South Early Childhood Development Specialists - Miracle Kids Success Academy

Emaleigh Harper, Lead ECDT

Emaleigh’s passion for working with kids brought her to Miracle Kids Success Academy. She loves watching children learn and grow. So much so, that she even spends her free time helping and teaching children at her church. When she isn’t working with kids, Emaleigh loves being outside, fishing, and spending time with her two nephews, family and boyfriend. If she could possess one super power, she would have the power to read minds because you never truly know what a person is thinking.

Alicia Martin, ECDS

Alicia graduated from Arkansas State University with a Bachelor’s in Mathematics in 2018. She is married with two wonderful children. She has experience in working with children and loves to have fun while learning, but also fostering creativity in the classroom. Alicia’s fun-loving and easy-going personality makes it so easy for everyone to love her, especially all of our kiddos. Her favorite part of her job is helping each kiddo learn something everyday. Alicia is CPR certified and is passionate about Make-A-Wish, Breast Cancer Awareness, and St. Jude Research Hospital.

Kathy Sullivan, ECDS

Kathy is the Early Childhood Developmental Specialist in Room 11. She graduated from Arkansas State University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Early Childhood Education in 2010. She has been employed with Miracle Kids Success Academy since October 2010 and has worked with many age groups. She is currently one of our preschool teachers. Kathy is known for her ability to prepare children for Kindergarten by teaching them structure, routines, and self-help skills. She loves the looks kids give her when they accomplish something; their excitement makes her happy. She is married with two children. In her spare time, Kathy likes to spend time with her family and going to the lake. Kathy has received training in Language Acquisition through Motor Planning (LAMP) and Strategies for Teaching based on Autism Research (STAR Curriculum Training). A developmental curriculum content appropriate for students with ASD and other developmental disabilities.

Najel Byrd, Lead ECDT

Najel earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Arkansas State University and has been working with children for 8 years. Najel is also a part of the Tri-State Mentoring for Young Men Program based out of West Helena. He is passionate about being able to have a positive impact on the children he gets to work with, his family, and the people he comes in contact with day to day. Being able to make kids smile and help them reach their goals is his favorite part of working with kids. If Najel could possess one super-human power, it would be the ability to teleport. Najel has been trained in Strategies for Teaching based on Autism Research (STAR Curriculum Training). A developmental curriculum content appropriate for students with ASD and other developmental disabilities.

Tia Stewart, Lead ECDT

Tia is a Lead Early Childhood Developmental Specialist. She graduated from Arkansas State University with a Bachelor’s in Communications Disorders and a Minor in Sociology. In her free time, Tia loves to spend time with her family and son, cook, and travel. If she could have one super-human power, it would be the ability to have super-human speed.

Haley Southwick, ECDS

Haley earned her Bachelors degree in Family Studies from Weber State University in 2019. She is married and has a two year old son! Haley has always had a passion for working with young children, so when she moved to the Northeast Arkansas area recently she knew Miracle Kids Success Academy was the perfect fit. In her spare time, she likes to spend time with her family and practicing her photography skills. Haley is also a registered behavioral technician for ABA therapy! Her favorite part of her job is watching the children grow and learn. She loves how excited they get when they conquer something new.

Olivia Lawshe, Lead ECDT

Olivia earned her Bachelors degree in General Studies with an emphasis in Education, Health, and Sociology from Arkansas State University in 2019. She has worked with children for many years and knew her heart drew her to work with children with special needs, so she knew Miracle Kids Success Academy would be the perfect fit! All of the kiddos at MKSA love Olivia for her caring and positive attitude. She is always going the extra mile to make each individual child feel special. Olivia is a member of the Community Health Education Foundation (CHEF). Her personal motto is, “Live everyday to the fullest and be your true self!”

Sorida Vasquez, ECDS

Sorida earned her Bachelors degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with an emphasis in Education, Sociology, and Criminology from Arkansas State University in 2017. She is married and has three wonderful children! Sorida is bilingual, being fluent in both English and Spanish. She always had a desire to make a difference in children’s lives, so she knew Miracle Kids Success Academy would be the perfect match for her. Her patience, creativity, and loving personality is what makes all of the kiddos at MKSA love her so much! In Sorida’s spare time, she likes to spend time with her family and volunteer at her church. She is passionate about Make A Wish Foundation and finding a cure for Alzheimer’s disease.

Hope Lemons, ECDS

Hope earned her Bachelors of Science degree in Communication Disorders from Arkansas State University in 2020. She eventually wants to become a Speech-Language Pathologist and work in pediatrics, so she knew gaining experience at Miracle Kids Success Academy was the right move for her! All of the children love Hope for her spunky and compassionate personality. They know that when she walks in the room they are going to have endless amounts of fun! In Hope’s spare time, she likes to travel, exercise, and cook! Her favorite part of her job is receiving love from the kiddos and watching them achieve their goals!