PHYSICIANS
Dr. Kluck graduated from Ouachita Baptist University in 1977 before graduating medical school at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in 1981. Upon completing his pediatric training at Arkansas Children's Hospital in 1984, he returned to Arkadelphia and founded the Arkadelphia Clinic for Children and Young Adults.
He continued to practice at this clinic for many years until finally moving to practice at Ouachita full time. Now, he splits his time between administrative roles at the university and seeing urgent care visits for students at Ouachita.
Wesley Kluck, MD - Owner
Dr. Rucker is a graduate of Ouachita Baptist University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Chemistry. She obtained her medical degree from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences before completing her pediatrics training at Louisiana State University. She is board certified and has worked at ACFCAYA since completing her training in 1996.
She is married to Rob Rucker who practices veterinary medicine in Arkadelphia. They have two children, Garrett and Griffin. In her spare time, she enjoys outdoor activities - walking, hiking, motorcycle riding, and spending time on the lake with friends and family.
Gari Rucker, MD - Owner
Dr. Kyle graduated in 1983 after attending the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. She then completed her pediatric training at the University of Tennessee in 1986. As a board-certified pediatrician, she worked in Little Rock, Arkansas for 13 years before joining ACFCAYA in 2000.
Outside of work, Dr. Kyle enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and golf. She also teaches children in the Bible Study Fellowship Program and has had the privilege of treating children in Africa and Brazil on medical mission trips.
Joan Kyle, MD
Dr. Pennington graduated from Ouachita Baptist University with a degree in Biology before completing medical school at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in 2017. He completed his pediatric residency at Arkansas Children's Hospital in 2020 and became a board-certified pediatrician that same year. He joined the practice in 2020 and splits his time between the clinic and the hospital.
He is married to his wife, Caroline, who is a practicing veterinarian. They have two sons, James and Isaac. In his free time, he enjoys spending time outdoors, traveling to the nation's national parks, and spending time with friends and family.
David Pennington, MD - Owner
NURSE PRACTITIONERS
Sherry Hayes joined our clinic in 2004. She completed her Master's degree as a pediatric nurse practitioner in 1995 at the University of Pittsburgh and is a fellow of the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners. Prior to working here, she served at a rural health clinic in Pennsylvania for a number of years. She is also fluent in Spanish and assists with translation when needed.
Sherry lives with her husband, Tim, and has an adult son, Patrick. She enjoys traveling with her family, being outdoors, reading, baking, and swimming in her free time.
Sherry Hayes, PPCNP-BC
Alex Mitchell graduated with her Doctorate of Pediatric Primary Care Nursing Practice from the University of South Alabama. Alex completed her Doctorate Research Project on The Management of Overweight and Obese Adolescents. Alex has a passion for caring for our future generations. She started her career at Arkadelphia Clinic for Children and Young Adults in 2015. Prior to coming to AFCAYA she worked at UAMS NICU for 8 years as a registered nurse. Altogether, Alex has been in nursing for 18 years.
In Alex’s free time she enjoys spending family time with her 5 children and 2 grandchildren. Alex has a serving heart and is actively involved with her church and community; she has gone on multiple Medical Mission trips to Peru and Haiti.
Alex Mitchell, APRN-DNP
PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS
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Abby Burnham graduated from the University of Arkansas with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and a minor in Psychology. Upon graduation, she earned a master’s degree in physician assistant studies from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.
Abby was born and raised in Arkadelphia and has now returned home after completing her education. She is married to her husband, Jack Burnham, who works at Hardman Lumber Company in Arkadelphia. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family, being outdoors, and being involved in her church. She is looking forward to joining the Arkadelphia Clinic for Children and Young Adults and is ready to serve her community as a mid-level provider.