Congratulations to our 2026 Mamie’s Health Care Hero Recipient
“In January of 2026, I came to L&D in labor and expecting to deliver my perfectly healthy baby girl, Leah. Upon arrival, it was discovered that she had passed away full term at 38 weeks. Shortly after my arrival to the unit, what had felt like normal labor contractions very quickly shifted into the most intense abdominal pain that was the worst thing I had ever experienced, aside from just hearing this devastating news about my daughter. My physical pain reflected the pain I was feeling in my heart. Tori, who was charge nurse that day, was present with me throughout the whole process of the care team trying to figure out what was wrong with me. It was discovered first that I was in DIC which led to the diagnosis of a concealed complete placental abruption. As a perinatal RN myself, hearing this instilled a huge level of fear within me while trying to trust God, too. Tori held my hand and reassured me they would take the best care of me. My next memory is waking up in ICU. Tori, of course, was there. She helped my husband bathe his daughter, she held my hand and cried with me, she came back the next day to help the ICU nurses get me out of bed for the first time, she calmed my toddler son in order for him to be able to meet his baby sister. Tori was always there. On the day I was discharged and we had to leave the hospital without our baby, Tori was there. She helped carefully pack up our keepsakes of Leah and walked down with us and our primary nurse to the car. She stood beside me, holding my hand, as I shook uncontrollably from anxiety, reassuring me I could do this. Two weeks later at Leah’s celebration of life, Tori was there. In all of the moments that felt impossible, the common denominator was that Tori was there with us showing her support. I thank God every day for Tori and that she was there to care for me in the crucial, time sensitive moments and in the still moments that followed full of grief for Leah. Tori has the ability to make patients feel like they aren’t a patient, but someone she genuinely cares for. My story is heavy, trauma filled, and full of grief that I will never understand, but Tori helped lighten the weight and brought peace and smiles to our faces when we had none.”
- Mary White -
Past Recipients
OUR 2026 NOMINEES
Cindy Wilson
Veteran Home
Goes above and beyond with compassion and care. Is respectful and honors my dignity.
-Robert Gore-
Dr. Adam Sandlin
UAMS
Dr Sandlin helped my family navigate the unimaginable. During my first pregnancy, we found out at our 20 week anatomy scan that our baby boy was not going to survive long after birth. After finding that out, we were referred to Dr Sandlin as a maternal fetal medicine doctor. As soon as he came into our lives, we knew we could never let him leave. Dr Sandlin advised, advocated for, and comforted my husband and I for the rest of our pregnancy. He preformed my C-section flawlessly, and was there passing of our son Nolan. He has continued to support us emotionally and physically in the months since. He never once made an appointment feel rushed, he listened to all of our questions and concerns, and validated all of the tears we cried. The advice and words he shared with us during the worst days of our lives were the only things that got us through it. I would not be here today if it wasn’t for Dr Sandlin. I will never use another OBGYN as long as I can help it!
-Abby Barker-
“There are truly no words that can fully capture how incredible Dr. Sandlin is. He walked beside our family through the terminal diagnosis of our son, Noah, with extraordinary compassion, kindness, and grace. Throughout every step of our journey, he made us feel seen, cared for, and supported. He never minimized the value or importance of Noah’s life, and because of his care, we were able to experience many meaningful and redeeming moments in the midst of heartbreaking circumstances.
Even after Noah was born sleeping at 36 weeks, Dr. Sandlin continued to care for our family with genuine empathy and support. He is not only an exceptional physician, but an exceptional person. It is clear in every interaction that he is living out his calling with humility, compassion, and love for others.
We will always be deeply grateful for the care Dr. Sandlin provided to Noah, his twin sister, and our family. His impact on our lives will never be forgotten.
- Mary Kate Vogel -
We are beyond grateful for the incredible care we received from Dr. Sandlin, Brooke Keathley, and the rest of his team. From the moment Dr Sandlin discovered Noa’s heart condition to the day we lost her, he stood by us with compassion and support, treating us like family. When our miracle baby, Brynn, came along he celebrated, cried, and rejoiced with us—once again showing just how special he is. His words the day he met Brynn, “Thank you for allowing me to witness this miracle,” will stay with us forever. Dr. Sandlin has been such a meaningful part of our journey, and we truly consider him family.
- Kelsi Bednar -
Dr. Sara Peeples
UAMS
IMy husband and I met Dr Peeples after receiving the news that our son was going to pass shortly after birth. She was the one to center us while we were spiraling, bringing us back to focusing on our son and how we wanted to spend our short time with him. Dr Peeples gave us the facts of the situation and made sure we understood the severity of our son’s prognosis, but in the most gentle and attentive way possible. She allowed us to ask all of the questions we needed, and did not judge us when all we could do was sit in silence and cry. A week before we were due to give birth, Dr Peeples called and asked how my husband and I wanted the day to go; it really seemed like she cared about us having the best experience possible, all things considering. She was present at our son’s birth, being the first to hold him; she was in constant communication with us, letting us know how our son was doing it. He came out with a very low heart rate and Dr Peeples was able to raise it back up, giving my husband and I precious time with him that we probably wouldn’t have had without her. After our son had passed, Dr Peeples said “you did the right thing” and in that moment, that was the only thing I needed to hear, and I will never forget that.
- Abby Barker -
My husband and I met with Dr. Peeples after receiving a life-limiting diagnosis for one of our twins. It was a meeting that no parent ever hopes to have, but somehow Dr. Peeples made the impossible feel less impossible. She brought kindness, compassion, and peace into the hardest moments of our lives.
Dr. Peeples listens carefully, speaks honestly, and approaches every conversation with gentleness and care. She is realistic while still providing comfort and support, which is a balance that means so much to families facing devastating circumstances.
Although Noah passed away before being born, Dr. Peeples still showed up for us. She came to labor and delivery unit to make sure we had everything we needed and that we felt cared for during such a heartbreaking time. She then returned the next day to check on us again. Those acts of kindness made a real difference to our family. We will always be grateful for the care she gave to us and to Noah!
- Mary Kate Vogel -
Sarah is one of the most caring doctor. She takes care of the tiniest patients. The babies can turn for the worse in minutes. I have seen her sleep on the couch in the patients room to be close, incase she needed to attend to the baby quickly. She takes time with families and explains the medical update to the parents and answers all there questions. She deserves this award.
- Shannon Hall -
Lanie Inskeep
UAMS
In January of 2026, I welcomed my little boy, Asher Jade, who was born sleeping into the world along side an amazing team full of nothing but love. It was sudden and without explanation, it was shocking and devastating, and it wasn’t at all what we thought would be the case for our fourth child. I never thought it would be me, and then it was and so quickly my life flipped upside down. Lanie went above and beyond not only to be with me (because it’s not what she usually does) but to make the experience of having a baby that never comes home with you so much more pleasant. The momentos she made, stunning photos she helped take with so much creativity and beauty and art she created to capture his every detail can never be really explained and it express the essence of her soul and its kindness. She spoke so beautifully about my strength, resilience and courage so that I believed it and didn’t question myself so much and the kind words she offered are engrained in me forever now. The way that I felt truly heard was unlike anything I could have imagined in the situation where I expected nothing but hurt. She wasn’t even my nurse, though my nurse was phenomenal as well, and she cared so much about making my life more tolerable given the situation. It was because she knew. She told me about her son, her losses of pregnancy after pregnancy, and she made me feel like I was seen because I wasn’t alone in this unbelievable pain. She held my hand, she spoke kindly, she said things that were very much what I needed to hear and she felt safe. I can never express the way the whole team was more than I could have even asked for, but Lanie is one in a million in heart, and she changed me that night because she cared so much that she poured every ounce of herself into me. God makes very few people that special, and I’ll be grateful to have experienced her heart first hand, even on the hardest day of my life I felt calm and warmth. Im grateful for her and the art she made me I look at everyday. She brought Asher’s name to life with the most beautiful art in a matter of hours with her compassion and incredible talent and I’ll cherish her and it for the rest of my life. Thank you, Lanie, for choosing love on that night and every night. You’re the good the world needs ands I hope you never forget that.
- Ashley Cox -
Julie Turner - Nurse Practitioner
Baptist Health Breast Center
I am nominating my sister, Julie Turner, for this award and I truly believe she deserves it more than anyone. She is a breast cancer specialist at Baptist Health in Little Rock, a former Registered Nurse at St. Jude, former cancer specialist at CARTI, a wife, and a mom to two littles with one on the way. I believe she has helped saved thousands of lives by being knowledgeable about and passionate at her job and being there for women in need. Not only does she do a fantastic job of caring for her patients, she also regularly speaks on the news and at women's symposiums throughout Arkansas about the importance of regular mammograms and women's health screening. Most recently she was an honored guest and speaker at the 2026 Women's Leadership Symposium for Little Rock Soiree Magazine. She is a wonderful friend, Christian, sister, daughter, and mother. She dropped everything in her life to drive to Texas and be with me the day I had a pulmonary embolism in 2023. The very reason I resonated with your organization and the reason I thought of my sister was because not only is she a Healthcare Hero, she has also gone through two miscarriages in the last couple of years. She is currently pregnant with her third child (who was a twin but she lost one of the twins). So she is a mom to 6 babies- two here on earth, three in heaven, and one coming in October. It has been an extremely challenging past few years for her and she continues to save lives and dedicate herself to her job and family. She is selfless, humble, and deserving, and I think she absolutely embodies what this award means. Please consider her.
-Jessica Henn-
Amanda Gregory - RN
Arkansas Women’s Center
I delivered my son nearly a year ago and I will never forget Amanda’s name. She took care of me during every prenatal and postpartum appt. She hugged me every time I cried or had any fears. She was always so warm and welcoming. I suffered from post partum depression and anxiety and I remembered she came in and sat with me and held my baby so I could have a moment of peace. I’m also a registered nurse and during my pregnancy I worked in intensive care and hospice. After I finished my maternity leave I immediately switched to working in labor and delivery/post partum because Amanda made such an impact on my life. I can now help and hold others the way she helped and held me. I hope she never forgets how important she is to women’s health and I hope she always feels appreciated. She is the definition of what it means to be a nurse.
- Lexi Hall -
Dr. Taylor Ghahremani
UAMS Women’s Center
We first saw Dr. Ghahremani for our advanced anatomy scan while expecting twins. During that appointment, she had the incredibly difficult task of sharing the news that our son Noah had several life-limiting findings. There is no easy way to deliver news like that, but Dr. Ghahremani did so with compassion, sensitivity, and care. She brought a sense of comfort in a season that otherwise felt very uncertain.
She is exceptional at what she does. She took time to answer our questions, made us feel seen and supported, and helped guide us through the next steps by connecting us with the specialists we would need. During a season filled with uncertainty and heartbreak, her knowledge and guidance helped us feel cared for and reminded us that we were not walking through it alone.
Dr. Ghahremani came to the hospital to deliver our twins. She showed up for us not only as an excellent physician, but as a deeply caring and compassionate friend.
We will always be thankful for Dr. Ghahremani and for the love and care she showed to Noah, Nora, and our family. Her kindness, dedication, and excellence made a lasting impact on one of the most difficult journeys of our lives.
- Mary Kate Vogel-
I was placed with Dr. Ghahremani after discovering our baby had a heart defect and transferring care to the high risk clinic at UAMS in April of 2024. Shortly after, we received the devastating diagnosis of Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome and Double Outlet Right Ventricle. I was 30 weeks pregnant, and had seemingly had a normal pregnancy and healthy baby up until this point. Receiving this news was soul crushing, but Dr. Ghahremani lead us through the darkest of days with compassion and love while also being extremely knowledgeable and someone my husband and I grew to trust and lean on.
We met with a slew of phenomenal doctors, specialists, and surgeons at UAMS and ACH in the following days, but Dr. Ghahremani’s presence, friendship, and commitment truly helped us survive what seemed impossible.
Our daughter, Mary Caroline, was born in May of 2024, and we had to say goodbye to her shortly after birth. Dr. Ghahremani was with us every step of the way. She has been a shoulder to cry on, a light in the darkness, she has offered guidance and steadfast support, and has given us hope when we felt there was none.
Fast forward to spring of 2025, we found out we were expecting our rainbow baby. Dr. Ghahremani was there celebrating with us after finding out this news, while also holding our hands through the anxiety of signs of a potential heart defect early on - albeit much less severe than before. Thankfully, after further testing we learned that our baby boy was completely healthy, but I felt comforted through it all knowing we were under her exceptional care.
Dr. Ghahremani has been there with us through every chapter of our story - she has cried with us during the earth shattering and uncertain times, and rejoiced with us during the good. She has been Heaven sent and is truly a blessing to all of her patients, UAMS, and the state of Arkansas!
- Tessa Floyd -
Melissa Odom - RN
Baptist Little Rock
They do amazing work!
- Jon Pingel -
Abigail Sullivan - RN
Baptist Little Rock
I went into preterm labor at 29 weeks. I had never been away from my daughter before. I was so scared, depressed, and felt so alone. Abigail made me feel came into my room to check on me and talk to me so that I didn’t feel afraid. She advocated for me and helped me to feel like everything would be okay. I’ll never forget her kindness during the hardest moments of my life.
- Khloe See -
Madison Sellers
Baptist Little Rock
She’s an amazing nurse and human!
- Marcie Edwards -
Brandon Reed - Nurse Practitioner
Arkansas Children’s Hospital
He was a wonderful provider for my baby girl Sophia, and made sure he came to visit me and update me whenever he could. He, like all of her team, cared so much for Sophie and was so kind and friendly, and made sure I and Sophia's dad knew where our baby was health wise. He also was the one to give our baby her first-and only- photoshoot by a photographer, him! He took such great care to make sure we got all of the shots we wanted, he got beautiful photos for us that we'll treasure forever, and on his day off! Even after her stay at Arkansas Children's ended sadly, we still see him every once in a while and he's always so kind. He's the definition of a nurse practitioner, caring and life saving.
- Anna Moore -
In the first week of 2026 we unfortunately went through the experience of loss and the surgery associated with that loss due to the gestational time period. My wife is a nurse and part of the L&D team at LR Baptist and I can't begin to put in words the amount of love, respect, thoughts and prayers her teammates provided us with. There were multiple people who went out of their way to be in the surgery with her that day and many more who physically checked in with her post-op and during our overnight stay. Others who were and still stay in contact outside of working hours for Sam's mental sake. It is so hard to describe everything that each team member has done for us which is why I feel compelled to nominate the entire unit because they absolutely deserve it.
- Kyle Drake
Baptist Little Rock L&D Unit
Tori Appleton
Baptist Little Rock
In January of 2026, I came to L&D in labor and expecting to deliver my perfectly healthy baby girl, Leah. Upon arrival, it was discovered that she had passed away full term at 38 weeks. Shortly after my arrival to the unit, what had felt like normal labor contractions very quickly shifted into the most intense abdominal pain that was the worst thing I had ever experienced, aside from just hearing this devastating news about my daughter. My physical pain reflected the pain I was feeling in my heart. Tori, who was charge nurse that day, was present with me throughout the whole process of the care team trying to figure out what was wrong with me. It was discovered first that I was in DIC which led to the diagnosis of a concealed complete placental abruption. As a perinatal RN myself, hearing this instilled a huge level of fear within me while trying to trust God, too. Tori held my hand and reassured me they would take the best care of me. My next memory is waking up in ICU. Tori, of course, was there. She helped my husband bathe his daughter, she held my hand and cried with me, she came back the next day to help the ICU nurses get me out of bed for the first time, she calmed my toddler son in order for him to be able to meet his baby sister. Tori was always there. On the day I was discharged and we had to leave the hospital without our baby, Tori was there. She helped carefully pack up our keepsakes of Leah and walked down with us and our primary nurse to the car. She stood beside me, holding my hand, as I shook uncontrollably from anxiety, reassuring me I could do this. Two weeks later at Leah’s celebration of life, Tori was there. In all of the moments that felt impossible, the common denominator was that Tori was there with us showing her support. I thank God every day for Tori and that she was there to care for me in the crucial, time sensitive moments and in the still moments that followed full of grief for Leah. Tori has the ability to make patients feel like they aren’t a patient, but someone she genuinely cares for. My story is heavy, trauma filled, and full of grief that I will never understand, but Tori helped lighten the weight and brought peace and smiles to our faces when we had none.
- Mary White -
Hannah Voegele, APRN
The Children’s Clinic of Conway and Greenbrier & Central Baptist College
It is a privilege to nominate Mrs. Voegele for the Healthcare Hero Award, as she embodies the very best of the medical profession. Beyond her exceptional clinical skills, she possesses a rare and genuine compassion that transforms the patient experience, ensuring that every individual under her care feels seen, heard, and deeply valued. She consistently goes above and beyond the call of duty, treating her patients with a level of kindness and dedication that is truly inspiring. Her unwavering commitment to excellence and her incredible heart make her a pillar of our healthcare community and a true hero in every sense of the word.
- Raegan Hill -
I am nominating this APRN for the Healthcare Hero award because she has perfectly balance high-level clinical expertise with a genuine, heart-led approach to pediatric care. In a fast-paced clinic environment, she never make us feel like just another appointment on the schedule; instead, she takes the time to listen to every concern and explain things in a way that provides immediate peace of mind. Whether it’s her intuitive ability to catch subtle health changes or the way she goes above and beyond to advocate for her young patients, her dedication is evident in everything she does. She is a vital pillar of support for our families, and her commitment to excellence makes her a true hero in our community.
- Autumn Hill -
Darcie Dreher - RN
UAMS
On February 26, 2026 I welcomed my baby girl Attalie in to this world, hours later she went to her heavenly home. This day brought a lot of pain, heartache but also joy meeting Attalie. Through ALL of the emotions, Darcie never left my side, my husbands side or my family/visitors side. She showed up for us both medically and emotionally. During labor, Darcie was such an encourager. I still hear her saying, “you’ve got this momma,” or “you’re doing so good.” This meant so much to me, because my strength both mentally and physically was completely gone, but she encouraged me to keep on. Immediately after Attalie was born I grew hysterical knowing what was about to take place with her medical condition. Darcie did everything she needed to do to get Attalie to the team waiting on her and after she immediately comforted me and my husband and also my mom who was beside me. Hours after labor, we received news Attalie was not going to make it. Darcie wept with me and my family. Prayed with us. Asked us what we wanted as far as memories and space. She made sure everything was “as we wanted” and never left our side. She took all of the pictures for us, reassured us we did everything right and even comforted my family in the hallway that was waiting after they heard the news. After Attalie passed, Darcies love and compassion didn’t stop. She sympathized with us until I was brought to postpartum room and I just know that she continued to pray for us and think of us even after I left her “care.” Knowing that Attalie and I had Darcie as our nurse brings me comfort. I know she was well taken care of just like I was. Darcie was more than my “healthcare hero” that day, but a glimmer of light in my very dark world. I will never forget her. Thank you Darcie!
- Paige Dix -
Darcie is the sweetest most deserving nurse.
- Gracie Green -
She goes above and beyond caring for her patients and family as well!
- Sandra Dreher -
Sarah Grace Marin - RN
UAMS
We met Sarah Grace after finding out that our sweet Leo had no heartbeat at 33 weeks. She came into triage to start my IV with gentleness and already caring some of the heaviness with us. She stuck by our side during the entire stillbirth of our son. Before it was time to deliver him, I remember looking at her and saying “I don’t think I can do this.” She looked at me and said “I promise you can.” she cared for Leo as she bathed him and wrapped him in his blanket, and then took his pictures that we will forever cherish and one day show our future kids. I have always said Sarah Grace changed my life-not only inspiring me to become a nurse, but to be that glimmer of hope and light in such a dark time. She was truly our rock for our entire family & I don’t think she has any idea how great she truly is!
- Michelle Smith -
Lauren Noland - RN
Baptist Little Rock
I met Lauren when I had to deliver my first daughter (she was born sleeping). Lauren was the best during the whole process and she was a big advocate for me! She made a terrible situation better. When I had my second daughter I requested her and I will request her everytime!
- Ciara Miller -
In 2022, I first saw Dr. Martin after having some fertility concerns. She walked alongside me through medicated cycles, IUIs, miscarriages, and IVF. In March 2024, via IVF, I became pregnant and was discharged back to Dr. Martins care for the remainder of my pregnancy. Unfortunately, at my anatomy scan, we found that my miracle baby boy had anencephaly - a life limiting diagnosis. Dr. Martin was there for me in the upcoming months as we awaited to meet and say goodbye to my baby. During the appointments, she spoke of my baby with such love and adoration and on the day of his birth this was no different. She welcomed my baby into the world with the sweetest care and checked on us frequently during the 50 hours of his life. After he passed, she continued to check in and pray for us. She made the unbearable feel more bearable. In April 2025, I became pregnant again - naturally!! Dr. Martin encouraged us and praised God with us throughout the pregnancy and helped us welcome him into the world on December 8, 2025. Dr. Martin was and is more than just a doctor. She is my hero and I cannot wait to tell my baby boy all about her one day - how she loved our family, cried with us, delivered his big brother, Jadon, into the world, and welcomed him into the world as well. I’ll never be able to fully put into words what she means to me! The term “healthcare hero” feels like an understatement. She is a God send.
- Makenzie Mooneyhan -
Dr. Brandi Martin
Conway Women’s Health Center & Conway Regional Hospital