
Life Styles enthusiastically supports individuals with disabilities in reaching their full potential as contributing members of the community.

IMPACT
At Life Styles, impact is about creating real, meaningful change—for the individuals we serve and for the entire community. Beyond simply offering services, we empower adults with disabilities to live with greater independence, connect with their communities, and share their talents and perspectives. The result? A stronger, more inclusive world for everyone.
Increasing Independence
We help individuals build essential life skills—like budgeting, cooking, and job readiness—so they can live as self-sufficiently as possible and pursue their personal goals with confidence.
Enhancing Community Integration
By facilitating social events, volunteer opportunities, and community-based programs, we ensure people with disabilities can participate fully in local life, forging friendships and finding purpose.
Promoting Inclusion & Understanding
When adults with disabilities are welcomed and valued, our neighborhoods become more diverse and accepting. We work to break down barriers and highlight the unique contributions each person can offer.
Supporting Personal Growth
Through personalized guidance and advocacy, we encourage individuals to explore their interests, discover new passions, and share their gifts with the world—showing that everyone’s voice matters.
In short, our impact is measured in the greater confidence, independence, and community connections experienced by those we serve—and by the positive ripple effects these changes have on families, neighbors, and the broader community.
OUR FACILITIES
At Life Styles, we’re proud to offer three dedicated facilities—each one uniquely equipped to help individuals with disabilities learn, grow, and live more independently.
STENSGAARD CENTER
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2590 W Sycamore St
Fayetteville, AR 72703
Spanning 16,000 square feet, the Stensgaard Center is the hub of our organization and home to our Adult Development program, as well as many Supported Living Evening & Weekend Activities.
This spacious, stimulating environment features:
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A full teaching kitchen
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Individual classrooms for focused learning
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Administrative offices
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Large and small recreation areas
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A multi-purpose dining space and room for live performances
THE BLAIR CENTER

5200 S Thompson St
Springdale, AR 72764
Serving as the creative hub for Life Styles’ renowned art program, the 7,000-square-foot Blair Center of the Arts is where regular art shows take place, showcasing the incredible work of our clients.
Features include:
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A Community Gallery displaying client-created art (available for purchase)
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Ongoing exhibits at local galleries and businesses throughout Northwest Arkansas
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Ample studio space for instruction, collaboration, and artistic exploration
LIFE STYLES RESIDENTIAL
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2471 W Sycamore St
Fayetteville, AR 72703
Located just across the street from the Stensgaard Center, our Residential Campus provides a supportive environment where adults with disabilities can develop the skills needed for independent living.
It offers:
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Four two-bedroom and eight one-bedroom apartments
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Guidance in meal planning, personal hygiene, health, and safety
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Opportunities to build life skills and increase independence
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A community space where residents can socialize, participate in group activities, and form lasting friendships
MEET THE LEADERSHIP TEAM
JOHN NEWMAN
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
A part-time position as Weekend Site Supervisor in 2008 set John Newman on a path that culminated in his appointment as Executive Director of Life Styles in 2016. From the start, John was drawn to the organization’s mission—advocating for equal opportunity and full community access for people with disabilities. Over time, he says he “fell in love with the people we serve, the selfless commitment of the staff who support them, and the family feel of the organization as a whole.”
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John’s dedication to Life Styles is evident in everything he does—whether he’s loading boxes for a client move or traveling to the state capitol to debate public health policy. A graduate of the University of Arkansas, John currently serves on the boards of the Fayetteville High School Hall of Greats and the NWA CEO Forum. In 2021, he was elected to the Fayetteville Public Education Foundation’s Hall of Honor, recognizing his impactful service to the community.
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Now, John continues to guide Life Styles with a focus on expanding programs, deepening community partnerships, and creating innovative solutions that empower individuals with disabilities. His vision for the future remains clear: to ensure every person has the opportunity to live a fulfilling, independent life, surrounded by the support and inclusion they deserve.


SHERRY ANDERSON
FINANCE DIRECTOR

MADDY SHIRLEY
HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTOR

DOTTIE HATTAL
OPERATIONS DIRECTOR

AMY LEITERMANN
ACTIVITIES & WELLNESS DIRECTOR

KELLY MILNER
SUPPORTED LIVING DIRECTOR
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JO MCHUGH
ADULT DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

KASI MILLER
SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT DIRECTOR

MARLA FAULKNER-ROBINSON
SUPPORTED LIVING COORDINATOR

DEBI GILES
SUPPORTED LIVING COORDINATOR

ALEX STRAYHORN
SUPPORTED LIVING COORDINATOR

ALMA MARQUEZ
SUPPORTED LIVING COORDINATOR

CHRISTINA JENKINS
SUPPORTED LIVING COORDINATOR

MAX MAY
SUPPORTED LIVING COORDINATOR

MARK GOLD
SUPPORTED LIVING COORDINATOR

VIKKI MCKILLIP
CASE MANAGER

FELICIA PAECH
CASE MANAGER

TONYA SHANKS
CASE MANAGER

VILA HACKSISOMBATH
CASE MANAGER
OUR HISTORY
Click through the timeline to discover how we began, the milestones we’ve reached, and the people who shaped our mission from the very start.