Funding for Respite Care is provided by the 2025 Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention grant through UAMS.
Respite Care Events
We want parents/guardians to have the opportunity to take a break, run errands, have a date, or even head home to sit in silence……whatever respite care means to you! Siblings are welcome, we just ask that you please fill out one form per child so we can plan activities and staffing accordingly.
A nurse will be present during most respite‑care events to support participants’ medical and personal‑care needs. Please advise the program directors prior to attending each event if your child has specific health-care needs.
SPOTS ARE LIMITED AND REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED FOR ALL KIDDOS IN ATTENDANCE.
2026 SCHEDULE
(Ages 2-18)
Bryant
Larry’s Pizza
Saturday | 9-11:30AM
Jan 3
Registration deadline Dec 28th
Director: Glenda Diamond
gdiamond114@gmail.com
Asst. Directors: Loni Besser, Jimmy Diamond, Naomi Martin
Save the Dates: Feb 7, Mar 7, Apr 4, May 2, Jun 6, Jul 11, Aug 1, Sept 5, Oct 3, Nov 7, Dec 5
Conway
Larry’s Pizza
Saturday | 9-Noon
Jan 24th
Registration deadline 18th
Co-Director: Kanaysia Hays
kanaysiahays03@gmail.com
Co-Director: Jema Quintana
Jema_quintana@yahoo.com
Asst. Directors: Sophia Lowe, Nicole Reynolds
Save the Dates: Feb 7, Mar 14
Little Rock
Pediatrics Plus
Saturday | 1-4PM
Jan 10
Registration deadline Jan 4th
Co-Director: Hallie Kennedy
halliekennedy44@gmail.com
Co-Director: Jayce Burney
jayceburney@gmail.com
Asst. Directors: Madeline Freeman, Hannah Johnston, Emma Pasierb, Adryare Robinson
Save the Dates: Feb 14, Mar 14, Apr 11, May 9, Jun 6, Jul 11
Russellville
Pediatrics Plus
Saturday | 9-Noon
Jan 10
Registration deadline Jan 4th
Co-Director: Alivia Dean
Liv_dean6@icloud.com
Co-Director: Skylar Vickers
shaneleighturner@gmail.com
Asst. Directors: Isabella Brazil, Cierra Hathorn, Lydia Myrick
Save the Dates: Feb 7, Mar 7, Apr 4, May 2
Meet the Respite Care Directors!
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Glenda Diamond
BRYANT DIRECTOR
littlemspro@yahoo.com
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Naomi Martin
BRYANT ASST. DIRECTOR
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Kanaysia Hays
CONWAY CO-DIRECTOR
kanaysiahays03@gmail.com
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Hallie Kennedy
LITTLE ROCK CO-DIRECTOR
halliekennedy44@gmail.com
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Jayce Burney
LITTLE ROCK CO-DIRECTOR
jayceburney@gmail.com
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Madeline Freeman
LITTLE ROCK ASST. DIRECTOR
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Hannah Johnston
LITTLE ROCK ASST. DIRECTOR
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Emma Pasierb
LITTLE ROCK ASST. DIRECTOR
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Adryare Robinson
LITTLE ROCK ASST. DIRECTOR
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Alivia Dean
RUSSELLVILLE CO-DIRECTOR
Liv_dean6@icloud.com
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Skylar Vickers
RUSSELLVILLE CO-DIRECTOR
shaneleighturner@gmail.com
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Isabella Brazil
RUSSELLVILLE ASST. DIRECTOR
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Cierra Hathorn
RUSSELLVILLE ASST. DIRECTOR
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Lydia Myrick
RUSSELLVILLE ASST. DIRECTOR
Respite Care Training through the DHS website
Find the introduction to the training on the DHS website: https://humanservices.arkansas.gov/divisions-shared-services/provider-services-quality-assurance/arkansas-lifespan-respite/lifespan-respite-training/.
The direct link to the training portal is: https://arkansas-respitecarewi.talentlms.com/. Once an individual completes the training and receives their certificate, they can submit the form on the Provider Search/Registry to have their name and details added. This allows caregivers across the state to search and find skilled respite care workers to hire. The Registry/Search Engine can be located at: https://humanservices.arkansas.gov/divisions-shared-services/provider-services-quality-assurance/arkansas-lifespan-respite/respite-worker-registry/
Additionally, the respite voucher program and applications are up and available for caregivers who need respite but cannot financially afford it. The voucher program allows $300 per voucher, and families can apply each quarter of the year- potentially receiving $1,200 in a full year. The website for the vouchers is: https://humanservices.arkansas.gov/divisions-shared-services/provider-services-quality-assurance/arkansas-lifespan-respite/apply-for-respite-voucher/
If you have any questions about the Respite Care Training through DHS please email Sarah Schmidt, Division of Provider Services and Quality Assurance Deputy Director, at sarah.schmidt@dhs.arkansas.gov.