Alexus Paxton

age: 25 | First Grade Teacher | Texarkana Arkansas School District

A phenomenal, inspiring, and hardworking teacher, Alexus Paxton teaches TASD’s future leaders of America.  “Surviving my first year of teaching during a pandemic was my greatest professional accomplishment,” she acknowledges. “Having an impact on a child and watching them grow is so fulfilling. Teaching the children in my community is a dream come true; my students are depending on me. I’ve been dreaming about being a teacher since second grade, so I truly believe in manifestation. I pictured myself in this position too many times! Being nominated for Fabulous 40 and Under is incredible, too! This is an accomplishment that I won’t ever forget.”

As a first generation college student, Alexus considers graduating from the University of Central Arkansas and obtaining a bachelor’s degree in science while minoring in education as a huge personal achievement. She considers it a privilege to make her family proud while also giving her little sister someone to look up to ... she says this is the “best feeling ever.” 

Working out, painting, and cooking are how Alexus spends her free time.  “Cooking is my favorite because food is so yummy,” she says. “I also like having cooking competitions with my boyfriend and little sister. Those are also a few of my self-care regimens.  Self-care is very important and a key component to a healthy lifestyle.” 

Alexus enjoys volunteering with the youth softball association when possible. She tries to be a helping hand during practice while showing the girls how to cleanly field a ground ball or keeping the dugout organized. She feels that softball is so exciting, and she really enjoys being in an empowering atmosphere.

In 10 years, Alexus will be starting her 12th year of teaching, and she looks forward to owning a luxury Black-owned boutique which will focus on embracing all body types and styles. She concludes, “My collections will also be very exclusive! The idea of wearing something nobody else has is a great feeling.”

Best piece of advice:

“Take care of yourself and stay true to yourself.”

- Comekia Island, Alexus’ mother

Name something about you that very few people know:

“I enjoy finding tasty recipes on TikTok that are worth the hype. My family normally judges my food with a smile!”

Brittney Frost

age: 35 | Lending Assistant | Guaranty Bank and Trust

As a lending assistant at Guaranty Bank and Trust, it is Brittney Frost’s responsibility to maintain the loan department’s files, prepare and review documents for loan closings, order required due diligence items, and work closely with title companies to ensure closing goes smoothly for customers. “I work closely with the loan officer to build and maintain positive relations with all customers and potential customers,” she explains.  “I chose my profession because I enjoy working closely with my customers to insure that we are meeting their financial needs and providing them excellent customer service.”

After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Agriculture Business from SAU, Brittney helped form two nonprofits in Texarkana and serves as vice president on the boards of both. In 2014, Brittney and a group of friends formed Friends for a Cause, a nonprofit organization that was originally formed to help cancer patients with expenses insurance would not cover. In 2020, Jade Bredenberg and Brittney formed Beyond the Badge of TXK. Since they are law enforcement wives, they formed this group where other wives and law enforcement supporters come together and support first responders.      

In 2018, Brittney was awarded the +1 Service Award. Awarded to a Guaranty Bank and Trust employee who consistently goes above and beyond to deliver an exceptional experience for their customers, whether internal or external, receiving this award is Brittney’s greatest professional accomplishment. She always strives to go above and beyond to help people both personally and professionally. 

In her spare time, Brittney enjoys spending time with her husband, Travis, and their two English bulldogs, riding with Travis on his motorcycle, and going on vacations. Spending time with friends is also fun for Brittney, as well as binge watching TV shows when she can. 

In the next 10 years, Brittney sees herself advancing in her career in banking while continuing to serve the community though Friends for a Cause and Beyond the Badge of TXK. 

Best piece of advice:

“Everyone has a purpose in life, and part of your purpose is giving back to others, whether it is in your community, church, job, school, or family.” – Brenda Raney, Brittney’s grandmother

Name something about you that very few people know:

“I have professionally trained and shown miniature horses since the age of 7 and made my final show at the age of 25. Over the years, I held the national champion title in open jumper with my horse, Fletcher.”

Amanda Lance

age: 37 | Director of Hempstead Hall & Workforce Development | University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana

Amanda Lance’s core values are community, family, and creativity.  Her mulfi-faceted career allows her to meet many people, provide positive experiences for others, and focus on people in the community who are leaders.  As the director of Hempstead Hall, she works to provide cultural experiences for the community.  “Through Workforce Development, I work with local agencies to provide world-class training to our region. Both aspects help to fulfill UAHT’s mission to provide quality life experiences and lifelong learning to our citizens,” she explains. “Everything I do through my roles at the college are because I want to see Hope and Texarkana continue to thrive. I want to be part of the group of people who are making this an area where a younger generation wants to live and continue to expand the legacy that’s been left to us.”

Through Amanda’s job, she feels fortunate to be part of LeadAR Class 19. This program runs through the UA Department of Agriculture and is one of the oldest leadership programs in Arkansas.  Classes travel around the state, nation, and world to learn about the challenges and accomplishments of each place the group visits. This two-year program has already allowed Amanda to grow significantly. 

Every week, Amanda also co-hosts a podcast, “Hope Grown,” with three friends: Jennifer Block, Jennifer Cunningham, and Lindsey Honea which features local happenings. They interview people in the community who are making things happen and casually discuss why these events are beneficial. 

Connecting with people, learning more about the Hope community, and helping connect dots for herself and others are near and dear to Amanda’s heart.  “I love that I have found a network of friends and family who truly enjoy giving back to our community and are up for whatever crazy idea I might throw at them (including writing/producing/directing two plays in 2020),” she mentions.

Amanda serves as a board member for the Southwest Arkansas Arts Council and is the corresponding secretary for the Junior Auxiliary of Hope.  She is president of the Hope Rotary Club and helped bring Hope USA.com to fruition.  This is an all-inclusive website for the county and features the Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development Corporation, the Tourism Commission, and a community calendar that informs visitors and residents alike of all that is happening in Hempstead County. “Since I am mostly located in Hope, the majority of my community involvement is centered in Hempstead County. But I could make the argument that a strong Hope benefits Texarkana at large because I believe we are all better together than we are apart. If we want the region to continue to grow, we have to individually make investments across the entire region,” Amanda says. 

Best piece of advice:

“We’ve got this.” – Lindsey Honea, Amanda’s friend and co-host

Name something about you that very few people know:

“Early in my twenties, I learned to team rope … not well by any means. But this is always a fun fact to pull out and watch people’s reactions because it’s so surprising to people who know me now! To me, it’s proof that we’re ever-evolving and anything can be fun or worthwhile if you give it a shot.”

Brittany Patton

age: 36 | Managing Partner | Ironwood Grill

Brittany Patton’s greatest professional accomplishment is becoming part owner of Ironwood Grill.  “I have put a lot of blood, sweat, and tears into that restaurant for the last 10 years,” she says.  “It was so nice to have the reward from all the hard work.”  

As a managing partner, Brittany oversees the front of the house staff at Ironwood and makes sure that the day-to-day operation flows smoothly.  “I also take care of the hiring and training of the staff,” she continues.  “I enjoy watching people grow and making long lasting relationships with the guests.”

For fun, Brittany and her family enjoy going to Dallas, visiting the zoo or aquarium, taking trips back to North Carolina to visit family, and going to the beach.  Her greatest personal accomplishment was graduating from college with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, and her best accomplishment, by far, is raising her three girls, Hadley, Ava, and Willow! 

“My husband, Paul, and I give back to Texarkana by giving to Toys for Tots every Christmas. We also are involved in giving to the Texarkana Baptist Children’s Home,” she explains.  “We enjoy giving to Walking for Williams because Williams has a special place in our hearts.”

Brittany looks forward to the future, watching her girls grow up, and enjoying more adventures with family.

Best piece of advice:

“Don’t be afraid to travel or do things because God has your time of birth and time of death so get on the plane because if you are not on the plane, it will come down and hit you.” –GertRude Doleiden, Brittany’s great-grandmother

Name something about you that very few people know:

“I moved to Texarkana on a whim. I had never visited or seen where we were going to be living, and I have been here 10 years now. I consider it home.”

Tara Droske

age: 34 | Kindergarten Teacher | Texarkana Independent School District – Morriss Elementary

Texarkana Independent School District’s Elementary Region 8 Teacher of the Year Tara Droske loves being a kindergarten teacher at Morriss Elementary.  “I truly believe that I am doing what the Lord has called me to do,” she says.  “I absolutely love instilling the love of learning into each and every child that enters my classroom.”

Completing her master’s degree, receiving National STEM certification, and being named the Elementary Region 8 Teacher of the Year are three of Tara’s greatest professional accomplishments.  She believes that a strong teacher is constantly learning, changing, growing, collaborating, engaging their students, building relationships, and growing leaders.  She considers herself a lifelong learner and is always willing to share her knowledge and experience with others.

Marrying her best friend and high school sweetheart, David, and having two children, Claire (7) and William (2), are Tara’s greatest personal achievements.  For fun, she enjoys spending time with her family, exercising, being outdoors, and shopping.

Tara serves on the Williams Memorial United Methodist Church school board, participates in local charity runs, mentors new TISD teachers, serves as a cooperating teacher through Texas A&M University-Texarkana, volunteers at many local events including Run The Line and Vacation Bible School, and serves on a number of committees within TISD.  Where does she see herself in 10 years?  “I  definitely see myself in the educational field,” she answers.   “I have a long-term goal of working in a role in which I can help teach and prepare new teachers.”

Best piece of advice:

“Hard work and respect toward others will get you far.” – Bernhard Stockmann, Tara’s father

Name something about you that very few people know:

“Anyone that knows me knows that I am an open book, but one fun fact about me that some people may not know is that I have completed several marathons and even ran a 50k Ultra Marathon!”

Katie Daniels

age: 20 | Technical Director | Hempstead Hall at UAHT

Katie Daniels is the technical director at a performing arts center in southwest Arkansas. Every day, she ensures that each event is prepped with perfection and carried out with ease to guarantee the best experience possible for Hempstead Hall’s clients. She explains her passion, “From an early age, I developed a passion for the work being done behind-the-scenes to put on concerts and shows. I became very close to many people who worked in those ‘behind-the-scenes’ positions and started following them around asking as many questions as I could think up,” she comments. “When I was about 14, I started really getting the hang of lighting. Since my dad was the music director for David Phelps, I would assist the head LDs (lighting designers) with their duties on those tours.  At 17, I became the head lighting designer on the David Phelps tour and stayed there until I was offered the technical director position at Hempstead Hall in 2020.” Since a lot of work is put in before, during, and after a show,  Katie’s desire is for those duties to be done with perfection so that each show is better than the last. If clients and customers are not happy, then she is not happy. Everything she does is to benefit Hempstead Hall and the community, and for clients to leave Hempstead Hall with a bigger smile than the one they had when they arrived. 

Katie enjoys being with family and friends, laughing and just enjoying others’ company. Although it might seem cliché, Katie absolutely loves watching films and series and traveling.  “Having already visited nearly all 50 states, I intend on now traveling to every country in Europe at some point in the near future!” she explains. “I’m a bit obsessed with fashion and all things clothes and shoes. My aim is to be fashionable, carry a consistent style, and not break the bank while doing so! You will find me in Goodwill and Plato’s Closet on a lot of my days off – and I use my Poshmark app just about daily.  Lastly, I am a football fanatic – and not the kind you think. Apparently, it’s called soccer in the U.S., but I’m sticking with football. I watch primarily the English Premier League, but also keep up with most of the European International competitions. My favorite football club is Manchester United with Chelsea FC being my second favorite.”

Even though she has never been much of a book lover or enjoyed reading for pleasure, Katie holds interest in quite a broad number of things. She has a deep connection to writing – stories, poems, screenplays, etc. She enjoys writing and directing short films, and writes her thoughts and memories down in a journal. (She even has a short film currently in the works.)  In 10 years, Katie hopes to be a full-time filmmaker, writing and directing feature films that will be entertaining, meaningful, and valued.

Best piece of advice:

“You can do anything if you have the want to and the willingness to work for it.” — Jack E. Daniels, Katie’s father

Name something about you that very few people know:

“I am very intrigued by abandoned places. I love exploring them and scouting the ones in my area out. I watch a lot of YouTube videos on urban exploration. My favorite channel is ‘Broken Window Theory,’ which is a small group of guys based in Germany that travel across eastern Europe and explore beautiful, abandoned places! I love this channel because not only is it aesthetically pleasing to watch due to professional cinematography, videography, and editing, but BWT gives a detailed but brief history on the place they’re exploring, and it makes it that much more interesting.”

Danielle Anderson,RN

age: 38 | Registered Nurse – Nursing Supervisor | Hospice of Texarkana, Inc.

Danielle Anderson is a hospice nurse. In 2009, she heard that Hospice of Texarkana was looking for a PRN RN and decided to check it out. After only three short months working PRN for Hospice, she knew this was where her heart for nursing would remain. During March of 2009 a full-time position became available and Danielle started as a case manager, later becoming an admissions nurse, followed by Hospice aide supervisor, and now a nursing supervisor for the home care staff. “Although my first love is providing hands-on nursing care, I truly love supervising the amazing nurses and aides at Hospice of Texarkana,” she explains. “Each staff member brings something different to my life, and I am blessed to work with the best. They have been a huge support to me throughout trials in my life and are like family to me. Other than supervising the field staff, I also work hard on helping our organizations stay within our benchmarking goals. Most of my day is spent working on nurse schedules, talking with patients and caregivers, triaging calls that come to our office, and reviewing medications, medical equipment, and supplies for each patient. I attend family meetings when needed and also fill in to help with visits and admissions as needed. It is a team effort, and I continue to learn and grow as a Hospice nurse and supervisor each day.”

Working her way from the ground up to becoming a supervisor at Hospice of Texarkana is likely Danielle’s greatest professional accomplishment. She has become well-versed in the Hospice field and is able to have difficult conversations while showing sincere compassion during some of the most difficult times for patients and caregivers. She also has a goal of becoming palliative care certified in the next three years to help broaden her knowledge in Hospice care.

Whether escaping to the Ouachita Mountains, trail riding on side-by-sides, finding new zoos, riding go-carts, or lounging at the river, Danielle and her close-knit family love to take in the beautiful outdoors that Arkansas has to offer.  “Although this sounds a bit sappy, my biggest personal accomplishment is being a wife to Josh, mom to Victoria, Jaxon, Olivia, and Jakob, and working a full-time job. I try very hard to keep a work/life balance and ensure that my family knows how high of a priority they are to me, while still striving to be a strong leader at Hospice of Texarkana,” she says, proudly.  “Our children are active in sports and extracurricular activities, and I pride myself on being present for every event to show my support to them. In the event that I do have scheduling conflicts that prevent me from attending an event, our extended family including grandparents, great grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, step in to fill the gap. In short, I would say my family knowing they are so loved and supported is my greatest personal accomplishment. And I’m forever grateful to be in a position to have a growing career while still being completely present in my family’s life.”

Best piece of advice:

“You are too blessed to be depressed.” – Danny Taylor, Danielle’s father

Name something about you that very few people know:

“I share my birthday with my 10-year-old son, Jaxon. We were both born on April 11, and our time of birth is only seven minutes apart. We were also both delivered by the same doctor, just 28 years apart. We also share our birthday with my husband’s grandfather and our niece, who was actually born the exact same day as our son, Jaxon.”

Katey Neal

age: 30 | Marketing Assistant/IT | Red River Home (includes Ashley Furniture, Four States Furniture and America’s Mattress)

“I work in the marketing department for Red River Home including: Ashley Furniture, Four States Furniture, and America’s Mattress,” Katey says. “I manage all of our social media accounts, digital design work and IT, working with each department to ensure their tools in the field are operating efficiently.”

Katey’s greatest professional accomplishment was owning her own business, a dance studio in Fouke, Arkansas.  Dancing has been a passion of Katey’s since she was young, and fulfilling such an amazing dream was incredible for her.  Through that endeavor, Katey actually found her love of digital marketing which brought her to where she is today.  

Being a wife to Greg and mother to two daughters, Aubrey and Olivia, is Katey’s greatest personal achievement.  “Being a mother to two beautiful girls makes everything 10 times better,” she admits.  Binge watching shows she’s already watched and going out for sushi are fun activities that Katey enjoys doing in her spare time.

Supporting communities, including Texarkana, Sherman, Texas, Paris, Texas, Greenville, Texas, and Hope, Arkansas, is a top priority for Red River Home. “Through Hope to Dream, Ashley HomeStores donates a portion of the mattress sales to Hope to Dream to provide children with a twin mattress, bedframe, bedding and pillow,” Katey explains.  “We have also provided in-kind donations for several organizations including: Habitat for Humanity, CASA, Special Olympics, For the Sake of One, and Master Key Ministries, just a name a few.

“I remember just 10 years ago wondering where I would be,” Katey recalls.  “Looking back, I have accomplished and overcome so much. I only see thriving from here on out and doing big things in my life. Marketing is such a passion of mine, and I most definitely will be continuing on with this [career] in 10 years.”

Best piece of advice:

“Every day is a new beginning.” — Martha Long, Katey’s grandmother

Name something about you that very few people know:

“One of my favorite snacks is peanut butter sandwiches with Dorito chips inside.”

Kasey Coggin, Ed.D.

age: 32 | Allied Health Coordinator | Texarkana College

Kasey Coggin, Ed.D., has served as a public educator for the last decade.  She is passionate about ensuring students are successful. “It is my goal to identify and provide resources needed for each and every student. Previously, in my role as elementary principal, I proudly worked with dedicated teachers and young learners,” she explains.  “In my new role in the Community and Business Education Department at Texarkana College, I have the opportunity to work with adult learners and help them begin or continue an opportunity that positively impacts their future. It is so inspirational to see these students have the courage to set sail on a new journey.”

A true labor of love, writing a dissertation from start to finish is Kasey’s greatest professional accomplishment. The process associated with writing a dissertation provides great opportunity for learning, but it also requires an incredible amount of commitment. Kasey is not only grateful for the completion of the doctoral program at Texas A&M University-Texarkana in 2019, but she also hopes it inspires others to chase their dreams. She remarks, “I truly believe everyone is capable of so much more than they realize.”

Kasey is married to Cody, and they have a 3-year-old son, Caylor.  Being a mother is high on the list of priorities for Kasey.  “As an educator, I have been afforded the opportunity to see the positive impact parental involvement has on a child’s life. I strive to provide the love and attention that Caylor needs, but I definitely make mistakes along the way!” she explains.  “I’m also pretty proud of running a Boston qualifying marathon time at the Houston Marathon with my friend, Cylas, in January of 2020 after months of commitment and hard work.”

Serving as the director of Kids Run the Line Too for Partnership for the Pathway allows Kasey to combine her love for running and children into one event.  She is also an active member of Women for A&M Texarkana and a recent graduate of Leadership Texarkana.  This year, she is looking forward to serving on the Today’s Youth - Tomorrow’s Leaders committee to continue preparing Texarkana youth to lead us to an even brighter future.

Best piece of advice:

“Stay true to yourself and always trust the path.” — Robin Hickerson, Kasey’s dear friend and mentor

Name something about you that very few people know:

“I have never taken a ballet class in my life, but I’ve always been able to pointe my toes like a professional ballerina. Maybe it will come in handy some day!”

Patrick Dodd

age: 29 | Financial Advisor | Edward Jones

As an Edward Jones financial advisor, Patrick Dodd works closely with his clients to help guide them toward retirement, college planning, provide estate considerations, or review other goals they want to achieve so that they can enjoy what is most important to them and their family.  “I was raised in an environment where finances took a back seat and were stretched paycheck to paycheck. I remember telling myself that when I go to a restaurant, I don’t want to look at the price. I want to order what I want,” he remembers.  “During and after college, I was introduced to the financial side of things and realized at an early age how important it was to have a plan. So I made a mission to have my own practice so that I could coach and lead my clients to their vision of financial freedom. I do what I do to help my clients improve their quality of life for them and their family.”

Patrick was the first in his family to graduate from a university with a four-year degree.  He worked two-three jobs to pay for college and graduate debt-free while attending college full-time.  

Patrick admits that “being a dad is one of the best feelings in the world.”  He and his wife, Sarah, have a 3-year-old daughter, Adeline, and a 7-month-old daughter, Ada Blake.  Their family enjoys traveling to different places, and Patrick likes to hunt, as well.  Currently, Patrick is a member of Greater Texarkana Young Professionals, the Texarkana USA Regional Chamber of Commerce, and Gideons International.

 When pondering what he sees himself doing in 10 years, Patrick replies, “That is a good question.  I always ask my clients that question, but I never ask myself.  In 10 years, my plan is to still be in Texarkana, continuing to build my practice with Edward Jones, while hanging on for dear life to my two little girls because they will be trying to grow up on me.”

Best piece of advice:

“Son, can’t never could, and won’t never will.” Leroy Jones, Patrick’s grandfather

Name something about you that very few people know:

“I am not sure how it happened, but from time to time, I will have a church or a pastor call me and ask me to fill in and preach for them while they are away on vacation or without a pastor. I really enjoy it, and I am sure a lot people don’t know that about me.”

Jay Castle, DDS

age: 32 | General Dentist | CEO, Castle Family Dental

As a general dentist in the Texarkana community, Dr. Jay Castle loves enabling patients to be confident in their smiles. Whether it’s a small cosmetic procedure or a full oral reconstruction case, he enjoys making things better than before for his patients.

Dr. Castle and his wife, Bethany, bought Dr. Richard Gibson’s dental practice in 2018.  “Taking the risk and employing the effort to own and operate my own family practice at the age of 29 was my greatest professional accomplishment,” Jay explains.  “We have been fortunate to grow every year through our patients referring their friends and family.”

While he has been in school the majority of his life and has worked hard every week since, God has provided Jay with a strong, supportive wife and 5-year-old son, Brody.  This is his greatest personal achievement.  “Those two are always here for me and make me a better person,” he says.

For fun, Dr. Castle enjoys fishing, hunting, and spending time on Lake Greeson with his family.  As a proud member of the University of Arkansas alumni, he also keeps up with all things relating to the Razorbacks.  He loves working with organizations in the Texarkana community that benefit veterans and people with disabilities.  He provides donations and sponsorships to several nonprofit organizations and donates to many Texarkana area schools.  

In 10 years, Jay wants to grow throughout the community and also throughout his practice. He also looks forward to expanding relationships in the community and adding on to his practice while still maintaining the family feel.

Best piece of advice:

“Don’t worry about what everyone else is doing, just worry about what you’re doing.” – Dr. Torin Marracino

Name something about you that very few people know:

“Not only does everyone not know that the University of Arkansas has a bass fishing team, but I was on it!”

JasonFreeman

age: 38 | Irrigation and Hardscape Supervisor | Freeman Landscape

Jason Freeman designs and installs drainage, pavers, koi ponds, and irrigation systems for both commercial and residential locations for his family’s business, Freeman Landscape.  “Starting at the age of 16, I have always loved my craft, and I strive to be the best that I can be,” he mentions.  “I enjoy seeing my customers satisfied and happy with their new yard and outdoor living area as the end result.  Building things with my hands and being able to use my talents and creativity to provide enjoyment for others is very fulfilling to me.”

Jason takes pride in being known as a leader in the landscaping industry, specifically with koi ponds, drainage, irrigation, and hardscapes.  A licensed irrigator and licensed pesticide applicator, Jason is also certified in landscape lighting. “I dedicate a lot of my time continuing to learn how to improve my craft in order to continue growing and remaining as knowledgeable as I can regarding the outdoor industry,” he says.

Some of Jason’s greatest personal accomplishments include being a husband to wife, Kristen, and a father to three children, Kaitlyn, Jude, and Moriah. “Our oldest daughter, Kaitlyn, recently graduated from Pleasant Grove High School,” he says proudly. “If you have a teenager, you know how big of an accomplishment raising them can be!”  Jason also lost over 100 pounds last year. Regaining his health has really helped him see things from a different perspective, as well as provide him with the opportunity to accomplish even more things in life.

Throughout the years, Jason has taught classes for the Master Gardeners and was featured on a television show on a local channel informing others how to grow gardens organically by brewing compost teams.  He enjoys sharing his knowledge with others in order to help provide information that will help beautify the community.  In the near future, he will also be helping with some classes at Arkansas High School in their greenhouses to teach students how to grow plants and care for them successfully.  

As for the future, Jason hopes to be continuing to help beautify Texarkana and surrounding areas through landscaping and outdoor living. “It is always a joy to drive around town and see the projects we’ve worked on maturing and providing a more welcoming and scenic environment,” he explains. “Our family business has grown tremendously throughout the years, and I look forward to playing a big role in continuing to improve and grow our landscaping and outdoor living business in the future.” 

Best piece of advice:

“If you don’t know where you’re going, you’ll end up someplace else.” – Yogi Berra

Name something about you that very few people know:

“I love to play guitar with my oldest daughter while doing small gigs around town. Deep down, I’d still love to be a rock star!”

Holly Cunningham,DC

age: 33 | Chiropractor/Owner | Border City Chiropractic

“Professionally, I am most proud of fulfilling my dream of creating a thriving female-owned business in the town where I was raised,” states Dr. Holly Cunningham.  “I love being a small business owner in Texarkana!”  As a wellness chiropractor who can treat the entire family, Holly uses her expertise aligning the spine so that people’s bodies embrace their innate ability to heal.   

“I truly believe every person has a calling for what they are supposed to do in life. I feel so honored that I was called to be a chiropractor. I’ve made lifelong friends along my journey to becoming a chiropractor.  Now with a practice of my own, I get to interact with and help so many amazing people of diverse backgrounds,” she acknowledges. “My clients include pregnant women, babies (my youngest patient so far was 1 day old), local area student athletes, and our seniors.”

As an adjunct science faculty member at the University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana, Holly has enjoyed being a part of her students’ learning journeys. She has worked with UAHT for the past four years teaching human anatomy which is one of the main classes students must pass before being accepted into the nursing program. 

Holly also provides chiropractic services through an organization she founded, Hands For Life. This nonprofit gives others in the Texarkana community an opportunity to see if chiropractic care is right for them. Police officers, firefighters, and other first responders are a vital part of our community and have always been important to Holly, so she makes a point to keep her office hours very flexible in order to accommodate hours that are best for these vital service workers.

Traveling and exploring new places are two things that Holly enjoys doing for fun.  She is currently planning a trip to Antarctica next year and admits that she is a frequent visitor to Walt Disney World (she used to work there).  What does Holly look forward to in the future?  “I hope to continue growing my practice and helping to better the city of Texarkana – one spine at a time!”

Best piece of advice:

“Never throw anything away; you never know when you might need it later.” -Willard Bryant, Holly’s grandfather

Name something about you that very few people know:

“I have a twin brother; we were born on Christmas Day, hence my name: Holly!”

Esteban Ochoa

age: 39 | Owner | SmartPhone EMT

Outgoing and friendly, Esteban Ochoa, also known as E.O., is the owner of SmartPhone EMT and stays busy repairing cell phones, computers, tablets, etc.  “I have always enjoyed sales, and I like interacting with people,” he explains.  “My love of sales started back in elementary school while selling chocolate bars.  I’ve sold Cutco knives door-to-door and worked at RadioShack selling car stereos and cell phones.”

E.O. taught himself how to repair cell phones by working on broken ones brought in to RadioShack.  He then decided to open his own cell phone repair store. “The first year required me to stay alone in the back of the store during the week.  I only saw my family on the weekends,” he explains. “Now, I have a successful business that allows me to help support my family and allows me to give my coworkers an opportunity to help raise their families.” 

Being able to overcome adversity in his life is E.O.’s greatest personal achievement.  “I went from not having my mom or my dad around to having my own family,” he says, proudly.  “I am so glad that I didn’t end up going down the wrong path in life. I love being a dad to Alexander and Natalie, and husband to Tabitha.” 

E.O. enjoys creating memories with his family and friends, coaching and playing soccer, being around people, playing fantasy football, and playing poker.  He loves giving back to his community whether participating in Haircuts for the Homeless, donating to local schools, supporting local businesses, or volunteering his time to coach soccer.  

Looking toward the future, E.O. sees himself selling real estate, continuing to make memories with his wife and children, finishing up Samaritan Fields Soccer Complex, helping the community in any way needed, and starting other business ventures.

Best piece of advice:

“The only way to do great work is to love what you do.”

• Steve Jobs

Name something about you that very few people know:

“I was sprayed by a skunk at 16 while running during cross country practice.”

Ashley Aylett, Ed.D., MBA

age: 36 | Vice Chancellor for Academics | University of Arkansas Cossatot

As the Vice Chancellor for Academics, Dr. Ashley Aylett oversees so many facets of University of Arkansas Cossatot’s educational programs, especially many of the “behind-the-scenes” components of education. “A major part of what I do is work to develop new programs, ways to attract students, and partnerships to benefit current and potential students,” she describes. “As a community college, we serve such a diverse population – high school students, non-traditional students returning to education, students starting with us before transferring, and students working toward a technical skill set. I absolutely love helping students in working toward their dream! Our commencement ceremonies are always such an emotional and joyful time for me. It’s so fulfilling to watch students as they reach that milestone and walk across the stage in front of their support group. As a smaller institution, we have the ability to know the majority of our students and their personal journeys, and that makes it even more special!”

Ashley’s family is her greatest personal accomplishment.  She and her husband, Wes, have two children, Adalie and Cash.  “I am extremely proud of my husband and both of our children,” she says.  “I’ve been blessed with a support system that allows me to balance a professional career and being a mother.”   As a family, the Ayletts spend their summers on Lake Greeson and are avid UA Razorback fans.  She loves taking adventures with her family, spending time on her family’s farm, landscaping, and exercising.  

 Earning a doctorate in Community College Leadership and being selected the Outstanding Doctoral Student for the program at the University of Arkansas serves as Ashley’s greatest professional achievement. Although it was time-consuming and not the most enjoyable journey for her, after defending her dissertation and being welcomed back to the room as Dr. Aylett, Ashley knew that her educational milestone was something that she would treasure forever.

Helping out in the community is important to Ashley.  She is involved in Rotary Club and serves on the Little River Chamber board and the Ashdown PTO.  She says, “My main contribution is developing and building partnerships that benefit the future workforce pipeline.

“I try not to think too much about 10 years from now because both of my children will be in college or starting college,” Ashley concludes. “However, I do hope that I’m still making a difference in higher education.”

Best piece of advice:

“You don’t need good luck. you make your luck.” – Bruce Flemens, Ashley’s father

Name something about you that very few people know:

“I love ‘Little House on the Prairie.’ A couple of years ago, my daughter and I read the entire series and then traveled to Laura Ingalls-Wilder’s home/farm. It was the BEST trip!”

Cole Riddell, JD

age: 29 | Attorney | Haltom & Doan

“Marrying my high school sweetheart, Shane, and moving back home to Texarkana to start our family is my greatest personal accomplishment,” Cole Riddell admits.  “We were both raised in this town, and I can’t think of a better place to raise our daughter (due in November).”

Graduating from law school with honors and passing the bar exam in Texas and Arkansas is Cole’s greatest professional achievement. As an attorney with Halton & Doan, Cole’s law practice includes a wide range of civil litigation, primarily business and commercial litigation, patent litigation, and trademark litigation throughout state and federal courts in Texas and Arkansas. “From a young age, I knew that I wanted to be an attorney,” he says.  “I thoroughly enjoy being an advocate for my clients, in and out of the courtroom.”

Cole is actively involved in the Texarkana Bar as a member of the Texarkana Bar Association and president of the Texarkana Young Lawyers Association.  He is a 2019 graduate of Leadership Texarkana and is constantly looking for ways to advocate for Texarkana and embrace the riches that the community has to offer.  He was elected as the vice president of the Men’s Golf Association at Northridge Country Club in 2020. Since then, he has worked with members and staff at Northridge to increase membership and participation at various events there.  He also supports Pleasant Grove Independent School District, Clay’s Golf and Guitars, Texarkana Symphony Orchestra, For the Sake of One, Temple Memorial Pediatric Center, and the Texarkana Children Charities Open.

For fun, Cole enjoys travelling with his wife and playing golf.  He looks forward to continuing to practice law in Texarkana in the future, and coaching a Little League baseball or softball team on the side.

Best piece of advice:

“Always assume the other side is better than you.” – Jennifer Doan, Cole’s boss

Name something about you that very few people know:

“I survived a hot air balloon crash-landing as a kid. Many years ago, my closest friend (Jackson Tidwell) and I had the opportunity to ride in one of the balloons in town for a festival at the Four States Fairgrounds. Our pilot missed our scheduled landing spot, and he was forced to crash the balloon into a field before we hit the Red River. Other than a few scrapes and bruises, that crash-landing has given us one of the best ‘icebreaker’ stories to tell for years to come.”