Location(s): Centralia, Corning, Frankfort, Holton, Onaga, St. Marys, Westmoreland
Youth Health and Wellness
We all benefit from support when trying to lead healthy and productive lives, none more than our youth.
The health of a child or teen has far-reaching impact. Not only does health affect a child’s present, it has a tremendous influence on his or her future. Those youngsters experiencing good physical health and mental well-being are much more likely to succeed in school, avoid high-risk behavior and go on to reach their full potential. They are also far more likely to become healthy, productive adults who contribute to society and become engaged in our communities.
Community HealthCare System offers fun and interactive programs to support youth in their achievement of health and wellness, so they can go on to reach their full potential.
In a comfortable setting, youth learn how a balanced lifestyle can lead to improved health, weight and self confidence. Individual and family nutrition counseling assists in learning and practicing lifelong health habits.
Our team of compassionate and experienced specialists (physicians, behaviorists and registered dietitians) provide non-judgmental, enjoyable, affordable and effective multidisciplinary preventive care and treatment to encourage you and your family—within the hospital and community—to embrace healthful eating and physical activity habits.
What matters to youth matters to us, and we orient your program accordingly.
Your treatment program may include:
Complete evaluation by the clinic’s multidisciplinary team to understand the potential causes and complications of the your condition.
Family behavioral counseling
Visiting other specialists for related medical comorbidities (health problems that exist at the same time as the overweight/obesity problem).
A family-centered plan to achieve weight reduction and fitness goals.
Treatment decisions are made jointly by the health and wellness team and with the youth’s family practice provider.
It’s simple, easy and secure to request an appointment online.Use the myCHCS Patient Portal to schedule an appointment, access results and records, message your healthcare team, and more. Call or visit registration at one of our locations to request an invitation to register, then set up your account in just minutes to access the portal’s many features.
Need to call? Dial 785-889-4241 or 1-800 531-9151.
Andrew Barnes, APRN‐C
Family Medicine
Locations: Centralia, Onaga
Position: Advanced Practitioner
Medical Services: Family Medicine, Senior Care, Emergency Department, Youth Services, Diabetic Care, Men's Health, Women's Health
Andrew Barnes, APRN‐C
Andrew Barnes, APRN, holds a bachelor of science in nursing from Baker University and a master of science in nursing from Washburn University. He is certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and is a board-certified emergency nurse. He takes a special interest in emergency medicine, trauma, and acute care. Barnes was drawn to medicine through his father’s encounters with healthcare providers who always amazed him. He lives in Wheaton with his wife and three children, and he enjoys being outdoors with his family. They enjoy caring for cattle as well as dogs and barn cats.
Angie Sauvage, LMSW
Behavioral Health
Locations: Holton, Onaga
Positions: Counseling, Licensed Master Social Worker
Medical Services: Mental Health Services, Youth Services
Annie Crumbaker, PA‐C
Family Medicine
Location: Frankfort
Position: Advanced Practitioner
Medical Services: Family Medicine, Senior Care, Youth Services, Diabetic Care, Men's Health, Women's Health
Annie Crumbaker, PA‐C
Annie J. Crumbaker, PA-C, grew up in the Lillis area and attended Frankfort schools. She obtained a bachelor of science in biology at Kansas State University and a master’s degree in physician assistant studies at the University of Colorado Denver. She then gained experience at the University of Kansas Hospital and Children’s Mercy Hospital before moving back to her hometown to work in family practice with CHCS. Crumbaker and her husband, Kyle, live near Lillis with daughters Peyton and Emmy and sons Evan and Connor. They enjoy raising cattle and spending time on their farm, as well as attending and participating in sporting events. They enjoy raising cattle and spending time on their farm, as well as attending and participating in sporting events.
Cassandra (Cassie) Gaddis, LSCSW, CST, CTF-CBT, LIMPH-NE, LMSW-NE
Behavioral Health
Locations: Onaga, St. Marys
Position: Specialty Clinic Provider
Medical Services: Specialty Clinics, Mental Health Services, Youth Services
Cassandra (Cassie) Gaddis, LSCSW, CST, CTF-CBT, LIMPH-NE, LMSW-NE
Cassandra (Cassie) Gaddis has extensive experience in the social work field including child welfare, implementation and supervision of clinical services, and medical social work. She earned both her Bachelor’s and Master's degrees in Social Work (MSW) from Washburn University. She has also achieved the highest level of social work licensure in Kansas; a licensed specialist clinical social worker (LSCSW) certification. A nationally certified Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapist (TFCBT), she has experience serving children, adults, and families. Gaddis is also a certified sex therapist (CST) with specialized training and experience treating children and adolescents who demonstrate unsafe sexual behaviors or boundaries, treating survivors of sexual assault or other unhealthy sexual dynamics, couples struggling with intimacy in their relationships and other sexual health and mental health related concerns. Gaddis has 3 children as well as 3 dogs and 3 cats. She states she is a home body and could spend hours in her sewing room piecing together a quilt. She also enjoys camping, gardening, canning and food preservation, and anything that makes her feel more grounded and in touch with nature.
Claire Blumer, PA-C
Family Medicine
Location: Centralia
Position: Advanced Practitioner
Medical Services: Family Medicine, Senior Care, Youth Services, Diabetic Care, Men's Health, Women's Health
Claire Blumer, PA-C
Claire Blumer, PA-C, grew up in Hanover, Kansas, where she attended Hanover High School. She obtained a bachelor of science degree in life sciences at Kansas State University and completed her education at Wichita State University with a master of physician assistant degree. She gained experience working at K+STAT Urgent Care in Manhattan prior to joining CHCS. Blumer is eager to provide comprehensive, holistic healthcare and to help her patients learn more about preventative healthcare. Her special interests include women's health, men's health, acute care, family medicine, and youth services. Blumer lives in Marysville with her husband, Dave, and their daughter, Sophia. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, running, reading, and watching or attending sporting events.
Collin Connor, MD
Family Medicine
Locations: Holton, St. Marys
Position: Physician
Medical Services: Family Medicine, Birth Center, Senior Care, Emergency Department, Youth Services, Diabetic Care, Men's Health, Women's Health
Collin Connor, MD
Dr. Connor graduated from Emporia State University (ESU) with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry. He attended medical school at the University of Kansas Medical Center. He completed his family medicine residency at Ascension Via Christi in Wichita, Kansas. Dr. Connor did not always know he wanted to be a physician. It wasn’t until after he spent a year working as an AmeriCorps volunteer at a free medical clinic in Providence, Rhode Island that he realized that’s what he wanted to be. “After that experience, I knew I could use my gifts of teamwork, listening, and problem solving along with my love for learning and science to serve others. I also felt like it was a calling from God, especially how everything fell into place for me to apply and be accepted into medical school in just a few months. When I finally made the decision to apply for medical school I felt a lot of freedom. I had never been willing to attempt something so important or difficult if I knew that I may fail, but by entrusting the decision to God I felt at peace,” he said. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family, listening to music/podcasts, reading, playing or watching almost any sport, and gardening. He plans to learn more about hunting and fishing and will be going on an elk hunting trip next year. Dr. Connor and his wife are both native Kansans and believe CHCS is a perfect fit. They will reside in Onaga with their three sons.
David Allen, MD
Family Medicine
Location: Holton
Position: Physician
Medical Services: Family Medicine, Birth Center, Medical & Surgical Care, Senior Care, Emergency Department, Youth Services, Diabetic Care, Men's Health, Women's Health
David Allen, MD
Dr. David Allen holds degrees from Kansas State University and the University of Kansas School of Medicine. He completed his residency at Via Christi Regional Medical Center in Wichita. His specialties are family medicine and obstetrics, including C-sections, GI procedures (upper and lower endoscopy), and pediatric services.
Debra Rezac, APRN‐C
Family Medicine
Location: Onaga
Position: Advanced Practitioner
Medical Services: Family Medicine, Senior Care, Emergency Department, Youth Services, Diabetic Care, Men's Health, Women's Health
Debra Rezac, APRN‐C
Debra Rezac, APRN-C, holds a Bachelor of Science in nursing from Washburn University and a Master of Science degree in nursing from University of Southern Indiana, graduating in the family nurse practitioner specialty. Rezac is certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. Before coming to Onaga, Rezac worked in an intensive care unit and pulmonary-critical care practice in Topeka. She has been with CHCS since 2007. She is certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Pediatric Advanced Life Support, and Advanced Trauma Life Support. Areas of interest include women’s health, preventive care, general wellness, respiratory and cardiac care. Rezac’s practice includes patients of all ages, from infants to advanced age. “Working in rural health care certainly presents significant challenges, but it also provides unique rewards. There is something about being a part of people’s lives during the best and worst of times. You just don’t get to do that with most jobs,” she says. When not at work, she loves spending time with her family and close friends. She likes to travel with her husband, Lance, and spend time with her family. She lives on a farm south of Onaga and has three grown children.
Heather Myers, APRN‐C
Family Medicine
Location: Holton
Position: Advanced Practitioner
Medical Services: Family Medicine, Senior Care, Youth Services, Diabetic Care, Men's Health, Women's Health
Heather Myers, APRN‐C
Heather Myers, APRN-C, holds a bachelor of science degree in nursing from Washburn University and a master of science in nursing from the University of Kansas as well as years of experience working in family practice. Myers worked a summer job while in high school at the “old” Onaga Clinic. “I remember admiring Betty Malone, RN, and decided to go to nursing school after graduating from Onaga High School,” she says. She enjoys working with people and helping all age groups with their health concerns, and she wants all patients to stay active and take time to take good care of themselves. Myers is married and has three children. Her oldest daughter is a Kansas State University graduate and lives in Wichita with her husband. Her second daughter is a graduate of the University of South Dakota, and her son is a senior in high school. When not at work, Heather enjoys reading, crocheting, and do-it-yourself household painting projects
Jana Kramer, PA‐C
Family Medicine
Location: Holton
Position: Advanced Practitioner
Medical Services: Family Medicine, Senior Care, Youth Services, Diabetic Care, Men's Health, Women's Health
Jana Kramer, PA‐C
Jana Kramer, PA-C, was raised on a farm in northwest Kansas and moved to the Seneca area 20 years ago with her husband, Joe. She joined the staff at Community Hospital Onaga in 2001 and has enjoyed building relationships and taking care of patients at the many locations within Community HealthCare System. She received her bachelor of science degree from Kansas State University and completed her physician assistant degree at Wichita State University, where she graduated summa cum laude. She is board-certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants and is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and the Kansas Academy of Physician Assistant organizations. She maintains certifications in Advanced Cardiac Life Support and Pediatric Advanced Life Support. Working as a physician assistant in family medicine has been a rewarding experience for Kramer. She loves working with patients of all ages and helping them establish and meet wellness and healthcare goals. She aims to provide the best care to meet patients’ medical needs. Kramer enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing the piano, going to movies, and attending sporting events. She has also enjoyed teaching piano students, volunteering for the church and school, and being a wish granter for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Jana and Joe have six children: Chase, Cole, Zachary, twins Cooper and Carter, and Kenly.
Julia Ingwerson, APRN‐C
Family Medicine
Location: St. Marys
Position: Advanced Practitioner
Medical Services: Family Medicine, Senior Care, Youth Services, Diabetic Care, Men's Health, Women's Health
Julia Ingwerson, APRN‐C
Julia A. Ingwerson, APRN-C, holds a bachelor of science in nursing degree from Washburn University and a master of science in nursing from Wichita State University. She is certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center as a family nurse practitioner. Ingwerson takes a special interest in foot care and orthopedics. Ingwerson enjoys seeing patients at all different ages and stages of life. She lives in St. Marys. When not at work, Ingwerson enjoys crocheting and spinning.
Marcus Weiser, DO
Family Medicine
Location: Onaga
Position: Physician
Medical Services: Family Medicine, Birth Center, Medical & Surgical Care, Senior Care, Emergency Department, Youth Services, Diabetic Care, Men's Health, Women's Health
Marcus Weiser, DO
Dr. Marcus Weiser graduated from Bethany College with a bachelor’s degree in biology and from medical school at Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences. He completed his residency at Via Christi (St. Joseph and St. Francis) in Wichita and served as chief resident. Dr. Weiser is board-certified in family medicine. He is also trained to do obstetrics and performs EGDs (esophagogastroduodenoscopy), colonoscopies, and C-sections. He particularly enjoys teaching both third- and fourth-year medical students as a clinical assistant professor in the University of Kansas Medical Center Department of Family Medicine and as a clerkship preceptor for the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences. Dr. Weiser enjoys caring for others in a variety of settings. “I love family medicine, and it is a privilege to serve others as a family medicine physician. I find the variety that rural family medicine offers both challenging and rewarding,” he says. Dr. Weiser was born and raised in northwest Kansas and lives in Onaga with his wife and five children. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family, helping coach his kids’ sports teams, and, occasionally, golfing. Dr. Weiser is an active member of the American Association for Primary Care Endoscopy.
Melissa Goulart, DO
Family Medicine
Location: St. Marys
Position: Physician
Medical Services: Family Medicine, Senior Care, Youth Services, Diabetic Care, Men's Health, Women's Health
Melissa Goulart, DO
Dr. Melissa Goulart holds a bachelor of science degree in biology from Truman State University in Kirksville, Missouri. She attended medical school at Des Moines University in Iowa and completed her residency in Waterloo, Iowa. She is board-certified in family medicine. Dr. Goulart lives in St. Marys with her husband, five children, and a Yorkie named Jack.
Merica Surdez, APRN‐C
Family Medicine, Leadership
Location: Onaga
Position: Chief of Provider and Clinic Operations
Medical Services: Family Medicine, Senior Care, Emergency Department, Youth Services, Diabetic Care, Men's Health, Women's Health
Merica Surdez, APRN‐C
Merica Surdez, APRN-C, holds a bachelor of science in nursing from the University of Kansas Medical Center and a master of science in nursing-family nurse practitioner degree from Fort Hays State University. She maintains board certification with the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and is also certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Pediatric Advanced Life Support, Advanced Trauma Life Support, and Neonatal Resuscitation. Surdez’s areas of clinical interest include women’s health, including contraception counseling; reproductive health; prenatal care; lactation support; and preventive care. Surdez enjoys helping others when they need it most, creating relationships, and watching families grow. When asked for advice to share with patients, she says, “We all take our health for granted. Sometimes it takes work to better yourself. Do it! You’ll never regret investing in your health.” Surdez was born and raised in Frankfort, Kansas, and lives there with her husband, Derek, plus their two sons, Bowen and Blake, and their daughter, Wren. Surdez does not like chocolate but does enjoy spending time with family and friends, creating memories with her children, playing volleyball, and membership in the Teams of Our Lady (TOOL) church group.
Michele Reisinger, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC
Family Medicine
Locations: Corning, Onaga
Position: Advanced Practitioner
Medical Services: Family Medicine, Senior Care, Emergency Department, Youth Services, Diabetic Care, Wound Care, Men's Health, Women's Health
Michele Reisinger, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC
Michele Reisinger, DNP, APRN, and FNP-BC, is a rural Kansas native who has established a longstanding clinical practice of more than 25 years as a family nurse practitioner in her hometown of Onaga. She holds a bachelor of science degree in nursing from Washburn University and master of science in nursing plus doctor of nursing practice degrees from the University of Kansas. Reisinger serves on several local community and faith-based committees supporting her rural community. She is active in regional organizations including Big Lakes Developmental Center Quality Review Committee, Kansas Department of Health and Environment – Healthcare-Associated Infections & Antimicrobial Resistance Advisory Group, and numerous doctoral committees involving the education of nurse practitioners. Professional affiliations include American Nurses Association, Sigma Theta Tau nursing honorary, and Phi Kappa Phi academic honorary. In addition to her clinic practice, Reisinger is full-time graduate-level nursing faculty at Washburn University School of Nursing and the Primary Investigator on a Health Resources & Services Administration-funded grant focused on the education and preparation of rural nurse practitioners for practice in medically underserved communities. She is a prior fellow for the Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities and was named a Rural Health Fellow by the National Rural Health Association. Reisinger’s clinical interests include preventive health/wellness, chronic disease management, and children with developmental exceptionalities. Michele has advanced training in wound, ostomy, and continence care and performs consultative services in these areas. She sees clients across the lifespan at CHCS clinics in Onaga and Corning.
Nancy Bosse, APRN‐C
Family Medicine
Locations: Onaga, Westmoreland
Position: Advanced Practitioner
Medical Services: Family Medicine, Senior Care, Emergency Department, Youth Services, Diabetic Care, Men's Health, Women's Health
Nancy Bosse, APRN‐C
Nancy Bosse, APRN-C, holds a bachelor of science degree in nursing from Washburn University and a master of science in nursing-family nurse practitioner degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Bosse worked in critical care, neurology, trauma, and general surgery for 20 years at Saint Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City. Her areas of clinical interest are women’s health, pediatrics, and geriatrics, and she loves family practice because it allows her to help patients while getting to know them and their entire family. Bosse says the most important thing patients can do is to “let us know if you are not getting better. Follow up so we can help you!” Bosse grew up in Onaga and now resides in Wamego with her husband and two children. When not at work, she enjoys attending kids’ activities, being outside, gardening, and helping at the farm.
Nancy J. Zidek, MD
Family Medicine
Locations: Frankfort, Onaga, Holton
Position: Physician
Medical Services: Family Medicine, Birth Center, Senior Care, Emergency Department, Youth Services, Diabetic Care, Men's Health, Women's Health
Nancy J. Zidek, MD
Dr. Nancy Zidek graduated from the University of Kansas with a bachelor of arts in microbiology and holds a degree from the University of Kansas School of Medicine. She completed her residency at Wesley Family Practice in Wichita, Kansas. She is particularly interested in women’s health and performs colposcopies and places birth control implants and intrauterine devices, or IUDs. Dr. Zidek is a lifelong Kansas resident and a second-generation doctor. Her father practiced for more than 40 years in Marysville, Kansas, and she knew from a young age that she wanted to join the same profession. She enjoys “being part of the family” and watching her young patients grow and mature into adults. Dr. Zidek is married and has two almost-grown kids. Her daughter, Bethany is married. She is a doctor and is in her Family Medicine Residency at Ascension Via Christi in Wichita, KS. Elijah is working in Kansas City. Dr. Zidek and her husband, Paul, enjoy being empty-nesters and are trying to travel more. They have two “spoiled mutts” and enjoy feeding hummingbirds in the summer, when they have up to 10 “hummers” who visit their feeders.
Nicholas Cahoj, MD
Family Medicine
Locations: Frankfort, Westmoreland
Position: Physician
Medical Services: Family Medicine, Senior Care, Youth Services, Diabetic Care, Men's Health, Women's Health
Nicholas Cahoj, MD
Dr. Nicholas Cahoj graduated from Kansas State University and the University of Kansas School of Medicine. He completed his residency at Via Christi Family Medicine in Wichita. Dr. Cahoj grew up in Atwood, Kansas. He appreciates family practice. "I enjoy the relationships that I get to build with patients and their families. I also enjoy the broad array of conditions that I see and treat," he said. He performs esophagogastroduodenoscopies (EGDs) and colonoscopies. He enjoys teaching students and is a clinical assistant professor for the University of Kansas School of Medicine- Wichita. Dr. Cahoj and his wife, Alyssa, have three daughters who they enjoy helping in their sports and activities. He also likes watching sports, hunting/shooting, and playing golf. .
Ben Harstine, MD, FMOB
Family Medicine
Locations: Centralia, Corning, Onaga
Position: Physician
Medical Services: Birth Center, Diabetic Care, Emergency Department, Family Medicine, Men's Health, Senior Care, Women's Health, Youth Services
Ben Harstine, MD, FMOB
Dr. Harstine earned his bachelor of science in Public Health Nutrition from Kansas State University and attended medical school at the University of Kansas Medical Center. He completed his family medicine residency and family medicine obstetrics fellowship at Waco Family Medicine in Waco, Texas. He recently received both his family medicine and family medicine obstetrics board certifications. Dr. Harstine always knew he had a strong desire to teach. In the years after college, while working in Manhattan, he realized he also wanted “to be in the trenches with folks discussing the events and on-goings of their daily lives.” “Medicine became a place where I could use a natural interest in the sciences and human well-being to do a little bit of both. I want to be an active listener and teach my patients the benefits of daily exercise and movement to improve overall health." As a native Kansan, Dr. Harstine has always dreamed of living and serving a rural Kansas community. “I was fortunate to have the opportunity to work with CHCS as a medical student because my wife was from the area. I grew to love the hospital, staff, and community and I am glad to be joining an organization with such a long history of providing patient-centered care.” In his spare time, Dr. Harstine enjoys spending time with his wife Emily and their three children, working outside, exercising, reading and cooking. “Emily and I are excited to be back in rural Kansas, close to family, and are excited to make Onaga our home,” Dr. Harstine said.