science, Elementary Education K-6, Southern Arkansas University, 2018
- Masters of Educational Leadership, University of Arkansas, 2023
The IMPACT Arkansas Fellowship has been a transformative journey, enriching my leadership skills and empowering me to make a meaningful difference in my schools. This program is a beacon of educational empowerment, and I am grateful for the invaluable experiences that have shaped my journey towards positive change.
