A Legacy of Care: Meet Karen Hobgood
If you’ve ever visited Easterseals Arkansas’ Outpatient Therapy program, chances are you’ve heard the name Karen Hobgood spoken with admiration. This fall, Karen will celebrate an incredible milestone—31 years of service at Easterseals, and 32 years total in the field of speech-language pathology. Her dedication to helping young children thrive has made her a cornerstone of the organization and a source of knowledge, comfort, and hope for hundreds of families.
Karen holds a Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology and is a Level 3 OPT (Oral Placement Therapy) Specialist, an advanced designation reflecting her commitment to specialized therapeutic techniques. But what truly sets her apart is not just her credentials—it’s her heart.
“I always knew I wanted to work with the birth-to-five population,” Karen shares. “I grew up watching the Easterseals telethons and hearing stories of hope and resilience. I wanted to be a small part of those success stories.”
She found her way to Easterseals when two colleagues—an occupational therapist and a physical therapist—left her previous workplace to join the organization. When a speech therapist position opened, Karen didn’t hesitate. It was her calling, and she’s never looked back.
Mastering the Art of Feeding Therapy
At Easterseals, Karen has become affectionately known as “the feeding person”—a nickname that speaks to her reputation as a go-to expert in oral motor and feeding therapy. It’s a role that found her early in her career, when she joined the High Risk Infant Monitoring team. That experience sparked a deep passion that has defined her practice ever since.
“Feeding therapy is such a unique area,” she says. “It’s not just about the mechanics of eating. It’s about helping families navigate something that can be incredibly stressful and emotional. I love being able to give them practical solutions tailored to their child’s needs.”
Karen’s work often involves helping families whose babies were recently discharged from the NICU and are facing serious feeding challenges. In these cases, mealtime can feel overwhelming—not just for the child, but for the entire family.
“In our culture, everything revolves around food—family dinners, birthdays, holidays. When a child struggles to eat, it affects everyone,” she explains. “There’s nothing more rewarding than hearing a parent say, ‘It’s not as hard as it used to be.’”
Beyond her clinical skill, Karen is known for her generosity of spirit. She’s always willing to brainstorm strategies with colleagues, support new therapists, and offer encouragement wherever it’s needed. She’s a team player, a mentor, and a compassionate leader.
Supporting Arkansas’s Most Vulnerable Infants
Much of Karen’s passion for feeding therapy was ignited by her early involvement in the High-Risk Infant Monitoring Program at Easterseals Arkansas. This vital program is designed to support babies who have spent time in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and are at higher risk for developmental delays or feeding issues.
The program provides regular developmental assessments and connects families with therapies and services that help their child grow stronger, meet milestones, and thrive at home. Therapists like Karen play a critical role, especially in helping families who are adjusting to life after the NICU.
“It’s such a tender time for families,” Karen explains. “They’ve already been through so much—worrying about their baby in the hospital, managing health concerns, adjusting to life at home. When feeding becomes another hurdle, they often feel lost. That’s where we step in—with answers, with support, and with hope.”
Thanks to the High-Risk Infant Monitoring Program, children are able to receive timely interventions during those crucial first years of development. Karen’s ability to meet each child where they are—and empower their caregivers along the way—is a testament to how deeply this program changes lives.
Outside the Clinic: Dogs, Volunteering, and a Dash of Purple
When Karen isn’t in the clinic, you might find her walking her beloved dogs (whom she refers to as her children), volunteering at church, or attending events as a board member for the Arkansas Down Syndrome Association. She’s a regular volunteer for the Christmas Mall and Thanksgiving box delivery programs, and she finds immense joy in giving back to her community.
“I love interacting with families and being part of something that helps make their lives a little easier or more joyful.”
Karen grew up in Fordyce, Arkansas, a small town she still holds dear. But since graduating college, she’s made Little Rock her home—a city that offered her more career opportunities and personal growth.
She’s also got a playful side. She has purple highlights in her hair, loves a good practical joke, and got her first tattoo at 55 in honor of her parents, whom she describes as her “guardian angels.” She was even born with a cleft palate, giving her a personal connection to the children she serves. Her favorite ways to spend a day off include hiking, having lunch with friends, or binge-watching her favorite shows.
A Heart That Makes a Difference
When asked how she’d like to be remembered, Karen answers with humility and grace.
“I hope people remember me as someone who made a difference in the life of a child and their family. I want to be seen as kind, compassionate, and just a good person.”
That legacy is already being written every day through her work, her mentorship, and her impact on the lives of those around her. At Easterseals Arkansas, Karen Hobgood isn’t just a therapist—she’s a changemaker.
🙌 Thank You, Karen – and Join Our Mission!
Karen’s story is a powerful reminder of how one person can truly make a difference. Her compassion, commitment, and expertise embody the values of Easterseals Arkansas, where we strive every day to empower children and adults with disabilities to live their best lives.
If you’re inspired by Karen’s story and want to be part of something meaningful, consider joining our team. We’re always looking for passionate, dedicated professionals who are ready to make an impact.
👉 Explore our current job openings and apply today:
https://eastersealsar.com/get-involved/careers/
“I’ve been doing this for over 30 years, and I still love what I do. Every child, every family, every day is different—and that’s what makes it all worthwhile.” – Karen Hobgood
