Executive Director, Altruismo

Ben was the Site Director for SOAR’s innagural program at Jones Elementary in 2013 and led the very first SOAR team. Since 2015 Ben has helped grow SOAR from one site to five sites and launch it as an independent non-profit organization branching out from its parent company, Camp War Eagle. Ben has a deeply held belief in the potential that SOAR has to impact NWA!

Development Director, Isibindi

Ellie joined SOAR as the Site Director of Grace Hill in 2016, after several years at Camp War Eagle. 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, be it a safe place to belong, opportunities for leadership development, or an unmatched, enthusiastic experience. The first Isibindi in the SOAR Family, she believes our staff and students will make a courageous impact in their communities.

HR Operations Manager, Reveur

Ellery Bacon grew up in Nashville, Tennessee before moving to Fayetteville, Arkansas in 2018. While a junior in college, she began her career with SOAR Afterschool Program as a Program Leader at our Grace Hill site in 2021, eventually transitioning to the role of Administrative Director She has been in her current role of HR Operations Manager since 2023. Ellery is a graduate of the University of Arkansas with a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development and Family Sciences.

Program Director, Amistad

7 years ago, 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!

Grace Hill Site Director, Reveur

Madison is entering her second year as a Site Director at SOAR after serving as both an Intern and Program Leader. She has a background in education and is passionate about providing students with the skills necessary for their future success as students now and professionals in the future.

Jones Site Director, Altruismo

Vanesa fell in love with SOAR the moment she started working in her first role as an admin eight years ago. Vanesa has enjoyed being able to communicate with families, students, and staff in English and Spanish. This is Vanesa’s second year as a site director and she hopes that every person that walks through the doors at SOAR feels loved and welcomed.

Parson Hills Site Director, Amistad

Kenlee Hill is a passionate leader who aims to cultivate an environment of acceptance and celebration for all. She has spent the last 5 years working at SOAR and has taken on different roles throughout her time with SOAR. She is currently serving as a Site Director at Parson Hills. Her goal as a Site Director is to encourage connection and compassion to all program students, staff, and families.

George Site Director, Altruismo

Mariel is a graduate of Harding University where she earned her Elementary Education degree. She loves learning new things, teaching, and spreading joy! Mariel started working as a group leader at our Grace Hill site where she fell in love with what SOAR has to offer. She is now working as our George Site Director and is looking forward to serving the community that she grew up in.

Bayyari Site Director, Altruismo

Bio coming soon!

Grace Hill Assistant Site Director, Isibindi

Bio coming soon!

Jones Assistant Site Director, Reveur

Avery is a recent graduate from the University of Arkansas with a political science degree. She fell in love with SOAR through the volunteer program, served as a program leader for two years and now is Assistant Director at Jones. She loves connecting with families, empowering students as leaders, and creating a fun and safe environment every day for staff, students, and families alike. She hopes she can make everyone who walks into SOAR’s doors feel loved, seen, and valued and looks forward to continuing to serve Northwest Arkansas.

Parson Hills Assistant Site Director, Isibindi

Anna joined SOAR in 2022 as a Program Leader and currently serves as Assistant Site Director at Parson Hills. She is an undergraduate student at the University of Arkansas where she is pursuing a degree in English Education. Anna is passionate about creating an atmosphere where students, staff, and families can all experience the magic of SOAR. She is thrilled to be part of the Leadership Team and looks forward to continuing to cultivate a safe, inclusive, and empowering environment for all students to reach their fullest potential.

George Assistant Site Director, Reveur

Jeff has been serving as one of five assistant directors for the past two years. Dedicated to fostering a safe, engaging, and nurturing environment for children to learn and thrive, Jeff aims to make a positive impact within the community. He strongly believes in the power of mentorship and building healthy relationships among the school staff, students, and program leaders in SOAR.

Bayyari Assistant Site Director, Amistad

Landry is a graduate of the University of Arkansas with a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work. She is currently working towards her Master's in Social Work. Landry started as an intern, then was a program leader, and presently serves as SOAR Bayyari's Assistant Site Director. SOAR captured her heart the moment she got involved, and she is passionate about creating a welcoming, uplifting, and fun environment for students, families, and staff.