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 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.
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.
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, CMA 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 th
Hannah Sharp, CMA 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.
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!"
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."
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.
Casi (CJ) Canady, a long-time resident of Wheeler County and previous 2019 Rodeo Queen, recently returned to the area with her Fiancé to be closer to family. CJ earned her CNA certification from COCC and moved to Montana to work as a Surgical Assistant where she spent the past three years gaining extensive knowledge and experience in the
Casi (CJ) Canady, a long-time resident of Wheeler County and previous 2019 Rodeo Queen, recently returned to the area with her Fiancé to be closer to family. CJ earned her CNA certification from COCC and moved to Montana to work as a Surgical Assistant where she spent the past three years gaining extensive knowledge and experience in the operating room, phlebotomy, clinical data collection, and all-important patient interaction. CJ is ecstatic to be back in the area and helping the community she loves.
In her free time, CJ enjoys staying busy with her horses, floating the river, visiting with family and enjoying life with her better half.
A Texas transplant to the Fossil area, Jacob Goodman has an associate’s degree in American Sign Language and a sincere interest in helping people of all walks of life. Jacob looks forward to meeting and working with many of the residents of Wheeler County as the community continues to grow.
In his free time, Jacob tends to be a bit of a ho
A Texas transplant to the Fossil area, Jacob Goodman has an associate’s degree in American Sign Language and a sincere interest in helping people of all walks of life. Jacob looks forward to meeting and working with many of the residents of Wheeler County as the community continues to grow.
In his free time, Jacob tends to be a bit of a hobbyist who enjoys crocheting, whittling, cinema, and pottery, just to name a few. Jacob also likes to spend as much time outdoors with his dogs and his partner as he can.
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 tending to her 17 dairy goats and work on remodeling and homesteading projects around their 29-acre property above Spray.
"I am so happy to be back serving the North Lake County community and I am thrilled to be working for Asher Community Health Center to do this. Working with an organization who knows the unique challenges of providing medical services in a frontier area is refreshing.
Having grown up in this community, and returning years later, it is exc
"I am so happy to be back serving the North Lake County community and I am thrilled to be working for Asher Community Health Center to do this. Working with an organization who knows the unique challenges of providing medical services in a frontier area is refreshing.
Having grown up in this community, and returning years later, it is exciting to see the growth and new opportunities around us.
My family and I 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 our daughter moving from T-ball to coach pitch.
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
"I have lived in Central Oregon for over 12 years with my husband and youngest son, close to my 2 adult sons. I enjoy the pace and beauty of rural life.
I’ve worked in the medical industry for almost 15 years in small clinics, specialized provider offices and large hospitals. I find I prefer working in a clinic environment and building re
"I have lived in Central Oregon for over 12 years with my husband and youngest son, close to my 2 adult sons. I enjoy the pace and beauty of rural life.
I’ve worked in the medical industry for almost 15 years in small clinics, specialized provider offices and large hospitals. I find I prefer working in a clinic environment and building relationships with patients residing in a small community.
I am so happy to be back to work in Asher’s Christmas Valley facility; I just love our residents and look forward to helping them live their best lives.
In my spare time I enjoy crocheting and knitting, time in my garden and time with my family. I like good food, great movies, dining out and chocolate!
The residents are so blessed to have Asher Community Health Center provide services in Christmas Valley. I am excited to see the future ahead and the possibility of expanded services; it’s a great fit for our little community!"
"I moved to Christmas Valley, OR, in January of 2013 to care for my aging father and now reside on his property. A California native with generational family roots in Oregon, I spent much of my childhood visiting Oregonian relatives and feel more like I came home than feeling like a “California Transplant”. I grew up in South Lake Tahoe,
"I moved to Christmas Valley, OR, in January of 2013 to care for my aging father and now reside on his property. A California native with generational family roots in Oregon, I spent much of my childhood visiting Oregonian relatives and feel more like I came home than feeling like a “California Transplant”. I grew up in South Lake Tahoe, CA and after graduating high school moved to Napa, CA, where I lived for twenty-three years; two of the most beautiful places on earth.
My husband and I love the rural lifestyle and find the Oregon Outback has a beauty all its own and amazing sky, day or night. We enjoy time with our surviving parents, kids and grandkids when we can, our four-legged family, star gazing, time with friends and the solitude of living in such a rural area.
I happily joined the Asher team in February of 2024 to work the Reception Desk at Asher’s fourth rural Community Health Center located in Christmas Valley, OR where we have been warmly welcomed by a grateful community."
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!”
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 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.
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."