Erika Armstrong, an alumna of Southern Arkansas University, has been recognized with Arkansas Children’s Hospital’s highest accolade–the 2023 Champion for Children Award. Armstrong, who earned her master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling in May 2022, is one of only three recipients of this prestigious award, which honors individuals who demonstrate exemplary safety, teamwork, compassion, and excellence in pediatric care.
Armstrong’s groundbreaking work coordinating the Healthy Steps program has provided comprehensive early interventions for children aged 0-3, addressing crucial areas, such as social determinants of health, child development and behavior, social-emotional growth, and maternal depression.
In only two years, Healthy Steps, a Zero to Three Organization program, has been implemented at seven sites successfully across Arkansas and is expanding. Additionally, with the passage of Act 513, Arkansas Medicaid will provide supplemental reimbursement for Healthy Steps services.
“While I have been acutely aware of my role and meaning to the Arkansas Children’s Care Network team, I was not expecting such a great honor,” Armstrong admitted. “I just pray to keep living up to the highest standard when it comes to pediatric care in Arkansas. I will forever be a child advocate and champion for children.”
Armstrong’s journey from Hope, Arkansas, to becoming a statewide leader in child health initiatives reflects her commitment to bettering the lives of all Arkansans. After completing her undergraduate degree at Lane College, an HBCU in Jackson, Tennessee, she began teaching and quickly discovered the importance of early interventions for students and families. From there, Armstrong became a qualified behavioral health professional in local schools, worked in maltreatment and protective services cases with Arkansas Division of Children and Families, and worked in juvenile assessment and detention facilities in Arkansas. Ultimately this work led Armstrong to SAU.
