CEO/FOUNDER

Thelma Moton is originally from Twin Groves, Arkansas, and is the CEO/Founder of Choosing to Excel. Her vision for C2E is to see the lives of youth be positively influenced and impacted through programs and partnerships in the community. Her motivating force is to assist and encourage youth and families to define their end goal and to challenge and equip them with life sustaining skills. Thelma believes that all young people and families, no matter their circumstances, need a haven and deserve to know that “they matter.” She constantly encourages those who are going through challenges to Keep The End In Mind.

PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR

Little Rock native Penny McCray started as an Administrative Assistant at Choosing to Excel in 2007 and was promoted to Program Administrator. Penny oversees all financial obligations of the organization such as account payables, accounts receivables, audits, payroll, budgets, and more. She also serves as a GEMS Director, conducting weekly meetings with young ladies to encourage them to be the best version of themselves. Penny is passionate about helping young women strive for optimal health through presentations, activities, and games. Her favorite part of her job is influencing youth to make better life choices.

PROGRAM DIRECTOR/FACILITATOR

Jasmine Hullum-Mhoon is from McGehee, Arkansas, and started working with Choosing to Excel in 2018. She has a Bachelor's in Health Sciences from the University of Central Arkansas and has a history of working in Education since 2011. As a Program Director and Facilitator, Jasmine travels to various locations teaching life skills to students from 7th to 12th grade, conducting G.E.M.S. and leading Choosing to Excel’s Leadership Team. Her goal as a leader is to provide tools, skills, resources, quality time, and support to as many children as possible, all while having fun.

PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Christel West is a Program Director for classroom presentations and ALE (Alternative Learning Education) for Choosing to Excel. Christel specializes in the personal development of students grades 7-12, creating and implementing an innovative curriculum, daily discussion panels, and activities that foster healthy relationships, self-awareness, and resilience for all of her students. Christel is committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment where students feel comfortable exploring sensitive topics and sharing concerns. Her goal is to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to make informed choices about their overall health.

FAMILY SUPPORT SPECIALIST

Originally from Texas, Candie has called Conway, AR her home for 25 years. As a Family Support Specialist with our Healthy Families of America program, Candie enjoys working with pregnant and parenting moms, being able to share curriculum about their child’s development/emotional needs, encourage new skills, as well as educate parents on positive parenting practices. She is passionate about supporting families and is an advocate for our Spanish speaking families. She also loves serving our community and being a voice for our Hispanic Community. She currently serves on The City of Conway Diversity Advisor Council and The Advisory Council for the Education of Children with Disabilities. 

FAMILY SUPPORT SPECIALIST

Shamenia West was hired in 2022 as a Family Support Specialist. She works closely with pregnant and parenting families of babies aged 0-3 and provides parenting skills, life skills, community referrals, and child development education to supplement their familial journey.

FAMILY SUPPORT SPECIALIST

As a Family Support Specialist, she works with pregnant and parenting families of children aged 0-3, providing parenting skills, life skills, and translating services. As a former client, she knows what a difference HFA can have in one’s life. It fills her heart to know she is a puzzle piece in making a difference working for Choosing to Excel.