Candice Dowd Barnes, Ed.D., is an associate professor at the University of Central Arkansas in the department of Elementary, Literacy, and Special Education. She is also the Chief Operations Officer for Parker Education & Development, LLC. She strongly believes in the power of authentic learning experiences and relationships to teach beyond the walls of the classroom into all aspects of life.



Chayla Rutledge Slaton, ABD is a School Psychology Ph.D. candidate at the University of Central Arkansas and a Research Assistant in the Department of Elementary, Literacy, and Special Education. She believes that every man, woman, and child has strengths that make them unique and define who they are.



Todd Scott Parker is an Executive Coach and CEO of Parker Education & Development, LLC. He distinguishes himself through his ability to deliver coaching and training in a dynamic way to various educational and business audiences. His work is both unique and creative. He blends evidenced-based strategies, techniques, and methods from education and business to help schools, small businesses, and other organizations to create sustainable models of success.