02 Jan 2026 Five-Oh-Ones to Watch 2026: Stephenie A. Cooke

By Rita Halter Thomas

If the time comes to care for a loved one, connecting with others who understand, having access to resources, and receiving support are invaluable. “Caregiving encompasses so many emotions, responsibilities and characteristics,” said Stephenie A. Cooke, Executive Director of Alzheimer’s Arkansas in Little Rock. “We do our best to meet caregivers where they are along their caregiving journey by providing resources such as information, education, respite programming, podcasts, support groups and financial assistance,” she said. 

Founded in 1984 as the Alzheimer’s Support Group of Central Arkansas, the organization has grown and evolved to offer resources and support to caregivers caring for loved ones living at home with any form of dementia, chronic illness, or debilitating disease, not just Alzheimer’s. 

Cooke said her journey with the organization began in 2011 as a volunteer, and the next year as a fundraiser. She then became a member of the board of directors, serving as chairwoman for five of 12 years on the board. Cooke then accepted an opportunity to join the staff. While she is the executive director, she is quick to direct the spotlight to her staff and the organization itself.

“I have been amazed at the level and quality of support our small staff continues to provide all while demonstrating patience, helpfulness, and empathy for all caregivers we come into contact with,” Cooke said. Some of those team members are Education Director Carolyn Berry, Grants Manager Sharayah Wallace, Programs and Outreach Manager Jennifer Hudspeth and Operations Manager Marlette Boales. 

According to Cooke, one of the best things about being part of Alzheimer’s Arkansas is hearing and seeing how the services they offer make a difference in the lives of others. “Caregivers need and deserve support and information,” she said.

Cooke’s team members all echo a similar sentiment: seeing the difference their efforts make is rewarding and gives them purpose. “While we cannot change the disease itself, we can help change perspectives and experiences, offering caregivers the relief of knowing they are not alone,” Berry said.

Seek help. It matters. “We do our best to respond to their various needs by offering a ‘point in the right direction,’ options for available resources in communities throughout the state, and working with other community stakeholders,” Cooke said.

Alzheimer’s Arkansas, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, has made a measurable impact. The organization offers caregiver grants, caregiver respite activities, educational workshops, support groups, educational brunches and luncheons and more all across the state. In 2025, the organization awarded over 700 grants to caregivers in 55 counties and 110 cities, and more than 400 caregivers attended workshops. They also produce an award-winning podcast and provide educational presentations and training to first responders, churches, businesses, and civic and community groups around the state.

Cooke credits the generosity of individuals and businesses who make it possible for their programming and resources to be provided at no cost to family caregivers.

“I don’t think any of us sign up for this,” Cooke said, “but at some point, as Rosalyn Carter said, ‘there are only four kinds of people in the world: those who have been caregivers, those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers, and those who will need caregivers.’” 

For more information, visit alzark.org.