Meet Us

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Michelle Mothershed is a native of Arkansas and a Mother of three. She is a graduate of Little Rock Central High. After graduating, she attended the University of Central Arkansas but didn’t feel fulfilled. So, she dropped out of college and joined the US Army (active duty). Unfortunately, Michelle suffered injuries and was medically discharged before fulfilling her order to go to Germany. After much physical therapy/rehabilitation, she knew she couldn’t just sit around and do nothing. Through a lot of pain and sleepless nights, going back to college would be her next adventure. She is the proud holder of a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Master of Science in Education. She taught middle and elementary school for 20 years before a disability retirement was necessary.

  In March 2019, Michelle states that God spoke a word to her, but she was disobedient. March 2021 Compassionately Connected for Veterans Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, was conceived. They focus on Veterans, their spouses, and their children. It is about serving those in need and meeting them where they are. They also focus on the homeless Veterans and community, donating Compassion Boxes, giving out Compassion care packages to the homeless, serving as supportive services, and hosting food/clothes drives are some of what they do. Her favorite sayings are there is NO LIMIT as to what God can do, and delayed is not denied!  

#PuttingComapassionIntoAction

Karen Mothershed is a lifelong resident of Little Rock, Arkansas. Befitting her eclectic personality, she received an Associate of General Studies and a Bachelor of Liberal Arts from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. 

Karen spent 31 years in the corporate world, during which time she earned her degrees. In her spare time, she was freelance  photographer and had many other interests. 

Since retiring, Karen has enjoyed traveling, gardening, binge-watching television, and spending time with family and friends. More so, Karen avidly loves animals, especially fur babies. 

Karen appreciates the sacrifices of those who serve and those who served our country and their families who served beside them. 

Being on the Board of Compassionately Connected for Veterans, Inc. has allowed her to hone some old skills and opened new doors.

LaTrenia Ceasar, originally from Dermott Arkansas, is a U.S. Army veteran, wife, and mother. She is a graduate of Purdue University Global with a BS in Health and Wellness. She is also a Certified Personal Trainer and Health Coach.

Currently, LaTrenia manages and is part owner of Luxury Auto Spa Ultimate Car Care, LLC.  She is also pursuing her passion as a Health Coach as she is the proud owner of Kinetic Check Fitness, LLC. She operates both businesses in Little Rock, Arkansas, where she has been a resident for over 15 years. 

LaTrenia became a board member in 2023 and decided to dedicate her time, energy and compassion to an organization that is passionate about serving others in a way that will change lives for the better. She is a Christian, a member of The Church of Christ and belives that she lets her Godly light shine through serving others in need. 

Dr. Sonya Larkey is an Adjunct Faculty Member. She teaches Cyber Security Classes at Park University, Dr. Sonya Larkey earned a Doctorate of Computer Science specializing in Cyber Security and Information Assurance.  The Doctorate dissertation is published in ProQuest about the strategies that cybersecurity specialists need to minimize security threats in non-profit organizations. Along with a dual Masters in Computer Information Resource Management and Human Resource Development from Webster University.  She has a Bachelor of Business Administration with a minor in Computer Information Management from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.  

Dr. Sonya Larkey began her full-time career in higher education with Wayland Baptist University at Anchorage and Wasilla Alaska teaching COSC 2311 Computer Applications, MISM 3314 Advance Computer Applications, and MISM 3303 Introduction to Information Systems.at Anchorage, Wasilla, and blended classes. 

She transitioned from Wayland Baptist University after many years to the University of Arkansas – Pulaski Technical College in Spring 2021 to become the Computer Skills Instructor for the Veterans Upward Bound.  

Dr. Sonya Larkey spends her time outside of work with her family; mom, brother, sister-in-law, nieces, and cousins. She is an avid sports fan and most weekends you will find her nowhere else but the ballpark or church with her family. She also loves animals and has two cats. She is most passionate about teaching, veterans and supporting her students as they work to achieve their individual goals and career dreams. 

Felicia Pearson, a native of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, now residing in North Little Rock, Arkansas after 32 years, is a passionate entertainer, vocalist, community builder, and soon-to-be author. Her lifelong journey began with singing at the tender age of three and forming a singing group during third-grade recess, showcasing her innate talent and love for music.

 Despite lacking formal musical training, Felicia dedicated her adult years in Little Rock to sharing her melodic gifts. She founded Hughes Management, a company where she nurtured local artists and lent her voice as a background vocalist. Along the way, she cultivated meaningful connections within the entertainment industry.

 Felicia’s talents extend beyond music; she has graced local real estate media, print ads, commercials, and even embarked on an acting journey within a friend’s independent feature film debut. When she’s not contributing to the skies as a flight attendant for a legacy airline or making dreams come true in real estate as a licensed realtor with iRealty Arkansas, she cherishes quality time with her family and explores the wonders of travel. 

 A dedicated social media influencer, Felicia Kaye finds fulfillment in networking and socializing, embodying a commitment to her craft and her community. Her multifaceted talents and warm spirit make her a valuable asset to any cause or organization.

LaTonya Lee is a clerk with the Pulaski County Judicial/Warrants Division and a

mother of two daughters and three wonderful grandkids. After graduating in 1991 she went on to work for the Pulaski County Jail and attended Arkansas Baptist

College at night. She dropped out to work at St. John Baptist church Daycare and raise her kids. When that was not enough in 2006 she went back to school and in 2013 she graduated from the University Of Arkansas with a B.A. in Criminal

Justice. Once finished she moved on to a Probation Officer position with 5th

Division Circuit Court. She retired in December of 2022, after working 28 years. LaTonya returned to work in September of 2022. 

LaTonya enjoys giving back to the community. She volunteers for Mt. Pleasant Food Bank and CC4Vvinc a non profit organization. She enjoys spending time with her grandkids, and husband. She has a love for baking and entertaining for her family and friends. She also writes poetry in her free time. LaTonya is a person with a big heart

and likes to give. 

Latonya is a hard worker and received an award for her dedication and service from the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office along with two decorative pens for her service. In high school she took home the math award for excellence. She has countless

certificates for her job.