Healthy Connections, Inc. proudly welcomes Family Nurse Practitioner Valerie Perez, APRN, to our Mena clinic. A Mount Ida native with years of hospital experience and a deep love for small-town life, Valerie brings both skill and heart to the communities we serve. She will begin seeing patients this month, offering primary care services to children, adults, and seniors.
“I grew up in Mount Ida, Arkansas, so I am Mena’s neighbor,” Valerie said. “I look forward to working in the community and joining Healthy Connections.”
Valerie earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Henderson State University. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Arkansas Tech University and an Associate of Science in Nursing from National Park College in Hot Springs. Before joining Healthy Connections, she spent six years at CHI St. Vincent in Hot Springs, working on the neuro/ortho floor and caring for patients recovering from surgeries, strokes, and injuries.
That hospital background gave her strong clinical skills, but Valerie says her heart has always been in community-based care. “I love being around small communities, and I can’t wait to start here at Healthy Connections,” she said. “I want to help people stay healthy with preventative care and by catching problems early before they become bigger issues.”
At the Healthy Connections Mena clinic, Valerie will provide comprehensive primary care for patients of all ages. Her services include wellness checkups, annual Medicare and Medicaid physicals, school and work physicals, vaccinations, and the management of chronic and acute illnesses. She will also participate in the clinic’s Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) program for opioid use disorder and the HIV care program, ensuring patients have access to the specialized services they need.
Healthy Connections CEO Tony Calandro said Valerie’s arrival is an exciting addition to the organization’s flagship clinic.
“Valerie represents everything Healthy Connections stands for,” Calandro said. “She’s local, compassionate, and committed to excellence. We’re thrilled to have her join our Mena team and continue providing the kind of care our patients deserve.”
The Mena clinic — the organization’s home base — offers more than just medical care. Patients can also access dental and behavioral health services, making it one of the region’s most comprehensive healthcare facilities. With medical, dental, and behavioral health all under one roof, families can receive coordinated care in one convenient location.
Valerie will see patients Monday through Thursday from 7:45 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., providing extended hours for busy families. Same-day and walk-in appointments may be available, and patients can schedule by calling 888-710-8220 or visiting www.healthy-connections.org.
“One of the reasons I chose Healthy Connections to begin my career is that I believe in the three pillars they have,” Valerie said. “I believe in compassion — working in a hospital, I was able to showcase that every day. I strive for excellence in everything that I do. And I’m big on community. Like I mentioned before, I am from Mount Ida, so I’m Mena’s neighbor. I’m excited to get to know this small town and just become a part of it.”
Outside of work, Valerie is a dedicated wife, mother, and animal lover. She and her husband recently got married, and together they are raising an 11-year-old daughter who plays basketball and softball. “When I leave work, I am a full-time mother,” Valerie said. “I have an 11-year-old daughter who is in basketball and softball. I would like to say I’m the loudest cheerleader my daughter has.”
She also keeps a busy home life with her pets. “I am an animal lover,” she said. “I have three cats and dogs, so my house is definitely busy.”
Calandro said Valerie’s enthusiasm and compassion are already making an impact. “Our Mena clinic is where Healthy Connections began, and it remains a cornerstone of our mission,” he said. “Valerie brings not only clinical excellence but also a genuine understanding of our communities. She will help us continue the legacy of compassionate care that defines Healthy Connections.”
Valerie is eager to get started. “I am happy to be here in Mena, and I’m excited to serve the community,” she said. “I can’t wait to meet every patient’s needs and build relationships that keep our neighbors healthy.”
