At Easterseals Arkansas, the heartbeat of our mission lies in the dedication of our incredible team members. This week, we are proud to introduce Kathryn Norton, Development Manager on the Development & Marketing team. She is one of the many people who go above and beyond each day to help individuals with disabilities lead more independent and fulfilled lives.
From Volunteer to Staff: A 15-Year Journey
Kathryn’s connection to Easterseals Arkansas began more than 15 years ago when she joined the young professionals board—now known as the Guardians—as a passionate volunteer. For five years, she rallied supporters at signature events like The Fashion Event and Art & Soul, pouring her heart into the mission long before it became her career.
With a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies from Arkansas State University and experience in pharmaceutical sales, Kathryn longed for work that felt more meaningful. When the opportunity arose to join Easterseals as staff, she didn’t hesitate.
This January marks a tremendous milestone: ten years of dedicated service to advancing the Easterseals mission. “I wanted work that connected me to something bigger, something that truly mattered,” she reflects.
For Kathryn, Easterseals was always a natural fit. Growing up in Pine Bluff, she watched her mother serve as a speech and language pathologist, while her parents were actively involved in community and church programs—participating in fundraisers, supporting neighbors, and demonstrating what service truly looks like. That upbringing instilled in her a deep and lasting sense of purpose.
The One Who “Makes It Pretty”
Kathryn’s talent for bringing ideas to life shines in every event she plans. Whether coordinating catering menus, selecting linens, designing centerpieces, or fine-tuning a theme, her colleagues affectionately credit her with “making it pretty.”
But her contributions reach far beyond aesthetics. Kathryn is known for her reliability, her willingness to step in anywhere she’s needed, and her ability to transform events into meaningful experiences. She supports the Easterseals mission by rallying volunteers for fundraising committees, connecting families and donors, and infusing every gathering with warmth and purpose.
Her blend of creativity, organization, marketing savvy, and genuine care inspires those around her to do their best work. With Kathryn, an event becomes more than a moment—it becomes a memory.
Life Beyond Events: Family Time, Yoga, & Tru Fru
Outside the office, Kathryn cherishes life’s simple joys. You’ll often find her enjoying quiet moments with her dog, Henry, or picking up her niece, Abby, from school and catching up on the latest “tea” of teenage life. Those after-school chats, shared laughs, and cuddles remind her what truly matters: connection, presence, and love.
She’s a dedicated yogi who finds balance and grounding on her mat. She lives for pool and lake days in the summer with family and friends, soaking up sunshine and good company. Kathryn also looks forward to the fun church events and lunches at Trinity Presbyterian Church, where she serves on the Fellowship Committee, continuing her lifelong commitment to community.
At home, she enjoys cooking, and loves taking on organization and decorating projects that let her creativity flow. And if you really want to make Kathryn smile? Offer her a bag of Tru Fru’s chocolate-covered strawberries—a personal favorite.
A Legacy of Heart and Connection
Kathryn hopes to be remembered as someone with a big heart who brought people together:
“I want people to remember that every occasion was special, and that compassion and purpose mattered in everything we did.”
Whether she’s transforming a ballroom for a gala, encouraging a colleague through a tough day, or inspiring volunteers toward a shared goal, Kathryn Norton leads with warmth, creativity, and unwavering commitment. Her ability to uplift others and connect people to purpose continues to strengthen the Easterseals community every day.
Thank you, Kathryn!
Easterseals Arkansas thrives because of people like Kathryn Norton, professionals who combine knowledge with heart and expertise with empathy.
Want To Create A World of Possibilities? Join Our Team!
Connect with this story? Consider this your sign. We at Easterseals Arkansas invite you to be a part of something bigger. Whether you're a therapist, educator, or just passionate about helping others, this may be the perfect place for you to not only grow your career but make a meaningful difference.
Opportunities are available now. Together, we can create a world of possibilities; one voice, one breakthrough, one person at a time.
