TrailMix Board of Directors

Nico Follett, Founder & Board President (she/her/hers)

Nico brings valuable experience in nonprofit leadership and family advocacy to her role as President of the Board of Directors. TrailMix NWA was born from Nico’s “Sunday Service” hiking tradition with her family, alongside her good friend and Co-Founder Katharine Arburn’s dream of establishing a local Sunday Assembly chapter and their shared vision of creating a progressive village. A dedicated community builder and mother of two, Nico has been instrumental in shaping many of the programs and events that define the organization today. Her background in managing teams, volunteers, and programs in previous nonprofit roles informs her passion for creating inclusive, engaging spaces for families to connect. An avid hiker, camper, and kayaker, Nico is committed to mindful consumption and consideration for our shared lands, working to ensure a better future for her children’s generation.

Erynn Weston, Vice President (she/her/hers)

Erynn has been a part of TrailMix since the very first gathering, and currently works as a pediatric physical therapist and clinic director of an outpatient therapy clinic here in NWA. Erynn earned her undergraduate degree in Kinesiology from TCU and her doctorate in physical therapy from the University of Texas Medical Branch. She and her family spent several years living and working at a non-profit organization in Mexico supporting children and adults with disabilities before moving to NWA. She has always found meaning in supporting belonging and connection for those outside the traditional in-groups of society, whether it’s using her Spanish speaking skills in the therapy clinic to increase access to care, coaching caregivers through an intentionally neurodiversity affirming lens, or supporting the vision of a thoughtful, secular, safe space in NWA. She loves being outside, reading thought-provoking books, mountain biking cautiously and sitting in the river. 

Katharine Arburn, Co-Founder & Secretary (she/her/hers)

With a background in health care coordination and crisis counseling, Katharine brings a compassionate, community-oriented approach to her role at 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.

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.

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.

Maggie Matuschka, Board Member (she/her/hers)

Maggie brings nearly a decade of experience in nonprofit management, event planning, and strategic community engagement to her work with TrailMix NWA. She is committed to the important work of building community that transcends traditional boundaries and thrives outside of traditional spaces. To her, TrailMix represents a welcoming space where like-minded people can feel free to be themselves and rest in safe friendships.

Since relocating to Northwest Arkansas in 2022, she has embraced the region’s vibrant community, serving on the Rogers Public Library Foundation and graduating from the Leadership Benton County Class of 2023. She is a proud mother to a spirited redhead and wife to the curly-haired man of her dreams. A dedicated lifetime learner, her most cherished pastimes are reading library books, listening to public radio, and exploring the great outdoors.

TrailMix Staff Volunteers

Kirsten Hawkins, Community Service Coordinator (she/her/hers)

Kirsten, based in Bella Vista, Arkansas, is a dedicated mom of two who nurtures a love for the outdoors and a passion for lifelong learning in her family. Known for her curiosity and thoughtful skepticism, she values deep, challenging conversations that foster growth. Having served on the Board of Directors during TrailMix’s crucial first year and now collaborating with community partners to create volunteer opportunities for our members, Kirsten is committed to building a safe, secular community for her children and treasures the meaningful connections she has made along the way. In her free moments, she enjoys being outdoors, exploring native wildlife, tackling home projects, and connecting with others through community involvement.

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.