Melissa Gustafson started her healthcare career 15 years ago as an EMT. Following in the footsteps of her mother and grandmother, Melissa went on to obtain her RN degree and began her nursing career working in emergency medicine. As her career progressed, Melissa saw a real need for primary care, especially in rural areas, and…
Nancy Madrigal Villalpando works primarily out of WSMC’s Penn Valley clinic. She graduated from the University of California, Davis with a bachelor’s degree in microbiology and later pursued a Doctor of Chiropractic Degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic, West Campus. Born and raised around the Yuba City area, she isn’t new to the small-town living.…
With over 40 years of experience, Karen Lee joins Western Sierra Medical Clinic as a Family Nurse Practitioner in the Penn Valley clinic. At 15, Karen began her healthcare career as a nurse’s aide and got her LVN nursing license at 19. She later graduated Summa Cum Laude from California State University, Stanislaus with a…
Dr. Jason McCraw joined Western Sierra Medical Clinic in 2023. Dr. McCraw’s goal is “to provide patient-centered, evidence-based chiropractic care. I believe chiropractic care is a viable and essential option for pain management and reducing dependency on opioids.” He obtained his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Northwestern Health Sciences University in Minnesota. He worked closely…
Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner Morgan Stewart: ‘This has been my lifelong dream of helping people at this level’ Morgan Stewart is embracing a dream come true – helping women with their health care needs. “I still have to pinch myself,” says Stewart, a recent Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner graduate who joined Western Sierra in October…
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…