April Rye Shy has devoted her legal career to standing up for children and families.

With over 30 years of courtroom experience, she is widely regarded as the most qualified candidate to serve as the next Juvenile Judge for Washington and Madison Counties.

April’s commitment to service was shaped early in life by the example of her parents. Both were deeply involved in their church, where they taught Sunday School, played music, and led youth programs. They believed in the power of faith, hard work, and showing up every day for others. They taught April that service to your community is not just something you talk about. It is something you live out.

Since 1997, April has focused her legal practice on child welfare cases, representing thousands of children in foster care and Family in Need of Services (FINS) proceedings. She is certified as an Attorney ad Litem in both dependency neglect and domestic relations cases. She helped develop the certifications by serving on the advisory committee for statewide standards. Her legal experience is deep, but what sets her apart is her compassion and long record of results in juvenile court.

Recognized statewide for her work, April has received numerous awards including Arkansas CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) Attorney Ad Litem of the Year, NWA CASA Attorney Ad Litem of the Year, the CASA Duke Service Award for 20 years of advocacy, and the Arkansas Bar Association’s award for Outstanding Service.  She was previously named by Northwest AR Business Journal to their prestigious “Top 40 under 40” professionals list.

April has been a proud member of the Northwest Arkansas community for nearly 40 years. After earning her undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Arkansas, she chose to build her life and career in Fayetteville.

Over the decades, she has not only worked in juvenile court week after week, but also served as a mentor, leader, and volunteer across the region. She was a founding member of the Fayetteville Community Foundation and continues to serve on its board today. She is a longtime supporter of the Fayetteville Public Education Foundation and has volunteered with organizations such as the Junior Civic League, the NWA Symphony, and the Nadine Baum Foundation. April also served on the Washington County Juvenile Justice Advisory Board, the Equal Opportunity Agency Board, and the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative. Her service has touched nearly every corner of the community, from education and justice to the arts and human services.

April and her husband Craig live in Fayetteville and are the proud parents of four grown children, including a set of twins. They are members of Fayetteville First Baptist Church where April sings in the choir and regularly serves on key committees.

For April, public service is not just a profession. It is a lifelong calling rooted in faith, compassion, and a deep love for the people of Northwest Arkansas.