Frankie Kemp has been a part of Project SEARCH Arkansas: ACCESS Initiative since 2018. She currently serves as the Instructor/Coordinator at the CHI St. Vincent Project SEARCH in Hot Springs. With a lifelong love of learning and a deep commitment to helping young people unlock their potential, Frankie has made this mission a central part of her life. She graduated from Ouachita Baptist University in May 1990 and began teaching English and French that August. Over her twenty-five-year teaching career, she also earned licensure in oral communications, drama, journalism, and broadcasting. Frankie taught students from 7th to 12th grade and served as a Beta Club advisor, Key Club advisor, class sponsor, and yearbook advisor. In 2009, she was honored as the Outstanding Faculty Advisor of the Missouri-Arkansas Key Club District.
After taking early retirement from teaching, Frankie transitioned into a new chapter in her career as a patient access representative at CHI St. Vincent Hospital in 2016. While working in Outpatient Admissions, she had the chance to observe the Project SEARCH interns thriving in their roles. Witnessing their growth and success reignited her passion for mentoring and advocating for students. When a position for a supported employment skills trainer opened within the program, Frankie eagerly applied and was hired in April 2018.
Frankie feels incredibly fortunate to work every day in an environment that fosters opportunity and growth for such an inspiring group of young people. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time outdoors in her yard, reading a good book, and spending quality time with her family.
