About Us

Stephanie Thompson, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP

Founder

Stephanie Thompson, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, is the owner and provider at Lake Town Wellness. With more than 27 years in healthcare, Stephanie has built her career around helping people feel better, understand their health, and live fuller, healthier lives. Her approach to care is deeply personal, and one phrase she says often sums up what she wants every patient to experience at Lake Town Wellness: to feel valued, heard, and loved.

As a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner, Stephanie provides care through two distinct sides of Lake Town Wellness. The Primary Care practice is insurance-based and focuses on traditional medical care, including routine visits, acute concerns, chronic disease management, and preventative care. Functional Medicine is a separate, self-pay practice for patients who want to take a deeper look at their health and investigate the underlying factors that may be contributing to ongoing symptoms.

Functional medicine is where Stephanie’s love of medical investigation really shines. She enjoys working with people who know something just isn’t right, even when they have been told their labs are “normal” or that everything looks fine on paper. She loves digging into a patient’s history, asking questions, reviewing patterns, and connecting the dots between different systems of the body to better understand the bigger picture.

Gut health is one of Stephanie’s greatest areas of interest and a major focus of her functional medicine practice. She is passionate about helping patients understand how closely the gut is connected to the rest of the body and how digestive health can influence everything from energy and inflammation to hormones, immune function, and overall wellness.

No matter which side of the practice a patient is visiting, Stephanie believes healthcare should never feel rushed or impersonal. Her appointments are relaxed, thorough, and conversational, and she wants patients to feel comfortable asking questions and being an active part of their care.

Stephanie truly enjoys getting to know the people she cares for. She believes a patient is more than a diagnosis, a lab value, or a list of symptoms, and she takes time to listen to the full story. Her goal is for patients to leave feeling supported, better informed, and confident that someone genuinely cares about what they are experiencing.

Her passion for healthcare extends beyond her own patients. Stephanie enjoys mentoring young people who are interested in nursing and healthcare careers and loves encouraging the next generation of healthcare professionals. Her faith is an important part of who she is, and she believes the gifts and opportunities she has been given are blessings from the Lord meant to be used in service to others. She is active in her local church body and has a heart for serving her community, encouraging others, and helping make quality healthcare more accessible to those who need it most.

For Stephanie, Lake Town Wellness is about much more than treating illness. It is about creating a place where people feel comfortable walking through the door, know they will be listened to, and feel like they have someone in their corner as they work toward better health.

Outside of the office, Stephanie loves spending time with her family, traveling, reading, and working in her garden. She enjoys the simple things, loves a good adventure, and while she is passionate about healthy living, she also firmly believes there is always room for the occasional Dr. Pepper and Nutty Bar.

Kate, RN

Registered Nurse

Kate Costner is a skilled and compassionate RN who brings charisma, heart, and a whole lot of laughter to Lake Town Wellness. A graduate of UACCB, Kate is known for her ability to make patients feel at ease — especially when it comes to needles! IVs are her specialty, and she takes pride in helping people feel better through targeted vitamin therapy, all while making the experience as comfortable and pleasant as possible.

For Kate, nursing is all about connection. She believes in truly listening to patients, making sure they feel cared for, and creating a space where people can be themselves. Her goal? To make you feel like you’re not just another appointment — but part of the Lake Town family.

Kate loves the family-oriented atmosphere of Lake Town Wellness and says every day feels like something to look forward to. Her positive energy, sense of humor, and loving nature make her a favorite among patients and coworkers alike.

Outside the clinic, Kate enjoys soaking up time with her husband, Kurt, and their two beautiful daughters, Kennedy and Kora. When she’s not on nurse duty, you’ll likely find her shopping (she’s got a true love for retail therapy!) or indulging in her favorite treat — a classic Kit Kat.

Whether she’s drawing blood, giving injections, or simply sharing a laugh, Kate brings a joyful, grounded presence to everything she does — and Lake Town Wellness is better for it.

Donna, LPN

Donna is a compassionate and experienced LPN with a heart for primary care and patient connection. A graduate of Baptist Health School of Nursing, she brings years of hands-on experience and a genuine passion for helping patients achieve their healthcare goals.

Known for her kind spirit, caring nature, and great sense of humor, Donna is all about making people feel seen and supported. Her approach to care is rooted in compassion and understanding — always striving to meet patients where they are and listen to what they need most.

Outside the clinic, Donna loves spending time in the kitchen and challenging herself with complex puzzles. She’s a proud mom to three grown children — Melissa, Matt, and Jon — and a joyful grandmother to seven grandkids: Ladd, Ada, Marlee, Isaac, Maxwell, Easten, and Annie. Her go-to treat? Anything with coconut! (And yes, she might be guilty of a little online shopping now and then 😄)

At Lake Town Wellness, Donna is excited to be part of a team that puts heart and healing first. She’s here to support your journey to better health — one kind, personalized interaction at a time.

Jessi, LPN

Madelyn Mae Ward

Billing & Front Office Coordinator

Madelyn Mae Ward is the friendly face and calming presence behind the front desk at Lake Town Wellness. With experience in both front office operations and medical billing since 2019, she brings a unique blend of professionalism, patience, and heart to every client interaction.

Madelyn is known for her upbeat energy, goofy sense of humor, and her deep care for people. Whether she’s helping you understand a confusing insurance bill or greeting you with a smile at check-in, her approach is rooted in kindness and empathy. “We’re all doing this life thing for the first time,” she says — and that perspective shows in the way she connects with patients every day.

A lifelong resident of Heber Springs, Madelyn is passionate about serving her hometown. She feels right at home at Lake Town Wellness, where the close-knit, small-town atmosphere and supportive team make coming to work feel like family. She’s especially proud to work alongside Stephanie, whom she’s admired for years, and who has been in her corner both personally and professionally.

Outside the clinic, Madelyn is a wife, mom, and outdoor enthusiast. She’s been married to her high school sweetheart since 2011, and together they’re raising two amazing kids, Kade and Kiley. When she’s not running to sports events or juggling life with two busy kids, you’ll find her kayaking, camping, or just enjoying the water with family and friends. Her go-to treats? Brownies, tacos with chips and queso, and a tall glass of sweet tea.

From her love of capturing memories on video to her ability to bring laughter into any room, Madelyn is the heart of the front office — and she’s here to make sure every patient at Lake Town Wellness feels welcome, supported, and at ease.