Makala Navarro joined Heartspring as the chief people officer in October of 2022. Makala had a connection to Heartspring even before she joined the organization. Her daughter received therapy services here. Makala was able to get a glimpse into how Heartspring operated.

Makala has 2 decades of HR and business experience and has earned a bachelor's degree in business administration, a master's degree in human resource management, MiniMPA from Wichita State University, and has obtained her Certified Public Manager credential thru the University of Kansas. She holds both PHR and SHRM-CP credentials.

In 2014, Makala was recognized by the Wichita Business Journal as part of their HR Professionals Award. In 2015, she was selected for the Wichita Business Journal's 40 Under 40 Award and was the Kansas HR Professional of the Year.

She is also the current State Council Director for Kansas SHRM and serves on the Advance Kansas advisory committee. In her spare time, she enjoys supporting many community organizations.