The Learning Success Center is made up of several staff members who ensure the success
of the center. The following is a list of administrative staff involved in the
Learning Success Center.
Lynne Risner,
Director and Literacy Specialist
Education includes:
M.S.E. Henderson State University (K-12 Reading Specialist)
B.S.E. Henderson State University (Elementary Education, K-8 Science, K-8 Social Studies)
Additional Certifications: K-12 English as Second Language
Mrs. Risner has classroom experience at Horatio School District and the Mineral Springs School District. She taught grades 1-3 at Horatio and 7th -8th grade reading at Mineral Springs. Mrs. Risner was the Literacy Specialist at the Mineral Springs School District under the Reading First (formerly Reading Excellence) program.
Mrs. Risner served as the literacy specialist for the DeQueen Mena Educational Cooperative (DMEC) from 1995-1999. During her employment at the DMEC she became a Reading Recovery Advocate, a trainer for Early Literacy Learning in Arkansas (ELLA), Effective Literacy for Grades 2-4, and attended the English as a Second Language (ESL) Academy.
Mrs. Risner continues to successfully tutor students from all age groups. She has served as an adjunct professor for both Henderson State University and Cossatot Community College University of Arkansas. She still serves as a student intern advisor for Henderson State University.
Dr. Joe Barentine
Education includes:
Ed. D. 1975 East Texas State University (Major: Instruction, Curriculum & Supervision and Minor: Educational Administration)
M.S.E. 1965 Henderson State University (Curriculum & Supervision)
B.S.E. 1955 Henderson State University (Social Studies and Physical Education)
Dr. Barentine has classroom experience in the Rison, Gillham, and White Hall School Districts. He was a principal for two years at White Hall Junior High and for three years at Hope High School. He has also enjoyed two successful years as Director of Housing/Assistant to the Dean of Students at Henderson State University. Dr. Barentine spent a total of eight years as Superintendent of Schools at Ouachita School District, Ashdown School District, and Hope School District. He has spent the last twenty-nine years as a consultant with Educators Consultant Services at Conway and Hot Springs.
Donna Phillips,
Math Specialist
Education includes:
B.S.E. in Mathematics with a minor in communications, Henderson State University, Arkadelphia, Arkansas.
Mrs. Phillips has experience teaching K-12 Mathematics and has taught a combination of junior high and high school math for eleven years. She has been trained in the learning styles of right-brained Attention Deficit Disorder students and uses many creative techniques for teaching right-brained students.
Mrs. Phillips has held an administrative position of Lead Teacher for six years and was selected as the Crossgate Christian Academy’s Teacher of the year for two years.
She has led workshops on innovative ways to teach Mathematics as well as teaching to the national standards. Mrs. Phillips has tutored both individual students and groups of students for the past seventeen years. She continues to successfully work with students of all ages in the area of mathematics.
Brenda Sikes,
Office Manager
Brenda has served as office manager in an educational office for the last four years. She has an extensive knowledge about computers and office procedure. Previously, she owned her own book store in Hot Springs, Arkansas. She has also worked as a decorator, costume and set designer for a local school.
Brenda has done extensive volunteer work with children and adults teaching Sunday school for over thirty years. Brenda comes from a family of educators and is very knowledgeable about the education system and the needs of children
***References are available upon request