At Healthy Connections, we believe that our staff embodies the heart and soul of our organization. As we celebrate our 25th anniversary of providing exceptional healthcare services to communities across Western and Central Arkansas, we are thrilled to announce the shining stars of September: Katheryn Ledesma and Anna Lear. They have exemplified our core values of Community, Compassion, and Excellence, and we are proud to recognize their outstanding contributions.
Katheryn Ledesma: West Communities Winner
Katheryn serves as a Medical Assistant at our De Queen clinic. Her dedication and positive attitude have made her an invaluable member of the De Queen team. In her nomination, her colleagues had this to say about her: “Katie is a wonderful member of the De Queen team. She is a help to everyone and always has a positive attitude!”
Her commitment to our patients and her fellow staff members truly embodies the essence of Healthy Connections.
Anna Lear: East Communities Winner
Anna is a Patient Care Coordinator at our Hot Springs clinics. Her consistent pleasant demeanor, helpful nature, and exceptional competency have left a lasting impression on both patients and colleagues. One client even shared, “I missed her when she was gone. She is always pleasant and helpful.”
Anna’s dedication to her work and her unwavering commitment to our mission have made her a true asset to Healthy Connections.
Recognizing Excellence
At Healthy Connections, we believe in recognizing and rewarding excellence. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce that Katheryn and Anna, our September Shining Star Employees, will each receive a $50 credit to the HC Hub Company Store. This credit allows them to grab some Healthy Connections swag as a token of our appreciation for their hard work and dedication.
Nominate the Next Shining Star
Do you know a colleague who goes above and beyond to embody our values of Community, Compassion, and Excellence? We invite you to nominate them for next month’s Employee of the Month award. Your nominations help us recognize the outstanding individuals who make Healthy Connections exceptional. To submit a nomination, please visit our website at www.healthy-connections.org/nominate.
As we celebrate 25 years of caring for our communities, we’re reminded that our success is built upon the dedication and excellence of individuals like Katheryn and Anna. Their commitment to our mission and values is truly commendable, and we are grateful to have them as part of the Healthy Connections family.
Healthy Connections is thrilled to welcome back experienced Family Nurse Practitioner Angela Martin, APRN, to our healthcare team at the De Queen clinic.
Angela is now accepting patients at the De Queen clinic, conveniently located at 1206 W. Collin Raye Drive. Schedule primary care/family medicine appointments by calling 888-710-8220.
With more than 30 years of nursing experience and 13 years as a nurse practitioner, she is deeply rooted in De Queen, having called it home for more than two decades. Angela previously worked at Healthy Connections. Other area locales included the Martin Family Medical Clinic and De Queen Medical Center.
“We are thrilled to have Angela back with us at Healthy Connections in De Queen. Her unwavering commitment to community healthcare perfectly aligns with our mission, and her expertise will undoubtedly benefit our patients,” said Tony Calandro, CEO of Healthy Connections, Inc.
In her family practice clinic, Angela is dedicated to caring for patients of all ages, from infants to seniors. Healthy Connections De Queen operates from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, offering services to both pediatric and family medicine patients. Other providers at this location include Carolin Hockersmith, APRN, and Autumn Morales APRN.
As a family nurse practitioner, she brings specialized educational and clinical training to family practice, with a strong focus on long-term health and wellness, particularly emphasizing preventive care.
“When I was an ER nurse, I often saw patients who didn’t need to be in the ER. They needed care in a clinic setting. At the time, there weren’t many providers in De Queen, and I simply wanted to be there to help people,” Angela said of her initial journey to becoming a Family Nurse Practitioner.
Healthy Connections, a nonprofit organization based in Mena, has been serving the healthcare needs of children and adults throughout West-Central Arkansas since its establishment in 1998. From its humble beginnings as a home-visiting program, Healthy Connections has grown to offer essential health and dental services to families from diverse backgrounds.
For those seeking quality healthcare from Angela, please call (888) 710-8220 to schedule an appointment and experience the excellence of care she brings to the De Queen community.
In the battle against the flu, taking the right steps can mean the difference between a mild inconvenience and a severe, even life-threatening illness. One of the most crucial steps you can take to protect yourself and your community is to get vaccinated annually.
Here at Healthy Connections, we understand the importance of this preventive measure, and we’re dedicated to making it accessible to everyone. Our Community Health Network clinics across Arkansas are proud to offer flu shots, and we strive to ensure that cost is not a barrier to your health. The flu vaccine is free with most health insurance. We accept various forms of coverage, including Medicaid, ARKids 1st, Medicare, and most insurance plans. For those without insurance, we are making the vaccine accessible for just $35.
So, why should you choose Healthy Connections for your flu shot?
- Firstly, our experienced nurses administer the vaccine safely and effectively. Your health is in capable hands.
- Secondly, we understand that life can get busy. That’s why we offer convenient appointments designed to fit your schedule, including evening slots at select locations.
- Lastly, our commitment to affordable, high-quality care is unwavering. We believe that everyone deserves access to the best healthcare, regardless of their financial situation.
This year, with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of the flu shot is magnified. Both the flu and COVID-19 share respiratory symptoms, and vaccination reduces your risk of contracting and spreading these illnesses.
In addition to COVID-19 concerns, consider these factors:
- Experts anticipate a more severe flu season.
- Some flu strains may be less responsive to the vaccine.
- Vaccination significantly lowers the risk of complications such as pneumonia.
- It provides protection for vulnerable populations, including young children, older adults, and individuals with chronic health conditions.
If you have any questions about the flu vaccine, don’t hesitate to consult your healthcare provider. Ready to take the first step toward a healthier you? Call us at 888-710-8220 to schedule your appointment today.
Your health is our priority, and we’re here to keep you safe and well.
At Healthy Connections, we take pride in recognizing the hard work and dedication of our exceptional team members who go above and beyond to embody our core values of Community, Compassion, and Excellence. We are thrilled to announce the Employees of the Month for August 2023, who have truly exemplified these pillars in their service to our patients and communities.
East Communities Winner: Tonya Bauer – Registered Nurse (RN)
Tonya Bauer, an outstanding Registered Nurse (RN), has been selected as the Employee of the Month for our East Communities region. Tonya works closely with women’s health specialist, Dr. Pittman Moore, and her dedication to patient care and support has not gone unnoticed.
In the nomination, it was stated, “Tonya is a great nurse! She is hardworking and dependable. She is Dr. Moore’s primary support staff but will quickly assist others in need. We are so thankful for Tonya!”
Tonya’s commitment to her patients and her willingness to assist her colleagues make her a true asset to our team.
West Communities Winner: Liz Mendez – Interpreter
In our West Communities region, we are proud to announce Liz Mendez as the Employee of the Month. Liz serves as an interpreter at our Mena location and has consistently demonstrated her dedication to patient care and support.
The nomination for Liz praised her dedication, stating, “Liz strives to make sure she does the best she can to help her patients receive the care they need. She also helps in any way she can at both front and back desks, she makes sure that her coworkers understand the tasks that are set in front of them and tries to make their job easier with her knowledge and tips.”
Liz’s commitment to helping both patients and colleagues reflects the essence of Healthy Connections’ values.
These two employees were chosen as winners for the month of August based on their embodiment of the three pillars of Community, Compassion, and Excellence.
We encourage you to nominate the next potential winner for September by visiting our website at www.healthy-connections.org/nominate. Your nominations help us recognize and appreciate the incredible individuals who make a difference in the lives of our patients and the communities we serve.
Congratulations to Tonya Bauer and Liz Mendez for their outstanding contributions to Healthy Connections and thank you to all our team members for their unwavering commitment to providing quality medical, dental, and behavioral health services. Together, we continue to make a positive impact on the well-being of our communities.
Healthy Connections’ Susan Singleton was named a finalist for Arkansas Business Nonprofit CFO of the Year
In the world of financial leadership, Susan Singleton’s journey stands as a testament to dedication and innovation. With an impressive career spanning 26 years, Singleton’s role as Chief Financial Officer of Healthy Connections, a Federally-Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in Western and Central Arkansas, has earned her a coveted place as a finalist for the prestigious Arkansas Business Nonprofit Organization CFO of the Year 2023 award.
Singleton’s recognition is a result of her outstanding contributions. She stands alongside other distinguished financial leaders: Laine Harber from the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts, Monique L. Sanders from the Arkansas Foodbank, and Britney Snell from the SHARE Foundation. Together, these exceptional individuals have set themselves apart and distinguished themselves among their peers in contention for this statewide accolade.
The winners of the Arkansas Business CFO of the Year 2023 award will be unveiled on Nov. 2 at the Wally Allen Ballroom at the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock.
Singleton’s journey is a story of personal and professional growth. Over the past 4 years, she has made a significant impact at Healthy Connections, steering its financial growth while upholding the organization’s core values of Community, Compassion, and Excellence.
“In a nonprofit organization, there are many opportunities to step out of your comfort zone, grow, and learn,” Singleton reflects. “CFOs must be creative and strategic in managing finances. As a CFO with additional responsibilities in operations, opportunities exist for improvements in workflows, processes, and operational efficiencies throughout the organization. This, in turn, better positions the company to balance the mission and margin of the organization.”
Her strategic financial stewardship has not only driven Healthy Connections’ growth but also allowed the organization to provide comprehensive healthcare services to diverse communities, making a lasting impact on countless lives.
“With over two and a half decades of financial leadership experience and her dedicated 4-year journey with Healthy Connections, Susan embodies an unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation,” said Tony Calandro, CEO of Healthy Connections. “Her approach to financial management has elevated our ability to fulfill our mission, offering quality healthcare services to those we serve.”
Singleton’s journey underscores the pivotal role of financial leadership in fostering growth and positive change. Her expertise and steadfast commitment play a crucial role in advancing Healthy Connections’ ongoing mission of providing accessible, high-quality healthcare services that enhance the health and well-being of individuals and families across Western and Central Arkansas.
Zachary Geiling, APRN, Honored as Premier Medical Provider in Hot Springs Village for 2023
Healthy Connections is delighted to announce that Zachary Geiling, APRN, has been recognized as the Best Physician/Healthcare Provider in the Hot Springs Village Voice Readers’ Choice Best of Garland and Saline Counties for 2023.
This remarkable achievement was celebrated at a distinguished ceremony held on Aug. 26 at The Arlington Hotel in Hot Springs. The accolade stands as a testament to Zachary’s unyielding dedication and passion, qualities that have deeply resonated with both his patients and colleagues. Join us as we celebrate this well-deserved honor and explore why he stands as the foremost choice for individuals of all age groups seeking primary care and family medicine services within The Village.
The Hot Springs Village Voice Readers’ Choice Best of Garland and Saline Counties garnered an impressive 60,000 votes spanning diverse categories. Among these, Zachary emerged as the undeniable winner due to his resolute commitment to patient well-being, the superlative quality of care he dispenses, and the positive, transformative influence he exerts on the lives of those under his care.
“Zach’s unwavering commitment to patient-centered care and his dedication to cultivating a healthier community set him apart in Hot Springs Village,” remarked Healthy Connections CEO Tony Calandro. “This recognition perfectly embodies the core tenets of Healthy Connections – to provide healthcare services with unwavering compassion and a commitment to excellence.”
In a competitive category featuring esteemed nominees like Dr. Kristi Sutton and Dr. Seth Barnes of CHI St. Vincent, Zachary stood out as the indisputable choice for the Best Physician/Healthcare Provider award, reflecting his exceptional embodiment of Healthy Connections’ three pillars: Community, Compassion, and Excellence.
As a Family Nurse Practitioner, Zachary possesses the unique capability to cater to patients of all ages, tending to primary care and family medicine needs. Whether it involves preventive health measures, the management of chronic conditions, or addressing acute concerns, Zachary’s expertise ensures that patients receive holistic, tailored care aligned with their specific health requirements.
Zachary joined the Healthy Connections Hot Springs Village clinic in 2022, coinciding with the clinic’s inauguration at Rogers Plaza near the West Gate. Since then, he has seamlessly integrated himself into the clinic’s overarching mission of providing accessible, top-notch healthcare to the community. Patients who have been under Zachary’s care consistently applaud his compassionate approach, unwavering attentiveness, and steadfast dedication to their overall well-being.
Whether you are seeking a healthcare provider for yourself or your entire family, Zachary is poised to offer expert guidance and support at every stage. His patient-centered approach ensures that your health objectives are at the forefront, and your concerns are met with empathy and understanding.
Conveniently situated at 4585 N. State Hwy. 7, Suite 11, in Hot Springs Village, the Healthy Connections clinic’s dedication to community well-being is harmoniously aligned with Zachary’s approach to patient care.
To learn more the clinic’s comprehensive services and Zachary’s pivotal role, please visit www.healthy-connections.org/hsv. For seamless appointment scheduling, feel free to reach out at 888-710-8220.
Operating from 7:45 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Thursday, the clinic remains steadfast in its commitment to providing accessible and convenient healthcare services for all.
