About Us
Making abilities count and creating brighter futures
Providing lifelong support and services, helping individuals with developmental disabilities reach their fullest potential at every stage of life.
Serving Arkansas Families
for 50+ Years
Medicaid & TEFRA Funding
No Cost if Eligible
Transportation & Meals
No Cost if Eligible
Johnson, Franklin & Logan
Counties Served
Our History
For more than five decades, Forrester-Davis Development Center (FDDC) has been a cornerstone of support for individuals with developmental disabilities in Johnson County and the surrounding region. Founded in 1971 as the Johnson County Child Development Center, the organization has continually adapted and expanded its services to meet the changing needs of the community, serving both children and adults.
The center’s beginnings were humble. It initially served just six children with disabilities in a small building at Sallis School and operated with a staff of only two. At that time, its primary focus was on school-aged children. Around the same period, the Cass Job Corps constructed a building on school property next to the Michie School building on Buchanan Street, providing additional space for the growing program.
Two significant developments in the 1980s helped shape the future of the organization. First, the passage of Public Law 94-142, which guaranteed a public education for all children with disabilities and laid the foundation for what is now known as inclusive education, transformed services for children with special needs. Second, two remarkable community supporters, Dr. Don Davis and Roy Forrester, provided substantial financial support to the center. In recognition of their generosity, the organization adopted a new identity and, after several name changes, officially became the Forrester-Davis Development Center in 1989.
Over the years, FDDC’s mission expanded significantly. What began as a program serving school-aged children evolved to include infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and eventually adults. This evolution allowed the center to provide lifelong support and services, helping individuals with developmental disabilities reach their fullest potential at every stage of life.
Our Team
Every day our dedicated team works to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the children, adults, and families we serve. Through compassion, expertise, and a commitment to excellence, they create opportunities for growth, learning, and independence.
Whether providing therapy, education, direct care, administrative support, or program leadership, each team member plays a vital role in fulfilling our mission. Their dedication, creativity, and servant hearts help ensure that every individual is treated with dignity, respect and encouragement.
The success of Forrester-Davis Development Center is built on the passion and professionalism of the people behind our mission. Together, they make abilities count and help create brighter futures for those we serve.
Christina Mize
Executive Director
Christina has served as Executive Director since 2026. She began her career with FDDC in 1999 and brings experience to her role, having served 17 years as MAC Industries Manager, 8 years as Human Resource Manager, and 2 years as Assistant Director. She is passionate about helping children and adults reach their fullest potential and achieve meaningful success in their lives.
Sharon Arbaugh
Human Resource Manager
Sharon has served as the Human Resources/Fiscal Services Manager since 2026. She began her career with Forrester-Davis Development Center in 2021 as the Office Coordinator. In her current role, she oversees the organization’s financial management and human resources operations, helping ensure the effective administration of essential business functions.
Heather Smith
Program Operations Coordinator
Since 2026, Heather has served as the Program Operations Coordinator, building on her experience as Billing Specialist since 2023. She plays a vital role in supporting all programs, with an emphasis on referrals, admissions, compliance, and maintaining high standards of program operations.
Jennifer Criss
Children’s Program Manager
Jennifer has served as the Children’s Program Manager since 2019, after working as an Early Childhood Development Specialist beginning in 2011. In her current role, she oversees the daily operations of the children’s program, ensuring that every child receives high-quality care and support.
Ona Dunlap
MAC Program Manager
Ona has served as the MAC Program Manager for the past 15 years and has been a dedicated member of the MAC team for a total of 22 years. She oversees the day-to-day operations of the program, ensuring that clients receive exceptional services while maintaining the high-quality service the community has come to expect from MAC’s community businesses.
Logan Varnell
Support Services Manager
Logan began his career with FDDC in 2023 and has served as Support Services Manager since 2025. In his current role, he oversees transportation, food service, and building maintenance, ensuring that essential support services operate efficiently and effectively for the individuals and programs served by the organization.
A Place That Feels Like Home
After seeing the difference MAC made in her daughter’s confidence and independence, Elaine says she only wishes she had found it sooner.
Play the video to hear why she calls MAC “a godsend” for families like hers.
