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
Jun 6
Registration deadline May 31st
Director: Glenda Diamond
gdiamond114@gmail.com
Asst. Directors: Loni Besser, Jimmy Diamond, Naomi Martin
Save the Dates: Jul 11, Aug 1, Sept 5, Oct 3, Nov 7, Dec 5
Conway
Larry’s Pizza
Saturday | 9:30-11:30am
Jun 6
Registration deadline May 31st
Co-Director: Kanaysia Hays
kanaysiahays03@gmail.com
Co-Director: Jema Quintana
Jema_quintana@yahoo.com
Asst. Directors: Sophia Lowe, Nicole Reynolds
Save the Dates: Jul 11, Aug 15, Sept 26, Oct 24, Nov 14
Little Rock
Pediatrics Plus
Saturday | 1-3PM
May 16*
Registration closed
*REGISTRATION LIMITED 15-20 PARTICIPANTS
Co-Director: Hallie Kennedy
halliekennedy44@gmail.com
Co-Director: Jayce Burney
jayceburney@gmail.com
Asst. Directors: Madeline Freeman, Hannah Johnston, Emma Pasierb, Adryare Robinson, Addison Smittle
Save the Dates: Jun 6, Jul 11
Russellville
Pediatrics Plus
Saturday | 9-11am
TBD
Registration deadline TBD
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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Adryare Robinson
LITTLE ROCK ASST. DIRECTOR
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Addison Smittle
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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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.