Teachers Supporting Teachers

Arkansas AWARE 2023 Team

Leadership

Resilience for Educators and their Learners (REAL) Program

Stacy PendergrastAfter a lifetime of raising my son in New Jersey and teaching in a range of K-12 public school settings, I followed my heart back to my childhood home of Arkansas. But I didn’t leave my teaching spirit behind. I continue to serve youth as an Arkansas Arts Council teaching artist and a Trevor Project crisis counselor. My learners here know me as “Pen,” a nickname that reflects my aim to help others express their true selves through writing. My journey leads me to a career in eLearning, where I enjoy sharing multimedia stories that boost understanding. Alongside my master’s degrees in special education and creative nonfiction, I recently obtained certification as a Mental Health First Aid instructor, excited to broaden the perspective that “health and wellness” certainly includes emotional well-being. When I’m not teaching, reading, writing, or filmmaking, I indulge in self-care cuddles with my Basenji pup, Orange.

Trauma-Informed and PACEs Program (TIPP)

Chris Spearn

I have been in the education profession for over 29 years, teaching in four states, during which time I have worked in a myriad of roles and specialties. My main area of concentration is working with staff, parents, and neurodivergent children. With over 8 years of experience working with trauma-affected youth, I formerly served as an Instructional Specialist, Behavior Consultant, District Special Education Consultant, and 504 Coordinator. After working in education for so many years, I found my passion and began learning about teaching through a trauma-informed lens and how it benefits all children. Alongside my master’s degree in education and curriculum instruction, I am a Trauma Resiliency Coordinator with the Arkansas Foundation of Medical Care (AFMC), a certified Mental Health First Aid instructor, and a certified trauma-informed educator. I love spending time with my family. When I’m not teaching, volunteering, or reading, you’ll find me snuggled up with our dog, Link.

Communities in Schools (CIS) Program

Angela Sparks-Jones