Funding for Respite Care is provided by the 2026 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 staff 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.
*If your child(ren) is accepted, you will receive a confirmation email from the Director. If we do not have enough volunteers due to unexpected circumstances, Respite Care may shift to a Family Day.
On Family Days, families are welcome to stay and engage with their child, and all planned activities will still take place. Our goal is always to ensure everyone’s safety while creating a fun, welcoming, and supportive environment where children and families can feel safe and included.
2026 SCHEDULE
(Ages 2-18)
Bryant
Larry’s Pizza
Saturday | 9-11am
Aug 1
Registration deadline Jul 26th
Director: Glenda Diamond
gdiamond114@gmail.com
Asst. Directors: Loni Besser, Jimmy Diamond, Naomi Martin
Save the Dates: Sept 5, Oct 3, Nov 7, Dec 5
Conway
Larry’s Pizza
Saturday | 9:30-11:30am
Aug 15
Registration deadline August 9th
Co-Director: Kanaysia Hays
kanaysiahays03@gmail.com
Co-Director: Jema Quintana
Jema_quintana@yahoo.com
Asst. Directors: Sophia Lowe, Nicole Reynolds
Save the Dates: Sept 26, Oct 24, Nov 14
Mountain View
Mountain View Preschool Building (201 Elementary School Dr.)
Saturday | 5-7pm | all ages
Jul 18
Registration deadline Jul 12th
Director: Mackenzie Prince
manderson25@cub.uca.edu
Russellville
Pediatrics Plus
Saturday | 9-11am
Jul 18
Registration deadline Jul 12th
Co-Director: Alivia Dean
Liv_dean6@icloud.com
Co-Director: Skylar Vickers
shaneleighturner@gmail.com
Asst. Directors: Cierra Hathorn, Lydia Myrick
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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Jema Quintana
CONWAY CO-DIRECTOR
Jema_quintana@yahoo.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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Addison Smittle
LITTLE ROCK ASST. DIRECTOR
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Mackenzie Prince
MOUNTAIN VIEW DIRECTOR
manderson25@cub.uca.edu
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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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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.