Hot Springs Location – Main Number (501) 624-6468
Brett Chancellor, CEO
Brett Chancellor is the Chief Executive Officer of First Step. He has served in this role since 2014. Brett began his career with First Step as an Occupational Therapist in 2000. Under his leadership, First Step serves 27 counties across Arkansas and maintains the highest quality of services accreditation by CARF International.
Julie Capps, COO
Julie Capps serves as the Chief Operating Officer of First Step. She oversees the day-to-day administrative and operational functions of the organization. Julie began her career with First Step as a Speech-Language Pathologist in 1999.
Chris Smith, CFO
Chris Smith began at First Step in 2007 and has served as Chief Financial Officer since 2015. He is responsible for the management of the organization’s department of accounting and finance. Chris oversees all financial reporting, audits, 401(k), and payroll functions.
Sara Brown, Ph.D., CFRE, Director of Marketing
Sara Brown has served as the Director of Marketing since 2022. She oversees all marketing, fundraising, and special events for First Step. Sara has a Ph.D. in Leadership and holds a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) designation. She is deeply rooted within her community and volunteers in various civic, social, and nonprofit organizations.
Angela Logue, Compliance Officer and Residential Coordinator
Angela Logue is First Step’s Compliance Officer. She has served in this role since 2021. She oversees First Step’s policies and procedures and maintains accreditation standards for all of First Step’s programs to ensure that individuals served receive the highest quality services. Angela began her career in 2017 as the HUD Coordinator for First Step’s On Our Own adult residential program which she continues to manage, coordinating affordable housing for adults with disabilities.
Scott Ward, Director of Home and Community Based Services
Scott Ward is the Director of Home and Community Based Services. His previous experience with the Arkansas Department of Human Services, and the Division of Developmental Disabilities Services, built a foundation for continued excellence in individualized services, that is a tradition at First Step. First Step HCBS Services include sites in 3 communities totaling 104 residential units and encompass 27 counties in Central and South Arkansas.
Nathan Newsom, Director of Human Resources
Nathan Newsom serves as the Human Resources Director at First Step. He has a Bachelor’s of Science degree in HR Management from Arkansas State University. In his role, he guides and manages the overall development and implementation of HR services, policies and programs for the organization.
Cynthia Hill, Intermediate Care Facility Director
Cynthia Hill is the Administrator of the Intermediate Care Facility which houses youths and adolescents with Intellectual Disabilities who require a more structured environment than is allowed by their home setting (ICF/IID). She has worked with First Step Inc since 2015 starting out as the Director of Nursing Services for the ICF/IID then moving on to the Administrator.
Peggy Beggs, Business Relations Representative
Peggy Beggs serves as the Supported Employment Director. She manages First Step’s Supported Employment Program and supervises the job coaches. Peggy works with various stakeholders to ensure success for the individuals we serve and the employers that support our mission.
Malvern Location – Main Number (501) 337-7622
Misty Willingham, Malvern Director
Misty Willingham is the Director of First Step Malvern. She started in 2005 as a referral/intake coordinator working with families needing development, speech, physical, and occupational therapy services.
Keyosha Olive, Malvern – Development Treatment Director
Keyosha Olive serves as the Development Treatment Director at our Early Intervention Day Treatment Preschool in Malvern. She helps lead the programs providing specialized instruction through daily skills.
Glenwood Location – Main Number (870) 356-3622
Samantha Harris, Glenwood Director
Samantha Harris is the Director of First Step Glenwood. Prior to this role, she was a speech therapist with First Step for 12 years. She is passionate about helping children and adults with Developmental Disabilities.
Fordyce Location – Main Number (870) 352-7975
Stephanie Abbott, Fordyce Director
Stephanie Abbott is the Director of First Step Fordyce. She has served in this role since 2014. Stephanie has a Master of Science in Education and began her career with First Step as a certified teacher in 1998. She enjoys being involved in community activities, interacting with families, and being a voice for those we serve.
