Alabama native Missy Collins and her Tennessee-born husband Tom never thought they would call Arkansas home. After graduating from dental and medical school respectively, the couple settled in Philadelphia where Tom could complete a four-year fellowship in pediatric cardiology.

One day, while Tom was waiting for a flight, a chance conversation with a stranger changed their lives forever. “A lady came up to him and said she normally didn’t eavesdrop on phone conversations, but she had this time,” Missy said. The stranger told them she was also a pediatric cardiologist who also trained at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, and was now at Little Rock’s Arkansas Children’s Hospital. She recommended they see what Arkansas had to offer. “We came to visit Little Rock thinking that one of the other cities we were traveling to next would most likely be our new home.” Instead, she said, “we left Little Rock knowing that we were moving to Arkansas.”

What does Arkansas Children’s bring to the area?
The hospital provides excellent health care for children in Little Rock, all of Arkansas and surrounding states. ACH is nationally ranked among children’s hospitals and therefore draws top practitioners in their fields to serve children. Plus, ACH sponsors countless events in Little Rock and throughout the state.

What is your role at the hospital?
My job allows me to serve two different but equally underserved populations. I get to spend two days a week at the ACH dental clinic where the majority of our patients have special needs or medical conditions. The other three days of the week, I have the privilege of treating children at Future Smiles Dental Clinic located inside Wakefield Elementary School where we provide full dental services at no cost. I can truly say I love my job because I enjoy serving these populations so much.

What’s your favorite thing about Chenal Valley?
We enjoy the pools and playgrounds, restaurants and shopping. Everything is very convenient, including our 15-minute commute to Arkansas Children’s Hospital.

Any advice or tips for Metro Little Rock newcomers?
The River Trail is a wonderful gem of Little Rock and North Little Rock. It’s the perfect place for walking, running, cycling — as a family or solo. For children, it’s easy to get involved in many sporting activities. We have been very pleased with Upward Basketball, Westside Futbol Association soccer, and River City Gymnastics in the two years we have been here.

Local Favorites

  • Restaurants: Taziki’s, El Porton, Izzy’s, David’s Burgers, Layla’s, Savoy 1620
  • Things To Do: Walking, running and cycling on theArkansas River Trail
  • Shops: Crazy 8, Go! Running

Say Hello
Arkansas Children’s Hospital
Children’s Way, Little Rock
(501) 364-1100