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 their 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. Their passion for creating a “village” of like-minded people fuels their commitment to TrailMix, helping to build a welcoming, nurturing environment for future generations.
Email: Katharine@trailmixnwa.org
Hallie Hannaman, Vice President (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.
Email: Hallie@trailmixnwa.org
Matt Ledford, Secretary (he/his)
Matt brings over 14 years of experience as a professional mechanic, with strong skills in organization, clear communication, and attention to detail that support his role on the Trailmix board. Growing up exploring the outdoors and staying active in Boy Scouts, He developed a lifelong love for nature and community. He is passionate about helping Trailmix create an inclusive, secular space where people can connect, learn from one another and feel at home. As a dad, he hopes to create a community where his daughter, and others, can build lasting relationships and a strong sense of belonging.
Email: Matthew@trailmixnwa.org
Sarah McNeal, Treasurer (she/her/hers)
Sarah McNeal is Fayetteville native with over a decade of experience in nonprofit and public-sector leadership, with a background spanning K-16 education, partnership development, and grants management. As a district and community engagement specialist with a national nonprofit, Sarah supports a network of partners across 13 states, managing budgets, contracts, and grant initiatives totaling more than $22 million and impacting over 51,000 students in 180 schools. She is passionate about building systems that help mission-driven organizations thrive and is excited to support TrailMix NWA’s work of creating a space for family-friendly, secular community to gather in northwest Arkansas. Outside of work, Sarah can be found making up songs with her daughter, stopping to talk to critters while hiking, or trying her hand at a new crafting technique.
Email: SarahM@trailmixnwa.org
Helen Barker, Director of Social Media (she/her/hers)
Helen is a provisionally licensed social worker, actively working in her community. 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.
Email: Helen@trailmixnwa.org
Founder
Nico Follett, Founder (she/her/hers)
TrailMix NWA was founded by Nico Follett, who also served as the organization’s first President and helped establish its mission and early programming. What began as a simple Sunday morning hiking tradition grew into a nonprofit dedicated to outdoor recreation, environmental stewardship, and progressive community building for families in Northwest Arkansas.
By gathering on public lands and creating child-friendly, inclusive spaces, TrailMix NWA removed traditional barriers to connection and built a welcoming community rooted in shared values. Today, the organization continues to foster friendships, seasonal celebrations, service projects, and outdoor adventure — carrying forward the original vision of a vibrant village where families can grow together.
TrailMix Staff Volunteers
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.
