Zach Owens - President
Lauryn Tacker - Vice President
Lauryn Tacker is the proud wife to Will and mom to two boys, Reid and RJ. She and her family live in Lepanto, Arkansas, where they farm in both Poinsett and Mississippi Counties. Originally from DeWitt, Arkansas, Lauryn’s heart remains rooted in her hometown. She is passionate about bringing resources, awareness, and support to South Arkansas, ensuring that families in rural communities are never left behind. She holds a Master’s degree in Social Work and currently works part-time at Jonesboro Wellness, Mind + Body, while also serving as the primary caregiver for her son who receives waiver services. Lauryn’s professional background includes experience in mental health, community engagement, and family support services. Her passion for advocacy and inclusion led her to join the board of Ag for Autism, where she now serves as Vice President. Her connection to autism is deeply personal because one of her sons is on the spectrum. That experience has shaped her mission to create safe, inclusive spaces and spread awareness everywhere she goes, whether at home or while traveling. Lauryn brings empathy, professional insight, and an unwavering dedication to the autism community. She dreams big and is hopeful for the future of the organization, working to turn vision into impact for families across the region. Her ultimate goal is to help Ag for Autism expand its reach, deepen community connections, and continue planting seeds of hope and support. Outside of her advocacy work, Lauryn enjoys traveling, spending time with family and friends, being active in her church, and volunteering wherever there’s a need. A favorite verse that guides her journey is Proverbs 16:3 “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans.”
Tyler Herring - Treasurer
Megan Ragsdale - Secretary
Megan is a Clinical Applications Analyst III at St. Bernards Medical Center, where she began her career in 2010 as a nurse. In 2013, she transitioned into the Medical Information Systems department, using her clinical expertise to enhance workflows for healthcare teams and improve patient care. Her passion for helping others led her to serve on the board of Ag for Autism, where she plays a vital role in supporting families and individuals affected by autism. Megan’s connection to the cause is deeply personal—her son Landen was diagnosed with autism 10 years ago. Having felt isolated during that time, she is committed to ensuring other families never feel alone on their journey. Megan brings a strong work ethic, a positive outlook, and a true team spirit to the board. Her goal is to make a lasting impact on the autism community through compassion and connection. Outside of her professional and volunteer work, Megan enjoys golfing and playing tennis, solving jigsaw puzzles, and playing video games with her family. She’s been married to her husband, Micah, for 17 years, and they share their home with two standard poodles, Lola Bean and Fowler Jean.
Danny Graham - Board Member
Mallory Shelton - Board Member
Brian Meridith - Board Member
Catrina Lucio - Board Member
Derrick Anderson - Board Member
Sarah Caples - Executive Director
Sarah Caples serves as the Executive Director of Ag for Autism and is also the proud owner of Southern Roots, a boutique in downtown Paragould. A graduate of Arkansas State University, she holds a bachelor’s degree in Animal Science with a minor in Agricultural Business and Marketing. With deep roots in agriculture—Sarah was drawn to Ag for Autism because it blended her agricultural background with her passion for helping others. She felt God calling her to do more, and the words in the song “made for more” became a personal mission. Inspired by Ephesians 2:10, she believes we are created to do good works—and she’s living that out through her leadership and service in the autism community. Sarah brings a wealth of social media knowledge, a bright and fun personality, and a natural gift for building relationships across all walks of life. Her goal is to help the organization grow and expand its impact, reaching more families and communities affected by autism throughout the region and beyond. When she’s not busy working or networking, Sarah enjoys spending time outdoors, riding side-by-sides with friends, fishing, and indulging in her favorite pastime—napping! She’s also a huge fan of fall and Halloween, and shares her home with her beloved 14-year-old cocker spaniel, Charley Anne.
