Staff
Audrey Zavaleta
Executive Director
Audrey Zavaleta graduated from the University of Arkansas with a Bachelor’s in Sociology. She was introduced to the non-profit world through the AmeriCorps VISTA program in 2012. Audrey joined Family Network in Oct. 2013. Her passion is being a voice for the under-served and unrepresented, and being a channel for knowledge.
Mariela Ramirez
Healthy Families Supervisor
Mariela has a bachelors in Science Education from Costa Rica and loves working with individuals from different cultural backgrounds and learning new things. In her free time, she love being with her family and friends!
Antorine Latdrik
Community Health Worker
Before joining the Family Network team, Antorine served as a Marshallese interpreter, recruiter, and educator through OnPoint Solutions partnership with Tyson Foods. She is passionate about working with our Northwest Arkansas community in all different cultural aspects.
Rene Manjarrez
SafeCare Program Coordinator
As a first generation American and first generation college graduate, Rene is no stranger to the struggles and limitations minority communities face. At the beginning of 2020, Rene saw the drastic need for healthcare paraprofessionals. He joined the frontlines to fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, and further saw the disparities of minority communities. He is an avid advocate for the less privileged and hopes to continue the valuable work of ensuring all families in Arkansas have the tools to thrive.
Lacey Schroeder
Diaper Collective Program Coordinator
Lacey graduated from the University of Arkansas with a Bachelors of Science in Nursing in 2020. Since graduation she has had experience with a local non-profit and in public health nursing. She has a heart for preventative health care and works to bridge gaps for families so they are able to live happy and healthy lives. She is so excited to work with our partner agencies and with the families of Northwest Arkansas as a part of The Diaper Collective.
Whitney fantinel
Development Coordinator
As a Springdale native and mother of two, Whitney understands firsthand the importance of being an advocate for children and families in Northwest Arkansas. Currently pursuing her Bachelor’s in Business Administration with a Minor in Nonprofit Studies, Whitney believes that by working together, we can continue to create a community that is inclusive, compassionate, and resilient, ensuring that everyone can receive support when in need.
Lisa Maldonado
Healthy Families Parent Educator
Lisa is deeply committed and enjoys collaborating with individuals and families, offering strategies to empower them to flourish through challenges. She is currently pursuing her degree in Human Development and Family Science at the University of Arkansas, aiming to enhance family dynamics. Her passion for working with children has grown through valuable experience nurturing young minds. Lisa finds joy in making a positive impact and brings a fun-loving spirit to everything she does, always ready to lend a helping hand.
Kathlenn Rikon
Healthy Families Educator
Kathlenn has a background in working with special needs children, as well as interpreter services. Passionate about being a home visitor, it allows her to be a support system to families in need and serve her community.
Frida Lopez
Healthy Families Parent Educator
Frida Aracely Lopez is a graduate of the University of Central Arkansas with a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition. She is passionate about promoting healthier lifestyles and building strong relationships with the families she serves. Frida brings a unique background in community engagement and holistic wellness to her role as a bilingual parent educator. She is dedicated to empowering families by providing resources, personalized support, and education to help them create a nurturing environment for their children and achieve their goals.
Carly Mann
SafeCare Parent Educator
Carly has a degree in Public Health and a background of working in early intervention with children diagnosed with autism and developmental disabilities. Once she started her journey with SafeCare, she fell in love with helping children and families be the best that they can be and overcome obstacles. Now that she is a mom, she sees firsthand the importance of the SafeCare curriculum and the effects of a healthy home. She finds joy in spending time with her son and all of her animals!
Angela Womack
SafeCare Parent Educator
Angela has a Bachelor’s degree in English Teaching from Costa Rica and a deep passion for connecting with people from diverse languages and cultures. She thrives on helping others grow and succeed, which makes her a perfect fit for her new role. As someone who values family, Angela understands the importance of building strong connections and empowering individuals to reach their goals. When she’s not working, she loves spending quality time with her family.
Lindsey Wallace
SafeCare Parent Educator
Lindsey graduated from North Arkansas College in Harrison and brings over 25 years of experience in the healthcare field. With a deep love for helping others and a passion for seeing people grow, she has dedicated her career to supporting and uplifting those around her. A proud mother of six, she balances a busy home life with creative pursuits and has even written a few books along the way.
Elizabeth Torres
SafeCare Parent Educator
Elizabeth is a first-generation college graduate from St. Edward's University, where she earned a B.A. in Psychology. She is currently pursuing a Master’s in Social Work at Baylor University. Before joining the SafeCare team, Elizabeth worked as a Registered Behavioral Technician, supporting individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. A passionate advocate for children with autism and developmental disabilities, Elizabeth is committed to providing personalized support and helping families in Northwest Arkansas create nurturing environments for their children.
Elmer Evangelista
SafeCare Parent Educator
Elmer is a first-generation college graduate with B.A. degrees in Psychology and Rehabilitation Science, along with a minor in Child Welfare and Social Services. Driven by a strong passion for helping others, he is currently working toward his Master’s in Counseling and plans to graduate in Spring 2026. As a new father, Elmer brings empathy and understanding to the families he serves. He believes that families are the foundation of a strong society and is proud to be part of the Family Network team.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
FRANCISCO
HERRERO
Chair
Madeline Simmons
Vice Chair
Heather Sabo
Treasurer
Lindsey mcdonald
Secretary
Giuliana Tartarini
Member
Caroline sander
Member
Dallas Mudd
Member
Chris Hussein
Member
madison Baugh
Member