TrailMix Board of Directors

Katharine Arburn, Co-Founder and President (she/her/hers)

With a background in health care coordination and crisis counseling, Katharine brings a compassionate, community-oriented approach to her role as Board President of TrailMix. A trained school counselor and certified K-6 teacher, she has dedicated her career to supporting others, with a special focus on fostering safe, inclusive spaces. As a parent of two, Katharine envisions a vibrant, supportive community in Northwest Arkansas, where secular individuals and families can connect meaningfully. Her passion for creating a “village” of like-minded people fuels their commitment to TrailMix, helping to build a welcoming, nurturing environment for future generations.

Contact: Katharine@TrailmixNWA.org

Sarah Younger, Treasurer (she/her/hers)

Sarah is part of the Workforce Planning Team at Sam’s Club Home Office, with a career-long dedication to building relationships and enhancing community ties. Before joining Sam’s Club, she held various human resources and financial roles at the Northwest Arkansas National Airport and the University of Missouri, developing a strong foundation in grant management and communications. Sarah earned her bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Arkansas and her MBA from the University of Illinois. In her free time, she and her wife are on a mission to explore all 50 Arkansas State Parks with their two children.

Contact: Sarah@TrailmixNWA.org

Hallie Hannaman, Secretary (she/her/hers)

With over 13 years of experience in the banking industry, Hallie brings a strong background in team leadership, strategic planning, and organizational growth. She has served on multiple boards and is passionate about giving back to the community through volunteerism and service. As a mother of a young child, she is especially committed to supporting initiatives that foster diversity, inclusivity, and a thriving secular community for families in NWA.

Contact: Hallie@TrailmixNWA.org

Helen Barker, Board Member (she/her/hers)

Helen is a social work student and intern, actively working toward her social work licensure. She combines her creative background with a commitment to social change, bringing a unique perspective to her role with TrailMix. Helen’s professional experience spans nonprofit work and small business management in the creative sector, providing her with a rich foundation for community-focused initiatives. A resident of Northwest Arkansas, Helen enjoys supporting others in finding a sense of belonging and community within TrailMix. She lives with her husband and their young daughter, embracing the natural beauty and community spirit of the region.

Contact: Helen@TrailmixNWA.org

Founder

Nico Follett, Founder (she/her/hers)

Nico is the Founder of TrailMix NWA and served as the organization’s first President, helping to establish its mission and shape many of the programs and events that define it today. A dedicated community builder and mother of two, she remains actively involved in supporting the organization’s growth and impact. Her background in nonprofit leadership, volunteer management, and family advocacy fuels her passion for creating inclusive spaces. An avid hiker, camper, and kayaker, Nico is committed to mindful consumption and stewardship of our shared lands, working to ensure a better future for her children’s generation.

TrailMix NWA emerged from Nico’s innovative vision to reimagine community building through the integration of outdoor recreation, environmental stewardship, and progressive values. What began as a simple Sunday morning hiking tradition with her family transformed when she extended an invitation to others—creating an inclusive gathering space for like-minded individuals seeking connection, nature, and shared experiences that honor both the seasons of the year and the seasons of life. Her unique model, utilizing public lands as gathering spaces, eliminated traditional barriers to secular community-building and resonated deeply with local families who previously lacked child-friendly gathering options. As the community expanded, so did its purpose, evolving into a nonprofit dedicated to fostering friendships, outdoor adventure, and progressive community building. From potlucks and service projects to seasonal celebrations and campouts, TrailMix NWA continues to reflect this original vision: a vibrant, welcoming village where families can grow together.

TrailMix Staff Volunteers

Mariah Seigel, Fayetteville Nature Preschool Co-op Lead (she/her/hers)

Mariah, a full time mother of two with a long history in childcare, is a certified Yoga Alliance instructor. When the part-time nature preschool her daughter attended closed, she launched the Fayetteville Nature Preschool Co-op in Spring 2024, creating a collaborative space for parents to enrich their children’s lives through engaging, nature-based activities. FNPC joined TrailMix, where it now operates as a key program, expanding to a second chapter in Benton County and providing free support to secular families in the region. Mariah coordinates weekly themes, outdoor locations, and activities, beginning each morning with a circle time that includes a short yoga practice that aligns with the theme of the week.

Jillian Richards, Bentonville Nature Preschool Co-op Lead (she/her/hers)

Jillian is an entrepreneur with a high passion for community and development. Her background includes over 15 years of business ownership, Program development, mindfulness and artistry. When the opportunity to move to NWA came she decided to step away from the day to day business and focus on her growing family. As a mom of 3 with a passion for environmental awareness and wellness she is committed to providing quality resources and opportunity for children to have safe space to learn, grow and experience. She brings creativity, movement and an encouraging welcoming approach to the BNPC co-op. The BNPC co-op has a weekly themed circle time, music, movement, mindfulness and parent led activities that encourage passion based leadership and community.

Angela  “Auntie Angie” Ledford, Storytime Lead (she/her/hers)

Angela, known as Auntie Angie, is the author of What Happened to Zoey? A Book About Grief for Kids and the voice behind the Ask Auntie Angie blog. With experience as a teacher, children’s nonprofit founder, auntie, and mom, she offers honest and empathetic guidance to parents and caregivers on tough topics like grief, family dynamics, and big emotions. Through her warm, humorous, and non-judgmental approach, Auntie Angie uses storytelling to remind us that no question is too hard when it’s rooted in love. TrailMix NWA is grateful to have Auntie Angie share her thoughtful book selections and heartfelt readings at our gatherings, fostering meaningful conversations for our community.