Caitlyn Bell, PA-C, earned her Master of Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. During her clinical training, she gained experience in cardiology, emergency medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, behavioral health, women’s health, orthopedics and other specialties. 

Before becoming a physician assistant, Caitlyn worked in direct patient care at a vascular medical-surgical unit, where she assisted patients with daily needs, monitored vital signs, supported wound care and worked closely with the clinical team. She is committed to providing compassionate, patient-centered care and helping patients feel informed and supported throughout their treatment. 

Grace Jenkins is a physician assistant on the vascular surgery team at Arkansas Heart. She is certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).

Grace earned her Master of Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in 2023, graduating with the highest honors. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology with minors in chemistry and psychology from Ouachita Baptist University where she graduated with highest honors in 2021.

Grace was drawn to the physician assistant profession because of the opportunity to care for patients in different settings, build meaningful relationships and help people through some of life’s most challenging moments. During physician assistant school, Grace completed a clinical rotation at Arkansas Heart Hospital, which inspired her to join Arkansas Heart in March 2026.

Believing every patient deserves to feel valued, Grace strives to provide compassionate care and ensure patients feel seen and heard through every step of their health journey.

Grace is an Arkansas native who enjoys baking, spending time outdoors and being with her family.

Get to Know Grace

What led you to become a PA?

I knew from a young age that I enjoyed helping others and was interested in medicine. During my junior year of high school, I learned that my primary care physician’s daughter was attending PA school, which introduced me to the physician assistant profession and helped me realize it was the right path for me. I was especially drawn to the profession because of the variety it offers, allowing me to care for patients in different settings while building relationships and helping them through some of life’s most challenging moments.

What do you want your patients to know about you?

Every patient deserves to feel valued, supported and heard throughout their healthcare journey. Their health is my top priority, and I strive to provide compassionate care while helping patients feel seen and understood every step of the way.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

Outside of work, I enjoy baking, creating charcuterie boards, spending time outdoors and being with my husband and golden retriever, Honey.

Michaela Caldarera is a dedicated Advanced Practice Registered Nurse currently specializing in electrophysiology at Arkansas Heart Hospital. Michaela has a diverse background and has been in a nursing role at Arkansas Heart since 2017. Her clinical experience spans various roles in cardiology, including performing pre-operative assessments, coordinating patient education and assisting in diagnostic procedures. Michaela graduated from Arkansas State University as an Acute Gerontology Care Nurse Practitioner and is committed to providing excellent care in her cardiovascular role.

With over 25 years of healthcare experience, Lisa Kottler is a skilled Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) specializing in cardiology. Her career spans across multiple healthcare environments, from respiratory therapy to registered nursing, before earning her Master of Science in Nursing. Lisa has worked in a variety of settings, including urgent care, occupational health, and outpatient cardiology, and has a strong foundation in patient education, care coordination, and medication management. At Arkansas Heart Hospital, she brings her experience to the cardiovascular clinic, focusing on patient education and long-term care strategies to optimize heart health.

Kayla Martin is a dual-certified nurse practitioner with advanced training in both family practice and adult-gerontology acute care. She currently serves patients in Arkansas Heart Hospital’s Heart Failure and Vein & Vascular Clinics, where she provides compassionate, evidence-based care for individuals with complex cardiovascular and vascular conditions.

Dr. Martin earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from the University of South Alabama, where she completed extensive clinical training in both outpatient and acute care settings. She brings over a decade of experience in critical care, vascular surgery and intensive care nursing to her current role, with a special focus on improving outcomes and quality of life for patients with chronic vascular disease and heart failure.

In addition to her clinical practice, Kayla serves as a preceptor for new graduate RNs and APRN students as well as adjunct faculty at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, mentoring the next generation of nurses. She is certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center as both a Family Nurse Practitioner and an Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, and she holds advanced certifications in critical care, life support and trauma care.

Kayla is committed to whole-person care, clinical excellence and lifelong learning in the pursuit of better health for her patients.

Cristie St. Clair (formerly Cristie Allen) is an advanced practice nurse specializing in the treatment of cardiac illnesses including coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure and arrhythmias.

She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Texas at Arlington and her Master of Science in Nursing with a focus on adult gerontology primary care from Maryville University.

Cristie enjoys making personal connections, and thoroughly explaining diseases and their treatment plan with patients. Her approach to care is centered on enhancing the quality of life of her patients and learning and applying the newest medical developments and procedures.

Outside of work you can find her hiking, reading, traveling, and spending time with her sons and dogs.

Get to know Cristie

Why did you become an APN?

I have always wanted to help others and be a source of positivity and encouragement. This foundation, coupled with encouragement from a mentor to pursue a higher education led me to nursing. I sincerely believe that I am fulfilling a calling in my life. The personal gratification of caring for my community as a nurse inspired me to advance my education further and become an APRN. I knew that I wanted to serve by providing quality healthcare, specifically caring for the hearts of my community.

Make an appointment 

Existing Patients: (870)376-5590 

New Patients: (833) 733-7244 

Christa Bartlett is a certified physician assistant at Arkansas Heart Hospital. She attended Arkansas Tech University and graduated with her Bachelor’s degree in Biology in 2012. In 2015, she completed the Physician Assistant Program at UAMS and earned her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies. She is certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) and is licensed by the Arkansas State Medical Board. She spent the first five years of her career practicing primary care in the River Valley before starting with the Arkansas Heart Hospital Vein and Vascular Institute. She lives in Russellville and enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter and two dogs.

Courtney House is an adult gerontology primary care and family nurse practitioner, named one of the Top 40 Nurse Leaders Under 40 by the Arkansas Center for Nursing. Courtney is committed to treating not just disease, but patients as a whole, to improve their quality of life and provide the best possible care.

She earned a Master of Science in nursing and family nurse practitioner certification from Northwestern State University after receiving a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Arkansas School for Medical Sciences. Courtney served on the board of the Arkansas Nurse Practitioner Association for two years. Courtney serves full-time at the Arkansas Heart Hospital Texarkana Clinic.

Courtney named one of AY’s Best Women in Healthcare.

Make an appointment 

Existing Patients: (903) 336-6900 

New Patients: (833) 733-7244 

Melanie Amick is a Family Nurse Practitioner, board certified through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. She completed her Master of Science in Nursing from Walden University where she graduated with honors. She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Arkansas State University in Russellville. She has worked in the Arkansas Heart Hospital organization since 2005. Melanie is a native Arkansan. She enjoys spending time outdoors and entertaining family and friends.

Melanie named one of AY’s Best Women in Healthcare.

 

To request an appointment, please call our office. 

Existing Patients: (501) 748-8472 

New Patients: (833) 733-7244 

Crystal Meziere grew up in Little Rock, Arkansas. She attended the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and graduated with her Bachelor’s degree in Nursing in 2010. In December of 2018, she completed the Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Program and earned her Master of Nursing Science. She is certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and is licensed by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing. She is a member of the Sigma Theta Tau International Society. She lives in Benton and enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter, traveling and spending time outside.