The Guardians

Heath Oakley – Chair

Heath Oakley is a graduate from the University of Central Arkansas with a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration. Post-graduation, he worked as the campaign manager for Justice Karen Baker followed by environmental consulting work with CTEH, Center for Toxicology and Environmental Health. He worked in medical sales for nine years, traveling throughout the country establishing and maintaining key accounts.

Currently, he’s a Client Success Manager working with school districts across the country at the EdTEch, Apptegy. Outside of work he enjoys cooking, traveling, and volunteering.

Chloé Smith – Vice-Chair

Chloé Smith was born and raised in Little Rock, Arkansas. She became involved with Easterseals Arkansas at the ripe age of three, when her mom began working for the organization and Chloé eagerly followed along. From participating with friends in Rollin’ on the River to volunteering at nearly every program Easterseals Arkansas has operated, to having one of her first jobs at Easterseals Arkansas Children’s Rehabilitation Center, this organization has always held a special place in Chloé’s heart.

After earning two degrees and accomplishing a lifelong dream of being a professional dancer for an international entertainment company, Chloé returned to Arkansas to pursue new endeavors and spend more time with her family.

Chloé serves as the Director of Admissions, Communications, and Events at Arkansas School for the Deaf. Ever eager to continue supporting Easterseals Arkansas, Chloé joined the Guardians in 2022 and currently serves as the Service Project Chair.

In the in-between moments, Chloé loves trying local restaurants with friends, running around with her nephews and family, and reading as many books as she can get her hands on.

Brittany Keil – Service Chair

Brittany Keil is a writer, and researcher with SchoolCEO, a magazine dedicated to helping school leaders take control of how their communities think and feel about their districts.

Prior to working as a writer full-time, Brittany taught English and Special Education for eight years in Arkansas and in Washington, D.C. Brittany has worked in educational advocacy for her entire career and is passionate about equity and fighting for communities in which all families can thrive. Brittany is an alumna of Johns Hopkins University, the University of Central Arkansas, and is a former Fulbright Scholar.

In her spare time, Brittany enjoys reading, spending time outdoors, and showing her daughter, Rosemary, just how wonderful our world can be.

Arpan Agrawal

Arpan Agrawal, Delivery Leader for New Business Innovation at Deloitte, is the dynamic force behind CortexAI, the company’s platform for AI, analytics, and data solutions. A Computer Engineering graduate of the University of Arkansas with a 15-year rich career, he also started a local real estate investment firm called 3A Real Estate Investments.

Passionate about community service, Arpan, alongside his wife and daughter, advocates for numerous nonprofits, including Easterseals Arkansas. The family’s kindness extends to their trio of rescued dogs Zoey, Louie, and Coco, embracing them as cherished family members.

Alex Bennett

Alex Bennett is a commercial real estate broker at Cushman & Wakefield | Sage Partners’ Central Arkansas office, where he specializes in assisting clients with buying, selling, and leasing retail commercial properties and land intended for ground-up, retail developments. He graduated from the University of Arkansas in 2012 and holds a Master of Business Administration from the UALR College of Business, and a law degree from UALR Bowen School of Law. Alex also maintains an active license to practice law in the State of Arkansas.

Alex’s encouragement to become more involved with Easterseals was influenced by his younger brother with Down Syndrome, Zachary Bennett, who is involved and an active participant in Easterseals’ new and innovative Roommate Housing Program which empowers adults with disabilities to live more independently in the community with other roommates in 2023. 

Alex is married to his best friend and beautiful wife, Nicole, and together they are the proud and loving parents of their soon-to-be first-born son, Cole Alexander Bennett (Expected May 21, 2024), and their beautiful 12-year-old yellow labrador, Cooper. He is also actively involved with ACCESS in Action and Christ Community Church in Little Rock.

Amy Byford

Amy Byford, a dedicated Financial Advisor at Edward Jones, has been empowering individuals to safeguard their financial futures. Rooted in Little Rock with her husband and two sons, she immerses herself in the community. She has been involved on the committee for the Easterseals fashion event and has served as chair and co-chair. Every year she is also involved in a canned food drive for Easterseals Center for Training & Wellness.

Amy has also been a Rotary International member. Outside of work, she cherishes the rich outdoor experiences Little Rock offers, including biking and exploring River Valley trails.

Chase Cain

Hailing from Little Rock, Chase Cain amplifies the healthcare sector as a Clinical Pharmacist at Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield and an Advisor at PatchRx. A University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences alumnus, his journey has seen him leading projects at Walgreens’ corporate headquarters. When he’s not navigating the corporate healthcare landscape, Chase rejuvenates through family time, travels, and supporting Razorbacks sports.

Jamie Lynn Jones

Jamie Lynn Jones is a seasoned hair and makeup artist based in Little Rock, Arkansas, with over a decade of experience. Beginning her career in retail cosmetics in 2009, she quickly advanced to become a licensed cosmetologist and Muse Beauty Pro certified artist. Jamie’s expertise extends to published works, social media, global ad campaigns, and TV & film, including projects for PBS, Lifetime, and the films “Violent Ends (II)” and “Good Time Charley.”

Beyond her professional life, Jamie is a fitness enthusiast who enjoys playing sports and going on outdoor adventures with her son, Owen. She also loves cooking, reading, painting, and being actively involved in the local arts community. Jamie is has served on the Easterseals Arkansas Guardians Board since 2021 and has been involved in various event committees for over seven years.

Jake Keet

Jake Keet, a proud native of Little Rock, Arkansas, and a Florida State University alumnus, is a pillar in the culinary landscape of Arkansas. Having pioneered Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe in the region, his endeavors have blossomed to feature several dining establishments, including the cherished Petit and Keet Neighborhood Bar and Grill. At home, he is a doting husband and a father, cherishing blissful moments with his family.

JC Keeton

Balancing the financial tapestry at Simmons Bank as the SVP Controller, JC Keeton brings his mastery in accounting from prestigious Arkansas institutions into play. His service extends to the educational sphere, working with the Guardians, the University of Arkansas Little Rock School of Business, and being a notable member of The Hat Club of Little Rock.

SaraCate Moery

Attorney SaraCate Moery champions individual rights at Hilburn & Harper, Ltd., specializing in family law and estate planning. A University of Arkansas graduate, her commitment extends beyond her legal profession to serve on various organizations including the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. SaraCate cherishes lake visits, tennis matches, and family moments in Little Rock with her husband, daughter, and two beloved dogs.

Sarah Olds

Sarah Olds is the Vice President of Product at iProv, LLC, where she oversees the Production Department. She is responsible for enhancing product development, service offerings, and innovating within the project management system. Sarah holds a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, and her adept storytelling abilities significantly contribute to her strategic and creative endeavors at work.

Outside of her professional life, Sarah is a dedicated mother to her daughter Everleigh Rae and dog lover to her two cocker spaniels. She is enthusiastic about fitness—currently, her go-to is pilates, fantasy adventures both within the pages and on the screen, and live music. Spending time with friends and family is also of importance. She actively volunteers with local organizations such as the Junior League and CareLink, as well as events involving literacy, the Library system, and Sexual Assault Awareness. Sarah is committed to fostering a spirit of community involvement and creativity in her daughter from a young age.

She is deeply committed to her personal and professional growth, aspiring to continue advancing in her career while simultaneously contributing to the community.

Katrinka Shields

Katrinka Shields is a University of Central Arkansas graduate flourishing in the Human Resources sector. Now Vice President of Talent Development & Administration with The Stephens Group, her vast expertise spans numerous industries.

At the same time, Katrinka juggles her demanding career with a role as Vice President of Communications at the Central Arkansas Human Resources Association. Beyond the professional realm, she savors quality time with her family and her Goldendoodle, Oliver, coupled with a penchant for delightful queso.

Jacob Spears

Jacob Spears leverages a rich background spanning the construction and oil industries. Driven by personal ties to the disability community, Jacob champions the Easterseals mission with fervent dedication, a journey that saw him join the Guardians Board in 2019.

Beyond professional pursuits, he enjoys family life in Ferndale and actively contributes to the Catholic High Young Alumni Board and the Little Rock Hat Club.

Juli Summitt

A Paragould native, Juli Summitt transformed her passion for hairstyling into a flourishing career in Little Rock, currently leading the Red Beauty Lounge with her talents. Since 2016, Juli has been shaping industry trends as an ASK Educator for Schwarzkopf Professional.

Her involvement with Easterseals began in 2014, bringing glamour to the Easterseals Fashion Event. Away from the styling chair, she indulges in culinary adventures and remodeling her dream home.

Nate and Abby Talley

Nate and Abby Talley, high school sweethearts and accomplished CPAs, both foster deep connections to Little Rock. Nate, an audit partner at Erwin & Company, built a notable academic record before diving into his current role. Abby ventured from hospitality management to becoming a skilled pastry chef, later pivoting to a career in accountancy, and now manages Accounting and Finance at Travel Nurse Across America.

Driven closer to the Easterseals community through their daughter Collins’ cerebral palsy diagnosis, the couple actively engages in the organization’s initiatives and their local church’s early childcare program.

Dalaney Thomas

Dalaney Thomas, currently the youngest board member at CJRW, navigates strategic marketing and advertising plans for Arkansas Tourism and Oaklawn as a Senior Account Manager. She has also been recognized in the Arkansas Business 20 in their 20s list (2019) and as one of Arkansas Money and Politics’ Top 100 Professionals (2022).

Her commitment to aiding individuals with disabilities traces back to her high school years as a regular volunteer for these causes. Currently, Dalaney shares her home with her husband Robert, and their cherished lab, Arrow.