Journey was born and raised in north central Arkansas. In 2013, she graduated with her nursing degree from the University of Arkansas Community College Batesville. Prior to joining the IDHI Stroke Program in June of 2024, she worked as a Registered Nurse in the Emergency Department at some of the program’s participating hospitals, including White River Health, White River Health Cherokee Village, and Unity Health White County Hospital. Her experience and expertise as an ED RN and former nurse facilitator for the program make her an excellent fit for the role of Clinical Nurse Educator!

Amanda Johantgen joined the UAMS IDHI Stoke Program in 2024 with a background in nursing and paramedicine. Amanda started her career in healthcare as an EMT and completed her paramedic degree in 2012. After working for a local EMS service, Amanda went to work with Air Evac Lifeteam where she flew as a flight paramedic while attending nursing school. Amanda graduated with an Associate degree in nursing from Dyersburg Community College in 2019 and transitioned into a flight nurse role with Air Evac. During this time, she also worked in the emergency room for several rural hospitals that actively participate in the stroke program. Before her healthcare career Amanda served eight years in the United States Marine Corps where she advanced through the ranks to E5 Sergeant, gaining valuable leadership experience which she has used throughout her healthcare career.

Daizia Lee was born and raised in Magnolia, Arkansas. Daizia graduated from Southern Arkansas University with a Bachelor of Science in Public Health in Fall 2022. Daizia plans to receive her CHES certification to become a Certified Health Education Specialist and to pursue her master’s degree from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Public Health.

Gayla Caldwell is a proud native of Little Rock, Arkansas but also lived in Pensacola, Florida with family when she worked for Lockheed Martin Aerospace company. Gayla started her UAMS career working in the College of Health Professions Dental Program, in-patient med-surg, out-patient Cancer Institute, and the DDEI. She is overly excited to have the opportunity to join UAMS IDHI Stroke, TeleSANE, and Brain & Injury Programs as an Administrative Coordinator. Gayla graduated from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. She plans to pursue her master’s degree from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Public Health.

 

Calvin received his EMT and Paramedic license at ASU Searcy.  He later went on to graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in EMS from UAMS and received an RN degree through ASU-Three Rivers in 2021. He joined the Stroke Program in 2012.

Born and raised in Searcy, AR, Erin graduated from the University of Central Arkansas in 2017 with a Bachelor of Science in Health Education and Promotion and a minor in Nutrition.  She then became a Certified Health Education Specialist and a member of the National and Arkansas Chapters of SOPHE and APHA. Erin joined the IDHI Stroke Program in August of 2017.

Born and raised in Malvern, AR, Olivia graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Health Education and Promotion and Master of Science Decree in Health Sciences from the University of Central Arkansas in Fall 2012. Olivia went on to become a Certified Health Education Specialist and member of the National and Arkansas Chapters of SOPHE and APHA. Olivia joined the Stroke Program in June 2015.

Julia Weatherford is a 2013 graduate of UAMS earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing Science. She comes to our team with 7 years of experience as an RN. She worked in the emergency department at UAMS, which is a Nationally Certified Comprehensive Stroke Center. She currently serves as a Clinical Nurse Educator for the IDHI Stroke Program and serves a number of hospitals in and around the Central Arkansas area.