Nicole Walton | Founder & Executive Director
Nicole’s heart is for women who feel the full weight of their trauma. Through her work and research, she recognizes that so many women are buried in shame and guilt and have lost connection with their true value and worth. Nicole spent over 10 years traveling and learning about organizations that helped women in the areas of trafficking, domestic violence, and sexual assault before the birth of Monarch 61. Nicole has a both a Business Degree and a Bachelors of Science in Nursing. She also contracts with our local Crisis Intervention Center as a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner. Nicole wanted to create a safe and trauma-informed space for community and creative healing knowing the journey for a trauma survivor is long and unique. A survivor herself, Nicole understands the importance of self-love, identity, and restoration. Monarch 61 was created to rally with women to replace trauma, anxiety, and fear with love and celebration. The organization was established in August of 2020 and Monarch 61 opened a 4,000 square foot healing space in September of 2021. Nicole’s passion is to see women thrive.
Summer Shook | Rooted Program Director
Summer Shook is a freelance makeup artist/stylist in the film and television industry. She was born and raised in Van Buren, Arkansas and attended Ouachita Baptist University and Wards Corner Beauty Academy. Summer is an all women-empowerment activist and mentor to women in need. She has an incredible talent for highlighting natural beauty in her work. She also has the heart and intuition for recognizing girls and women who are struggling and need help. Summer is the pioneer and creator of our Rooted program, a coaching initiative for young girls to grow in confidence and emotional health.
Ashlyne Switzer | Development Director
Ashlyne Switzer is passionate about advocating for vulnerable populations and creating meaningful change within communities. After earning her B.A. in Criminal Justice from the University of Alabama, she dedicated her career to child advocacy and social services—working in investigative roles with the Arkansas Department of Human Services and later as a Forensic Interview Specialist with the Hamilton Center for Child Advocacy. Ashlyne has recently completed the Graduate Certificate program in Nonprofit Management at the University of Arkansas in Little Rock. Ashlyne’s time at UALR, particularly her internship with Monarch 61 Project, has been instrumental in shaping her future in nonprofit leadership. Since completing her graduate program, she has stepped into the role of Development Director at Monarch 61, where she assists in grant writing, program development, and community engagement to expand access to critical services for young girls and women across Arkansas. Ashlyne is committed to building sustainable, trauma-informed solutions that make a lasting impact in the lives of those who need it most.