A Perfect Match
Originally from El Dorado, Dr. Derrick and Hollis Henry immediately saw a bright future for their small family in Pleasant Valley. The vibrant and friendly community immediately drew them in, where they planted roots and have never looked back.
Dr. Derrick and Hollis Henry first met in El Dorado, where they were born and raised. She was a freshman in high school and he was a junior. They have been together ever since, spending 17 years together and nine years married. The couple pursued their undergraduate degrees at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, where Hollis earned her secondary education degree and Derrick earned his pre-med degree. After graduation, Derrick moved to Hot Springs, where he worked as an EMT between his undergraduate and graduate programs. A year later, he moved to Little Rock to earn his medical degree and complete his residency at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in 2014. In 2023, he completed a fellowship in Foot and Ankle Orthopedics at the prestigious Campbell Clinic in Memphis, building on his residency training. The couple moved back to Arkansas, where he is now a Foot & Ankle Surgeon at OrthoArkansas.
Hollis worked as a kindergarten teacher until her sons, Wyatt and Brooks, were born. She decided to be a stay-at-home mom while Derrick began work at OrthoArkansas full-time. Wyatt is 4 years old attending Pulaski Academy, and Brooks is 2 years old attending Trinity Methodist Preschool.
(Jacob Slaton)
“Wyatt may be our future engineer, as he is always building something from whatever materials he can get his hands on. He is charming, thoughtful, creative and articulate,” Hollis said. “Brooks is a combination of love and restless energy. He is all gas and no brakes, which makes for keeping us on our toes. Regardless of the weather, he is happiest outside.”
When moving to Little Rock, Derrick and Hollis immediately began searching for their forever home where they could raise their family. After moving around so much over the years, the family wanted to find their dream home in a vibrant neighborhood where their sons could grow up with happy memories.
“Pleasant Valley was the neighborhood we were least familiar with until we drove around the area,” Hollis said. We were immediately drawn to the charm of the neighborhood. Kids seemed to always be out playing, riding bikes or selling lemonade.
Each home had its unique look with significantly bigger lot sizes and backyards than you find in many Little Rock neighborhoods. It was also free of major developments. Because Pleasant Valley is so centrally located, it’s convenient to get to any part of town.”
The friendly Little Rock community really took the Henrys by surprise. They’ve witnessed neighbors come together to support one another in times of need.
“The people of Little Rock are incredibly friendly and helpful,” Hollis said.
(Jacob Slaton)
“Coming from a small town, this was a welcome surprise and comfort to us. ”
Some of their favorite ways to connect with the community have been through church, work, mahjong events, the Junior League and more. Some small businesses they enjoy supporting include Nexus Coffee and Creative, Domestic Domestic and Cinnamon Creme Bakery. Hollis and Derrick’s ideal date night includes hiring a babysitter so they can enjoy a meal and drinks at Heights Taco & Tamale Co. on Kavanaugh Blvd in The Heights.
Their favorite part about living in Little Rock has been connecting with families who have also relocated to the area.
“People genuinely want you to love the city as much as they do,” Hollis said. “I have met many transplants, especially in the medical community, [who] speak of the same experience and end up wanting to stay long term.”
Preschools & Daycares
St Mark’s Day School, Little Rock
Second Presbyterian Preschool,
Little RockPleasant Valley Day School,
Little RockTrinity Methodist Preschool,
Little RockSt. James Learning Center, Little rock
Early Childhood Education Program at Trinity Cathedreal Church, Little rock
The Goddard School, Little rock
Westover Hills Presbyterian Church Preschool, Little Rock
Pike View Early Childhood Center, North Little Rock
Little Scholars Academy, Maumelle
Little Scholars, Maumelle, Conway, North little rock and sherwood
Kid’s Academy, Bryant