The heart of Healthy Connections has always been its people — our staff, our patients, and the communities we serve. This Thanksgiving, we asked our employees to share what they were thankful for. Their responses reveal not just gratitude, but the culture that makes our clinics strong. The story below brings their voices together into one narrative, highlighting the compassion, resilience, and connection that define community healthcare in Arkansas.
A story shaped by the voices of our people across Arkansas.
Thanksgiving gives us the chance to pause and look closely at the people who shape our days, our clinics, and our communities. At Healthy Connections, those people stretch across Arkansas—from Mena to De Queen, from Hot Springs and Malvern to Conway and Mount Ida. When our employees shared what they were thankful for this year, their reflections formed a journey through the lives and relationships that define community healthcare.
Our story begins in Mena, where gratitude is rooted in connection and belonging. Sara Stewart of Mena expressed how meaningful it was to feel welcomed from day one: “Billing/finance! They took me in and have treated me like family.”
In the same clinic, Erica Sullivan of Mena reflected on the impact of leadership in her daily work. She shared her appreciation for Andrea Wright, writing, “She’s not only a strong leader but also a role model for putting others first and showing what it means to serve with purpose… Her calm approach, wisdom, and genuine care make such a difference in everything we do.”
That same spirit of support carried into other reflections from Mena. Erica Manley described navigating change with teammates who stood beside her: “Along this new path, the scheduling department has played such a big part for me… and for the positive, supportive environment they’ve created.” And Lauren Gage highlighted the strength of behind-the-scenes teams: “Our team (Revenue Cycle department) is the best! We all work together, and we all have each other’s backs every day.”
Leaving Mena, our journey continues into the hills of Mount Ida, where gratitude grows through shared experience. Brittany Mayberry of Mount Ida expressed sincere thanks for Tonya Craw, whose support shaped her year. Tonya’s influence extended beyond one clinic—her own reflection shows why. Tonya Craw shared, “I am blessed with my team in several locations… so many are always willing to help, making work joyful.”
Traveling to Hot Springs McAuley, gratitude takes on a tone of purpose and steady commitment. Linda Hill shared her desire to make a difference each day: “My prayer is to positively impact those in my state, community, and around me. One person at a time.”
Michele Reynolds, also at McAuley, spoke of balance and teamwork: “I’m thankful for my team at Evolve, Laurie, who teaches me so much, and everyone who lifts each other up.” Her gratitude emphasized the strength of the Behavioral Health team—a group she described as “talented therapists” who support patients and one another with equal dedication.
Heading west, we arrive in De Queen, where gratitude is deep, personal, and often tied to resilience. Debbie Bailey grounded her reflection in faith: “I am thankful for God who provides all blessings in my life.”
Vonetta Jurelong shared her own heartfelt message: “Thankful for mom—she is fighting cancer and always tries her best.” She also remembered the kindness she received early in her journey, saying of Katie, her MA colleague, “She treated me with kindness and very patience… now a friend.”
Gratitude flowed widely across the De Queen clinic through Carolin Hockersmith, who wrote: “I am thankful for my DeQueen team! Every single person plays an important role…” She recognized many: the lab and X-ray team (Telisha, Milly, and Susan), Sharon in Chronic Care Management, Romeo, and providers Angie and Autumn, describing each as essential to the clinic’s success. And another powerful tribute came from Hannah Sachs, who wrote of her coworker, “Jennifer Hawkins has been such a blessing to me. This clinic could not function if she wasn’t part of this team!”
In Conway, gratitude is shaped by endurance. Eboniee Burks shared openly: “I am Thankful that I didn’t walk away from Nursing. I’m thankful for the strength to keep going when I wanted to give up.” She added that everyone she has encountered at Healthy Connections has been “nothing but a blessing.” Her reflection illustrates the resilience at the heart of healthcare—the kind strengthened by coworkers who understand the weight of the work.
The road leads next to Malvern Pinnacle, where gratitude reflects the significance of small acts of support. Kendall Lawrence of Malvern Pinnacle offered one of the most direct acknowledgments of the year, thanking Jessica Hood, Wendy Thrasher, and Andrea Pilcher—three coworkers whose support shaped her experience and helped her through the year’s challenges. Their names stand as a testament to the influence of quiet, consistent encouragement.
And in Malvern Teeter Plaza, gratitude arrives in quiet but powerful ways through Traci Pulley, who wrote, “God and His grace – My healthy family – My Church family – My coworkers who uplift me and keep me motivated.” Her message underscores a belief shared across Healthy Connections: that the work is demanding, but never done alone.
Our journey returns north to Hot Springs Village, where Anna Lear reflected on years shaped by coworkers and family alike: “I have worked at Healthy Connections for three years… I am so thankful for my work family and my amazing family who show nothing but love and support to me.” She added, “There are so many people here at Healthy Connections that have positively impacted me.” Anna’s words highlight what many feel—that community is not a concept here, but a lived experience.
Together, these voices—sixteen individuals from communities across Arkansas—form a single truth: gratitude at Healthy Connections isn’t confined to a season. It is part of who we are. It is found in the colleague who listens, the leader who teaches, the teammate who steps in, the friend who encourages, the patient who trusts us, and the communities that allow us to serve them.
This Thanksgiving, we add our own voice to theirs.
Healthy Connections is grateful for every employee who brings integrity, compassion, and excellence to their work. We are grateful for the patients who trust us with their care and their stories. And we are grateful for the communities across Arkansas that make our mission possible.
Across every clinic, every hallway, every team, and every town, gratitude is woven into the fabric of Healthy Connections. It is who we are—today and every day.
Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Healthy Connections.
