For April 2025, we are pleased to announce Emily Coleman, Patient Care Coordinator at the Hot Springs Central clinic, as the East Communities winner, and Shona Palmer, LPN at the Mena clinic, as the West Communities winner.

April 2025 East Communities Employee of the Month: Emily Coleman

Patient Care Coordinator, Hot Springs Central Clinic

Emily Coleman joined Healthy Connections earlier this year and has already made a strong impression on both her patients and her peers. Known for her positive attitude and welcoming demeanor, Emily brings a sense of calm and kindness to the front desk each day.

One of her co-workers said it best:
“Emily always has a sweet smile on her face and tackles any obstacle she faces with such grace. Her kindness to our patients does not go unnoticed and her spirit is so uplifting.”

Though new to the organization, Emily is already contributing in meaningful ways. Her professionalism, warmth, and patient-centered focus reflect the kind of service we strive to provide at every clinic.

April 2025 West Communities Employee of the Month: Shona Palmer

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Mena Clinic

Shona Palmer has been a valued member of the Healthy Connections team since 2022 and continues to make an impact at the Mena clinic. As an LPN, she not only delivers excellent patient care but also plays a key role in supporting and teaching her fellow team members.

In her nomination, a co-worker shared:
“Very compassionate and caring. A great teacher, to me! I love working with her!!”

Shona’s dedication extends beyond clinical care—she fosters a supportive team environment and is known for her willingness to help others grow. Her compassion, mentorship, and steady presence make her a natural leader within the West Communities.

Why This Recognition Matters

Each month, our Employees of the Month help reinforce the culture we’re building at Healthy Connections—one that values people, teamwork, and meaningful care. Recognition at this level is more than an individual achievement; it reflects how each person contributes to our mission of providing quality, accessible care to communities across Arkansas.

Join Our Mission

Congratulations to Emily Coleman and Shona Palmer for their April 2025 honors. Your compassion, commitment, and professionalism are what make Healthy Connections a leader in community health across Arkansas.

Want to be part of a team that celebrates excellence? Learn more about career opportunities and the values that drive our work every day at www.healthy-connections.org/careers.

From early mornings in Mena to long afternoons in Little Rock, from De Queen to Hot Springs Village and every community in between, our nurses are the heartbeat of our organization. They bring not only clinical skill, but also emotional strength, patience, empathy, and a deep commitment to doing what is right—even when it’s not easy. They are the faces our patients trust and the shoulders our communities lean on.

Jessica Hood, our Director of Nursing, leads this remarkable team with focus and integrity. Her commitment to nursing excellence has helped shape a culture at Healthy Connections where nurses are empowered to grow, lead, and make real change. Under her leadership, our nursing team has become one of the strongest in the region, consistently elevating the quality of care we provide.

“Our nurses are the face of Healthy Connections,” said CEO Tony Calandro. “They represent everything we stand for—Community, Compassion, and Excellence. Their impact is seen not just in medical outcomes, but in the trust they build with patients and the hope they bring to families. We are proud of every one of them.”

As a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), Healthy Connections provides care for patients from all walks of life, and our nurses meet every individual with respect and dignity. Whether helping manage chronic conditions, providing preventive care, educating families, or advocating for patients with complex needs, they are tireless in their efforts—and powerful in their impact.

We also recognize that great nurses deserve great workplaces. At Healthy Connections, we’re proud to offer a four-day workweek, supportive leadership, opportunities for professional growth, and a mission-driven culture where nurses are valued and heard. We don’t just hire nurses—we invest in them.

If you’re a nurse searching for a meaningful career in Arkansas, we invite you to discover the opportunities at Healthy Connections. Join a team where your work matters, your voice counts, and your care changes lives.

To every nurse across our clinics—from Malvern to Mt. Ida, Arkadelphia to Texarkana, Russellville to Sheridan—thank you. Your dedication defines us. Your compassion inspires us. And your service strengthens the communities we serve.

Explore nursing careers at Healthy Connections: www.healthy-connections.org/careers

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. — Healthy Connections is proud to announce that Rick Agre, RNP, has been named the 2025 recipient of the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses. Rick, a board-certified Registered Nurse Practitioner and Wound Care Specialist, serves patients at the Hot Springs Central clinic and also leads as the Practice Manager for Healthy Connections’ East Communities Clinic. Since joining the organization in 2020, Rick has exemplified the highest standards of patient care, clinical expertise, and professional leadership.

The DAISY Award is an internationally respected honor presented to nurses who demonstrate extraordinary compassion and excellence in clinical care. Established by the family of J. Patrick Barnes, the award is a global symbol of gratitude to nurses who go above and beyond to make a meaningful difference in the lives of their patients and communities.

Rick earned his nomination from colleague Andrea Pilcher, who shared the following story:

“During a challenging and traumatic period for my family, my father suffered an accident that resulted in the amputation of several fingers. Without hesitation, Rick began compiling a comprehensive list of necessary supplies to ensure proper care, detailing the frequency of wound cleaning and identifying key indicators for effective healing. He also took the initiative to ensure we had the necessary knowledge of various healthcare facilities to which we might need to be referred. Throughout this time, he consistently checked in on my father’s progress, asking how he was doing, and I would share with him updates and photos of the healing process. Rick’s compassion and dedication to others are truly remarkable; he has a heart of gold and genuinely cares for everyone around him.”

Jessica Hood, Director of Nursing and DAISY Award Coordinator at Healthy Connections, emphasized the importance of Rick’s actions and how they reflected the spirit of the award. “The DAISY Award is about recognizing those moments when a nurse’s compassion profoundly impacts a patient or family,” Hood said. “Rick’s story captures that perfectly. In a time of crisis, he didn’t just provide excellent clinical care—he offered guidance, support, and kindness when it was needed most. That is exactly what the DAISY Award is intended to honor.”

Rick’s contributions go far beyond clinical knowledge. In the Wound Care Suite at Hot Springs Central, he is known for taking time to educate patients and their families, ensuring they understand every step of the healing process. His leadership as a practice manager has helped shape the standard of care across multiple clinics, reinforcing Healthy Connections’ commitment to excellence.

Healthy Connections CEO Tony Calandro praised Rick’s dedication and leadership, stating, “Rick is the kind of provider every organization hopes for—dedicated, capable, and compassionate. He reflects the very best of our mission of Community, Compassion, and Excellence. We are proud to honor him with the 2025 DAISY Award.”

Healthy Connections is a Federally-Qualified Health Center (FQHC) that has been providing trusted medical, dental, and behavioral health services across Western and Central Arkansas for more than 25 years. From primary care and specialty services to comprehensive community outreach, Healthy Connections ensures that patients of all ages and backgrounds receive accessible, affordable care—regardless of insurance status or ability to pay.

In addition to honoring Rick Agre, Healthy Connections proudly recognizes all of the 2025 DAISY Award nominees for their commitment to care and compassion. Nominees included:

• Ana Victoriano
• Shona Palmer
• Katie Brewer
• Zach Geiling
• Terry Flemens
• Casey Chambers
• Brittany Mayberry
• Lennethea Green
• Elaine Muse
• Autumn Morales

Each nominee was recognized for the positive impact they have made in the lives of their patients, colleagues, and communities.

The compassion, leadership, and commitment demonstrated by Rick Agre and all the DAISY Award nominees exemplify Healthy Connections’ core pillars of Community, Compassion, and Excellence, which continue to drive the organization’s mission to serve Arkansas communities with high-quality, patient-centered care.

More information about the DAISY Foundation and the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses can be found at www.daisyfoundation.org.

Healthcare professionals interested in joining the Healthy Connections team can learn more and apply at: www.healthy-connections.org/careers.

A Culture of Compassion

Madison joined Healthy Connections in 2024 and quickly distinguished herself as a leader in patient-centered care. Known for her warm demeanor and attention to detail, she makes each patient feel personally welcomed the moment they step through the doors of the Haskell Clinic. She often greets patients by name and takes time to help those who need additional support — whether on the phone or in person.

Her anonymous nomination captured the heart of her impact:

“Maddi acts out the three pillars on a daily basis to a superb level! She goes out of her way to not only help out the staff she works with daily; but she also will go out of her way to help each and every patient that comes through the door with a warm greeting by calling them by their name to make each person feel welcomed into the clinic. She has a very warm and friendly personality that is contagious and can pull anyone out of a ‘funk’. The way she treats each patient, being on the phone or in the clinic, makes them feel appreciated. On multiple occasions I have witnessed a patient being anxious, but once Maddi has finished checking them in, she has them feeling relaxed. When we have a patient that does not understand how to use Phreesia; she will go sit down with them and thoroughly go over every question to make sure the patient understands what information is being given. She is truly the epitome of what HCI stands for in the community.”

Leadership Recognition

“Madison represents what it truly means to Be Excellent Every Day,” said Jessica Hood, Director of Nursing. “She creates an environment of compassion and professionalism that impacts every person she meets, and she does it without ever seeking recognition. Her example inspires all of us to bring our best to work every day.”

Tony Calandro, CEO of Healthy Connections, added: “The BEE Award reflects the vital role that every employee plays in carrying out our mission of Community, Compassion, and Excellence. Madison embodies these principles with every action she takes. She not only cares for our patients—she uplifts them. She sets the standard for excellence at Healthy Connections.”

2025 BEE Award Nominees

In addition to honoring Madison, Healthy Connections recognizes the many other incredible employees nominated for this year’s BEE Award. Each was commended for their dedication, service, and embodiment of the organization’s mission:

• Steven Blake
• Malena Ingram
• Dr. Kayla Goodson
• Stacey Standridge
• Kendall Lawrence
• Mariah Tilligkeit
• LaGina Hughes
• Christi Martin
• Lizbeth Mendez
• Brittiany Schuller
• Traci Brannigan
• Sarah Tallents

About Healthy Connections

Healthy Connections, Inc. is a Federally-Qualified Health Center (FQHC) that has been serving communities across Western and Central Arkansas for more than 25 years. Through quality medical, dental, and behavioral health services, Healthy Connections works to improve access and outcomes for all patients—regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. The organization’s foundation is built on three core values: Community, Compassion, and Excellence.

Join Our Team

Do you want to Be Excellent Every Day? Healthy Connections is always looking for compassionate professionals who are committed to providing outstanding patient care. Visit www.healthy-connections.org/careers to learn more about available positions.

Launched in 2000 by Chief Meteorologist Tom Brannon, the Summer Cereal Drive has become one of Arkansas’s most impactful hunger relief efforts. Over the past 25 years, more than 4 million boxes of cereal have been donated thanks to the generosity of Arkansans. This year’s anniversary drive is going bigger than ever, with THV11 visiting 25 community locations throughout the month of June—including a major stop in Hot Springs on June 17.

At Healthy Connections, that mission hits home.

“Our commitment to the communities we serve goes beyond the clinic walls,” said Jeffrey Slatton, Business Communications and Marketing Manager at Healthy Connections. “That’s why we’re proud to support the Summer Cereal Drive. This is a natural extension of our mission—and of our three pillars: Community, Compassion, and Excellence. We live these values every day, and this effort reflects exactly what they mean in action.”

How to Donate Through Healthy Connections

All Healthy Connections clinic locations are official drop-off sites for the Summer Cereal Drive. We encourage patients, staff, and community members to bring donations of shelf-stable breakfast items through Saturday, June 15. These donations will be collected and presented to the Arkansas Foodbank at the Hot Springs community event on June 17, where Healthy Connections staff will also be on hand to assist with the drive.

Items that count as donations include:

• Boxes of dry cereal
• Instant oatmeal packets
• Granola bars
• Toaster pastries (like Pop-Tarts)
• Shelf-stable breakfast drinks or milk alternatives

All donated items should be unopened, not expired, nutritious, and kid-friendly.

Why It Matters

When school is out for summer, thousands of Arkansas children lose access to the regular meals they receive during the school year. That creates a gap that many families struggle to fill. The Summer Cereal Drive is designed to help close that gap—and give every child a healthy start to their day.

“This isn’t just about donating cereal—it’s about standing with our neighbors,” said Slatton. “When school meals disappear during the summer, too many Arkansas kids are left without a reliable breakfast. We want families to know their community is behind them.”

While the overall campaign runs through June 27, Healthy Connections will only accept donations at its clinics until June 15 to ensure they are delivered in time for the statewide presentation in Hot Springs.

For more information about the Summer Cereal Drive, including a list of statewide drop-off events and ways to participate, visit:
https://www.thv11.com/article/news/community/25th-annual-thv11-summer-cereal-drive/91-b10a2f14-8d78-474e-ab63-4330db53f406

Now retired from their clinical roles, Dr. Webb and Eric Webb leave behind a legacy of exceptional care, deep patient relationships, and community commitment. Healthy Connections pauses to honor their contributions and reassure patients that their legacy of personal, compassionate care continues through a dedicated team in Mena and across our organization.

“Dr. Webb and Eric Webb have been more than just providers at our Mena clinic,” said Tony Calandro, CEO of Healthy Connections, Inc. “They have been leaders, mentors, and trusted advocates for their patients. We are grateful for their years of service and the trust they built within this community. That spirit will continue through the dedicated team in place at our Mena clinic.”

Dr. Sherilyn Webb’s path into medicine began with emergency services and EMT instruction before she earned her medical degree from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and completed residency training in Wyoming. Her approach to medicine combined clinical excellence with deep empathy for her patients’ lives and circumstances.

Eric Webb, also a veteran of emergency response and paramedicine, became a physician assistant after completing his training at the University of Utah School of Medicine. His work in family practice included treating patients across generations, often beginning care with newborns and continuing through adulthood.

Together, the Webbs built a reputation for reliability, integrity, and treating patients like people—not numbers.

While we will all miss their presence in the clinic, Healthy Connections remains fully committed to serving the Mena area with the same level of dedication. The clinic at 136 Health Park Lane continues to provide full-service care with experienced providers including Clay McDowell, APRN, Lindy Jumper, APRN, Terri Barrada, APRN, and Dr. Patrick J. Fox. Telehealth services are also available, connecting patients to a wider range of providers across the organization.

Healthy Connections has been caring for Arkansas communities for more than 25 years. Through every transition, our focus has remained the same: excellent, compassionate, and accessible healthcare for everyone who walks through our doors.

If you’ve been a patient of Dr. Webb or Eric Webb, we invite you to continue your care with us. Call 888-710-8220 to schedule an appointment and experience the same trusted care—delivered by the team they helped shape.

Representing Healthy Families Arkansas, a program of Healthy Connections, Ray described the important work of providing home-based family support services to first- and second-time mothers.

“Ideally, we like to enroll our moms—either first- or second-time moms—when they’re prenatal,” Ray said during her presentation. “That way, we can start providing lessons about bonding, taking care of themselves prenatally, even talk about breastfeeding, and line up all the resources they need to feel confident when the baby arrives.”

Ray emphasized how overwhelming those early moments of parenthood can be and the value of having a consistent, supportive resource. “No matter what support you have, when you have a new baby, it’s scary. It’s overwhelming. You’re exhausted. So, we just try to be that support system for our new moms—help them, encourage them, and guide them in bonding with their babies,” she said.

Healthy Families Arkansas provides no-cost services to eligible families in Garland and Polk counties. As part of the broader 100 Families framework led by Restore Hope Arkansas, this initiative brings together agencies to streamline access to the resources that families need most.

To learn more about Healthy Families Arkansas, visit https://healthy-connections.org/healthy-families-arkansas or call 888-710-8220 ext. 572.

Healthy Connections was honored to be named Business of the Year at the 2025 Malvern/Hot Spring County Chamber of Commerce Community Awards Banquet, held April 10 at the Family Life Center of First Baptist Church in Malvern. This recognition highlights not only the growth of Healthy Connections as a healthcare provider in Hot Spring County, but also the organization’s unwavering commitment to making healthcare accessible, compassionate, and comprehensive for all.

The award was accepted by several key members of the Healthy Connections leadership and clinical team, including CEO Tony Calandro, CFO Susan Singleton, Vice President of Operations Ron Sellers, Dr. Absalom H. Tilley, MD, and staff members from both the Malvern Teeter and Malvern Pinnacle clinic locations.

“This is such a great honor for our team,” said Tony Calandro, CEO of Healthy Connections. “Malvern is a vital part of our mission. We’ve invested heavily in growing services here because we believe every person in this community should have access to affordable, expert healthcare—right where they live and work.”

Community Health Leadership Recognized in Hot Spring County

As one of the evening’s featured awards, the Business of the Year honor celebrated Healthy Connections’ role in strengthening the local healthcare infrastructure, supporting the economy, and delivering consistently high levels of patient satisfaction. The award also served as recognition of the clinic’s deep roots and expanding services in the region.

Two Clinics Offering One-Stop Healthcare in Malvern, Arkansas

Healthy Connections operates two full-service medical clinics in Malvern, each designed to function as a one-stop shop for patients’ primary care, behavioral health, and pharmacy needs. These clinics have become trusted centers for high-quality, community-based healthcare—ensuring that patients don’t have to travel far to get the care they deserve.

Primary Care and Internal Medicine Services in Hot Spring County

At the Malvern Pinnacle location, patients can access Primary Care and Internal Medicine services with Dr. Absalom H. Tilley, MD, and Briana Newcomb, APRN. At the Malvern Teeter clinic, Tamara Tate, APRN, provides comprehensive family medicine. Both clinics also offer care for wellness visits, HIV treatment, and addiction treatment services—along with support for urgent and chronic conditions.

Behavioral Health, Women’s Health, and Pediatric Services in Malvern

The Teeter clinic is home to Evolve Behavioral Health Services, where Meg Stueart, LPC, provides in-person counseling. Eric Luster, APRN, PMHNP, delivers psychiatric medication management for patients needing behavioral health support. Patients can also access OBGYN and women’s health services with Dr. Kara Worley, MD, and pediatric care with Dr. Tracy Rowe, MD, of My Kids Pediatric Clinic.

On-Site Pharmacy Now Serving Patients in Malvern

In 2025, the Malvern Teeter clinic launched full-service on-site pharmacy access for patients. With expert guidance from Ann Calandro, PharmD, Phi Tang, PharmD, and Taylor Watt, PharmD, patients can fill prescriptions, manage medications, and receive one-on-one support—all under the same roof as their primary provider.

Affordable Healthcare in Malvern for All Patients

As a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), Healthy Connections is proud to serve everyone—regardless of insurance status or income level. Both Malvern clinics accept Medicaid, Medicare, ArKids 1st, and are in-network with most major health insurance plans. For those without coverage, a sliding fee scale based on household income ensures care remains accessible and affordable.

Why This Matters:
Healthy Connections served thousands of patients in Malvern last year. This award is more than a recognition—it’s a reflection of the real-world impact made every day through affordable, local, high-quality healthcare.

Find Us in Malvern

Healthy Connections proudly serves the Malvern community from two convenient locations:

• Malvern Pinnacle Clinic
  1003 Schneider Drive, Malvern, AR 72104
• Malvern Teeter Clinic
  900 Martin Luther King Boulevard, Malvern, AR 72104

To schedule an appointment at either location, call 888-710-8220 or visit www.healthy-connections.org.

Proudly Serving Malvern with Compassionate, Expert Care

Healthy Connections has proudly served the Malvern community for nearly a decade, continuing to expand services in response to local healthcare needs. From growing access to primary care and behavioral health to introducing integrated pharmacy services, Healthy Connections is deeply invested in the long-term health and wellness of the community.

The organization extends its sincere thanks to the Malvern/Hot Spring County Chamber of Commerce for organizing this impactful event and recognizing businesses, educators, emergency responders, and leaders making a difference in the community.

Whether you’re looking for primary care, behavioral health, pharmacy support, or specialty services, Healthy Connections is ready to care for you and your family. Explore our services online or visit one of our Malvern clinics to experience compassionate, expert care close to home.

Every year on April 7, the world pauses to recognize World Health Day, a global observance established by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1948. The purpose is simple yet powerful: to bring attention to the health challenges we face—and the solutions that make healthier lives possible.

The 2025 theme, “My Health, My Right,” centers on the idea that everyone should have access to safe, trusted, and affordable care. At Healthy Connections, this isn’t just a slogan—it’s a commitment we live out every day. For more than 25 years, we’ve delivered comprehensive medical, dental, and behavioral health services to individuals and families across Western and Central Arkansas.

Care That Works for You and Your Family

As a Federally-Qualified Health Center (FQHC), Healthy Connections is built on the principle that healthcare should be accessible to all—whether you’re a working parent, a retiree, a student, or someone between jobs. We offer family medicine, pediatric care, behavioral health therapy, general dentistry, women’s health, HIV services, addiction treatment, and preventive screenings, all under one roof.

We accept Medicaid, Medicare, ArKids 1st, and most private insurance plans, and we also offer a sliding-fee scale for patients without insurance. We work hard to make sure cost and distance are never barriers to care. Our clinics offer early morning and evening hours, and many provide telehealth appointments, making it easier than ever to fit healthcare into your life.

Local Providers. Real Results.

Behind every service is a team of experienced and compassionate professionals dedicated to improving health outcomes—because we don’t just treat symptoms; we care for people.

Take Amanda, a mother of three from rural Polk County, who turned to Healthy Connections after years of putting off care. “It was a game-changer,” she said. “They listened. They helped me get my blood pressure under control and even connected me with counseling. I feel like I’m finally back on track.”

Stories like Amanda’s happen every day in our clinics. Whether you’re managing diabetes, navigating women’s health issues, seeking help with depression or anxiety, or simply overdue for a routine check-up, we’re here to help you take the next step toward better health.

Your Health. Our Experts.

World Health Day is more than a moment on the calendar—it’s a reminder that your health matters. And at Healthy Connections, you’ll find a team of professionals ready to support your goals, answer your questions, and provide care you can count on.

Call 888-710-8220 today to schedule an appointment or visit www.healthy-connections.org to explore services, meet our providers, and find the clinic closest to you.

For March 2025, we are proud to announce our Employees of the Month:
Jean Banks of the Hot Springs Central Clinic (East Communities) and Jessica Sickles of the Mena Street location (West Communities).

Jean Banks – Patient Care Coordinator, Hot Springs Central Clinic
Jean Banks joined Healthy Connections in 2024 and serves as a Patient Care Coordinator in Hot Springs. In that short time, she has made a strong impression on both coworkers and patients alike. During visits to the Hot Springs Central Clinic, one coworker noted how her qualities as a team member have been “abundantly obvious.” Jean greets everyone who walks through the doors with a warm smile and a genuine willingness to help, helping to set the tone for the patient experience from the moment of arrival.

Her nomination also emphasized her ability to make patients feel heard, respected, and cared for—through strong communication and sincere empathy. “Jean has raised the bar by also making a waiting room feel more like a reception area,” one colleague wrote. Jean’s presence enhances the quality of service in the clinic and reflects exactly what compassionate, patient-centered care should look like. She is a key reason why many describe Healthy Connections Hot Springs Central as a welcoming and trustworthy place for care.

Jessica Sickles – Billing Clerk, Mena Street Location
At our Mena Street location, Jessica Sickles has been a consistent and dependable part of the Healthy Connections family since 2019. As a Billing Clerk in Mena, Arkansas, she plays a vital role in ensuring the accuracy and flow of our billing operations, even as systems and processes evolve. Over the past several months of transition within the billing department, Jessica has gone above and beyond.

Her nomination highlights the attitude and effort she brings every day. “She exemplifies what it means to be a team player,” a coworker wrote. “Jessica has taken on extra responsibilities, learned new processes, and adjusted her schedule to help wherever needed.” Her flexibility and commitment have made a significant difference in ensuring operational success, even during times of change. This kind of behind-the-scenes dedication allows our clinics to function smoothly and our patients to receive uninterrupted service and support.

Recognition Rooted in Values

The Employee of the Month program at Healthy Connections is more than a tradition. It’s a reflection of how seriously we take our commitment to recognizing the people who keep us strong. Jean Banks and Jessica Sickles have demonstrated how small, daily actions—whether a warm greeting or a willingness to adapt—can elevate the patient experience and build a stronger workplace culture.

Congratulations to Jean and Jessica for this well-earned recognition. Your dedication inspires all of us and represents the very best of what Healthy Connections healthcare professionals bring to their communities.

For more about Healthy Connections, our providers, and clinic locations throughout Western and Central Arkansas, visit www.healthy-connections.org or call 888-710-8220.