Parents Left Behind began because of the tragic death of a child. Cameron Bobbitt was just shy of her sixth birthday when she was struck by a motorist as she entered a school crosswalk. Her mother, Dr. Susan Averitt, led the initial efforts to resuscitate her daughter. “It was apparent to me that she died instantly, but we tried to save her. I went from being a happy mom to losing my oldest daughter in the blink of an eye,” she remembers.

Dr. Averitt’s journey through grief strengthened her desire to “make sure something positive comes out of Cameron’s death.” After years of attempting to come to terms with that grief, she decided to honor Cameron’s memory by sharing her story with other grieving parents. On April 5, 2014, she gave the keynote address that launched Parents Left Behind.

Dr. Averitt’s simple retelling of her family’s response to the loss of their daughter and sister opened the floodgates for the parents and loved ones who came to the seminar. Bereaved parents told their own stories and found solace meeting other parents who understood their lonely walk through alien territory.

TaNia Brewer, Director
TaNia Brewer is the wife of Andy and the mother of Everly and Norah. In 2010, TaNia experienced the devastating loss of her newborn son, Roman. Following months of grappling with her grief, she found solace and support in a community of grieving mothers. This experience ignited her passion for helping other grieving parents. In 2021, TaNia became the president of Parents Left Behind. In 2023, she became the first employee of Parents Left Behind. She continues to dedicate herself to supporting families through their grief journey.

Becky Ivey, Board Member
Becky Ivey is a lifelong resident and proud citizen of Northwest Arkansas. A 1975 graduate of Fayetteville High School, she earned her degree in Elementary Education from the University of Arkansas in 1980. Becky dedicated 38 years to teaching in Springdale, which stands as one of her greatest professional accomplishments. She and her husband, Van, raised their three children, Adam, Allison, and Alexander, in Fayetteville. In July 2015, their world was forever changed by the tragic loss of their youngest son, Alexander.

Following Alex’s death, Becky found solace in the Grieving Parents Support Group at Rolling Hills Baptist Church, where she received support and understanding from others who have experienced the profound pain of losing a child. The annual Joined on the Journey gathering, organized by Parents Left Behind, gave Becky opportunities to facilitate small groups of bereaved parents, offering a safe space to share their stories. She is passionate about helping others navigate their grief journey, believing that no parent should feel alone in the loss of a child.

In her spare time, Becky enjoys reading, crafting, and traveling with fellow retired educators. She also cherishes the time spent with her granddaughter, Camille, who brings endless joy and laughter. Becky is honored to serve as a board member for Parents Left Behind, where she hopes to continue supporting grieving parents.

Leigh Deal, Board Member
Leigh Deal, originally from Tennessee and raised near Dallas, Texas, graduated from Baylor University and spent nearly 15 years in retail management and training with The Container Store. In 2019, Leigh left her career to focus on her family after her daughter, Myra Joy Deal, was diagnosed with infant leukemia. Tragically, Myra Joy passed away just three weeks before her second birthday, leaving behind her twin brother, an older sister, and a younger brother who was yet to be born.

Leigh, her husband Kenneth, and their surviving children relocated to Northwest Arkansas in 2023, seeking a fresh start and the tranquility of the region. Leigh is deeply passionate about the mission of Parents Left Behind, driven by her personal experience of grief and the search for a supportive community for families navigating the loss of a child.

Now residing in Fayetteville, Leigh enjoys hiking, biking, reading, spending time with friends, and splashing in creeks with her family.

Joy Carmean, Board Member

Johanna Rivas, PLB Ambassador
Originally from Los Angeles, California, Johanna Rivas moved to Northwest Arkansas in 2006. She is a proud mother of five: Cristian, Julianna, Keven, Lucciano, and Kaylanni. Tragically, on January 1, 2021, Johanna lost her beloved daughter Julianna due to the actions of a careless individual, and her son Lucciano sustained life-threatening injuries in the same event. Johanna also treasures her three grandchildren: Kaelynn, Anarelie, and Damian, with Damian’s middle name, Julius, honoring his late aunt, Julianna.

Happily married to her supportive husband, Fernando, for 11 years and together for 16, Johanna has built a successful career in the medical field. Starting as a Medical Assistant, she later earned her LPN, BSN, and RN degrees and now works at Washington Regional Hospital.

In her grief, Johanna sought solace in a community of grieving parents and found invaluable support through a monthly meeting led by Steve Sheely. Attending the annual Joined on the Journey gathering introduced her to many incredible parents, including TaNia Brewer and Shanda Sloan. These connections have become a crucial part of Johanna’s healing journey and identity, as she continues to participate in Parents Left Behind, offering and receiving support from a group that dedicates its heart to grieving families in Northwest Arkansas and beyond.

Annette Vaughn, Board Member
Annette Vaughn has dedicated 44 years to ministry in various roles, including as a pastor’s wife, teacher, women’s ministry leader, and worship team pianist. She also has a background working with 28 doctors across Benton County and currently serves as the Administrative Assistant, Bookkeeper, and Payroll Manager at Adventure Church of Bentonville.

In 1980, Annette experienced the profound loss of her son, Danny Nathan, and again in 1988, she lost her fifth child, John William. These losses profoundly impacted her life. Annette was deeply grateful when she first discovered Parents Left Behind and began attending the Candlelight Services at Rolling Hills Baptist Church, hosted by Pastor Steve Sheely. It was here that she began her healing journey, connecting with other grieving parents, including the founder, Dr. Susan Averitt. She realized she was not alone and found comfort in sharing her experiences with others who understood her pain.

Through years of healing, Annette has developed a strong desire to support other parents on their grief journey and values listening to other mothers share their stories. Annette is the mother of three daughters—Lisa, Stephanie, and Heather—and “Nini” to four grandchildren—Brayden, Caleb, Ally, and Ethan—who bring immense joy and light to her life.

Shanda Sloan, Board Member
Shanda Sloan moved to Northwest Arkansas in 2003 after living in Minneapolis, MN, where she worked for General Mills in promotion marketing. During her time there, she served as the liaison between Yoplait and the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, leading efforts for the Race for the Cure. Originally from Columbus, Mississippi, she earned her degree in broadcast journalism from the University of Mississippi. Shanda has been married to Bill Sloan since 1994, and they are proud parents of two children: Gable, a student at Sarah Lawrence College, and Walden, who is studying in the PGA’s Professional Golf Management Program at Mississippi State University.

An active member of the Fayetteville community, Shanda has served on various nonprofit boards and was honored with the 2023 Dorothy Lindquist Award for her volunteer service and outreach work in the Fayetteville Public Schools. In 2024, she earned her Grief Educator Certification.

In her spare time, Shanda enjoys creating art, writing, and taking on DIY projects. Her passion for spreadsheets and database management balances her creative spirit. Above all, she values her relationships with friends and family, which she considers her most cherished possessions.

Tranesa Moreland, PLB Ambassador
Tranesa Moreland is the mother of three daughters: Tracey, Jenna, and her angel Madi Cate, who passed away at age six from a rare form of leukemia and a blood disease (JMML/HLH). She is also a proud grandmother to three and has worked as a school secretary for 23 years.

In 2022, Tranesa attended the Joined on the Journey event for the first time and has continued to participate in many of the activities and grief resources offered by Parents Left Behind ever since. She found immense support from the group while grieving the loss of her daughter and felt called to offer that same support to other bereaved parents.