Love and Sweet: NW Arkansas Chapter
Meet the Team

NW Arkansas Chapter: Director
Riley Smith
Riley Smith is a junior at Haas Hall Academy Bentonville. She learned about Love and Sweet Bakery through attending the National Academy of Future Physicians and loved the objective of the nonprofit. Riley has been baking for as long as she can remember, although “baking” as a child was more like licking the beaters of whatever her mom made. Since then, she has progressed to more complex treats, such as macarons and cheesecake. Using the skills she has acquired from owning her own small business, Riley plans to serve her community through hard work and dedication. She feels so fortunate to be able to combine her two passions, baking and service, and is very excited to lead her chapter in helping the Northwest Arkansas community.

NW Arkansas Chapter: Coordinator
Olivia Shirkey
Olivia Shirkey is a junior at Haas Hall Academy Bentonville. Along with her sisters and mother, Olivia has been baking for what seems like forever. One of her earliest memories is baking Christmas cookies with her mom while wearing a little apron and chef's hat. In recent years, Olivia and her mother have been experimenting with desserts that accommodate a gluten sensitive diet, especially since her sister is allergic to gluten. Olivia is also involved with two other non-profits, the Arthritis Foundation and Camp Aldersgate in Little Rock, Arkansas. Olivia is excited to become further involved in her local community through Love and Sweet Bakery in the coming years.

NW Arkansas Chapter: Social Media Director
Ashley Cairns
Ashley Cairns is a junior at Haas Hall Academy Bentonville. She heard about Love and Sweet Bakery NWA through the work they did last year. She has been baking ever since she can remember and continues to enjoy making treats to show her appreciation and help others. She is well-versed in social media and feels lucky to be able to use it for a good cause. She is excited to strengthen her baking and marketing skills and use those skills to help her community! Ashley is looking forward to working with Love and Sweet Bakery in the years to come.

NW Arkansas Chapter: Baker
Danielle Zielske
Danielle Zielske is a junior at Haas Hall Academy Bentonville. She has been baking ever since she was a little girl. Some of her favorite things to bake include brownies, cakes, and macarons. One of her most cherished parts of baking is decorating cakes — she is famous for her ramen-shaped birthday cakes. Danielle is thrilled to be a part of Love and Sweet Bakery NWA and is looking forward to serving her community and giving joy to others through baking.

NW Arkansas Chapter: Baker
Addyson Fertig
Addy Fertig is a junior at Haas Hall Academy Bentonville. She discovered Love and Sweet Bakery through a team member at school and knew it was right for her. Baking has been a passion of her’s since she was little, making cinnamon rolls with her mom and Christmas cookies with her dad. Since then, her passions have evolved to basketball and spending time with friends, but she still has the same love for baking. She is so excited to be a part of such a great organization this year!

NW Arkansas Chapter: Baker
Kathryn Little
Kate Little is a junior at Haas Hall Academy Bentonville. Her hobbies include art, mountain biking, and baking. She has always been fascinated by creating new recipes, and when she heard about Love and Sweet Bakery at her school, she could not pass up the opportunity. She loves the fact that she has the pleasure of being able to give back to the community through her love of creating. Kate understands the struggles of being able to find foods for a variety of different diets, so she is always trying out new gluten-free or vegan recipes to find what tastes right. Some of her favorite shows are the Great British Baking Show and Next Level Chef. She is excited to work with her new team members and bake for her community!