At Healthy Connections, our mission is more than just delivering quality medical, dental, and behavioral health care. It’s about building trust, showing compassion, and striving for excellence every day in every interaction. That’s why each month, we take time to recognize two outstanding team members—one from our East communities and one from the West—who embody the values that define our organization: Community, Compassion, and Excellence.
For July 2025, we are proud to honor Laura Loveday from our Hot Springs McAuley Clinic and Hannah Shirley from our Russellville Clinic as our Employees of the Month.
Laura Loveday – A Pillar of Professionalism and Compassion in Hot Springs
As the lead patient care coordinator at the Hot Springs McAuley Clinic, Laura Loveday plays a vital role in ensuring that patients receive timely, respectful, and compassionate care. Since joining Healthy Connections in 2021, Laura has continuously gone above and beyond—not just in her job duties but in the way she supports her team and patients alike.
In her nomination, one colleague wrote:
“Laura consistently demonstrates a strong commitment to her colleagues and patients through her willingness to share knowledge, offer support, and approach every interaction with enthusiasm and professionalism. Her compassionate nature shines through in every encounter within the clinic, creating a welcoming and respectful environment for all. Whether working with patients, collaborating with coworkers, or engaging with the community, Laura exemplifies the core values of our organization with grace and integrity.”
This kind of feedback is exactly what we hope to inspire in our clinics throughout Arkansas. From coordinating care to ensuring each patient feels seen and heard, Laura represents the gold standard of patient service in community healthcare.
Hannah Shirley – Saying “Yes” to Service in Russellville
New to the Healthy Connections team in 2025, Hannah Shirley has already made a major impact at the Russellville Clinic. Working as a medical assistant, Hannah quickly stepped into additional responsibilities, including surgery scheduling—a task that requires precision, communication, and grace under pressure.
Her nomination praised her initiative and team-focused mindset:
“Hannah has taken on additional responsibilities of surgery scheduling and is doing a fantastic job! She always looks for ways to say ‘yes’ and makes sure that her teammates, providers, and patients all have what they need!”
Hannah’s story is a great example of how Healthy Connections continues to grow and thrive by bringing in individuals who are eager to make a difference. Whether she’s helping a patient prepare for surgery or making sure providers are supported behind the scenes, Hannah is committed to excellence from day one.
Recognizing Outstanding Healthcare Professionals in Arkansas
Our Employee of the Month program isn’t just a celebration—it’s a reflection of who we are as an organization. Nominations come from peers, and selections are made by members of the senior leadership team. The focus is always on those who truly exemplify what it means to work in community health care—where collaboration, empathy, and professionalism aren’t optional—they’re essential.
With more than 25 years of experience providing primary care, dental care, behavioral health, HIV services, women’s health, senior care, and more, Healthy Connections is proud to be a Federally-Qualified Health Center (FQHC) serving communities across Western and Central Arkansas. Our employees are the heart of that mission, and stories like Laura’s and Hannah’s remind us what’s possible when great people come together for a common purpose.
Why It Matters
When patients walk through the doors of a Healthy Connections clinic, they’re not just looking for treatment—they’re looking for trustworthy care from professionals who understand their needs. That’s why team members like Laura Loveday and Hannah Shirley are so important. They don’t just do their jobs; they build relationships, uplift their coworkers, and create an environment where patients feel safe, respected, and cared for.
Learn More About Careers at Healthy Connections
We’re always looking for dedicated professionals who share our passion for improving lives through healthcare. If you’re interested in joining a mission-driven organization that values teamwork, community connection, and clinical excellence, visit www.healthy-connections.org/careers.
