Meet The Team
Teresa Lancaster Vassar, BA, MEd, CPM
Branch Director - Myrtle Beach
Teresa is an experienced director with proven success in assuring delivery of quality services to children and families. She began her career with the SC Department of Mental Health in clinical services and moved into management and administration with the SC Department of Social Services. She later worked as executive director with Willowglen Academy in SC, overseeing operations of residential- and community-based services before joining Bethany. Her volunteer work includes coach for Special Olympics of SC – Equine Division, board member and equine assisted learning volunteer with the 501c3 Fidelis Foundation of Myrtle Beach, Children’s Justice task force member, and founder and president of the 501c3 “Special Kid” sponsor program. She received her undergraduate degree in psychology from USC and a master’s degree in educational administration from Converse University. She is married to Phil and has two sons, Gage and Colt.
Amanda Torres
HS/PRS Lead Case Manager - Little Rock
A Texas native, Amanda worked 12 years in the criminal justice field, serving as a juvenile probation officer/parole officer. She is passionate and committed to making her community safe for all and strives to improve the quality of life for the clients she serves. She prides herself in going above and beyond, especially when providing services for clients that have no voice. Amanda is family oriented and values spending quality time with friends and family. She enjoys reading a good book or watching a good series on Netflix.
Caroline Valdez
HS/PRS Intervention Specialist - Little Rock
Caroline is a seasoned advocate for immigrant families in Central Arkansas. She has years of experience working as a Spanish interpreter and advocating for the Spanish-speaking immigrant community. She serves on the Spanish interpretation team at New Life Church and is active in the Spanish ministry Nueva Vida. She graduated summa cum laude from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock where she double majored in Spanish and international studies. Caroline holds a master’s degree from the Clinton School of Public Service. She has three children and enjoys cooking, dancing, singing, traveling, and exploring the outdoors.
Kimberly Marshall
Office Manager - Little Rock
Kimberly, a Kansas City, Missouri, native, has a background in corporate banking. She brings a wealth of experience to the Bethany team and is enthusiastic about contributing her expertise. She values quality time with her daughter and family above all else. When she’s not with her loved ones, she enjoys gardening, reading, and DIY projects.
Mireya Hurtado
HS/PRS Case Support Worker - Little Rock
Born and raised in Mexico, Mireya learned business administration from her father’s agriculture business. She graduated from college in Chicago and worked in customer service before moving to Arkansas. When her husband and business partner started the nonprofit organization PALOMA Community Services, Mireya worked as a volunteer, providing college scholarships for undocumented students. She continued to help the Mexican community at the Mexican Consulate. Mireya’s hobbies include self-defense in tae kwon do, walking, and cycling.
Shanan Montenegro
HS/PRS Regional Case Manager - Little Rock
Originally from California, Shanan’s career has been in mental health focusing mainly on people with a history of substance use. After moving to Arkansas, she widened her focus by working with vulnerable children and families facing crisis. Shanan’s hobbies include outdoor activities like fishing, hiking, and kayaking. She especially enjoys Arkansas for all the outdoor activities the state has to offer.
Sharonda Henderson
PRS Intake & QA Coordinator - Little Rock
Sharonda has worked in social services and mental health for almost a decade, including treatment specialist for several mental health organizations and various roles with Arkansas State Government. Her most recent government position was program coordinator/supervisor for the Arkansas Department of Education. She has a B.A. in general studies with an emphasis in communication and sociology from Arkansas State University. Sharonda enjoys life, spending time with family, and working around the house.
Yolanda Ornelas Uribe
HS/PRS Regional Supervisor - Little Rock
Yolanda was born and raised in Mexico and worked as a professor at the University of Guadalajara for more than 20 years. In 2015, when her husband’s job relocated the family to Arkansas, Yolanda made a career shift that began by volunteering with local organizations that assist the Hispanic population. In 2022, she joined Bethany as a case manager. Yolanda and her husband have three children. She enjoys the time with her family, reading, and outdoor activities.
