As the new Chief Executive Officer and the current Chief Financial Officer of Asher CHC, Teresa Hunt is working hard for the patients and staff within the organization. Joining Asher in 2001, she has dedicated the last 23 years of her career to the financial health of the clinic. She is also the Administrator of Northeast Wheeler County
As the new Chief Executive Officer and the current Chief Financial Officer of Asher CHC, Teresa Hunt is working hard for the patients and staff within the organization. Joining Asher in 2001, she has dedicated the last 23 years of her career to the financial health of the clinic. She is also the Administrator of Northeast Wheeler County Health District.
Teresa's previous work experience includes serving as the Fossil City Recorder/Manager for 13 years, serving as the Accounting Manager for Public Health from 2001-2019, and the Accounting Manager for Asher Home Health Services from 2016-2022. She has also worked for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.
A long time resident and rancher in Wheeler County, Teresa is passionate about the community and all it has to offer to those who call it home.
Asher Community Health Center welcomes our Christmas Valley provider, Denise Griffiths, as Clinical Director over all locations. Denise has been practicing medicine for 25 years with most of it being in Lake County, OR where she was raised.
Denise attended nursing school in Idaho and grad school in Montana, returning to Oregon in 2012 wor
Asher Community Health Center welcomes our Christmas Valley provider, Denise Griffiths, as Clinical Director over all locations. Denise has been practicing medicine for 25 years with most of it being in Lake County, OR where she was raised.
Denise attended nursing school in Idaho and grad school in Montana, returning to Oregon in 2012 working in small towns in Eastern Oregon before settling in her hometown of Christmas Valley in 2018 where she has served the community through the local clinic ever since. Denise brings a high level of experience and education to her work and is known for her integrity and deep commitment to her patients and her staff.
As Clinical Director, Denise looks forward to moving all of Asher's clinical team ahead in a truly collaborative way for the good of all the patients under Asher's care.
In her spare time, Denise enjoys hunting and fishing with her family, and believes early morning sunrises on the seat of a tractor are one of the best ways to rejuvenate the soul. Helping her parents on their farm brings back many good memories and she is excited to be able to raise her daughter with similar experiences. Denise also enjoys gardening, although the high desert wind and cold make it a little more challenging than she would like.
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.
Dr. Ross is a native Oregonian, growing up in Tillamook, Portland and Beaverton. He graduated from Sunset High School and attended Reed College and Portland State University, graduating Summa Cum Laude from Temple University after a stint in the US Army.
Ross obtained his MD from New York University School of Medicine and is board certi
Dr. Ross is a native Oregonian, growing up in Tillamook, Portland and Beaverton. He graduated from Sunset High School and attended Reed College and Portland State University, graduating Summa Cum Laude from Temple University after a stint in the US Army.
Ross obtained his MD from New York University School of Medicine and is board certified in Internal Medicine. He moved back to Oregon in 2000 to Madras, where he has lived since. He has daughters in New York and Deschutes County.
Dr. Ross loves the outdoors, and music with stringed instruments.
FNP Griffiths serves our patients from our Christmas Valley location, but is also available to all of our ACHC patients!
Born and raised in Christmas Valley on her parents' farm, Denise moved away to college after high school to pursue a career in nursing. After attending nursing school in Idaho and eventually grad school in Montana, Den
FNP Griffiths serves our patients from our Christmas Valley location, but is also available to all of our ACHC patients!
Born and raised in Christmas Valley on her parents' farm, Denise moved away to college after high school to pursue a career in nursing. After attending nursing school in Idaho and eventually grad school in Montana, Denise moved back to Oregon and worked in various rural towns in Eastern Oregon.
In 2018, she and her husband moved back home to raise their daughter near family in Lake County where she has worked at the local clinic since.
Denise enjoys hunting and fishing with her family, and believes early morning sunrises on the seat of a tractor are one of the best ways to rejuvenate the soul. Helping her parents on their farm brings back many good memories and she is excited to be able to raise her daughter with similar experiences. Denise also enjoys gardening, although the high desert wind and cold make it a little more challenging than she would like.
Silvia Grant is an Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse practitioner. She is board certified in Advanced Diabetes Management. She graduated from Florida International University and has been working as a nurse practitioner since 2017 in multiple primary care clinics in Arizona and Washington. She will now be joining Ashers telehealth tea
Silvia Grant is an Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse practitioner. She is board certified in Advanced Diabetes Management. She graduated from Florida International University and has been working as a nurse practitioner since 2017 in multiple primary care clinics in Arizona and Washington. She will now be joining Ashers telehealth team. Silvia is Spanish speaking and welcomes patients who are 18 and older. Her clinical interests include diabetes, hypertension, weight loss, mental health conditions, and helping people live a healthier life. She feels the patient should always be listened to, appreciated, and that her role is to provide up-to-date, evidence-based care while matching the desires of the patient and meeting their personal goals as well.
In her spare time, she enjoys family time with her husband and four children, watching baseball games, cooking, and traveling to visit family.
Brian has served as the
Physical Therapist at Asher since 2022.
Education
Doctor of Physical Therapy - GFU
Masters of Kinesiology/Coaching - SAU
Bachelors in Speech Pathology - UO
Associates of Science - LCC
To learn more, please click here.
Courtney Smith, LCSW is a licensed clinical social worker who specializes in cognitive behavioral therapy and solutions-focused therapy.
Courtney earned her Master of Social Work from the University of Texas at Arlington in 2017 and has been dedicated to behavioral health ever since.
She has a particular passion for providing counseling s
Courtney Smith, LCSW is a licensed clinical social worker who specializes in cognitive behavioral therapy and solutions-focused therapy.
Courtney earned her Master of Social Work from the University of Texas at Arlington in 2017 and has been dedicated to behavioral health ever since.
She has a particular passion for providing counseling services to school-aged children and has worked extensively in this area.
Before joining Array, Courtney held positions as a therapist at Headway and as the Manager of Prevention Services at Uplift Education in Dallas.
Reneé Heidy is a native to the area, growing up in Condon and graduating there. Reneé and her husband, Jim, have raised five children together. Reneé spent the first 20 years post high school raising her children and helping run her parents’ store in between chaperoning school events and sports. During those years, she also became a volun
Reneé Heidy is a native to the area, growing up in Condon and graduating there. Reneé and her husband, Jim, have raised five children together. Reneé spent the first 20 years post high school raising her children and helping run her parents’ store in between chaperoning school events 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, Reneé began a career she loved in 9-1-1 dispatch, where she worked her way up, becoming an Advanced Telecommunicator and Emergency Medical Dispatcher and lastly, Director of the four-county center based in Condon. Reneé 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, Reneé 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.
When not working, Reneé enjoys 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.
Hannah Sharp, MA is the Clinical Care Supervisor at Asher CHC. Graduating from Portland Community College with an associate degree and a certification in medical assisting, Hannah worked at Providence Health & Services as an MA float in many different specialties. Then worked as an MA at St. Charles Family Care for several years. Upon the
Hannah Sharp, MA is the Clinical Care Supervisor at Asher CHC. Graduating from Portland Community College with an associate degree and a certification in medical assisting, Hannah worked at Providence Health & Services as an MA float in many different specialties. Then worked as an MA at St. Charles Family Care for several years. Upon the birth of her daughter, Hannah and her husband, Levi, decided to move to Fossil, where her husband grew up, to raise and grow their family. Hannah enjoys camping, spending time with her family and being a part of the community.
Marille joined our Fossil team in September 2024 as the Front Desk Coordinator and moved to Medical Assistant in early 2025. Born and raised in Astoria, Oregon with education acquired through Portland State University, Marille and her family have hunted the Fossil unit for generations and she has always loved the area. In 2022, Marille an
Marille joined our Fossil team in September 2024 as the Front Desk Coordinator and moved to Medical Assistant in early 2025. Born and raised in Astoria, Oregon with education acquired through Portland State University, Marille and her family have hunted the Fossil unit for generations and she has always loved the area. In 2022, Marille and her 19 year old bought a house and put down roots in Fossil.
Marille has been a professional photographer for 16 years, and was also an intake specialist for Children’s Protective Services. In her spare time she enjoys camping, fishing and art.
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.
Debbie joined Asher Community Health Center in 2021 contributing to its mission of providing comprehensive medical and dental services to the community. After almost two years of dedicated service, she embraced an opportunity with OCHIN, the organization behind the Epic electronic health records system utilized at Asher. OCHIN assigned
Debbie joined Asher Community Health Center in 2021 contributing to its mission of providing comprehensive medical and dental services to the community. After almost two years of dedicated service, she embraced an opportunity with OCHIN, the organization behind the Epic electronic health records system utilized at Asher. OCHIN assigned her to Winding Waters Medical Clinic, a Federally Qualified Health Center in Enterprise, Oregon. During Debbie's tenure there, she actively participated in the Quality Improvement/Quality Assurance Committee and the Medical Operations Committee, and attended the Network of Care. She underwent training in Clinical Data Analytics, Community Health Work, and the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program, earning certifications as a Community Health Worker and WIC certifier.
Now, after nearly two years away, she is excited to return to Asher Community Health Center.
Debbie looks forward to leveraging her enhanced skills and experiences to serve the community, addressing healthcare needs with renewed dedication and expertise.
Debbie has been a dedicated resident in Oregon's Wheeler and Gilliam counties for over three decades in which she and her spouse ranched while raising three children. Today, she takes immense pride in her seven grandchildren, cherishing the moments spent with them.
Beyond her ranching endeavors, she has a passion for gardening, canning, woodworking and taking long road trips with the grandkids to parts unknown.
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. Having a degree in marketing and communication, Annette began assisting the clinic with marketing projects in 2023 and continues to enj
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. Having a degree in marketing and communication, Annette began assisting the clinic with marketing projects in 2023 and continues to enjoy the creative process associated with the role.
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 and transplanted here from West of the mountains in June of 2020.
In her spare time, Annette loves tending to her 17 dairy goats and working on remodeling and homesteading projects around their 29-acre property above Spray.
Cindy may be new to Asher CHC, but she’s a lifelong part of the Wheeler County community that Asher serves. Attending school in Fossil from Kindergarten through high school graduation, she’s lived in the area almost all her life. Cindy’s work history includes several years as Juvenile Director, time at the SWCD, and also at the bank. I
Cindy may be new to Asher CHC, but she’s a lifelong part of the Wheeler County community that Asher serves. Attending school in Fossil from Kindergarten through high school graduation, she’s lived in the area almost all her life. Cindy’s work history includes several years as Juvenile Director, time at the SWCD, and also at the bank. In addition to working at the clinic, Cindy also works as the fair board secretary.
Cindy and her husband Tom are the parents of four adult children and the grandparents of five.
In her spare time Cindy enjoys crochet, counted cross stitch, and loves to travel—Big Island, Hawaii, being her favorite destination.
Denise is so happy to be back serving the north Lake County community and thrilled to be working for Asher Community Health Center to do it. Working with an organization who knows the unique challenges of providing medical services in a frontier area is refreshing to her.
Having grown up in this community, and returning years later, Deni
Denise is so happy to be back serving the north Lake County community and thrilled to be working for Asher Community Health Center to do it. Working with an organization who knows the unique challenges of providing medical services in a frontier area is refreshing to her.
Having grown up in this community, and returning years later, Denise is excited to see the growth and new opportunities around the northern Lake County area.
Denise and her family continue to enjoy all the high desert has to offer including hunting/fishing, helping on the farm, watching the world class sunrises and sunsets, and spending more and more time on the baseball field with their daughter moving from T-ball to coach pitch.
Denise says, "I look forward to seeing what the future holds as this clinic grows and adapts!"
“Wherever the art of medicine is loved, there is also a love of humanity.” Hippocrates
Living in Central Oregon for over 12 years with her husband and youngest son, close to her two adult sons, Amy truly enjoys the pace and beauty of rural life.
Amy has worked in the medical industry for almost 15 years in small clinics, specialized provider offices and large hospitals. Her preference is working in a clinic environment whe
Living in Central Oregon for over 12 years with her husband and youngest son, close to her two adult sons, Amy truly enjoys the pace and beauty of rural life.
Amy has worked in the medical industry for almost 15 years in small clinics, specialized provider offices and large hospitals. Her preference is working in a clinic environment where she can build relationships with patients residing in a small community.
Amy is happy to be back to work in Asher’s Christmas Valley facility; as she loves the residents and looks forward to helping them live their best lives.
In her spare time Amy enjoys crocheting and knitting, time in her garden and spending time with family. She also enjoys good food, great movies, dining out and chocolate!
Josuné grew up on a ranch, commercial feedlot, and farm in a rural town in southwestern Idaho. The ranch she grew up on has been going strong for over 100 years in her family and she is proud to be the 6th generation to grow up and work on it. After graduating high school, she went on to study at the College of Southern Idaho and advoca
Josuné grew up on a ranch, commercial feedlot, and farm in a rural town in southwestern Idaho. The ranch she grew up on has been going strong for over 100 years in her family and she is proud to be the 6th generation to grow up and work on it. After graduating high school, she went on to study at the College of Southern Idaho and advocated for the importance of the agricultural way of life. While studying there, she met her husband and 3 years later they married and have moved back to his hometown, Christmas Valley.
In Josuné's free time, she enjoys branding calves with her husband, playing with her dachshunds, doing anything outdoors, and spending time with friends and family in Paisley, OR and her hometown, Murphy, ID.
Josuné has been with Asher Community Health Center in Christmas Valley since August 2024. She has enjoyed her time thus far and looks forward to seeing the opportunities this organization will bring to the community.
Kelly moved to Christmas Valley, OR, in January of 2013 to care for her aging father and now resides on his property. A California native with generational family roots in Oregon, she spent much of her childhood visiting Oregonian relatives and feels more like she came home than feeling like a “California Transplant”.
Kelly and her husba
Kelly moved to Christmas Valley, OR, in January of 2013 to care for her aging father and now resides on his property. A California native with generational family roots in Oregon, she spent much of her childhood visiting Oregonian relatives and feels more like she came home than feeling like a “California Transplant”.
Kelly and her husband love the rural lifestyle and find the Oregon Outback has a beauty all its own and amazing sky, day or night. They enjoy spending time with their family (four-legged too) and friends as well as star gazing, and the solitude of living in such a rural area.
Kelly joined the Asher team in February of 2024 to work as Front Desk Coordinator and has recently also taken on Referral Coordination for Christmas Valley patients.
Alissa and her husband moved to Christmas Valley in January of 2022 and have since fell in love with rural community life. Having spent her entire life in the Portland suburbs where everything is fast paced, Alissa finds the tempo and people here are a welcome change.
Alissa spent most of her career as a receptionist in either a hospital o
Alissa and her husband moved to Christmas Valley in January of 2022 and have since fell in love with rural community life. Having spent her entire life in the Portland suburbs where everything is fast paced, Alissa finds the tempo and people here are a welcome change.
Alissa spent most of her career as a receptionist in either a hospital or surgery center setting and enjoys interacting with patients on a personal level. Working at Asher in Christmas Valley allows her to get to see familiar folks and develop meaningful relationships while serving the community.
Alissa loves spending time with her husband of 12 years doing everything from feeding cows and entertaining chickens to playing with their German Shepherd or helping neighbors during haying season; they always find something to do together. Her absolute favorite thing is having friends or family for coffee, a meal, or even a week-long stay.
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.
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!”
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.
Becca was born and raised in Bend, Oregon and attended dental hygiene school at the Oregon Institute of Technology graduating with a bachelor of science degree, summa cum laude in 2015.
Becca will be relocating to Fossil permanently in 2025 and enjoys camping, reading, traveling, and spending time with family.
Join us in welcoming Grace Lickteig to the Dental Team!
"I graduated my dental assisting program in December 2023," says Grace. "I've been a part of Asher clinic since January 2024 and being able to assist and learn from this team has been awesome! My goal is to return to school and work toward my hygiene license in the
next few years."
Join us in welcoming Grace Lickteig to the Dental Team!
"I graduated my dental assisting program in December 2023," says Grace. "I've been a part of Asher clinic since January 2024 and being able to assist and learn from this team has been awesome! My goal is to return to school and work toward my hygiene license in the
next few years."
Grace continues, "Outside of the practice I enjoy the small community, and love being able to live in a place where I can enjoy my hobbies which include, hunting, riding horses, and spending time with my family."
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."