The Healthy Connections Employee of the Month program recognizes team members who demonstrate Community, Compassion, and Excellence in their daily work. For April, Healthy Connections is proud to honor Makayla Stevens of the Hot Springs Village clinic and Fran Nault of the Mena clinic as our Employees of the Month.
Each month, Healthy Connections selects one employee from East Communities and one employee from West Communities through a nomination and voting process designed to recognize employees who make a meaningful impact on patients, coworkers, and clinic operations. Employees are nominated by their coworkers, and final selections are made through a vote by members of the Senior Management Team. Throughout the process, Healthy Connections’ three pillars—Community, Compassion, and Excellence—weigh heavily in determining the final recipients.
The April winners were recognized for their professionalism, teamwork, dedication to patients, and commitment to supporting the people around them every day.
East Communities Employee of the Month: Makayla Stevens – Licensed Practical Nurse, Hot Springs Village Clinic
Makayla Stevens, a Licensed Practical Nurse at the Hot Springs Village clinic, joined Healthy Connections in 2025 and has already established herself as a dependable and compassionate member of the team.
Coworker nominations consistently highlighted the way Makayla cares for patients and supports her coworkers. One nomination shared that she “consistently shows compassion and empathy toward patients, always putting their comfort, safety, and overall wellbeing first.” Her coworkers noted that she takes the time to listen carefully, respond thoughtfully, and make sure patients feel respected and understood throughout their care experience.
In addition to her patient-centered approach, Makayla has demonstrated a strong commitment to growth and professional development. Her nomination recognized that she is “committed to continuing to learn, seeking out new knowledge, accepting feedback, and working to improve [her] skills to provide high quality care.” Coworkers also described her as dependable and helpful, always willing to support both patients and fellow team members whenever needed.
Another nomination highlighted how Makayla demonstrates the Healthy Connections pillars daily by “working closely with her team and supporting both patients and coworkers.” Her coworkers praised her kindness, patience, professionalism, and willingness to provide the best care possible. One nomination also noted that “she is going to make a great RN.”
Through her work ethic, positive attitude, and commitment to patient care, Makayla has already made a meaningful impact at the Hot Springs Village clinic and across Healthy Connections.
West Communities Employee of the Month: Fran Nault – Lab Supervisor, Mena Clinic
Fran Nault, who joined Healthy Connections in 2022, serves as Lab Supervisor at the Mena clinic. In a role where efficiency, consistency, and accuracy are essential, Fran has become a trusted and dependable part of the clinic team.
Although brief, her nomination reflected the strong reputation she has built among her coworkers. One coworker described Fran as “the most efficient employee I know.” That statement speaks not only to her work ethic, but also to the reliability and professionalism she brings to the clinic every day.
As Lab Supervisor, Fran plays an important role in helping maintain smooth clinic operations while supporting both patients and staff. Her efficiency and dependability help ensure the laboratory functions effectively in a busy healthcare environment where attention to detail and timely support are critical.
Her coworkers’ recognition reflects the value she brings to the Mena clinic through her consistency, experience, and commitment to excellence in her work.
Why the Healthy Connections Employee of the Month Program Matters
The Healthy Connections Employee of the Month program exists to recognize employees who consistently go above expectations and positively impact the patients and communities we serve. By combining coworker nominations with leadership voting, the program highlights employees whose actions reflect the mission and values of Healthy Connections every day.
Makayla Stevens and Fran Nault exemplify what it means to live out Community, Compassion, and Excellence through their dedication to patients, support of coworkers, and commitment to high-quality care and service across Healthy Connections.
Please join us in congratulating Makayla Stevens and Fran Nault on being named Healthy Connections Employees of the Month for April and in thanking them for the positive difference they continue to make across our organization.
Interested in joining a team that values Community, Compassion, and Excellence? Learn more about career opportunities at Healthy Connections:
https://healthy-connections.org/careers/
