board of directors

Austin Coats, a native of Fort Smith, serves as the esteemed Founder and Director of Hope's Bridge of Fort Smith, Inc. With over 15 years of dedicated involvement in the local recovery community, he has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to those seeking sobriety. Since attaining sobriety himself on July 3, 2016, Austin has been employed by two prominent companies specializing in substance abuse and mental health services.

In addition to his professional endeavors, Austin is an accomplished author with two published books to his credit. He also possesses an Arkansas Real Estate license, showcasing his diverse skill set. Above all, he is a devoted father to his two sons, cherishing his role in their lives.

Brandi Cunningham is a dedicated professional with a strong passion for substance abuse and mental health. With over a decade of experience, she has worked at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, conducting evaluations in mental health and substance abuse. Brandi also spent three years as a continuing care counselor at Decision Point in Northwest Arkansas, assisting with intakes.

In her commitment to helping others, Brandi has served on the board for Positive Energy Affecting Recovering Lives, where she focused on providing housing for women and offering peer support.

Brandi firmly believes that post-treatment support is crucial, perhaps even more so than the treatment itself. She emphasizes the importance of a safe, supportive, and stable environment for men and women in recovery, as this fosters their ability to thrive after treatment. Providing such an environment is key to sustaining sobriety, enabling individuals to give back to their communities and become productive citizens.

 Sydni Lewis, a 25-year-old mental health professional, serves as the Treasurer for Hope's Bridge of Fort Smith, Inc. She is blessed with a supportive husband and a lovely daughter. With four years of experience in the field, Sydni has worked with foster children, mental health clients, and individuals at a drug and alcohol treatment facility.

Her passion for mental health is deeply rooted in her personal experiences. Her empathy extends to those who have lost their lives to addiction, are still battling it, and those who have triumphed over it.

Sydni is dedicated to helping others find their path toward the next chapter in their lives. She believes in the transformative power of transitional living, which she experienced firsthand when a dear friend offered her a temporary home as she regained her footing. This experience allowed Sydni to acquire valuable coping and lifestyle skills, as well as the ability to be at peace with herself, and recognize the value of a safe living environment conducive to long term sobriety.

Sydni's aspiration is for those who experience transitional living to learn similar lessons and continue their recovery journey in the healthiest way possible.

 If our mission and work resonate with you and you are interested in becoming a board member, we warmly welcome you to reach out to our director. Joining our dedicated team offers you the opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of those we serve. Your unique perspective and expertise will be invaluable as we continue to expand our reach and impact. To explore this opportunity further, please don't hesitate to contact the director directly. We look forward to hearing from you and potentially embarking on this rewarding journey together.