Welcome to the SOAR family

Surrounded by the most passionate and energetic staff around, SOAR students are celebrated and embraced for who they are today and what we know they'll accomplish tomorrow.

The SOAR Leadership team is always working to make SOAR better. If you have any questions or want to get involved, please email soar@soarafterschool.com

Read our Executive Team Announcement, August 2025

Executive Team

  • Ellie Hoyt

    Chief Development Officer, Isibindi

    Ellie joined SOAR as the Site Director of Grace Hill in 2016. In 2024, she became the Director of Development, eager to expand what “community” means at SOAR. Her goal is for SOAR students and staff to have what they need to thrive.The first Isibindi in the SOAR Family, she believes in the power of our staff and students to make a courageous impact in their community.

  • Ashley Poole

    Chief Operations Officer, Amistad

    In 2016, SOAR stole Ashley Poole’s heart when she was a Program Leader. It had such an impact that she went back to school to get into education and became an elementary school teacher. She taught in Tahlequah, Oklahoma for four years prior to relocating back to Northwest Arkansas to serve as SOAR’s Program Director. Her favorite part of the organization is the relationships that develop to eventually become one big family, and she loves seeing students be empowered!

Leadership Team

  • Vanesa Echeverria

    Senior Site Director, Jones Site Director, Altruismo

    Vanesa fell in love with SOAR from the moment she began her first role as an administrative assistant in 2015. Bilingual in English and Spanish, she has loved building strong connections with families, students, and staff. A proud member of the House of Altruismo, Vanesa is passionate about creating a space where every person who walks through SOAR’s doors feels welcomed, supported, and valued.

  • Ellery Bacon

    HR Manager, Reveur

    Ellery began her journey with SOAR in 2021 as a Program Leader at the Grace Hill site while attending the University of Arkansas. She grew within the organization, stepping into the role of Administrative Director and later being promoted to oversee HR and Operations in 2023. Ellery holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development and Family Sciences with a minor in Psychology from the University of Arkansas. Her passion for afterschool is rooted in her deep belief in the students and families of Northwest Arkansas. She is committed to helping fill the gap between the school and work day and works behind the scenes to ensure that every child has a safe, consistent, and enriching place to learn, grow, and thrive.

  • Jasmine Sutton

    Bayyari Site Director, Altruismo

    Jasmine joined the SOAR family in 2024 with a degree in Early Childhood Education and a strong foundation in community engagement. A proud native of Springdale, Arkansas, she brings over six years of experience working alongside local nonprofits to uplift children and families through education and outreach. Jasmine believes that when families are heard, valued, and supported, children feel that love and support and that fuels their growth, both in the Afterschool program and in life.

  • Jeff Gideon

    Parson Hills Site Director, Reveur

    Bio Coming Soon.

  • Landry Weber

    George Site Director, Amistad

    Landry is a graduate of the University of Arkansas, where she earned her Master’s Degree in Social Work. Her journey with SOAR began in 2023 as an intern, and since then she has served as a program leader, assistant director, and now Site Director at SOAR George. From the moment she got involved, SOAR captured her heart! Landry is deeply passionate about building a welcoming, uplifting, and fun environment where students, families, and staff feel seen, supported, and celebrated!

  • Kassy Shelby

    Grace Hill Site Director, Altruismo

    Kassy joined SOAR as the Assistant Site Director at Jones in 2024 after teaching 5th grade for a year in Siloam Springs, AR. She was then promoted to Site Director at Grace Hill in 2025. She is passionate about creating a family environment where there is mutual support between staff, families, and students!

  • Madisen McWhorter

    George Assistant Site Director, Isibindi

    Bio Coming Soon

  • Drew Milliken

    Grace Hill Assistant Site Director, Reveur

    Drew joined SOAR Grace Hill in 2022 as a Program Leader and stepped into the role of Assistant Director in 2025. Known for bringing high energy and a positive spirit, Drew is passionate about creating a fun, supportive environment where students can thrive after school.

  • Collin Mays

    Jones Assistant Site Director, Amistad

    Collin joined SOAR in 2023 as a Program Leader while attending college. What began as a part-time role quickly grew into a rewarding path in education and leadership, and after two years he was promoted to Assistant Site Director. Collin is deeply passionate about creating safe, supportive spaces where children feel seen, heard, and empowered to learn and express themselves freely.

  • JoJo Gideon

    Bayyari Assistant Site Director, Reveur

    Bio Coming Soon