Birch Tree Communities, Inc

09/05/2025

Members...start your engines! 🏁🏁🏁

Oxford members and staff hit the track for a high-speed day of go-karting fun. These guys were so thrilled about the outing, some members that don't always choose to join outings raced out of the branch for an unforgettable Friday adventure!

09/03/2025

Team BTC at the 2025 Behavioral Health Institute! 💚

Our therapists, directors, and leaders from across the state gathered in Hot Springs for the 2025 Arkansas Behavioral Health Institute.

CEO Dr. Brad Holloway spoke on a keynote panel about the evolution and future of community-based behavioral health in Arkansas, and Art Director Kristin Calderhead led a powerful session on expressive arts with representatives of PeaceLove.

Such a great few days of connection, collaboration, and inspiration with our fellow behavioral health partners!

08/25/2025

Happy Meownday! 🐾 AHC members recently had a purrfect time making new furry friends at Gibson’s Cat Café in Conway. A big thank you to the amazing café staff for being so welcoming and helping create such a pawsitively delightful day!

08/19/2025

Your Feedback Matters to Us. Take the Family & Friends Survey!

At Birch Tree Communities, we deeply value the insights and experiences of our members’ families, guardians, and friends. Your feedback plays a vital role in helping us continuously improve the quality of care we provide to our members on their mental health recovery journey.

To gather your input, we conduct an annual survey designed to take just a few minutes of your time. The information you share is reviewed and discussed by our leadership and staff as we seek new and better ways to support our members.

If you are a family member, guardian, or friend of someone receiving services at Birch Tree Communities, we kindly ask that you complete this short survey. Just go to:

https://www.birchtree.org/news-events/your-feedback-matters-to-us

Your feedback is greatly appreciated and helps us serve your loved ones better every day. Thank you for your continued support!

Birch Tree Communities, Inc. provides therapeutic services and residential care for Arkansas adults with serious mental illnesses like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

08/18/2025

Members from across the state came together at Benton’s Historic Royal Theater to showcase their unique talents during our annual Birch Tree Communities Talent Show. The stage came alive with singing, dancing, rapping, instrumental performances, and powerful written word—each act a reflection of courage, creativity, and personal growth.

Many of the performers have made incredible strides in their mental health recovery since joining Birch Tree Communities, making their presence on stage all the more inspirational. The audience, filled with supportive members and staff, cheered them on creating an atmosphere of celebration and encouragement.

This event is truly one of the highlights of our year. It reminds us of the strength and potential within each individual when given a space to shine.

Thank you to the Royal Players for generously allowing us to borrow the stage for the afternoon. Your support helped make this memorable day possible!

08/14/2025

Back to school with heart! 💚

Benton Town members recently teamed up to support Hamilton Learning Academy in the Little Rock School District. From gathering essential supplies for students to helping teachers create colorful door hangers for their classrooms, everyone pitched in to make a difference.

Art Director Kristin Calderhead led a powerful session for educators on the healing power of therapeutic arts, highlighting how expressive arts can support emotional well-being. Some members even shared their own personal journeys of healing through creativity.

Here’s to an amazing school year ahead for all the students, teachers, and staff at Hamilton Learning Academy!

08/11/2025

Congratulations to Kathy West on her promotion to Associate Director of Branch Operations in Conway!

Kathy has been a dedicated member of Birch Tree Communities for more than eight years, most recently serving as Program Supervisor at Evergreen in Greenbrier. She’s currently pursuing her degree in social work and brings valuable experience from a Level 1 setting to her new role.

We’re proud to have Kathy on our team and excited to see the impact she’ll make in Conway!

08/08/2025

Our Director of Admissions, Sarah Testa, and Director of Marketing & Business Development, Rachel Reginelli, recently connected with substance use and behavioral health providers at the Serenity Park Recovery Center open house in Little Rock.

They heard powerful messages from Pulaski County Sheriff Higgins, State Drug Director Tom Fisher, and Clinical Director Scott Passafiume — plus moving stories of recovery from Serenity Park alumni. Grateful to be part of a community making a difference!

08/06/2025

What could be better for wellness than stepping away from the everyday routine and reconnecting with nature? That’s exactly what our Mountain View members and staff recently did on a refreshing camping getaway!

They spent several days enjoying simple pleasures, cooking meals and s’mores over a campfire, relaxing in rocking chairs, soaking in the peaceful surroundings, fishing, and wading in the creek. This kind of outdoor experience isn’t just fun—it’s ecotherapy in action. Time in nature helps reduce stress, improve mood, and foster connection, making it a powerful part of holistic wellness.

Here’s to more fresh air, open skies, and healing moments!

08/04/2025

Our Expressive Arts Program is always finding new ways for members to explore creativity, and the latest opportunity was truly unique!

A few of our members recently got the chance to try their hand at glass blowing, learning the basics of this fascinating art form and creating their very own plant watering globes. The results were as beautiful as the experience was fun!

Opportunities like this not only build artistic skills—they boost confidence, spark joy, and give members something meaningful to be proud of.

08/01/2025

🌞 Summer Fun the Arkansas Way! 💦

What says summer more than discovering the perfect swimming hole to relax, cast a line, or take a refreshing dip? Members of Birch Tree Communities across the state have been making the most of the season, enjoying the great outdoors, soaking up the sunshine, and connecting with the natural beauty that Arkansas has to offer.

From fishing and swimming to simply enjoying time with friends in nature, these outdoor adventures are more than just fun—they’re a vital part of wellness and community.

07/31/2025

Spotlight on Kristin Calderhead!

We’re proud to share that our very own Kristin Calderhead, Expressive Arts Director, has been featured by the National Organization for Arts in Health!

Kristin has been instrumental in transforming our expressive arts program, bringing creativity, healing, and connection to our members in powerful ways. Her recognition on a national platform is a testament to her passion and dedication, and we’re thrilled to see her efforts bringing well-deserved attention to Birch Tree Communities beyond Arkansas.

👏 Please join us in celebrating this exciting achievement!

Kristin Glenn is the Expressive Arts Director of Birch Tree Communities, and a NOAH member! 🤩

"One exciting highlight from our program is the success of our recent art show, where members proudly showcased and sold their original work. It is an empowering experience that celebrates their talent and growth.

We serve adults living with serious mental illness, using expressive arts as a powerful tool for healing, self-expression, and connection.

Another exciting development is our new mobile expressive arts classroom, which brings creative opportunities directly to our members in more remote areas. This innovative space allows us to expand our reach, offer consistent instruction, and inspire creativity and confidence wherever our members are on their recovery journey."

👉 Learn more at https://birchtree.org