America Walks is happy to introduce the 2026 Arkansas State Strolling Faculty graduates! That is the third 12 months for the Strolling Faculty program and we’re proud to introduce you to the 11 excellent fellows.
The digital program ran from January to June and was open to Arkansas residents. Fellows accomplished a sequence of modules protecting management growth, coalition-building, walkable neighborhood design, native public coverage, and strategic planning. The educational content material included on-line examine supplies, Zoom dialogue boards with different Fellows, and neighborhood assignments. Every Fellow acquired one-on-one teaching from a private Mentor to help them in growing a Strolling Motion Plan for his or her neighborhood.
The Arkansas State Strolling Faculty was generously funded by the College of Arkansas System, Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service (UADA) and Arkansas Division of Well being.
When you’d prefer to study extra about how one can carry the Strolling Faculty program to your state or group, e mail us at ta@americawalks.org.
Meet the 2026 Fellows
Annette Artis – Clarendon, AR
Early Childhood Improvement Neighborhood Well being Employee (CHW), a mom, a doula, and a lactation specialist with over 35 years of expertise serving youngsters and households
Believes strolling is a free, inexpensive train that everybody deserves to do safelyÂ
After 38 years away, returned to hometown of Clarendon, Arkansas and now leads youth packages, hosts an annual fishing derby on the pond, and advocates for youth and households
Ashley James, DNP, APRN, CCNS, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC, CDCES, CCA – Pine Bluff, AR
Superior apply nurse, healthcare administrator, and teacher with over 20 years of expertise delivering excessive‑high quality affected person care throughout clinic, hospital, and lengthy‑time period care settingsÂ
Becca Inexperienced, APR – Little Rock, AR
Wendel regional program supervisor, joined the agency in Might 2026 and is answerable for executing tasks for purchasers, overseeing a program of public transportation tasks, and planning and executing regional enterprise growth initiativesÂ
For greater than 10 years, led strategic planning, communications, branding, public affairs, and planning and scheduling initiatives for Arkansas’ largest public transit company, Rock Area METRO, serving Pulaski County and Conway
Has been a member of the Public Relations Society of America since 2005 and served as president for the Arkansas chapter. She is a graduate of the Little Rock Regional Chamber Management Larger Little Rock Class XXX
Presently main native engagement efforts for the Rock Area METRO Dock on the Rock transit-oriented growth undertaking as a part of the Wendel group
Beck Rodriguez – Rogers, AR
Neighborhood Well being Employee II and Bodily Exercise Lead – UAMS Institute for Neighborhood Well being Innovation (ICHI) and 2025 graduate of the LANESHIFT Energetic Transportation Academy
Caleb Cox – Sherwood, AR
A local of Arkansas and United States Air Drive veteran, having lately served in numerous home and worldwide assignments (2017-2022). Upon honorable discharge, enrolled within the Grasp of Public Service Program on the famend College of Arkansas Clinton College of Public Service (2022-2024)Â
Through the graduate program, labored as a capstone scholar (graduate scholar researcher) with the Arkansas Rural Well being Partnership, working carefully with meals insecurity packages for rural people
Upon commencement, grew to become employed at Arkansas Rural Well being Partnership and presently works in managing a workforce growth grant, together with analysis and knowledge evaluation of ARHP’s packages
Cindy Grisham – Little Rock, AR
Retired deputy sheriff from southern Missouri
Moved to Arkansas for graduate faculty in 2006 and has labored at Arkansas State Parks, the Arkansas Supreme Courtroom, Arkansas State Police, and ARDOT
Donald Simpson PhD, MPH – Fort Smith, AR
ASCP‑licensed Cytologist and seasoned larger‑training administrator with 20+ years of management throughout 5 educational establishments
Principal investigator and co‑investigator on main funded tasks totaling greater than $10 million, together with worldwide program growth in Namibia and a number of public‑well being initiatives
Former nationwide committee chair and previous president inside main cytotechnology and public‑well being organizations
Presently President‑Elect on the Board of Administrators for Tulane College’s Celia Scott Weatherhead College of Public Well being and Tropical Drugs’s Alumni Affiliation; and was lately elected to function President-Elect for the Arkansas Public Well being Affiliation
Heather Lucius – Prairie Grove, AR
Particular Training doctoral scholar, educator, and advocate devoted to creating alternatives for people with disabilities.
Proud mother who’s dedicated to serving to others succeed, obsessed with management, neighborhood affect, and constructing extra inclusive and supportive environments
Jamie Collier – Magnolia, AR
Serves as a Regional Program Affiliate for the Arkansas Excessive Weight problems Program with the College of Arkansas Division of Agriculture
Helps neighborhood well being initiatives in Hempstead and Ouachita counties centered on selling wholesome existence and growing entry to alternatives for bodily exercise and wellness on the native stage.
Presently collaborating within the Arkansas State Strolling Faculty to additional strengthen my information and abilities in walkability and neighborhood well being promotion
Michelle Carter – Wilmar, AR
Regional Program Affiliate with the College of Arkansas Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service, serving the previous two and a half years with the Arkansas Excessive Weight problems Program (ARHOP)
Companions with communities, organizations, and coalitions to help outreach efforts that promote entry to wholesome meals and protected environments for bodily exercise.
Enthusiastic about connecting with folks and constructing relationships locally
Morgan Chrestman – Little Rock, AR
Household & Client Sciences Extension Agent for Crittenden County with the College of Arkansas Division of Agriculture
Founder and director of the Crittenden County Farmers Market, creating alternatives for native growers, makers, and entrepreneurs whereas bettering entry to contemporary, wholesome meals
Bachelor’s diploma in Culinary Arts and Enterprise Administration and a Grasp’s diploma in Instructional Management
Led packages centered on diet, wellness, monetary training, youth growth, and neighborhood engagement. Her work has been acknowledged by means of shows and convention participation on the native, state, and nationwide ranges.
Mother of two and enjoys gardening, preserving the harvest, baking, looking and fishing adventures, pictures, and making reminiscences with household.Â
