Dr. Pacheco was born and raised in El Paso, TX. He received his BA and MA in clinical psychology from Seattle University and he went on to receive his Ph.D. in clinical psychology from Pennsylvania State University. Dr. Pacheco has 15 plus years of operational and administrative oversight e
Albert Pacheco, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer
Dr. Pacheco was born and raised in El Paso, TX. He received his BA and MA in clinical psychology from Seattle University and he went on to receive his Ph.D. in clinical psychology from Pennsylvania State University. Dr. Pacheco has 15 plus years of operational and administrative oversight experience within a private non-profit community healthcare setting overseeing primary care, and behavioral health programs. He has experience working with urban, rural, farm worker and homeless populations. Dr. Pacheco enjoys spending time with his family. In his spare time, he enjoys fishing, working out and playing guitar.
LYLE R. TORGUSON, M.D., CMO
LYLE R. TORGUSON, M.D., CMO
LYLE R. TORGUSON, M.D., CMO
Dr. Lyle Torguson, Chief Medical Officer
Asher Community Health Center is very pleased to announce Dr. Lyle Torguson as our Chief Medical Officer (CMO).
Educated at the University of Minnesota School of Medicine, Dr Torguson’s accomplished career encompasses a wide breadth of experience including medical practices in Minnesota and Orego
Dr. Lyle Torguson, Chief Medical Officer
Asher Community Health Center is very pleased to announce Dr. Lyle Torguson as our Chief Medical Officer (CMO).
Educated at the University of Minnesota School of Medicine, Dr Torguson’s accomplished career encompasses a wide breadth of experience including medical practices in Minnesota and Oregon.
He is an experienced medical director and chief of staff, with several distinguished appointments and professional honors. Dr Torguson is semi-retired and currently resides south of Eugene in Lane County, Oregon. We hope you will join us in welcoming him to Asher Community Health Center as medical director and chief medical officer.
TERESA HUNT, CFO
TERESA HUNT, CFO
TERESA HUNT, CFO
Teresa is ACHC's Chief Financial Officer. She has worked for Asher since 2001. She is also the Administrator of Northeast Wheeler County Health District. Previously she was the City Recorder/Manager for 13 years. Teresa was also the Accounting Manager for Public Health from 2001-2019, and she's been the Accounting Manager for Asher Home
Teresa is ACHC's Chief Financial Officer. She has worked for Asher since 2001. She is also the Administrator of Northeast Wheeler County Health District. Previously she was the City Recorder/Manager for 13 years. Teresa was also the Accounting Manager for Public Health from 2001-2019, and she's been the Accounting Manager for Asher Home Health Services from 2016-current. Teresa held the position of Tech II at a Wild Life Area for Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife for five years. She is also a local rancher in Wheeler County.
SUSAN MOORE, COO
TERESA HUNT, CFO
TERESA HUNT, CFO
Susan is the Chief Operations Officer for ACHC, and is also the head of Quality Assurance- Quality Improvement program. Susan is an active volunteer in Fossil as an EMT-Intermediate for Fossil Ambulance, and also volunteers for Fossil Fire Department, and Wheeler County Search & Rescue.
MEET OUR MEDICAL TEAM
Irina Martin, FNP
Brian Schaudt, PT, DPT, MS
Brian Schaudt, PT, DPT, MS
Irina Martin, FNP graduated with her Master of Science in Nursing from Maryville University in 2022 after completing her undergraduate degree at Wheeling Jesuit University in 2011. She has been an emergency department and critical care nurse for the past ten plus years. Irina’s medical care experience includes: acute and life threatening
Irina Martin, FNP graduated with her Master of Science in Nursing from Maryville University in 2022 after completing her undergraduate degree at Wheeling Jesuit University in 2011. She has been an emergency department and critical care nurse for the past ten plus years. Irina’s medical care experience includes: acute and life threatening illness/injury support; post-surgical and trauma treatment – including motor vehicle injury; and neurological and gynecological care. Joining the ACHC team in October of 2023, Irina relocated to Fossil, OR from Kansas City, KS with her husband and young son who are greatly looking forward to becoming part of the community. Irina enjoys spending time outdoors with her family and two German Shepherds.
I was born and raised in Christmas Valley on my parents' farm. After high school I moved away for college and to pursue a career in nursing. After attending nursing school in Idaho and eventually grad school in Montana, I moved back to Oregon and worked in various rural towns in Eastern Oregon.
In 2018, my husband and I moved back home
I was born and raised in Christmas Valley on my parents' farm. After high school I moved away for college and to pursue a career in nursing. After attending nursing school in Idaho and eventually grad school in Montana, I moved back to Oregon and worked in various rural towns in Eastern Oregon.
In 2018, my husband and I moved back home to raise our daughter near family in Lake County and I have worked at the local clinic since.
I enjoy hunting and fishing with my family. Early morning sunrises on the seat of a tractor are one of the best ways to rejuvenate the soul. Helping my parents on their farm brings back many good memories and I am excited to be able to raise my daughter with similar experiences. I also enjoy gardening, although the high desert wind and cold make it a little more challenging than I would like.
JOAN FIELD, CP-C; CHW
Maireng Miller, Medical Assistant
Annette dexter, Referrals
In 2017 Joan Field was hired as the clinic's first Community Health Worker, and created the Community Paramedicine-Mobile Integrated Health program at Asher. In March 2024, Joan became a Certified Community Paramedic after completing a rigorous training program and traveling 8-hours one-way to take the very difficult test. CP-Cs a
In 2017 Joan Field was hired as the clinic's first Community Health Worker, and created the Community Paramedicine-Mobile Integrated Health program at Asher. In March 2024, Joan became a Certified Community Paramedic after completing a rigorous training program and traveling 8-hours one-way to take the very difficult test. CP-Cs are recognized internationally and this certification will allow for an expanded in-home care program.
To learn more about these services, see the brochure on the CHW webpage.
Joan also volunteers for Spray Ambulance and Fossil Ambulance as an EMT-Intermediate.
Joan is married to Scott Field, who is also a very active EMT and is the Chief of Wheeler County Fire & Rescue.
Her favorite activities involve horses, dogs, her husband and grandchildren!
Annette dexter, Referrals
Maireng Miller, Medical Assistant
Annette dexter, Referrals
Annette joined our team in 2021 as the Referral Coordinator for the clinic and is happy to be assisting Asher CHC in successfully navigating the referrals process for patients needing specialty services.
A 2020 transplant from West of the mountains, Annette and her husband, Brian, fell in love with everything Wheeler County has to offer
Annette joined our team in 2021 as the Referral Coordinator for the clinic and is happy to be assisting Asher CHC in successfully navigating the referrals process for patients needing specialty services.
A 2020 transplant from West of the mountains, Annette and her husband, Brian, fell in love with everything Wheeler County has to offer on a small mouth bass fishing trip to Spray in 2013.
In her spare time, Annette loves to bake all things sourdough and work on remodeling and homesteading projects around their 29-acre property above Spray.
Maireng Miller, Medical Assistant
Maireng Miller, Medical Assistant
Maireng Miller, Medical Assistant
MA Maireng Miller is a very familiar and welcomed face at Asher, as she has been working with our clinic patients in our communities for several years. Patients have come to rely on her many skills!
Mai and her family live in Spray, and she is often seen working with Providers and patients at the outlying Asher Community Health Center clinics located in Spray and Mitchell.
Kimberly Ramirez, Medical Assistant
Marissa Jacobson, Front Desk Coordinator
Kimberly Ramirez, Medical Assistant
M.A. Kimberly says, "Hi! I’m Kimberly Ramirez and I was born and raised in Yakima, WA, the Palm Springs of Washington.
I’m a Medical Assistant at Asher Clinic and have a background in pharmacy as well.
In my spare time, I like to go on hikes, go to the movies and shop for the newest shoes."
Renee Heidy, Medical Assistant
Marissa Jacobson, Front Desk Coordinator
Kimberly Ramirez, Medical Assistant
M.A. Renee’ Heidy is a native to Eastern Oregon, growing up in Condon and graduating there. Renee’ is married to Jim Heidy and they have raised 5 children together. Renee’ spent the first 20 years post high school raising her children and helping run her parents’ store in between chaperoning events, school parties and sports. During those
M.A. Renee’ Heidy is a native to Eastern Oregon, growing up in Condon and graduating there. Renee’ is married to Jim Heidy and they have raised 5 children together. Renee’ spent the first 20 years post high school raising her children and helping run her parents’ store in between chaperoning events, school parties and sports. During those years, she also became a volunteer EMT in Condon where she continues as an Intermediate, a job she considers extremely rewarding.
When most of the kids were nearly raised, Renee’ began a career she loved in 9-1-1, where she worked her way up, becoming an Advanced Telecommunicator and Emergency Medical Dispatcher and lastly Director of the four-county center. Renee’ brought many of the latest technologies to the center, making it one of the first in the state to adopt text-to-9-1-1 in 2017 with the latest in phone and mapping technology. Prior to her departure from the agency, she acquisitioned for the purchase and began the build of a new computer aided dispatch system, in which emergency medical dispatch is integrated into the system. In the early years, Renee’ trained new recruits, several who went on to larger centers. Training and watching recruits become independent calltaker-dispatchers was one of her proudest work accomplishments.
Renee joined the Asher team in 2023 as a Medical Assistant and says, “Continuing in a field where I care for people suits me best.”
When not working, Renee’ has enjoyed camping and travel with family and friends, sometimes near and other times far. Always up for an adventure, wherever it takes her! During the last several years watching her grandchildren’s sports and other accomplishments has topped the list.
Marissa Jacobson, Front Desk Coordinator
Marissa Jacobson, Front Desk Coordinator
Marissa Jacobson, Front Desk Coordinator
Born and raised in beautiful Spray, OR, Marissa graduated from Spray High School in 2018 and took a year to work for her family and to rodeo. She then received her certificate as a Veterinary Assistant and worked at the John Day River Veterinary Center located in John Day. In the spring of 2020, Marissa met her soon to be husband, Payden.
Born and raised in beautiful Spray, OR, Marissa graduated from Spray High School in 2018 and took a year to work for her family and to rodeo. She then received her certificate as a Veterinary Assistant and worked at the John Day River Veterinary Center located in John Day. In the spring of 2020, Marissa met her soon to be husband, Payden. The two moved to Prineville for a couple years and have since returned to the town they both know and love - Spray. Marissa says, "I love spending time with my family, going on adventures with Payden, and spending time with our dog, Kubota. I am very excited to be apart of the Asher Community Health Center team!"
MEET OUR DENTAL TEAM
Dennis Simonsen DMD
Dr. Andrew Christopher Pham, DMD
Dr. Andrew Christopher Pham, DMD
ACHC's Dental Director Dr. Dennis L. Simonsen DMD graduated with a B.A. from the University of Washington in 1989, continued with a pre-dental science curriculum in 1998. He received his Doctorate of Medical Dentistry from Oregon Health Sciences University in 2004. He is a member of the American Dental Associate, Oregon Dental Associate a
ACHC's Dental Director Dr. Dennis L. Simonsen DMD graduated with a B.A. from the University of Washington in 1989, continued with a pre-dental science curriculum in 1998. He received his Doctorate of Medical Dentistry from Oregon Health Sciences University in 2004. He is a member of the American Dental Associate, Oregon Dental Associate and Washington County Dental Society. Dr. Simonsen has held various board positions with the Washington County Dental Society as well as positions with the Oregon Dental Associates. He also actively volunteers his professional skills within the community. Dr. Simonsen is enrolled in the highly prestigious Kois Center for Dental Excellence which is a comprehensive nine-course curriculum involving aesthetic, occlusion and restorative dentistry. Dr. Simonsen has lived in the Bethany area of Washington County since 1996. He is married and has two daughters. When not working, he enjoys spending time with his family, grilling on his barbecue and listening to Hawaiian music. He also likes to garden, fish, ski and research family heritage.
Dr. Andrew Christopher Pham, DMD
Dr. Andrew Christopher Pham, DMD
Dr. Andrew Christopher Pham, DMD
Asher Dental is very pleased to announce the addition of our full time Dentist, Dr Pham.
Dr. Andrew Christopher Pham completed his science and biology undergrad degrees at the Portland State University, Oregon. He then attended the Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), School of Dentistry, where he earned a full scholarship for his D
Asher Dental is very pleased to announce the addition of our full time Dentist, Dr Pham.
Dr. Andrew Christopher Pham completed his science and biology undergrad degrees at the Portland State University, Oregon. He then attended the Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), School of Dentistry, where he earned a full scholarship for his Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree.
Dr. Pham is a member of the American Dental Association and the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi. He enjoys practicing evidence-based dentistry with a focus on prevention of oral disease, patient comfort, and quality of care.
He is passionate about helping others, who live particularly in an area where access to dental care is limited, to achieve a beautiful and healthy smile.
In his spare time, he enjoys volunteering at the Mobile Dental Clinic to provide free dental care to underserved communities. He also enjoys gardening with his beloved wife and taking beautiful portrait and landscape pictures.
“I appreciate the privilege of meeting, and caring for my patients,” he said. “I’m honored to be a member of Asher Community Health Center that deeply cares about the overall health of individuals in our community!”
Nicole Gunson, Oral Hygienist
Dr. Andrew Christopher Pham, DMD
Nicole Gunson, Oral Hygienist
Nicole Gunson was born and raised in Eugene Oregon and is a die hard Duck fan.
She moved to Sisters in 1999 where she has lived ever since. Nicole attended the University of Oregon and graduated from Lane Community College in 1994 with an
Associates Degree in Dental Hygiene.
Nicole loves to quilt, design quilt patterns, knit, read, travel, camp, go crabbing and fishing.
Lynda Pitts, Oral Hygienist
Carissa Austin, Dental Assistant
Nicole Gunson, Oral Hygienist
Lynda graduated in 1997 from Tennessee State University and has enjoyed her dental hygiene career for 26 years. She has been assisting Asher Dental since 2008 and really enjoys getting to know everyone out in this area.
In her free time, Lynda enjoys spending time with her 17-year-old daughter, especially when they acquire good finds throu
Lynda graduated in 1997 from Tennessee State University and has enjoyed her dental hygiene career for 26 years. She has been assisting Asher Dental since 2008 and really enjoys getting to know everyone out in this area.
In her free time, Lynda enjoys spending time with her 17-year-old daughter, especially when they acquire good finds through their thrifting addiction! Lynda also loves hiking on the vast trails throughout Oregon.
Maria Rey, Dental Assistant
Carissa Austin, Dental Assistant
Carissa Austin, Dental Assistant
Maria is one of our Dental Assistants and also learning a variety of skills within the Dental operations. We are grateful for her willingness to be flexible and are excited to have her as part of our Dental team!
Maria says, "I was born and raised in Spray, moved away, and came back to spend more time with my family. In my spare time I like to paint or garden with my mom and sister."
Carissa Austin, Dental Assistant
Carissa Austin, Dental Assistant
Carissa Austin, Dental Assistant
We're pleased to announce Carissa Austin has joined our ACHC Dental team. She shared, " I graduated Dental school in 2003 and have enjoyed the 18+ years of experience in the dental field on both the East coast and West coast.
I grew up in New England and later lived in California for the past 11 years.
My family and I recently moved to C
We're pleased to announce Carissa Austin has joined our ACHC Dental team. She shared, " I graduated Dental school in 2003 and have enjoyed the 18+ years of experience in the dental field on both the East coast and West coast.
I grew up in New England and later lived in California for the past 11 years.
My family and I recently moved to Condon to be closer to my family and we are very excited to be here!
My husband Daniel, who is an LPN, also works at the ACHC Clinic. We have two children Alex (18) and Tessa (9).
Outside of the practice I enjoy beach trips and discovering new places to explore with the family. I’m looking forward to meeting everyone and to be a part of this community."
Jacquelyn Brown, Dental Reception
Jacquelyn Brown, Dental Reception
Jacquelyn Brown, Dental Reception
Jacquelyn Brown is the Dental Receptionist. Previously she worked in ophthalmology for 12 years so she's familiar with working with patients. She says, "I enjoy helping people!"
She worked for Head Start, and then retired from working with a Migrant Head Start program to care for her mom.
Having lived in Fossil in her younger days, wh
Jacquelyn Brown is the Dental Receptionist. Previously she worked in ophthalmology for 12 years so she's familiar with working with patients. She says, "I enjoy helping people!"
She worked for Head Start, and then retired from working with a Migrant Head Start program to care for her mom.
Having lived in Fossil in her younger days, when it was time to retire she moved back.
She enjoys working part time and helping out in the community. She's on the Wheeler County Fair Board and Friends of Fossil Library. She adds, "I also enjoy working in my yard, gardening and fishing."