Ashly King

age: 38 | Realtor® | ERA Raffaelli Realtors

Although she is fairly new to the real estate industry, Ashly King has many years of sales and customer service experience. She applies that experience by listening to people while buying and selling real estate. Her goal is to be available to her clients, always being ready to learn and make the process of buying/selling go as smoothly as it possibly can.

“Being a Realtor® puts me in the position of controlling my outcome. If I work hard, put in the hours, and am available to my clients, I should see a positive result. I enjoy working. I enjoy showing my children a positive working mother image,” Ashly explains. “I received my Texas license in February 2019 and Arkansas license in July 2019. Being so new to the game, I have a lot of energy and excitement, and I’m ready for the experience. I’m also very excited to be on team ERA! Combining the experience of Steve Raffaelli, Virginia Ann Prazak and Joe Sterle with the newness of Lauren Callaway and myself, makes for a great combination of agents to help buy and sell Texarkana!”

Best piece of advice:

“DON’T TALK SO MUCH; LISTEN MORE. MOST PEOPLE WANT TO TELL YOU ABOUT THEMSELVES, NOT THE OTHER WAY AROUND ... THAT’S HOW YOU LEARN WHAT PEOPLE REALLY WANT AND NEED.”, VAN ALEXANDER

Ashly was raised knowing that family comes first. She is so proud of her children, Grant, Sam and Noelle, and enjoys supporting them and caring for them with her husband, Ben. “No matter what, my family was always there to love me unconditionally, support me 100% (even if they didn’t agree with my decision) and they would sacrifice without hesitation,” Ashly explains. “Early on, I had dreams of being a mom, having my own children that I could share with this same set of values. Now I have a 13, 9 and 8 year old. My wish is that they never have to question where I stand, because I will always be right by their side.”

Name something about you that very few people know:

“I have really long toes that I can use to pick things up and pinch the heck out of someone!”

Elizabeth Jacobsen

age: 33 | Family Nurse Practitioner and Owner/Operator | Eternal Beauty Medical Aesthetics

Elizabeth Jacobsen always dreamed of owning her own business. As an advanced practice nurse, she was able to accomplish that goal. “I love my career in medical aesthetics. The beauty, health and wellness industry is ever expanding,” she explains. “We all want to look and feel our best. The past two years, I have traveled the country as well as internationally to research the latest technology and techniques. I have brought them all here to Eternal Beauty Medical Aesthetics.”

For fun, Elizabeth enjoys spending time camping and boating with her husband, Erik, and children, Abbygayle (17), Emily (13) and Jaxon (7). Raising her children while successfully completing school and preparing to open a business when the children were older is her greatest personal accomplishment.

Best piece of advice:

“IF SOMEONE TELLS YOU ‘NO,’ YOU’RE TALKING TO THE WRONG PERSON.” —DR. ERIK JACOBSEN, ELIZABETH’S HUSBAND

Supporting local businesses is important to both Elizabeth and Erik (an ER physician with Texarkana Emergency Center). Every contractor they have used to renovate Eternal Beauty’s space as well as Texarkana Emergency Center’s expansion project has been done by local businesses. They always choose local as their way of giving back to the community.

In 10 years, Elizabeth sees herself taking Eternal Beauty Medical Aesthetics to the next level with multiple locations and products.

Name something about you that very few people know:

“I am obsessed with Halloween and usually start decorating at the end of August.”

Clayton Wisdom

age: 33 | Commercial Lender | Diamond Bank

Helping people make smart financial decisions and assisting them in achieving their dreams is Clayton Wisdom’s job at Diamond Bank. He enjoys seeing small businesses and families grow and succeed. “In my line of work, I’m able to help people see their dreams come true through financial assistance,” he explains. “I meet and talk to people every day with ideas for their businesses, dream house plans and much more.”

Having a broad client base is important to Clayton. “It might seem small, but it’s a great accomplishment every time one of my current customers shares my name and information to a potential customer,” he says. “It shows that they trust me and that their experience with me was a positive one.”

Best piece of advice:

“BE CONTENT AND RESIGNED TO GOD’S WILL.” — THOMAS JONATHAN JACKSON

When asked about his greatest personal accomplishment, Clayton says that it has to be convincing his wife, Magan, to marry him. An avid volunteer, Clayton has served on the Junior League of Texarkana Community Advisory Council for two years, volunteered time serving as a board member on Teen Court, served multiple years as a board member of the Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund, and gives back to multiple community projects.

Clayton can often be found participating in outdoor activities (especially hunting and fishing) and playing with his son, Lane. Since Clayton enjoys his job as a commercial lender, he hopes to still be broadening his banking career for many years to come.

Name something about you that very few people know:

“While in college, I had my CDL and drove commercial transit buses for the University of Arkansas to help pay my way through college.”

Ross Sarine

age: 38 | Vice President | Tatum Excavating Company, Inc.

Ross Sarine grew up watching his father in the construction business. Though it was, and is, hard work that requires many hours, he always looked up to his dad’s word ethic and became very interested in heavy equipment and road building. “I went on to study Construction Science at Texas A&M University, and then moved to Texarkana to start my career,” Ross says. “There are many days I question my sanity, but there’s also nothing else I’d rather do!”

At TEC, Inc., and its affiliated companies, Ross is grateful for the privilege of leading a group of dedicated men and women in the construction of both public and private civil projects in the Four States area. Even though it has been quite a challenge, Ross considers his career very rewarding and the fulfillment of a lifelong dream.

Best piece of advice:

“DO YOUR BEST, DON’T QUIT, DON’T LIE AND DON’T APOLOGIZE.” — RAY HAYS, ROSS’ GRANDFATHER

Marrying his best friend, Emily, and raising their 11-year-old son, Jack, is Ross’s greatest personal accomplishment. Spending time with his family, attending and watching Pleasant Grove High School sporting events, attending and watching Fightin’ Texas Aggie sporting events, singing at church, exercising, working on home projects and spending time outdoors are Ross’s favorite pastimes.

As a member of the Pleasant Grove ISD Board of Trustees, Texarkana Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Council, First Baptist Church Texarkana Personnel Committee, First Baptist Church Texarkana choir and Pleasant Grove Youth Association flag football coach, Ross truly enjoys serving the Texarkana community. In the future, he sees himself continuing to invest in TEC, Inc. and its people, serving in numerous volunteer capacities in Texarkana and making every excuse to visit Jack in college!

Name something about you that very few people know:

“I caught a lake record small mouth bass at 6 years old with my Grandad at Lake Belton in Belton, Texas ... 4 pounds, 12 ounces. He submitted my picture to every bass fishing magazine he knew and was VERY proud!”

Dillon Roseberry

age: 29 | Campus Magnet Coordinator for North Heights Jr. High | Texarkana Arkansas School District

Dillon Roseberry’s most important role as the magnet grant coordinator for the Texarkana Montage Project is to be a responsible steward of the federal dollars with which he has been entrusted. He uses these funds to procure and coordinate resources that will improve the experiences of junior high students while advancing the goals of the school and the district.

Facility upgrades, after-school programs and one-to-one technology are some recent examples of areas in which Dillon has worked very hard. “After teaching history for seven years, I now work mostly behind-the-scenes to turn visions into reality through this fantastic grant program. This is a challenging job for someone who wants to do it well, and that keeps me on my toes so that I am never bored or complacent,” he explains. “I love that every project I touch will affect all of our kids, not just some of them, and I love that we do it all at no cost to them or their families. We serve 600 kids ages 12-13, and many of them spend more time with us than they do at home, so every decision I make is intended to support not just academics but adolescent social and emotional development as well.”

Best piece of advice:

“NOBODY IN LIFE GETS EXACTLY WHAT THEY THOUGHT THEY WERE GOING TO GET. BUT IF YOU WORK RE- ALLY HARD AND YOU’RE KIND, AMAZING THINGS WILL HAPPEN.” — CONAN O’BRIEN

Dillon’s educational journey has equipped him with the skills and mindset to go wherever the road may lead him. He has an undergraduate degree in secondary social sciences education from Henderson State, a masters in adult education from TAMU- Texarkana, and a Specialist in K-12 principal from Arkansas State. He is also weighing doctoral options in our region. He says, “I do not come from a long line of educators; I just love school, always have, and always will.”

A member of the Texarkana Young Professionals, Dillon feels it is every citizen’s duty to be informed and to share the good things happening in the community. He attends City Council and school board meetings and does his best to keep up with the entire community. He is also involved with the rescue efforts of the Texarkana Animal League which he calls “one of the most rewarding decisions I have ever made.”

What will Dillon be doing in 10 years? “If I could stare at pictures of little dogs all day and still pay my bills, it would be a life fully lived,” Dillon jokes. “But until then, I may be in law school, involved with political advocacy full-time, or doing exactly what I am doing now. I wanted to be an architect growing up, so it’s even possible I will pursue that.”

Name something about you that very few people know:

“Cultural documentaries and authentic Mexican food are the fastest way to my heart.”

Kelly Birdwell

age: 40 | Certified Public Accountant | Wilf & Henderson, PC

Crunching numbers is not for everyone; however, Kelly Birdwell has always liked working with numbers and taking math classes. After taking an accounting class in high school that was very interesting to her, she found that she loved how everything balanced. “I decided to major in accounting for a college degree and accepted a job from Wilf & Henderson as soon as I finished my MBA. I was thrown into auditing Texas school districts and have specialized in that area ever since,” Kelly says. “My career as a CPA is very challenging and gives me the opportunity to use many skills, including communication, organization, leadership, problem- solving and team building. I enjoy working closely with my clients and my coworkers. I am fortunate to be a part of a firm that allows me to balance work and family.”

Best piece of advice:

“SUCCESS COMES WHEN OPPORTUNITY MEETS PREPARATION.” —COACH ROSS MORGAN, KELLY’S HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL COACH

For fun, Kelly enjoys going to ball games, snow skiing and taking vacations at the beach with her husband, Chris, and children, Kinsley (13), Ripken (11) and Anna Kate (3). She volunteers as a softball coach for a local travel team, serves as executive secretary of the Texarkana Chapter of CPAs, and is very involved with her church.

“In 10 years, I don’t see life slowing down at all. I will continue working hard at Wilf & Henderson to ensure it remains a successful accounting firm in Texarkana,” she explains. “My husband and I plan to be supporting our older two kids in college and starting all over with the younger one. I will also still be supporting my husband coaching the Hooks Hornets on Friday nights.”

Name something about you that very few people know:

“I played college softball.”

Claire Wilson

age: 33 | 504 Specialist | Texarkana Independent School District

Claire Wilson’s passion and drive revolves around the field of education. For the past five years, she has been a sixth grade math teacher at Texas Middle School. Although it was bittersweet for her to hang up her teaching hat, she is now a 504 Specialist for TISD. “I am now working with the teachers, staff and families at the Josh and Martha Morriss Elementary, Nash Elementary and Waggoner Creek Elementary to ensure that every student receives the best education they can, regardless of their disabilities,” she explains. “It is so exciting to me to be given this new opportunity to take a step back from the classroom, but still be able to learn and grow with TISD.”

Feeling fortunate to wake up each morning living a life that she truly loves, Claire admits that she has the best family and friends who are more like family. She and her husband, Drew, have a 2-year-old daughter, Charlie Jane, who she calls a “firecracker who keeps us on our toes.”

Best piece of advice:

“YOU CAN ALWAYS MAKE MORE MONEY, BUT YOU CAN’T ALWAYS MAKE MORE TIME.” – LOUISE THORNELL, CLAIRE’S MOTHER

Becoming a teacher is Claire’s greatest professional accomplishment. “My ‘why’ behind teaching was that I wanted to be that ‘safe place’ for students. I have always said that math didn’t always come first in my classroom, but instead, love and respect did. It was so important to me to begin the year building these relationships in order to create a safe spot so that learning could actually take place,” she explains. “We learned together. We cried together. We laughed together. We felt frustrated together, and so much more.” Today, that decision to go into teaching still affects Claire’s career-thinking process, even in her new role as 504 Specialist.

In 10 years, Claire imagines she will still be in the field of education in some capacity because advocating and being a voice and resource for students of Texarkana is what completes her professionally. She looks forward to continuing to live life and keep on having adventures (both big and small) with her family and friends.

Name something about you that very few people know:

“I really want to learn to weld! It is something that I have always been so fascinated with, and I love creating things! I recently saw that TRAHC offers a class through LeGrand Welding and Ironworks, called Metalsmithing! How fun would this be? Myself and several friends want to sign up for a class in the near future!”

Heather Avery

age: 36 | VP Deposit Operations | State Bank

Staying busy and learning new things makes Heather Avery happy. “I have been in banking for over 18 years. This side of how the bank operates has always been interesting to me. My job in Deposit Operations takes me in many directions, which is part of the reason I love it!” Heather says. “My job consists of training, audits, updating or writing new policies or procedures and treasury management, to name a few. Every day is something new, and that’s exciting!”

Early on, Heather set a goal to obtain a college degree. While getting a bachelor’s degree at TAMU-T, she decided to obtain a master’s degree also. Although it wasn’t easy, working and raising a family while continuing to attend college, Heather is thrilled that she received her MBA from TAMU-T in 2014.

Best piece of advice:

“IT COULD BE WORSE.” – MELISSA WINKLES, HEATHER’S MOTHER

Heather serves on the Volunteer in Public Schools Board through TISD for the Nash Elementary campus. She has been the volunteer coordinator for three years, going on four. She is also currently serving as a committee co-chair for Race for the Cure® and volunteers to help the children’s classes and other community events through Heritage Church.

Heather’s favorite pastime is spending time with her friends and family. Time at the pool and vacationing during the summer with her husband, Kevin, and children, Abigail (9) and Owen (2), is also her idea of fun. What does Heather think she will be doing in 10 years? “I will still be in Texarkana, for sure!” she answers. “And I will have a 12-year- old and a 19-year-old, so I assume that will be taking up most of my time outside of work, which I hope is still at State Bank.”

Name something about you that very few people know:

“I am always surprised at the number of people who don’t know I am a twin. I have a twin sister, Holly, who also lives in Texarkana and works right down the street from me!”

Bryan Callaway

age: 36 | Landscape/Interior Designer | Studio 230 and MerchantHouse

While originally attending the University of Arkansas, Bryan Callaway studied architecture. However, after his first year there, his focus turned to landscape architecture. “I have always had an interest in design and construction. I worked for a design firm after college, but soon realized my desire to be in the field during construction phase was as important as the design work itself,” he explains. “That is when I decided to start my own design/build company called Studio 230, named after my studio number in architecture school. MerchantHouse followed four years later when I began to do more and more interior design work.” Luckily, Bryan’s partner in MerchantHouse shared the same passion as he did, so the two teamed up to develop the company.

Fortunate to be able to do what he loves for a career on a daily basis, Bryan acknowledges that owning his own company is a fete in which he is very proud. He strives to continue growing both in his personal and professional lives.

Best piece of advice:

“GO PLAY OUTSIDE.” – REBECCA WICHHART, BRYAN’S MOTHER

Bryan serves on the Historic Landmark Preservation Committee for the City of Texarkana, Texas, and works with several local nonprofits in the area. Whether volunteering time, auction items, design work or materials for fundraisers or to furnish offices, Bryan feels that giving back to his community is important.

Ultimately, Bryan’s hope is to continue working in design, both interior and exterior. “I also hope to still be enjoying all the moments with my family and friends that I do now,” he says. “My life revolves around my family, so I see myself enjoying time with them and continuing to watch them grow in the future.”

Name something about you that very few people know:

“I binge watch the Science Channel, and I’m addicted to Slim Jim mild beef jerky sticks.”

Dr. Stephen Steele

age: 35 | Physician, Gastroenterologist | Texarkana Gastroenterology Consultants

Ever since he was a little boy, Dr. Stephen Steele wanted to be a doctor. While growing up in Texarkana, he had the opportunity to shadow some amazing doctors. He explains, “I specifically chose gastroenterology because I get to work in both the inpatient and outpatient setting combining preventive health, internal medicine and procedural care.”

While in GI fellowship, Stephen was able to help develop and lead the implementation of a system-based approach for the management of pancreatitis that improved patient care and outcomes. That work was selected for an oral presentation at one of the national GI meetings.

Best piece of advice:

“YOU CAN’T GO BACK AND CHANGE THE BEGINNING, BUT YOU CAN START WHERE YOU ARE AND CHANGE THE ENDING.” — C.S. LEWIS

Stephen admits that he always

dreamed of having a big family. He enjoys doing outdoor activities with his wife, Laura, and children, Isaac (6), Samuel (4), Silas (2) and Amelia (1). “We love to go hiking. I also enjoy traveling and experiencing the food from other cultures, coaching my son’s soccer team, cooking, photography, hunting, and Texas A&M football. My family has been my biggest blessing,” he adds.

Since being a doctor is his dream job, Stephen is honored that he gets to do what he has always dreamed of doing ... and he gets to do it in his hometown. “The only thing I would change is adding one more kid to our crew at home,” he confirms. “I am still trying to convince my wife on that one!”

Name something about you that very few people know:

“I love pie! I love baking pie and eating pie. Growing up, my Mamaw made the best pies, and it is one of my fondest childhood memories. I have enjoyed sharing this tradition of both baking and eating pie with my kids.”

Dr. Jamie Daigle

age: 34 | Instructor of Supply Chain Management Texas A&M University-Texarkana

Dr. Jamie Daigle is an Instructor of Supply Chain Management at Texas A&M University-Texarkana. Occasionally, she contracts with local companies to provide business intelligence solutions to streamline operations by building artificial intelligence-based platforms. Formerly a member of the business faculty at the University of Houston-Downtown, Jamie moved to Texarkana to work alongside the amazing leaders at TAMU-T. “I am passionate about the logistics industry and am organizing a nonprofit 501(c)(6) called the ‘Red River Air Cargo Association’ where I will act as President of the organization to bring more air cargo into the Texarkana community,” she explains. “I am zealous about helping students and current business executives solve complicated head scratchers by exposing them to new knowledge within the industry. Excited about contributing to the supply chain management industry by discovering new knowledge myself, I have been published in numerous journals including the Journal of Organizational Psychology, International Journal of Healthcare Management, and Health Marketing Quarterly.”

Best piece of advice:

“ALWAYS BE ABLE TO COUNT ON YOURSELF, AND BE INDEPENDENT. GO TO COLLEGE AND INVEST YOURSELF IN YOUR CAREER.” –BREANNA STEPHENS, JAMIE’S MOTHER

Obtaining a Doctor of Business Administration ABD from the University of Liverpool while being a single mom to three children and working full-time is a feat in which Jamie is very proud. Being honored with the Teaching Excellence Award at TAMU-T is her greatest professional accomplishment.

Traveling and experiencing new culture and cuisine is Jamie’s idea of fun. She also enjoys inspiring her children, Annabelle Lilly Poetry Daigle (age 10), Abigale Caelyn Jo Daigle (age 8) and Addison Grace Marie Daigle (age 4) to be intellectually curious. “I like to make discoveries with them and illicit their individual genius. When I have downtime, we will look at the stars at night, or under a microscope during the day,” she explains. “There is nothing more rewarding than seeing the tiny ‘aha’ moments where the light bulb goes off and curiosity shines bright. I intend to create a life without regrets for my children and to leave big shoes to fill.”

Name something about you that very few people know:

“My nickname growing up was ‘Data.’ My thirst for knowledge started as soon as I learned to read. Back in the days of the hard copy Encyclopedia Britannica (before google and search engines), I would beg my mom for the newest encyclopedias for Christmas.”

Lee Alison McCrary

age: 33 | Nurse Practitioner | De Kalb Physicians Clinic

Lee Alison McCrary provides health care to people in and around the De Kalb community. “I have always had great adoration for older adults,” she explains. “This adoration was the driving force behind pursuing my nurse practitioner specialization in adults. To make health care more accessible in my community, I make home visits to patients that are homebound or too ill to come to the clinic. It is a privilege to give back to the community that has given me so much. I have a large extended family in the Texarkana area and as they say, ‘Home is where the heart is.’”

Married to Adam, Lee Alison is very proud of her children: Adison (13) and Titan (8). “Adison was born when I was 19 years old, and I had just applied to nursing school. Her birth made me more determined than ever to finish my degree,” she says. “Less than a year after my son’s birth, I began to pursue my masters degree and nurse practitioner license. I knew the odds were against me in these pursuits, because only 2% of teen moms earn a college degree by the age of 30. My children were my motivation then and continue to be my motivation now.”

Best piece of advice:

“MAKE LIFE LESS ABOUT YOU, THEN YOU WILL REALIZE HOWTRULY FULFILLING IT IS.” — DEBRA MCCRARY, LEE ALISON’S MOTHER

Waking up every morning looking forward to working in a career that she loves, with people she enjoys working with, and helping others are Lee Alison’s daily motivators. She also spends many hours helping with various sports associations in the community, especially the De Kalb youth baseball and softball association. Lee Alison, her colleagues, and Dr Groom also provide physicals to De Kalb ISD each school year for the athletic and band departments. Every year, De Kalb Physicians Clinic also sponsors and participates in the De Kalb Oktoberfest & Saturday in the Park.

Name something about you that very few people know:

“I am a true lefty and a sports fanatic.”

Katherine Anne Doan

age: 22 | Student | The University of Texas at Austin

A fifth year senior at The University of Texas at Austin, Katherine Anne Doan graduated with a degree in Plan II Honors (a liberal arts renaissance degree) and will be graduating in 2020 with degrees in Computational Engineering and French Language. The daughter of Jennifer and Darby Doan, Katherine Anne plans on following in her parents’ footsteps. “I love the majors I’m pursuing and am currently planning on continuing my education in law school,” she says.

As a member of the Texas 4000 2019 team, Katherine Anne recently biked from Austin, Texas, to Anchorage, Alaska. “I took the Sierra route which went west through Texas, New Mexico and Arizona, then north along the Pacific coast through California, Oregon and Washington, through western Canada and into Alaska,” she explains. “Every member of our team raised a minimum of $4,500, and along our ride we awarded grants to cancer research and support organizations. Despite being someone who hates biking, this has been the most incredible experience, and I have met so many incredible hosts, researchers and people affected by cancer along the way that have changed my life forever.”

Best piece of advice:

“DON’T AIM TO BE SUCCESSFUL. AIM TO BE OF VALUE. YOU CAN DO ANYTHING YOU PUT YOUR MIND TO, SO PUT YOUR MIND TO EVERYTHING YOUR HEART IS IN, AND YOU’LL NEVER WANT FOR PURPOSE.” —SAMMYE HALTOM, KATHERINE ANNE’S GRANDMOTHER

Katherine Anne’s greatest academic accomplishment was completing her thesis in May and being awarded as a Model Theses for Plan II. The title was “Equal but Separated: Desegregation of Texarkana Public Schools,” and was a historical narrative of the era leading up to and including integration in Texarkana’s schools. Katherine Anne interviewed Texarkana citizens who were students and teachers at the time, read school board minutes from TISD and TASD from 1954-1975 and used the Texarkana Gazette archive at Texarkana College to compile a cohesive narrative of what happened during that time and the social and cultural impact it created. She concludes, “This topic was important to me because as a fourth generation graduate of Texas High School, my family history is deeply entwined with the history of this city and its schools.”

Name something about you that very few people know:

“I memorize poetry for fun!”

Mitch Alexander

age: 33 | Manager | Alexander’s Jewelers

Ever since he can remember, Mitch Alexander has had a passion for watches. While helping run his family’s business, Alexander’s Jewelers, Mitch has been able to follow this passion. A three generation business, Alexander’s prides itself on customer service, second to none. “It’s very exciting for me to be able to help a client find the perfect watch for them, which they could possibly pass down for generations,” Mitch explains.

Mitch and his wife, Kelia, have one son. Being a father to Zayden is Mitch’s greatest personal accomplishment. In his spare time, Mitch enjoys spending time with his son and working out. Professionally, Mitch’s greatest achievement is being able to develop a watch clientele across the United States.

Best piece of advice:

“THERE IS NO GREAT ACHIEVEMENT THAT IS NOT THE RESULT OF PATIENT WORKING AND WAITING.” – JERRY ALEXANDER, MITCH’S GRANDFATHER

Besides his daily service to others at Alexander’s Jewelers, Mitch and his family have participated for many years during nonprofit events. To name a few, Heart Ball, Party with Picassos, Opportunities, Inc.’s Golf Tournament, and Alzheimer’s Alliance events are organizations the Alexanders have supported.

Looking ahead, Mitch hopes to still be in the jewelry industry working with his family, growing his industry knowledge and expanding/ growing Alexander’s Jewelers’ clientele.

Name something about you that very few people know:

“I am mechanically-inclined. I like figuring out the mechanics to fixing things that are not properly working. I enjoy working on something over and over until I can figure it out and overcome the challenge.”

Christiane Irvin

age: 38 | Alumni, Recruitment and Marketing Coordinator | Texarkana Arkansas School District

As a lifelong resident of Texarkana, Arkansas, graduate of Arkansas High School and Texas A&M-Texarkana, Christiane Irvin considers it very rewarding to be the Alumni, Recruitment andMarketingCoordinatorforTexarkana Arkansas School District magnet programs. She loves educating families about the many wonderful magnet school opportunities available in TASD. She explains, “I digitally design, create and publish unique images and publications to establish a communication network to effectively recruit students to our magnet schools. I oversee the TASD Montage Project publications, social media pages and marketing and recruitment office. You will often see me on one of our magnet school campuses preparing for an event, recording the great things happening, or cheering on our talented students! My job is fun!”

Entering into her 16th year in education, Christiane Irvin has been a part of TASD since the conception of its magnet programs. She has taught fourth grade, first grade and also served as Instructional Facilitator, Magnet Coordinator, teacher mentor and lead teacher. She enjoys seeing former students succeed both academically and socially at the high school and collegiate levels. “I love witnessing them working, volunteering and establishing roots in our community,” she says. “Their success is my success!”

Best piece of advice:

“FIND JOY IN EVERYTHING YOU DO. YOUR JOB, RELATIONSHIPS, HOME ... IT’S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO LOVE IT OR TO CHANGE IT.” — JAMES COLLINS, CHRISTIANE’S GRANDFATHER

Married for almost 20 years to her husband, Brad, who serves as the TASD Director of School Safety, Christiane admits that they have experienced some of the greatest joys in raising their children (Carly, 13, and Collin, 6) and some of the greatest lows with her cancer battle, losing Brad’s mother to cancer and Christiane’s brother to suicide. “No matter how crazy my ideas are, how hard life gets, or what life is throwing at us, our little family takes it on together,” she acknowledges.

Christiane enjoys giving back to her community. She is involved with Hampton Church of Christ, Women for A&M-Texarkana, and Arkansas Women for Education. In the future, Christiane sees herself still contributing to the world of education and impacting children in some way. She cannot imagine herself doing anything else.

Name something about you that very few people know:

“I was adopted when I was 8 days old. There has never been a time in my life when I didn’t know I was adopted, that I was chosen by my parents to be their child. My birth mother was 16 years old, not ready to raise a child, but she was gracious enough to carry me for nine months and send me into the arms of my precious mother that had been waiting years for me.”

Clayton Stillwell

age: 33 | Agency Manager, Bowie County Farm Bureau Insurance | Texas Farm Bureau Insurance

As the Agency Manger for Farm Bureau Insurance in Bowie County, Clayton Stillwell promotes auto, home, life, farm and ranch insurance sales and service for Farm Bureau’s members. He supports and works with eight insurance agents, office administrators and members of the board of directors to work toward attaining goals and following Farm Bureau’s mission.

Convincing his wife, Emileigh, to marry him and starting their family (they have a baby on the way) is Clayton’s proudest accomplishment. He jokes, “The first official date for my wife and me was when I took Emileigh to my hunting lease outside of town to hunt hogs. We sat in a small box blind waiting for them to show up; it was a blind date!”

Best piece of advice:

“IF YOU’RE NOT MAKING SOMEONE ELSE’S LIFE BETTER, THEN YOU’RE WASTING YOUR TIME. YOUR LIFE WILL BECOME BETTER BY MAKING OTHER LIVES BETTER.” – WILL SMITH

Last year, Clayton reached his greatest professional accomplishment: helping his team grow the membership and agency to over 5,000 member families. He looks forward to the future and helping others improve their lives and careers while getting to the next level.

Being involved in the community is important to Clayton. He is on Eagle Impact’s board of directors where he helps the group with their Derby Days fundraiser. As a member of the Chamber of Commerce, he participates in many events throughout the year including the Komen Texarkana Race for the Cure®, Four States Fair, local high school sports and FFA 4-H sponsorships. He also enjoys hosting a monthly Farm Bureau Member Appreciation luncheon for the community at his Texarkana office.

Name something about you that very few people know:

“I earned a Bachelor of Business Administration Management degree from Texas Tech University. Wreck ‘em Tech!”

Jenni Hedrick

age: 34 | Instructor of Nursing | Texas A&M University-Texarkana

Women’s health is Jenni Hedrick’s passion. After working as a nurse on post partum and pediatrics for a few years, Jenni finally got her dream job as a Labor and Delivery Nurse. She loved every minute of bringing a new life into the world, and admits that it never got old watching parents see the face of their baby for the first time. It wasn’t long before Jenni realized she loved educating the new parents on what’s to come. She explains, “Because I truly loved sharing my knowledge, I then became a certified prepared child birth educator. I also found myself precepting new nurses and always enjoyed having the nursing students during their clinical rotation. All these things led me to my position today as Nursing Faculty at Texas A&M University- Texarkana. I love how God puts us right where we are supposed to be. I never knew the academia side of nursing would be so rewarding. I always thought if I wasn’t a nurse, I would want to be a teacher and here I am experiencing both worlds. It’s also really awesome sharing my passion with our future nurses.”

Best piece of advice:

“THERE WILL BE PEOPLE THAT HAVE MORE THAN YOU (FINANCIALLY, PROFESSIONALLY, BEAUTY), BUT THERE ARE PLENTY THAT DON’T HAVE WHAT YOU HAVE. TREAT EACH PERSON THE SAME. NO ONE IS BETTER THAN THE OTHER. WE ALL WANT THE SAME THING OUT OF LIFE.” -RICK LINDSEY, JENNI’S FATHER

Personally, Jenni loves having the family she has always dreamed of ... husband, Taylor, and children, Anna Leigh (5) and Lincoln (3). She travels every chance she gets, whether to the river or lake. Constantly on the go, Jenni enjoys soaking up the sun on the beach or calling the Hogs at University of Arkansas games with friends and family.

Professionally, Jenni’s greatest accomplishment is graduating with her master’s in nursing. “I started the MSN program at Texas A&M University- Texarkana with a 2-year-old and 3-month-old,” she says. “During this time, I started a new job, raising toddlers, moved three houses and lost my father to cancer. I did not think the day would ever come that I would complete my masters, but as of August 2019, I did it!”

Name something about you that very few people know:

“I have spent most of my life dating/ married to Taylor. We were high school sweethearts and started dating when I was 14 years old.”

Summer Gibson

age: 37 | Special Education Coordinator | Pleasant Grove Independent School District

Summer Gibson knows that she is right where she is meant to be. Her passion for special education comes from the fulfillment she feels every time she walks away leaving a student or teacher empowered. “Special education is rewarding! Every day, I get to see the impact I make on students and staff, big or small,” she explains. “Each and every one of us faces daily challenges at work, home or school. Special education is not any more challenging. All you need is a love for learning, a love for children and a desire to create an equitable learning environment for all students.”

Also an adjunct in the College of Education at Texas A&M University- Texarkana, Summer’s work-life balance involves a mixture of time management, commitment and prioritization. She values spending time with her husband, Justin, who serves as the Offensive Coordinator for Pleasant Grove High School, and her three daughters: Brooklyn (14), Kennedy (11) and Piper (7). She keeps this Dolly Parton quote by her desk at work and thinks about it often: “Never get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life.”

Professionally, Summer’s greatest accomplishment was being named Teacher of the Year for PGHS and PGISD. “This is a treasured accomplishment because I was nominated and chosen by my peers,” she says. “Nothing speaks more to my heart than knowing that my peers value the impact I have at the campus and district level.”

Best piece of advice:

“CHANGE YOUR THINKING, CHANGE YOUR LIFE.” – YVONNE BONE, SUMMER’S FORMER MENTOR TEACHER

Summer’s weekends are often filled with multiple trips back and forth to the soccer fields to cheer on her girls. She admits that it is “crazy and hectic” but she wouldn’t have it any other way. On Friday nights, the Gibson family can be found under the stadium lights cheering on the Pleasant Grove Hawk football team.

Years from now, Summer sees herself still involved in education and continuing to build teacher capacity. “We ARE the people who ignite passion in students,” she says. “I hope that I continue to ignite passion in future and current educators and keep reminding them that they are not mere ‘visitors’ in their students’ lives. I pray I am still encouraging them to be lifelong learners, growing, guiding and loving their students because they may have the next president, Supreme Court justice, doctor, lawyer, business owner, performer, volunteer, activist, or teacher of the year sitting in their classroom.”

Name something about you that very few people know:

“I am a published poet and also co-authored a children’s book with a friend.”

Kyle Akin

age: 27 | Attorney | Haltom & Doan

Kyle Akin practices exclusively in civil trial and appellate matters throughout state and federal courts in both Texas and Arkansas. Haltom & Doan focuses on representing clients in complex business, intellectual property, pharmaceutical/ medical device, personal injury, product liability and environmental/toxic tort litigation. “I love my career because I find it fun and challenging to help individuals and businesses solve their legal problems,” Kyle says. “I am constantly learning new things and tackling new problems at work. Having the opportunity to work hands-on with my clients makes each work day interesting and exciting because you never know what new issue is going to arise.”

Kyle enjoys living in Texarkana and being involved in the community. He purchased a home in Texarkana the first year that he lived here so that he could start putting down roots and getting involved with the community. He enjoys learning about Texarkana’s rich history and the importance of community

involvement through Leadership Texarkana, serving on the board of directors for the nonprofit, For the Sake of One, and supporting various local charities by attending events throughout the year (e.g. Texarkana Heart Ball, Party with Picassos, Clay’s Golf and Guitars, etc.).

Best piece of advice:

“THE BEST THINGS IN LIFE THAT PARENTS CAN GIVE THEIR CHILDREN ARE GOLF AND GOD – BUT NOT NECESSARILY IN THAT ORDER.” —RANDY AKIN, KYLE’S FATHER

Golfing, hunting, cooking, watching movies and jewelry shopping are Kyle favorite pastimes. “Second only to convincing the beautiful, intelligent and talented Shelby DeMuth to marry me, my greatest personal accomplishment was graduating magna cum laude from law school and then passing the Texas and Arkansas bar exams,” Kyle says. His greatest professional achievement over the first two years practicing law includes being heavily involved in numerous multimillion dollar patent trials, successfully arguing motions in federal court and deposing multiple Intel engineers in Portland, Oregon, regarding the technology supporting Intel’s semiconductor chips.

Name something about you that very few people know:

“Very few people know that I have 26 screws and 4 plates in my face from a corrective jaw surgery that I had at age 20 to correct my underbite.”

Caleb Mudford

age: 30 | Civil Engineer | MTG Engineers & Surveyors

“I have always enjoyed building things, and it is very satisfying when something you design is built and performs the way it was intended to,” explains Caleb Mudford. As a civil engineer with MTG Engineers & Surveyors, Caleb designs a variation of infrastructure and utilities, including roads, drainage, site development, water and sewer mains and subdivision layout.

Caleb feels fortunate that his position with MTG grants him a lot of opportunities to help smaller communities in the area that are often overlooked, but have significant impacts on the success of the Texarkana region. He is currently serving his last year on the Economic Development Council and has been able to help with some economic initiatives that will hopefully have positive results for this region in the near future. He is also on the board for Greater Texarkana Young Professionals. Just this year, the GTYP has continued its tradition of giving two $1,000 merit-based scholarships to local high school seniors, and the group donated $1,750 to local charities through its Dodgebrawl Texarkana event.

Best piece of advice:

“YOU MISS 100% OF THE SHOTS YOU DON’T TAKE. – WAYNE GRETZKY” – MICHAEL SCOTT

For fun, Caleb enjoys a gamut of outdoor activities, including golf, camping, hunting, fishing and sport shooting. He also likes to travel, whether a long journey or a short random road trip. Watching Razorback football (whether in Fayetteville or at a friend’s house) is also one of his favorite pastimes.

A self-proclaimed “horrible test taker,” Caleb’s greatest professional accomplishment was passing the Professional Engineer exam on his first try. Personally, his greatest achievement is recently finishing a house remodel. He explains, “I did have some help along the way, and it took much longer than it probably should have, but seeing a 100-year- old house go from something that could have been bulldozed to the ground, to a stylish farmhouse, has been a fulfilling process.”

Name something about you that very few people know:

“Due to a detached retina, I have a scleral buckle (a fancy rubber band) around my right eye."