THELMA MOTON
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.
PENNY McCRAY
PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR
Penny McCray grew up in Little Rock, Arkansas and started as an Administrative Assistant at Choosing to Excel in 2007. She was then promoted to Program Administrator, a title she still holds today. As 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 where she conducts 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.
JASMINE HULLUM-MHOON
PROGRAM DIRECTOR/FACILITATOR
Jasmine Hullum-Mhoon is from McGehee, Arkansas, and started working as a Program Director and Facilitator with Choosing to Excel in 2018. She has a Bachelor's in Health Sciences that she obtained 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 to teach life skills to students from 7th to 12th grade, conduct G.E.M.S, a small girls' lunch club available to girls in middle and jr. high school, and lead Choosing to Excel’s Leadership Team, who serves as Jr. Leaders throughout Arkansas. Her goal as a leader is to provide tools, skills, resources, quality time, and support to as many children as possible, all while having a little fun.
CHRISTEL WEST
PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Christel West is a passionate 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, by creating and implementing an innovative curriculum, workshops, daily discussion panels, and activities that foster healthy relationships, self-awareness, and resilience for her students in and outside the classroom. Christel is committed to creating a safe, inclusive and supportive environment where students feel comfortable exploring sensitive topics and sharing their concerns. Her goal is to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to make informed choices about their physical, emotional, and mental health.
CANDIE CORONA
FAMILY SUPPORT SPECIALIST
Candie Corona is originally from Texas and has called Conway, AR her home for 25 years. She graduated from UCA and is one of our Family Support Specialist for Healthy Families of America Program. She has five children and being a mom is her most important role. As a Family Support Specialist, she 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 of 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.
BIJOUX PIGHEE
PROGRAM DIRECTOR OF HFA
Bijoux Pighee is from Little Rock, Arkansas and began volunteering with Choosing to Excel's Girls Eagerly Maintaining High Standards (GEMS) and Leadership Team programs in 2013. Bijoux believes wholeheartedly that with consistency, respect, and common goals, C2E can help families achieve better outcomes.
SHAMENIA WEST
FAMILY SUPPORT SPECIALIST
Shamenia West is from Little Rock, AR. She 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.
ELEMIM SHELL
FAMILY SUPPORT SPECIALIST
Elemim Shell is from Harlingen, Texas. As a Family Support Specialist, she works with pregnant and parenting families of children aged 0-3, provide 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.
ATHALIAH VILLARREAL
PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Athaliah Villarreal is a passionate advocate for youth development from Fort Worth, Texas. Hired in 2023, she has been with Excel programs since her elementary school years. With a deep desire to be a trusted mentor and guide for young people, Athaliah saw Choosing to Excel as the perfect opportunity to combine her skills and her passion to help others navigate life’s challenges.
INDYA TOLEFREE
PROGRAM DIRECTOR/FACILITATOR
Indya Tolefree is from Conway, Arkansas, and was first introduced to Choosing to Excel at the age of nine during our summer impact camp. During her high school years, she became an active member of the Choosing to Excel Leadership Team. Currently, as a Program Director and Facilitator, Indya leads our G.E.M.S. lunch club for middle school students and E.Y.E. Club for high school students. She is passionate about fostering meaningful relationships with students and serving as a positive influence—an essential aspect of her role in supporting the development of our youth.