Our Team
STEPHANIE CARPER | CHAIR
Stephanie lives in North Little Rock with her husband Phillip, and daughter, Annabelle. In December 2016, she was diagnosed with Ovarian and Uterine Cancer. She was only 34 years old. She had every symptom of the disease for months, but like many contributed each to stress or usual monthly issues. Her fight against cancer was a long and grueling journey, but the fight was worth every second. She will never stop sharing her story because if hearing her experiences, can just save one life, then all that she went through will be worth it.
LEAH ANDERSON | VICE-CHAIR
SHERRI FRYAR | TREASURER
Sherri lives in Wooster with her husband Brad, and their Brittany Spaniel, Rikki. She lost her 24-year old daughter, Taryn Claassen to ovarian cancer in 2017. Upon Taryn's diagnosis, she and Sherri jumped right in and have always gone above and beyond to help Arkansans know about the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer. Sherri and Brad are the owners of Contractor’s Specialty Service Company in Little Rock.
ALESA GARNER | EDUCATION DIRECTOR
Alesa Garner, New Outlook Cancer Recovery Program Manager St. Vincent Health System. Alesa is one of the founding members of AROVCC. Her passion for this organization stems from a sister who overcame ovarian cancer. Alesa has been involved with education efforts for AROVCC since its inception.
Email: agarner@stvincenthealth.com
SIMONE BROCK | SECRETARY
Simone lives in El Paso, AR, with her husband Derrel. She embarked on this journey in the fight against ovarian cancer through her work as a Bereavement Specialist with Arkansas Hospice. Simone lost her own paternal grandmother to ovarian cancer when her dad was just 12 years old. She hopes that through education more mothers, sisters, daughters, and women win their battle.
DONNA PHILLIPS | SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Donna lives in Jacksonville with her husband and daughter Syndey. She was diagnosed in March of 2019 at the age of 31. Shortly after her diagnosis, she began volunteering with Arkansas Ovarian Cancer Coalition. As an educator, Donna believes that knowledge is power. She hopes that her involvement in spreading awareness about ovarian cancer signs and symptoms will help at least one other person.
After being misdiagnosed for months, Leah Elliott learned she had what is known as the “silent killer” in April 2006. She joined others who shared her passion in educating anyone and everyone on the signs and symptoms of this disease and became a founding board member of the AROVCC. Her two daughters, Emma and Arden, have joined in her efforts and volunteer with the organization as well. Leah became a survivor the day she was diagnosed. It is a title she proudly bears behind her name.