Dr. Veronica Minier: ‘I like the fact that we are willing to help everyone’ A family doctor in rural Tennessee had a life-changing impact on Dr. Veronica Minier, whose medical career has led her to the farthest U.S. territory in the Pacific to tiny towns in Alaska and Idaho. “It was nice to see how…
Licensed Clinical Social Worker Kelly Gallaugher: ‘There is a tremendous need for people to talk with somebody’ Anxiety, depression, loneliness, loss, stress and trauma. Many people, from children to seniors, are dealing with these issues – and many others. Licensed Clinical Social Worker Kelly Gallaugher wants to help patients with their challenges, which have a…
Family Nurse Practitioner Kerri Fjeld: ‘I like to connect with people’ Family Nurse Practitioner Kerri Fjeld is committed to her patients, the community – and her profession. “I’ve always worked at Federally Qualified Health Centers, that’s why I went into nursing,” says Fjeld, who joined Western Sierra in January 2023. “I love working with the…
Substance Use Disorder Counselor Rebecca Jones: ‘When it comes to substance abuse … the disease does not discriminate.’ Rebecca Jones knows the devastating pain and far-reaching effect of addiction. She lost her job, her home, her family. “I lost just about everything,” says Jones, who was addicted to alcohol for almost two decades before getting…
Dr. Lynne Scannell brings more than three decades of pediatric experience Being close to Lake Tahoe and boasting some of the best mountain biking in the state were attractive draws for Dr. Lynne Scannell to Nevada County. But the ability to connect with patients in a rural community also scored high on her wish list.…
Physician Assistant Cara Peters: ‘I’ve always cared about community service and helping people’ Physician Assistant Cara Peters is committed to providing first-rate, quality health care to patients. It’s what she experienced firsthand from her mother – and her first internship. “I’ve always cared about community service and helping people who need it the most,” says…
Dentist Jessica Miskavige: ‘I always want to make patients feel welcomed’ Dentist Jessica Miskavige knows the importance of quality dental care – and how to keep patients smiling. It’s what attracted Dr. Miskavige to Western Sierra Medical Clinic, the second Federally Qualified Health Center where she has practiced. “I like the impact you can…
Family Nurse Practitioner Jessica Lusignan: ‘I am developing relationships with all of my patients and get to collaborate in their health care decisions – that brings me great joy” Close friends and the study of alternative medicine attracted Family Nurse Practitioner Jessica Lusignan to Nevada County. But her connection with the tight-knit community, her family,…
Nurse Practitioner Tammy Lee Hufton: ‘I like learning about the body and how it works’ Nurse Practitioner Tammy Lee Hufton knows sometimes the best medicine comes from your surroundings. “It’s good for my soul,” Hufton says of nature. “I like peace and solitude. Being in the back country is a great way to heal your…
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Havilyn Harrar: ‘Mental health care can affect your entire health’ Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Havilyn Harrar’s career goal was to help her much-beloved community – and join Western Sierra Medical Clinic. It was a dream that required many months of hard work, endless hours of driving each way to…