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.
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
The 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.
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!
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.
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.
Lupita Vasquez
Healthy Families Parent Educator
Lupita found her passion for families early, studying Child Development in college. She has been an educator for 8 years, spending 5 of those years dedicated to teaching children with special needs. She loves to spend time with her two sons and family, and is most excited to provide a support system to families.
Crystal Casey
SafeCare Parent Educator
Crystal graduated from the University of Arkansas with a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resource and Workforce Development. As a mother of 3, she understands the challenges caregivers face day-to-day. She is eager to serve families in need, and is passionate about providing SafeCare to more rural families in Madison County.
Lucia Hesa
SafeCare Parent Educator
Lucia earned her Bachelor's degree in Business Management with a concentration in Human Resources at the University of Arkansas. She is passionate about advocating for the Marshallese community by helping bridge language and cultural gaps. Having grown up in Northwest Arkansas, she considers it a home away from home and is committed to serving and supporting the community that helped shape her. Lucia is a proud mother of four, who inspire her dedication to strengthening families and promoting safe, nurturing home environments for children.
Mikah Lunsford
Healthy Families Parent Educator
Mikah Lunsford recently graduated from Mount Mercy University, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, with a Bachelor’s in Social Work in 2025. She has a strong passion to see vulnerable populations, from all cultures, empowered to succeed. She is very excited to collaborate with the community to create a thriving support system for families in NWA.
Bridget Huisjen
Healthy Families Parent Educator
Bridget graduated from John Brown University with a bachelor’s degree in Family and Human Services and in Intercultural Studies. She cares deeply about understanding where people are coming from and encouraging them to be holistically healthy. She believes that families are the core of communities and that giving parents access to essential resources can impact generations.
Katherinne Roman
Healthy Families Parent Educator
Katherinne is a certified health and wellness coach. She has experience supporting patients with chronic health conditions in a clinical setting, as well as medical interpretation. Joining us as a Healthy Families home parent educator, she is excited to work closely with families to provide education, resources, and strength-based guidance. Katherinne is passionate about building trusting relationships and empowering families to achieve healthy, positive outcomes.
glorian rosado
Healthy Families Parent Educator
Glorian is a graduate of Interamerican University of Puerto Rico, earning a degree in Human Resources Management. She moved to Arkansas in 2018 and worked as a teacher assistant with EOA Children’s Services. As a mother, and through her experience working in the classroom, her passion for supporting families began to grow. Living motherhood away from her own family gave her a deeper understanding of the challenges many families face. She is passionate about serving others in any way she can, and believes that everyone deserves access to services, regardless of their situation.
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
J.R. Thomas
Member