Judy Watson, Chief Executive Officer
Judy Watson, Executive Director/CEO, has been employed at Rainbow of Challenges since August 1989 and has worked in many different positions throughout the past 26 years. Judy feels that each position change has given her a full understanding of the organization as a whole and forced her to learn about all aspects of the services/supports available to children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Judy started as a direct support worker with Adult’s in the Day Program as a lead direct support worker. Since that time has moved up through the organization as a supervisor/Assistant QMRP, coordinator of Adult Day Program, Residential Program, Home and Community Based Waiver and Support Services (case management, transportation, food services and maintenance). During the past two years Judy has served as President of the Board of Directors for Developmental Disabilities Provider. She has been actively involved on a number of different state committees representing providers. Most recently, Judy was appointed by Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson to the Governor’s Advisory Council on Medicaid Reform. Judy is an active member of ANCOR and serves on the Board of Representatives for Arkansas. Judy was chosen by ANCOR to be a provider representative at the CMS ICF/MR Surveyors Training on two different occasions. Judy has been married to Danny Watson for 36 years and they have two children. Justin and his wife Candice who live in Honolulu Hawaii, they have one daughter Kai and Andrew and his wife Haylee who live in Hope, Arkansas, they have three children Cade, Reynlee and Jep. Judy’s kids and grandkids are her past time, she loves spending time with them swimming, outdoors and traveling.
Scotty Powell, Corporate Compliance Officer
Scotty Powell, Corporate Compliance Officer, graduated Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia, Arkansas in 2004, with a Bachelors of Arts degree in Business Administration. Scotty began his career working with Rainbow of Challenges, Inc. (ROC) in 2005 as a Direct Support Professional (DSP). When not working, he enjoys spending time outdoors with his favorite hunting buddy-daughter, Jacii.
Teresa Porter, Chief Financial Officer
Teresa Porter has been employed by Rainbow of Challenges since September 1987 and has worked in many different positions during her tenure. Teresa feels that each position change has given her a broad understanding of the organization and enabled her to learn all aspects of the organization’s administration in relation to the services/supports available to individuals with disabilities. Teresa started with the organization as a direct support worker in the public school classroom in 1987. A year later she accepted a clerical position for direct services. In 2001, she transferred to the position of Administrative Assistant eventually being promoted to Executive Assistant to the Executive Director as her duties and responsibilities increased. Teresa’s involvement in all administrative and support services has given her the opportunity to understand the operational functions of the organization. In 2007, she transferred to the finance department as the Accountant. Since that time she has been promoted to Chief Financial Officer and is responsible for the organization’s financial activities including payroll and HUD. In 2009, Teresa graduated with honors from the University of Phoenix with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business/Accounting. This degree, along with her experience and training, has been valuable to ensure that all Rainbow of Challenges’ financial activities are conducted in the best interest for the organization in both an ethical and efficient manner. Teresa considers her role as the mother of a child with severe disabilities to be her most valuable experience with ROC and life in general. This experience has given her a better appreciation for providing quality services and supports to individuals with disabilities and their families. This experience has also created a strong bond with her family. She has been married to her husband, Bruce, for 34 years. In addition to their special child (now deceased), they have two other children; Chris and Aimee. Teresa is actively involved with her church where she serves as pastor’s wife, pianist, church clerk/treasurer. She has served on various state boards as well local community activities.
Christy Ayers, Community Waiver Services Vice President
Christy Ayers, Community Services Vice President, joined Rainbow of Challenges in 1995. She started her ROC career as a Life Skills Instructor at Omega Home. From there Christy went on to work in Day Services, back to Omega and then on to Community Waiver. In Community Waiver she has worked in every capacity possible: Direct Support Professional, Supervisor, Assistant Coordinator, Coordinator, Director and now Vice President. Always ready to jump in and help a colleague, Christy is an integral part of Rainbow of Challenges and is the perfect example of our “Whatever It Takes!” motto. Christy is a graduate of Hope High School and went on to graduate from the University of Arkansas Community College at Hope in 2009 with an Associate of Arts degree. She is also certified as a Crisis Prevention Institute instructor. Christy and her husband, Chad, have two sons (Cody and Cole). She enjoys spending time with her family, pets (Chewy and Zoey), camping and couponing.
Chikako “Chika” Bonner, Omega Home Director
Chika Bonner, Director of Omega Home, originally joined Rainbow of Challenges in 2006. She has held various positions in our adult programs. She has worked as a DSP, Hab Trainer, Administrative Assistant, Program Manager and Residential Coordinator. During this time, she worked on the implementation of our Therap system in all components. After a short absence, she returned in 2023 as the Director of Omega Home. She has many years of experience in ICF and is excited to return to Omega Home. Chika graduated from the University of Arkansas in 2018 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. She is married to Jason who served in the Marine Corps. Chika and Jason have three children (Allison and her husband Justin, Alyssa, and Jackson). Chika enjoys camping, trying new recipes, and learning about gardening.