Program Leadership
Erin Bright, M.Ed., MBA, became Executive Director in 2013. Prior to that, she had been the Clinic Director for Schmieding Kids First in Springdale and served as an Early Childhood Developmental Specialist. Erin received her Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Arkansas and MBA from Arkansas State University. Erin’s interests include family engagement, supporting children at risk, and healthy social emotional development.
Clinical Operations
Diane Atkins, BSN RN is a registered nurse who obtained her Bachelor’s in Nursing for Henderson State University. Diane has been with Kids First for 25 years as an RN/Clinical Coordinator at Kids First Morrilton and Program Operations Manager. Currently Diane serves as the Regional Program Director for Morrilton, Pone Bluff, Fort Smith, Springdale, Searcy, and Newport locations.
Lesli Fason, OT R/L is an Occupational Therapist. She received a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of Central Arkansas in 1999. She has worked at Kids First for 17 years as Occupational Therapist and Therapy Manager. Currently Lesli serves as the Regional Program Director for Pocahontas, Warren, Little Rock, Mountain View, and Magnolia locations.
Robyn Wessels, M.Ed obtained her bachelors degree in Human Development and Family Studies at the University of Arkansas. She went on to finish her graduate degree in Early Childhood Education at Keystone. With more than 20 years in the field, Robyn brings to Kids First a wealth of knowledge about adapting early childhood environments and curricula for all young learners. Robyn currently supports all Kids First locations as our Early Childhood Program Manager.
Amber Speer, BSN, RN, CPN has more than 25 years experience in pediatrics including both clinic and inpatient settings. She obtained her Bachelor's degree from University of Central Arkansas and is a Nationally Certified Pediatric Nurse. As the Clinical Services Manager, she provides oversight for nursing services at all 11 UAMS Kids First sites.
Erica is a licensed Speech Language Pathologist who is committed to delivering quality care and evidence based practice to improve communication skills for both children an adults. Following her training at the University of Arkansas and Louisiana Tech University, Erica first joined the UAMS Kids First team as a staff Speech Language Pathologist in 2014. Erica has worked in both inpatient and outpatient pediatric settings through her career, and now serves the role of Therapy Manager for the Kids First Program.
Administrative Services
Tamara Scott, MA, LSW is the Compliance Manager for UAMS Kids First. Tamara is a licensed social worker who obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and her Master’s degree in Management and Leadership from Webster University. Tamara has been with UAMS Kids First since 1999 and has held several positions with us including Program Coordinator and Admissions Review Specialist. In her current role, Tamara provides oversight of administrative functions such as billing, prior authorization, and ensuring compliance with various administrative requirements we are held to as a program.