Janet Loan grew up in Liberty City, a small rural community in East Texas just outside of Kilgore, which bills itself as the home of the "World's Richest Acre." These days, she's been putting down roots in Central Arkansas since 2021, channeling that same East Texas work ethic into a role she was made for.
As an Administrative Assistant II in the Center for Training and Wellness, Janet is only two months into her Easterseals Arkansas journey. She's bringing a decade of community-focused experience with her. Her background spans education, outreach, advocacy, and substance abuse prevention, and her credentials reflect it: 82 credit hours toward a teaching degree, plus certifications in substance abuse prevention and Medicare/Medicaid education.
Why Easterseals Arkansas?
For Janet, the decision was about alignment. "Easterseals' commitment to empowering people and creating opportunities for independence and well-being made it an organization I was excited to be part of," she says. She's spent her career connecting individuals with resources, amplifying underserved voices, and showing up wherever the work needed to be done. Joining an organization built around exactly that felt like the right next chapter.
The Kind of Colleague Everyone Wants
Ask the people who've worked alongside Janet, and they'll tell you: she's the one who stays calm when things get hectic, keeps every plate spinning without dropping one, and genuinely cares about getting people the help they need. She describes her approach to problem-solving simply. Explore every available option until you find the right answer. "I am persistent," she says, and her track record backs it up.
Her organizational strengths and steady-under-pressure demeanor make her a natural fit for a fast-moving environment. But what really sets her apart is something harder to teach. "I believe everyone deserves kindness, compassion, and the opportunity to be seen for who they are." That philosophy doesn't clock out at 5:00.
Outside the Office
When she's not at work, Janet is usually outdoors or plotting her next travel adventure. She finds that both nature and new places give her perspective and energy, the kind of recharge that lets her keep showing up fully for the people around her. She's also deeply rooted in her faith, active in her church community, and, by her own admission, completely fueled by coffee.
Her most unexpectedly charming quality? Janet can sing along to almost any song, word for word, without having the faintest idea who recorded it or what it's called. "I know the lyrics, not the labels," she says. It's the kind of fun fact that says a lot about a person. She's present, she's paying attention, and she's in it for what actually matters.
What She Hopes to Leave Behind
Janet's legacy goal is straightforward and deeply human: "I would like to be remembered as someone who loved others unconditionally, regardless of their background or circumstances." At Easterseals Arkansas, that's not just a personal value. It's a perfect fit.
About the Center for Training and Wellness
The Center for Training and Wellness is a day program on Cantrell Road in Little Rock where adults with disabilities or developmental delays can build friendships, develop new skills, and connect with real employment opportunities. For many participants, it serves as a positive bridge from high school into adult life.
Programs at the Center include job training and placement, physical and occupational therapy, speech therapy, health and nutrition coaching, fitness, cooking, art, music, a technology lab, and the Be Well and Thrive wellness program. The Center also partners with UAMS to provide on-site doctor visits, so participants can get the care they need without the added stress of navigating multiple providers.
If you or someone you know could benefit from these services, call (501) 367-1200 or visit eastersealsar.com to learn more.
