Erin Helmer

What started as filling a personal need for quality care for my child decades ago has evolved into a passion for making the world a better place through the work we do every day. My desire to truly know people in order to help them grow into the best version of themselves has been a catalyst for my own growth work, which has created a culture of continuous improvement at Bright Haven. Whether it is stepping into a classroom to breathe with an upset child or creating and delivering an empowering and impactful training, my belief that each small drop eventually creates a wave is my driving mantra.

It truly takes a village to accomplish anything great and children are our greatest legacy. I am honored to be a part of each family’s village. I believe it is my life’s purpose to help every child grow into their authentic selves while learning to lead with integrity. These things are accomplished little by little, over time, through each and every interaction. Relationships are the heart and soul of everything we do at Bright Haven and it is my hope that you see, hear, and feel that each time you step foot through our doors. When I’m away from Bright Haven, I enjoy spending time with my family (both biological and chosen) playing games, going on outdoor adventures, and jamming out with dance parties in the kitchen.

Allie Smith

Bright Haven found me during a mid-pandemic career change and I haven’t looked back. Five years later, I have the unbelievable opportunity to share Bright Haven’s work and mission with the community, families, and fellow educators. I wear a variety of hats in my day-to-day life, but my favorite is “Miss Allie”!

Cindy Strole

As a mom of 4 and bonus mom to two more and twenty-four grandchildren, you could say I have a bit of experience. Not surprisingly, most of my husband and my free time is spent with family. Family dinners are crowded and full of love.

My formal experience in education amounts to more than thirty years. Helping to prepare people, little or big, for the next step in life has been my passion. Since moving to NWA in 2009, I have learned so much more about child development and how the brain works. It is fascinating to me, and it has helped me in literally every relationship. I have Bright Haven and my personal thirst for learning to thank for that growth.

Shelby Burk

“Time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time” is a testimony to how I choose to live my life. I have worked at Bright Haven since 2009, learning how to have fun while helping children grow every step of the way.

Starting out as a part time closer, I found myself enjoying time with kids so much I knew I wanted to play full time. I quickly became a lead teacher with the mindset that I wanted to help grow children into capable and confident adults that I could be proud to work with or for in the future. When I moved into the supervisor role I began learning how to teach adults and provide love and consistency to more than just one class of students. I have been blessed with the space and constant encouragement to make mistakes and grow as a professional but also as an individual. Growing up as the “difficult to control” child I find myself forming deeper connections with students that also struggle with following the status quo in life. Being a patient and  reassuring presence for students that have hard days is a place I feel most proud within Bright Haven.

When the family of Bright Haven is not calling my name I take time at home having fun by relaxing. I have a husband that knows how to have fun and 3 excitable dogs that need lots of play time. My family enjoys the outdoors on our 35 acre property with hiking, hunting, and fishing. Reading a good book on a sunny day with my husband and dogs is the best way to spend the day. If you are in need of a good laugh I have a quick joke or better book reference on hand to send your way. I’m here and happy to help.

Ashley Merrill

I’m Ashley Merrill, Program Coordinator and School Age Programs Director at Bright Haven, where I’ve been a part of the team for nearly four years. I bring 19 years of experience in customer service and people management to my role, and I love using my skills to support and guide both staff and students.

What I love most about my work is helping empower the next generation of world changers to grow into confident, empathetic leaders. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time outdoors with my dogs and my long-time partner of nearly eight years, Kris.

Danette Allen

My favorite title is Gammy. I have five grandloves who call me that. Family time with my two children and their families is golden to me.

Here at Bright Haven, I am a moving target. I make sure everyone is taken care of, but my favorite part is greeting the children and their parents each day. I have gotten to do that for about a decade now. I love it!

Amoni West

Joe Frischman

Hello, friends! It’s long been said: “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” While such a saying is certainly sound advice in regards to one’s own physiology, I’d like to think it would also help one’s neurology by replacing the word “apple” with my Bright Haven name, “Mr. Joe.” Now, here’s a bit about me:

I may go by “Mr. Joe” at Bright Haven, but my birth name is Joseph. Out of six children, I was born second to last (that’s 5 out of 6, for those counting) on February 3, 1985, in the City of Angels. I can’t say I remember much of Los Angeles, on account of us moving to Springdale, Arkansas on the very same day that I turned four years old. I do remember that moment, because an ice cream cake was brought with us, but the hotel room refrigerator couldn’t accommodate it, so it got put outside in the freezing weather to keep cold. Thirty-six years later – after mostly working in the food industry and a short stint in the Army as a Medic – Bright Haven is where I ended up.

Honestly, if you were to ask me two years ago where I saw myself in the same two years, I never would have said Bright Haven. I had never worked in childcare before, is all, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. I almost talked myself out of it, as a matter of fact, but I’m glad I didn’t do just that.

I never saw it coming, but these kids have grown on me. And because I’m a kid at heart, I believe they can pick up on that sort of thing, so I think I might have grown on them, too. Add awesome Admin and the rest of the spectacular staff, and that’s why I love working at Bright Haven.