Staff Spotlight

What’s your role in the DOP, and how long have you been here?                   

I am the Clinic Director for UAMS Kids First Searcy, and I have been here for a little over 6 years.

UAMS Kids First is a statewide network of early intervention sites providing developmental services to young children under age 5 with developmental delays and other special medical needs.

2.Can you describe a typical day in your job? 

Being located off both UAMS and ACH campuses, each day brings new and exciting ways to support the clinic. As a standalone site, I wear a lot of hats. During some days I am working on payroll, scheduling, meetings and typical duties… often I am helping prepare patient meals, repairing broken toys, cleaning or any other kind of support that I can offer to the staff in the clinic.

3.What do you enjoy most about your work?

I enjoy that each day is different and brings new challenges. We get to see the same patients each day, often for many months or even years. I love watching our patients grow, achieve their goals, and conquer what once seemed impossible. The relationships I have built with families, staff, and leadership are a bonus. At the end of the day, it’s fulfilling to know that the work we do truly makes a difference.

4.What’s a project or accomplishment you’re especially proud of? 

I’m incredibly proud of how much our clinic has grown. In the six years I’ve been here, we’ve seen significant development- not just in size, but in the strength of our program. One of the things I am most proud of is how often new families come to us through word of mouth. It means so much to hear a parent say, ” My friend or family member told us we need to come to Kids First Searcy—they had children here and knew this was the right place for us too.” Thatkindof trust and reputation is something we have worked hard to build, and it speaks volumes about the care we provide.

5.What motivated you to join UAMS? 

I joined UAMS Kids First in February 2019, and from the start I was impressed with the excellent benefits, wonderful hours, and deeply meaningful work, just to name a few perks that were already in place. But it was during the COVID-19 pandemic that I truly saw the heart of UAMS and Kids First. While many organizations struggled or even collapsed, we persevered. Not only did we continue caring for our patients, but UAMS also took care of us. That experience solidified my pride in being part of this team.

6.How has your role evolved since you started?

I believe the mission of my role remains the same today as it was the day I started: to serve and support children, families and staff with compassion, integrity and purpose. However, in our ever-changing world—especially with the rapid advancement of technology—the way I fulfill that mission continues to evolve. There is now a greater need for supporting staff in navigating technology and a growing responsibility to connect with families through diverse digital means. While the heart of my work hasn’t changed, the tools I use to reach and uplift others have.

7.What’s something people might not know about your job?

What many people may not realize is that my job requires a great deal of humility. It’s not about having all the answers—It’s about listening deeply, learning constantly, and putting the needs of children, families and my team first. True leadership in this field means showing up with a servant’s heart and a learner’s mind.

8.What do you like to do outside of work? 

Outside of work, I enjoy serving in my church by teaching children. I love spending time outdoors, especially near water. Most of my evenings and weekends are spent at the baseball park or football field, cheering on my daughter in the high school band and my son on the baseball team!

9.What’s a fun fact about you that not many people know?

I’m 4’11.

10.Do you have a favorite book, movie, or TV show right now?

My all-time favorite book, A Painted House by John Grisham. My favorite movie of all time would be Steel Magnolias. Both have such strong Southern settings, deep emotional currents and characters that are memorable. 

11.What are you excited about in your career right now?

I’m excited to be leading a team with such strong momentum. There’s a shared energy, purpose and drive that makes our work not only effective but deeply fulfilling. It’s a privilege to help guide and support a group that is committed to growth, innovation and making a lasting impact for the children and families we serve.

12.Any personal or professional goals you’re working on?

Personally, I am prioritizing my health, to be the best that I can be. I want to be present for my family, friends, and team. It’s about being the best for the people and responsibilities that mean the most. 

Professionally, I want to engage with and network with programs in our state that have resources that are relevant to the children we serve.  I am working to lead with compassion, collaboration and purpose–empowering professionals and nurturing meaningful partnerships that elevate the quality of care and treatment for every child we serve.

13.What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Stay curious, always be willing to learn. Don’t fear failure, mistakes can be your teacher. Embrace your failures, learn and move forward.

14.What advice would you give to someone starting in your field?

Always keep the heart of your work centered on the people it serves—especially the children, if you’re working with them. If you genuinely have their best interests at heart, everything else– skills, confidence, direction—will come with time. Be patient with yourself. Stay curious, stay kind, and let your creativity shine through. Whether you’re teaching, guiding or creating, never underestimate the impact of authenticity and care.