Arkansas Minds

Inside Get Real: Helping Fort Smith Teens Age Out of Foster Care

In this episode, I had the opportunity to sit down with Jensen, Director of Development at the Get Real program under the Fort Smith Children’s Shelter Foundation. We talked about what it’s like supporting young adults aging out of foster care, how trauma shows up in resilience, and why simple things like a bed or a driver’s test can be life-changing. I really enjoyed this one, and I think you’ll appreciate hearing her perspective on what kids actually need when the system forgets them. https://getrealu.org/ Visit: arkansasminds.com Follow @arkansasminds on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube

Emily Vernon on Changing the Way We See Autism

In this episode, I had the opportunity to sit down with Emily Vernon, Clinical Director at The Griffin Promise Autism Clinic and the only certified Spelling to Communicate (S2C) practitioner in Arkansas. We talked about what it really means to support neurodivergent individuals without trying to change who they are, how she helps families reframe the way they see autism, and why small wins in therapy often carry the biggest weight. I really enjoyed this one, and I think you’ll appreciate hearing her perspective on empathy, inclusion, and what it means to truly see someone.Emily Vernon, MS, OTR/L, S2C practitionerClinical Director Fort Smith200 N 15th St Fort Smith, AR 72901479-388-0826thegriffinpromise.orgVisit: arkansasminds.comFollow @arkansasminds on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube

Inside the Mind of a Mortgage VP: Real Advice from Chandler Doss

In this episode, I had the opportunity to sit down with Chandler Doss, VP and Branch Manager at First Community Mortgage. We talked about her personal money story—from childhood financial security to the shock of navigating single motherhood after the loss of both parents. Chandler opened up about the lessons she had to learn the hard way, how she found her way into mortgage lending, and why real estate remains close to her heart. We also broke down practical homebuying advice, credit score tips, and the biggest myths around getting approved for a mortgage—especially for first-time buyers. I really enjoyed this one, and I think you’ll appreciate hearing Chandler’s real talk about financial stability, career pivots, and the power of relationships in business. Contact chandler.doss@fcmhomeloans.com Visit: arkansasminds.comFollow @arkansasminds on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube

The Story of Anne Marie’s Collective

In this episode, I had the opportunity to sit down with Jazmine and Annie, the creative duo behind Anne Marie’s Collective—a photography brand built on friendship, fierce talent, and a shared love for storytelling. We talked about how their friendship blossomed into a business, how they balance motherhood and artistry, and what it really means to be invited into people’s most important moments. I really enjoyed this one, and I think you’ll appreciate hearing their perspective on partnership, purpose, and the beauty of documenting real life.https://www.instagram.com/jazminedean.jpeg/https://www.instagram.com/annemarie.jpeg/Visit: arkansasminds.comFollow @arkansasminds on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube

What Libraries Are Really Doing in 2025 | Tiffany DeVries of Fort Smith Public Library

In this episode, I had the opportunity to sit down with Tiffany DeVries, Youth Services Librarian at the Fort Smith Public Library. We talked about how she created Wiggle Worm Storytime, the unexpected turns in her career path, and the creative ways she’s connecting families across Fort Smith through early literacy and story-based community. I really enjoyed this one, and I think you’ll appreciate hearing her perspective on why libraries today are more vital than ever. Visit: arkansasminds.com Follow @arkansasminds on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube