Josh leads the Hark program as it connects individuals and families to resources and support offered by local health and human services providers. His role is to guide, train, and support the team in making the most direct community connections in order to effectively and efficiently move individuals in the direction of thriving through empowerment and self-determination. Josh received his Bachelors Degree in social work from the University of Oklahoma and his Master’s Degree in social work from the University of Arkansas. During his career in human services, Josh has gained extensive experience in a multitude of social work practice areas including clinical services, program development, curriculum development, clinical supervision, poverty, multicultural issues, community development, and social justice advocacy. Josh is an active volunteer in the community, focusing on mentoring and social justice.

He is also husband to his wife, Melissa, and father to his two sons, Luke and Josiah.

Mural Artist: Erin Chase Ashcraft @urnchase

Location: Downtown Springdale

Christy Gutierrez is the Director of Technology for Excellerate Foundation/Hark and in addition serves as our Security & Privacy Officer. Christy is an Oklahoma native but has been in Arkansas over 20 years. She earned her Bachelor’s at John Brown University.  Christy has had extensive experience in the business and non-profit sectors which has equipped her for her current role. She would describe her role at Hark as challenging yet very rewarding as she seeks to find solutions for the team’s technical needs. Her favorite aspect of working with Hark is that we are constantly finding new ways to serve and invest in the community and we are willing to think outside the box to find resolutions. Outside of work, you will most likely find Christy outdoors on a mountain bike or on a trail.

Mural Artist: Erin Chase Ashcraft @urnchase

Location: Downtown Springdale

Shawntill Puryear is the Director of Community Resources at Hark. Shawntill grew up in eastern Arkansas before moving to Northwest Arkansas. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from Arkansas State University and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Education.  Shawntill has extensive experience in the business, education, and non-profit sectors and is a Certified Beegle Poverty Coach.

Shawntill would describe her role at Hark as innovative, collaborative, and rewarding. Her favorite aspect of working with Hark is being able to build relationships within the community. She values our organization's passion to serve and loves NWA's willingness to grow and change. You will most likely find Shawntill enjoying time with family and friends. For podcast-listening, she recommends Dr. Beelge “ Breaking the Cycle.”

Mural Artist: Octavio Logo @octavio_logo

Location: Downtown Springdale

Tanya Deasis is the Director of Community Engagement at Hark. Tanya grew up in Los Angeles, California before moving to Rogers, AR. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Arkansas and her MBA from John Brown University. Before her current role at Hark, Tanya started her career as a Community Liaison and later played an integral role in the success of the Emergency Rental Assistance program during the pandemic.

Tanya would describe her role at Hark as collaborative, innovative, and motiving. Her favorite aspect of her Hark role is being part of a passionate team who works daily to provide care for our neighbors. She values Hark’s willingness to listen to community needs and their collaboration with incredible organizations. Outside of work, you will most likely find Tanya traveling, reading good books, trying new foods, and enjoying time with her loved ones. She loves Northwest Arkansas’s beauty, the kind people it hosts, and the growth that has positively impacted the lives of everyone who lives here. For podcast listening, she recommends Adam Grant’s “WorkLife."

Mural Artist: Mary Beth Breshears

Location: Jones Center, Springdale

Stephanie Roath is the Lead Community Liaison for Service Area 2. Stephanie grew up in the small town of Dardanelle Arkansas until 24 years old. She relocated to California where she attended Azusa Pacific University and earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Child Development. With returning back to Northwest Arkansas Stephanie’s team benefits from her experiences with the community inside both school and clinical settings. 

Mural Artist: Tommy Tropical

Location: Nomads; 1431 S School Ave

Timora Gilbert is the Service Area 1 Lead Community Liaison at Hark. Timora brings to Hark her experiences and learnings as a program eligibility worker with the Department of Human Services. 

Timora would describe her work with Hark as community-based, resources-centered, and helping! Her favorite aspects of her Hark role are the opportunity to advocate and work with people in the community to build bridges to resources. She values Hark for its team of people who want to assist however they can.

A native of Missouri, Timora can be found spending her time outside of work with her other / “better” half and husband, Joel, her dog, Sadie, and her family, attending sports games, and enjoying downtime with friends. She loves Northwest Arkansas’ outdoors and all of the opportunities that the area brings to life! For podcast-listening, she recommends Jody Moore’s “Better Than Happy.”

Mural Artist: Roxy Erickson @roxyshmoxyy

Location: Downtown Bentonville

Alechia Buttry is a Community Liaison for Service Area 1 at Hark serving clients within the communities of Northwest Arkansas. She grew up in New Mexico and moved to NWA in 1997.  She has a strong social service background and has worked with her community for over 22 years through the state of Arkansas government offices. She truly loves to serve others.

Alechia describes her work with HARK as way to give back to others and pay it forward. She loves being a part of Hark because it makes a great difference for the community.

Outside of Hark, Alechia loves spending time with her family, being outdoors, listening to music, traveling, and church. 

Mural Artist: Jessica Jones

Location: Downtown Fayetteville

Briana is a Service Area One Community Liaison, serving both the English and Spanish speaking communities. Briana has lived most of her life in NWA, she has a very special connection with the community, that connection motivated her to obtain a degree that would allow her to give back to the place that helped her grow. Briana obtained her Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from Harding University. Briana brings to Hark her experience and learning from interning in Rogers Public Schools and being involved in community service projects. 

Briana would describe her work with Hark as facilitating communication between residents and the resources available in the community. Another aspect of the job Briana considers to be crucial is to emphasize with every client, and building a healthy communication is key in the role of a liaison.  Outside of work you will probably find Briana enjoying a beautiful picnic at the park, traveling and exploring new cities, or sipping on a cup of coffee in the company of her family. Briana tries to enjoy every moment and hopes to continue growing to give back to her community.

Mural Artist: ArtCourt by Graham Edwards @grahamedwardsart

Location: Dickson St, Fayetteville

Rilanda Ralpho is a Community Liaison at Hark, serving both the English and Marshallese Speaking Communities. Rilanda grew up in Springdale, AR. Rilanda brings to Hark her experiences and learnings from her prior role at the NWA Center for Sexual Assault. 

Rilanda would describe her work with Hark as helping, serving, and referring! Her favorite aspect of her Hark role is how she can assist the Marshallese community through both resources and communication with them. She sees that this matters especially for those who face language barriers that could otherwise prevent them from reaching out for help. Rilanda values how Hark helps everyone with up to date resources. Outside of work, you will most likely find Rilanda spending time with her family and trying out new baking recipes. She loves how Northwest Arkansas has grown to be more Marshallese friendly. She states, “Even if I'm not in the Marshall Islands, I feel like I am with the number of Marshallese living in NWA. Especially with all the Marshallese churches and stores in the area making NWA my home away from home.” Rilanda extends a shoutout to her dad, Remas M. Ralpho, “for leaving his home and moving his little family to a foreign country, having to learn a new language and adapting to a new culture just so that I can have better opportunities!”

Mural Artist: Bicicleta Sem Freio @bicicletasemfreio

Location: 8th Street Market, Bentonville

Zach Morris is Community Liaison at Hark, serving those in Service Area 2. Zach grew up in Webb City, MO. He moved to NWA to go to John Brown University where he received a bachelor’s degree in Family and Human Services. Zach brings to Hark his experience doing case management with those experiencing homelessness.

Zach describes his work with Hark as supporting clients by helping them navigate the community and being a positive voice. His favorite part of working at Hark is when people find encouragement and hope from using our services. He sees Hark’s work as an important piece to our community, helping people get connected to the vast number of resources available.

Outside of work, Zach enjoys all kinds of activities with his wife and friends – hiking, eating at local restaurants, playing basketball at the park, and volunteering in the community.