Each month, Healthy Connections recognizes two employees who best embody our organizational pillars of Community, Compassion, and Excellence. These employees are nominated by their peers and selected by senior leadership—not just for doing their jobs well, but for going above and beyond to support our mission and the patients we serve.
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.
