Pediatrics

Chiricahua is the largest provider of outstanding pediatric care in Cochise County. We use proven methods and teamwork to deliver the best preventive and treatment services for children and teens, no matter which clinic you visit. To make an appointment call us at 520-364-1429
  • Preventative care and Wellness Visits (Ages 0 – 21 years)
  • Immunizations
  • Sick care
  • Same day appointments on weekends

Comprehensive Pediatric Care Services

  At Chiricahua, we provide high quality medical care for children through 21 years of age. Our dedicated pediatric providers work together to ensure your child receives care seven days a week. Always learning and improving, we aim to offer the best care possible. Contact our pediatrics clinics for:
  • We have experts providing coordinated care for children with special needs.
  • Reach Out and Read (Children’s Book Program): We give age appropriate books to children six months to six years to encourage screen free well visits.
  • Mobile Medical Services at High Schools: Our Mobile Medical Clinic provides healthcare at high schools, making access easier for teenagers.
  • Autism Support Group: Our community engagement specialized leads support our autism support group for children and families impacted by autism.
  • Sports Physicals is part of the annual well visit.
  • High quality adolescent care in accordance with the Adolescent Health Initiative.

Our Pediatric Providers

Anahi Huang, MD

Community Pediatrician
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Community Pediatrician

Anahi Huang, MD

JOINED CCHCI IN 2022
Why I Believe in the Mission of CCHCI

I stand by Chiricahua's vision because I truly believe that every single individual deserves quality health care.


ANAHI'S BACKGROUND

Born and raised in South America to Taiwanese parents, I have lived and witnessed firsthand many barriers to care such as cultural shock, language barrier, discrimination, financial constraints, and complex health care systems. I earned my medical degree in Ecuador and then decided to move to the United States to pursue specialty training in Pediatrics. I strive to provide the best quality health care possible to each one of my patients and their families and I am thrilled to join a team that shares the same passion.

ACADEMIC BACKGROUND

Education: 

Universidad Central del Ecuador – Facultad de Ciencias Medicas

Residency Training:

Jackson Memorial Hospital / University of Miami

Miami, FL

2019-2022

Practice Interests:

Infectious Diseases, Developmental Pediatrics, Border Medicine

Patients seen:

Newborns to 21 years old

Language Proficiencies:

English

Spanish

Mandarin

Andrew W. Mayberry, MD FAAFP

Senior Director of Community Medicine
Andrew Mayberry headshot

Senior Director of Community Medicine

Andrew W. Mayberry, MD FAAFP

JOINED CCHCI IN 2020

Why I Believe in the Mission of CCHCI

I'm a believer in healthy communities and health for all.


ANDREWS BACKGROUND

I was born and raised in the area. I am committed to providing the best healthcare to the people of the San Pedro Valley.


ACADEMIC BACKGROUND

Professional School
Bachelor’s of Art
Arizona State University 1993

Doctor of Medicine
University of Arizona 1997

Board Certifications:
Family Medicine

Practice Interests
Sports medicine, Orthopedics

Patients Seen:
Infants, children, teens, adults, and seniors

Christina Howton, FNP-C

Family Nurse Practitioner
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Family Nurse Practitioner

Christina Howton, FNP-C

JOINED CCHCI IN 2018Why I Believe in the Mission of CCHCI

I'm glad to be a part of an organization that takes care of their community like family.


CHRISTINA'S BACKGROUND

I am originally from Alabama, but first came to Cochise County when stationed on Fort Huachuca with the US Army from 1994 – 1998. I have been here ever since that time.

ACADEMIC BACKGROUND

Professional School

University of Phoenix, Family Nurse Practitioner, 2017
University of Phoenix, Master of Science in Nursing, 2004
University of Alabama, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, 1994

Board Certification
Family Nurse Practitioner

Practice Interests
Pediatrics

Patients Seen
Newborn – 21 years old

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Pediatrician

Claudia Pleitez, MD FAAP

JOINED CCHCI IN 2016
Why I Believe in the Mission of CCHCI

I believe in the project and I like the community. I love that we are the patient's health care home for the community where we serve.


CLAUDIA'S BACKGROUND

I was born and raised in El Salvador. I always wanted to do something productive in life. I have always been a people person and have found myself in caring for others. I have a strong belief in preventative care, that is the best medicine. I came to CCHCI after residency with my husband and son. I am a happy member of the Douglas community, doing my best to promote health within the whole community.

ACADEMIC BACKGROUND

Professional School 

Universidad de El Salvador
San Salvador, El Salvador

Masters in Tropical Medicine
Universidad de Valencia
Valencia, Spain

Pediatric Residency
Lincoln Hospital
New York City, NY

Daniel A. Driscoll, MD PhD FAAP

Director of Clinical Evidence Coding and Documentation, Community Pediatrician
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Director of Clinical Evidence Coding and Documentation, Community Pediatrician

Daniel A. Driscoll, MD PhD FAAP

JOINED CCHCI IN 2018

Why I Believe in the Mission of CCHCI

Health care delivery to all improves lives, futures, and creates opportunities for whole communities to reach their potential and widen their horizons.


DANIEL'S BACKGROUND

I love being a primary care pediatrician. I am interested in all aspects of child health and have a wide background delivering care from birth through college. My passion is to create relationships with families and their children in order to increase health literacy.


ACADEMIC BACKGROUND

Professional School

PhD. Biochemistry
University of Illinois

Medical Doctor, MD
University of Illinois

Master’s of Science in Paleobiology
University of Bristol – United Kingdom

Bachelor’s of Arts
California State University

Residency
Denver Children’s Hospital
University of Colorado Health Science Center

Board Certification
Pediatrics

Practice Interests
Primary Care Pediatrics

Patients Seen
Infants, children, adolescents

Darlene Melk, MD FAAP CPE

Chief Medical Officer
Darlene Melk Professional Headshot

Chief Medical Officer

Darlene Melk, MD FAAP CPE

Darlene Melk, MD, FAAP, CPE

Chief Medical Officer, Chiricahua Community Health Centers, Inc.
Joined Chiricahua in 2010

Why I Believe in the Mission of Chiricahua

I believe strongly in community medicine. To provide the highest quality and most comprehensive care to our patients, we must work in partnership with one another. At Chiricahua Community Health Centers, providers are supported through care coordination, nursing expertise, and strong administrative infrastructure that allow us to practice medicine the way it should be practiced. This team‑based approach ensures every patient receives the care and respect they deserve.


Professional Background

Darlene Melk, MD, FAAP, CPE, is a pediatrician and physician executive whose path to medicine is deeply shaped by personal experience and commitment to service. Raised by a single mother and as the daughter of a Cuban refugee, Spanish is her first language and remains central to her clinical and leadership work. Diagnosed with Type One diabetes at the age of eight, Dr. Melk developed an early determination to care for children facing medical and social challenges similar to her own.

Her lived experience continues to inform her approach to patient‑centered, community‑based care and her dedication to improving health outcomes for children and families with limited access to services.


Education and Early Career

Dr. Melk earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry from Arizona State University in Tempe before completing medical school at the University of Arizona College of Medicine in Tucson. She then completed her pediatric residency at Phoenix Children’s Hospital and Maricopa Medical Center, where she was honored as Senior Resident of the Year.

Following residency, Dr. Melk began her career at a Federally Qualified Health Center in Phoenix. The ability to care for any child regardless of background, insurance status, or circumstance solidified her commitment to practicing medicine in the FQHC environment.


Leadership at Chiricahua

Dr. Melk joined Chiricahua Community Health Centers in 2010 as a Community Pediatrician. Over the next decade, she assumed increasing leadership responsibilities, serving as Director of Community Pediatrics and later Director of Community Medicine. In 2020, she was appointed Chief Medical Officer of Chiricahua, overseeing clinical quality, provider engagement, and integrated care delivery across the organization.

Her leadership focuses on strengthening team‑based care, advancing clinical excellence, and supporting providers in delivering comprehensive services to children and families throughout rural southeastern Arizona.


Regional and Statewide Leadership

Beyond Chiricahua, Dr. Melk has played an active role in regional and statewide health and early childhood initiatives. She served on the First Things First Regional Council from 2016 to 2023 and as Chair of the Council from 2019 to 2023. In 2024, she was appointed by Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs to the Arizona Early Childhood Development and Health Board, the state‑level leadership body for First Things First.

Dr. Melk has also served on the Board of the Western Clinician Network since 2021 and was elected President for a one‑year term in 2023. She previously served on the Steering Committee for the Douglas Education Partnership Council and is currently Chair of the Pediatric Leaders Peer Network Committee for the Arizona Association of Community Health Centers.


Academic and Professional Development

Dr. Melk completed her undergraduate studies at Arizona State University in Tempe, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry. She went on to receive her Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Arizona in Tucson and completed her pediatric residency training at Phoenix Children’s Hospital and Maricopa Medical Center, where she was recognized for excellence in clinical leadership.

In 2022, Dr. Melk was designated a Certified Physician Executive (CPE) by the American Association of Physician Leaders, recognizing her advanced training and leadership in clinical management and health system performance.

She is currently completing a Master of Applied Science degree in Population Health through Johns Hopkins University, with an expected graduation in 2027. This advanced training supports her work at Chiricahua by strengthening data‑driven decision making, population‑focused care strategies, and long‑term clinical quality improvement initiatives.

Click here for more info about our Pediatric information

 

Deanna Merrill, MSN, APRN, CPNP-PC, CWOCN

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

Deanna Merrill, MSN, APRN, CPNP-PC, CWOCN

JOINED CCHCI IN 2023

Why I Believe in the Mission of CCHCI

I believe quality healthcare should be accessible to everyone. As a resident of Cochise County, I understand the issues regarding access to healthcare that can occur living in a rural community. My goal is to be a resource in achieving optimal health for the children in Cochise County that I have the privilege of caring for.


DEANNA'S BACKGROUND

I was raised in St. David, where I currently live with my family. I am the mother of seven children and have two grandchildren. I have worked in the healthcare setting my entire adult life, first as a unit clerk, then as a medical transcriptionist, finally becoming a nurse in 2015. My nursing background includes neonatal intensive care, labor and delivery, and earning an additional certification in wound, ostomy and continence nursing with a focus on the pediatric population.

I love going to school and have enjoyed obtaining my education. In my free time, I read, plan, organize and clean. I love spending time with my family and think they are the best.


ACADEMIC BACKGROUND

Professional Schools:

Pima Community College, Associate of Applied Science in Nursing, (2015)

Northern Arizona University, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, (2015)

Emory University, Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Management (2021)

University of Alabama at Birmingham, Master of Science in Nursing, Pediatric Primary Care (2022)

Board Certifications:

Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Primary Care

Certified Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurse

Devyn Thurber, MSN, MPH, PNP-BC

Director of Advanced Practice Pediatrics & Ancillary Staff
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Director of Advanced Practice Pediatrics & Ancillary Staff

  • 520-364-1429
  • Pediatric Center of Excellence - Douglas, Sierra Vista Pediatrics

Devyn Thurber, MSN, MPH, PNP-BC

JOINED CCHCI IN 2015

Why I Believe in the Mission of CCHCI

I believe in the mission of CCHCI, because it strives to break down social and economic barriers to health for all members of its surrounding community. I am excited to be a part of a growing team that works every day to bring high quality, evidence-based health care to as many children as possible irrespective of their family’s ability to pay.


DEVYN'S BACKGROUND

Growing up, I experienced first-hand the barriers to health that come with living in a rural community. After studying architecture in college, I worked as a patient advocate filing insurance claims for nutritional counseling and advocating on behalf of patients for comprehensive care. My desire to gain a better understanding of how social and economic factors affect the quality of patient care is what led me to pursue my Masters of Public Health (MPH) at Dartmouth College. As an MPH intern for the Women, Infants, and Children Supplemental Nutrition Program (WIC), I witnessed the important role that families play in helping to prevent nutrition-related chronic illnesses that begin in childhood. I attended Yale University to train in pediatric primary care and diabetes management with the professional goal of returning to a rural community where I could work every day to educate families about disease prevention, so that they have the tools to grow healthy families regardless of their circumstance. Outside of my clinical role, I enjoy trail running and spending time exploring Cochise County with my husband, 2 sons and 2 dogs.


ACADEMIC BACKGROUND

Professional School
Yale University School of Nursing
New Haven, Connecticut
Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College
Hanover, New Hampshire

Board Certification / Specialty
Pediatrics, Board Certified

Patients Seen
0 – 21 years old

Dia Madden, DNP, FNP-C

Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner
Dia Madden headshot

Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner

Dia Madden, DNP, FNP-C

Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner

JOINED CCHCI IN 2010

I initially went into nursing thinking that I wanted to specialize in the care of vulnerable populations, but realized–after many years in  pre-hospital and critical care–that every person that comes to you is vulnerable in some way.  I knew that I wanted to work for an organization that understood that it takes a dedicated and highly trained team to take care of patients.  I am very passionate about being a part of the patient centered medical home where we provide patients a place to come where all members of the team take the time to truly know them.

Eduardo Marrero, MD FAAP

Director of Community Medicine
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Director of Community Medicine

Eduardo Marrero, MD FAAP

JOINED CCHCI IN 2016

Why I Believe in the Mission of CCHCI

I believe in the philosophy of CCHCI, they have an excellent team and bring high quality health care to anyone who needs it.


EDUARDO'S BACKGROUND

I earned my medical degree from the University of El Salvador and completed my pediatric residency at NYC Health Hospitals and Lincoln Hospital in New York City, NY. I also attended the University of Maryland  where I worked a four month rotation in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. I always ensure that children and parents have a great experience when visiting the Pediatric Center of Excellence in Douglas, AZ.


ACADEMIC BACKGROUND

Professional School

University of El Salvador
El Salvador

Residency Training
Lincoln Hospital
New York City, NY  2010-2013

Board Certification / Specialty
Board Certified in Pediatrics

Patients Seen
Newborns to 21 Years

Gabrielle Lugo, PNP

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
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Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

Gabrielle Lugo, PNP

JOINED CCHCI IN 2022

Why I Believe in the Mission of CCHCI

I believe in the mission of CCHCI because all people deserve high quality health care regardless of social, economic, or immigration status.


GABRIELLE'S BACKGROUND

I grew up in Orlando, FL, where I attended elementary, middle, and high school. I completed my undergraduate Bachelor’s of Science at the University of South Florida. After graduation, I decided to pursue a degree in nursing and completed my Bachelor’s in nursing at the University of Miami. While working at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital in Miami, I completed my Master’s in Nursing in 2016 with a focus in pediatric primary care. I met my husband in Miami while practicing pediatric neurology. We married in 2019 and moved to Iowa so that he could pursue a fellowship in pediatric hematology and oncology. While living in Iowa, I worked in school-based clinics and witnessed the barriers to primary and preventive health care that exist in this country and the need for community collaboration to deliver this care. My husband and I relocated to Douglas after falling in love with CCHI, the views, and the town. I have always loved working in pediatrics and especially enjoy seeing my patients grow.


ACADEMIC BACKGROUND

Professional School:

Bachelors of Interdisciplinary Natural Sciences
University of South Florida
Tampa, FL 2008

Bachelors of Science in Nursing
University of Miami
Miami, FL 2010

Masters of Science in Nursing
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, AL 2016

Board Certification:
Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Primary Care

Practice Interests:
Primary Care Pediatrics

Patients Seen:
Birth – 21 years

Language Proficiencies:
Fluent in English and Spanish

Gino Bardi Lola, MD

Pediatrician
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Pediatrician

Gino Bardi Lola, MD

JOINED CCHCI IN 2022

Why I Believe in the Mission of CCHCI

I believe that everyone deserves great medical treatment and when I got to know Chiricahua I saw that the vision aligned with my beliefs. I think the community is great and I'm excited to start practicing here.


GINO'S BACKGROUND

I was born and raised in El Salvador, and that’s where I did my medical school. I came to the US in 2014 to further my medical career. I did my training as a pediatrician in Miami and in 2019, I moved to Iowa City to continue my training in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology at the University of Iowa. After finishing my training, I just now moved to Douglas.


ACADEMIC BACKGROUND

Medical school:

Universidad Dr Jose Matias Delgado, El Salvador

Pediatric residency:

Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, Miami

Fellowship in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology:

Stead Family Children’s Hospital, Iowa City

 

Practice interests:

I have a strong interest in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology

 

Patients seen:

Birth – 21 y/o

 

Language proficiencies:

Fluent in English and French, Native speaker in Spanish

Jeffrey Holzberg, MD MSc FAAP

Community Pediatrician
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Community Pediatrician

Jeffrey Holzberg, MD MSc FAAP

JOINED CCHCI IN 2017

Why I Believe in the Mission of CCHCI

In Line with the mission of Chiricahua, I believe in putting patients first and providing a high level of care, no matter who comes to the clinic's doorstep. Chiricahua also allows the opportunity to partner with the community outside of the clinic doors.


JEFFREY'S BACKGROUND

I enjoy being a pediatrician because I work directly with kids on their immediate health concerns while simultaneously working with the community to prevent those same health concerns in future years. Before entering medical school, I spent a year in the urban Bronx of New York and then the next year in rural India. Both of these experiences trained me to look at the upstream factors of health, the aspects of life that affect patient’s health before they ever arrive in the clinic. These years showed me the power of community workers to care for their local population better than any doctor could. In residency, I evaluated the effectiveness of community workers to improve development in early childhood among local residents.


ACADEMIC BACKGROUND

Professional School

Undergraduate at Tufts University
Medford, MA 2003-2007

Medical School at Emory University
Atlanta, GA 2009-2014

Residency Training
University of Colorado
Children’s Hospital of Colorado
Aurora, CO 2014-2017

Specialty
Pediatrics

Practice Interests
home visitation, holistic care, community empowerment

Patients Seen
All patients ages 1 day to 21 years old

Jonathan Melk, MD, FAAP

Chief Executive Officer
Jonathan Melk Headshot

Chief Executive Officer

Jonathan Melk, MD, FAAP

Jonathan Melk, MD, FAAP

Chief Executive Officer, Chiricahua Community Health Centers, Inc.
Joined Chiricahua in 2006

Why I Believe in the Mission of Chiricahua

I believe that all people deserve access to excellent health care. What we do every single day at Chiricahua Community Health Centers is deeply important and meaningful in ways that go beyond words. I believe strongly that only through the diligence, trust, and collaboration of a committed team can Chiricahua be an exceptional organization. I am inspired and motivated daily by the conviction, skill, and dedication of colleagues who share this belief and live it through their work with patients and communities.


Professional Background

Jonathan Melk, MD, FAAP, is a community pediatrician and physician executive dedicated to improving health outcomes in the rural borderlands of southeastern Arizona. Raised on a small family farm, Dr. Melk developed an early commitment to making a positive difference for rural families and underserved populations.

His dedication to public service was shaped by public health work with children living in poverty in both the United States and international settings. These experiences led him to pursue a medical degree at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York City, followed by pediatric residency training at Phoenix Children’s Hospital.

To strengthen his ability to serve diverse communities, Jonathan Melk led public health and community health worker initiatives in Costa Rica while becoming fluent in Spanish. His long‑standing interest in global health, combined with a deep commitment to rural and medically underserved communities, ultimately brought him to Cochise County, Arizona.


Leadership Path at Chiricahua

In 2006, Jonathan joined Chiricahua Community Health Centers as the first pediatrician serving the border community of Douglas, Arizona. He was drawn to Chiricahua’s comprehensive, community‑based, mission‑driven approach to health care delivered to all people regardless of ability to pay through the Federally Qualified Health Center model.

Recognized for his leadership and clinical commitment, Dr. Melk became Director of Community Pediatrics in 2008 and Chief Medical Officer in 2012. In 2014, he assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer of Chiricahua Community Health Centers, where he leads the organization’s strategic direction, clinical integration, workforce development, and long‑term sustainability efforts.

Under Jonathan Melk’s leadership, Chiricahua has experienced significant growth and operational strength. Since 2014, the organization has expanded from an approximately $13 million annual budget to a $65 million budget in FY25. Chiricahua now supports approximately 80 providers and 465 employees serving a geographically vast region of Cochise County, an area comparable in size to Rhode Island and Connecticut combined.

A central leadership strategy for Jonathan Melk has been building a highly experienced, mission‑driven team committed to rural health care delivery in regions that are often under resourced and difficult to staff.


Commitment to Community Health

As CEO, Jonathan emphasizes patient‑centered care, team‑based practice, and strong community partnerships. His leadership reflects a belief that effective rural health systems depend on trust, consistency, and long‑term relationships within the communities served.

Jonathan continues to practice medicine while leading Chiricahua, grounding administrative decisions in firsthand clinical experience and patient interaction. This dual perspective helps guide organizational growth while remaining closely connected to community needs.

In addition to organizational leadership, Dr. Melk is a strong advocate for strengthening rural health systems through collaboration, workforce stability, and long‑range planning. He believes sustainable community health care depends on listening closely to patients, supporting frontline staff, and maintaining strong partnerships with local, state, and federal stakeholders.

Academic Background

Jonathan Melk, MD, FAAP, received his Doctor of Medicine degree from Weill Cornell Medical College in New York City and completed pediatric residency training at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. He is board certified in pediatrics and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

About Chiricahua 

Karina Bechtold, DNP, FNP-BC

Director of Advanced Practice - Adult and Family Medicine, Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner
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Director of Advanced Practice - Adult and Family Medicine, Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner

Karina Bechtold, DNP, FNP-BC

JOINED CHIRICAHUA IN 2021

I grew up in Douglas with amazing parents and two overprotective older brothers. I always did well in school and stayed busy by participating in sports. I especially loved playing soccer although I wasn’t a very skilled player. Later, I decided to go to college in Tucson, not only did this make sense financially but also was close enough for me to visit my family often. I later started my own family, marrying my husband Josh in 2008 and later having children, Jay and Lucia. We like to travel as a family and we visit many places including my husband’s home state of Pennsylvania. Although it is fun to visit other places, and living in Tucson for nearly 17 years was fun, I have always been called back home.

In 2021 I moved my family to Douglas, my home town, so that I can spend more time with my parents and to provide medical care to the community that gave me such a great childhood. My husband needed much convincing, but after being here a few months he completely understands and appreciates the small-town appeal. It’s a place where we easily connect with our neighbors, where recommendations are made word-of-mouth not through a google search, and where my children get to spend most of their day with their grandparents who love them so much and treat them so well. My entire family is happy to be in Douglas. Thank you to my home-town community for welcoming me back and for allowing me to help with your medical needs. I take the job and the responsibility very seriously and it’s one I hope to have for many years to come.


After completing general course work at Cochise College I then moved on to study at the University of Arizona. I have a bachelor’s degree in Molecular and Cellular Biology and in Nursing. While working as a bedside cardiac nurse at a large Tucson hospital I completed my Master’s in Nursing practice with a focus in Family Nurse Practitioner in 2015, and then earned my degree of Doctor of Nursing Practice in the spring of 2016. That makes me a doctor-nurse 🙂

Practice Interests:

I love caring for patients of all ages. I especially like interacting with teens.

Kathleen Vedock, DO, IBCLC

Community Pediatrician
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Community Pediatrician

Kathleen Vedock, DO, IBCLC

JOINED CCHCI IN 2017

Why I Believe in the Mission of CCHCI

My goal is to get to know children and their care-takers, partnering with the entire family, working together to provide individualized, comprehensive care. Chiricahua allows me to practice this kind of medicine.


KATHLEEN'S BACKGROUND

My fond recollection of the physician who cared for me from birth to 21yrs inspired me throughout my life to become a pediatrician. Beyond my seventeen years of clinical experience caring for children, motherhood has complimented and enriched my practice as a pediatrician beyond my expectations. The experiences I share with my husband as we raise our young sons and daughter, are both exciting and enlightening, and my passion for a child’s well-being continues to grow. My own breastfeeding challenges lead to my interest in breastfeeding medicine. As a International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), I hope to help guide mothers in their own breastfeeding journey.

Outside of medicine I share with my family a love of the great outdoors and strive to live a healthful, meaningful life. As an Army spouse, we’ve enjoyed experiences serving the nation while exploring the country. Our interests in the Southwest brought us back to southern Arizona.


Professional School

Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Philadelphia,PA (1994-1998)

Residency Training 

(pediatric residency) Geisinger Medical Center, Danville,PA (1999-2003): (internship) Geisinger Medical Center 1998-1999, Danville,Pa

Practice Interest

Breastfeeding Medicine

Patients Seen

Birth to Young Adult
Breastfeeding dyads

Milla Rosen, MD FAAP

Community Pediatrician
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Community Pediatrician

Milla Rosen, MD FAAP

JOINED CCHCI IN 2013

Why I Believe in the Mission of CCHCI

I believe in the mission of CCHCI because with the help of a highly professional and well trained staff, we recognize the need to deliver the same standard of high quality medical care--equal to that found in metropolitan areas--to the surrounding rural communities.


MILLA'S BACKGROUND

I grew up in a military family in former Eastern Germany and several Republics of former Soviet Union. I was inspired to become a doctor by my mother who worked as a nurse in a children’s hospital. I  regard a medical profession as the most rewarding, challenging and exciting career possible.  I consider a great honor to take care children and their families.

I worked as a physician in Belarus from 1981-1992.  I have also worked in Phoenix, Arizona, in a private pediatric practice for approximately eight years.  I’ve also spent time at Yale University studying Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics.


ACADEMIC BACKGROUND

Professional School

Grodno State Medical University
Grodno, Belarus

Residency Training
Elmhurst Hospital
Queens, New York

Board Certification / Specialty
Pediatrics, Board Certified

Practice Interests
General Pediatrics
Behavioral Pediatrics

Patients Seen
0 – 21 years old

 

Nori Ruo, MD FAAP

Community Pediatrician
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Community Pediatrician

Nori Ruo, MD FAAP

JOINED CCHCI IN 2015

Why I Believe in the Mission of CCHCI

The mission statement is simple and clear: CARING FOR PATIENTS and BUILDING HEALTHY COMMUNITIES. It’s truly reflected in each person associated with the Chiricahua family. I am eager to join in, learn from, and help reach this great vision…
HEALTH FOR ALL.


NORI'S BACKGROUND

I came to Chiricahua having spent most of my career in central and western Pennsylvania, caring for the young patients and their parents, and enjoying the immense rewards, trust and the special relationships with each family as a general pediatrician in these small towns. But my great passion is to continue supporting medical missions with a ministry nearby serving the Tarahumara and Pima peoples in north central Mexico. In just a short time here in Cochise County, I have been so impressed with all the levels of this organization, the mission and motivation to help the various groups and the families here, and the vision and creativity to reach each individual to meet his or her health need


Professional School
Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, Illinois

Residency Training 
University of Minnesota Pediatric Residency Program, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Board Certification / Specialty
Pediatrics, Board Certified

Patients Seen
Newborn to 21 years old

Rebecca “Becky” Satter, DNP, FNP-C

Family Nurse Practitioner
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Family Nurse Practitioner

Rebecca “Becky” Satter, DNP, FNP-C

JOINED CCHCI IN 2022

Why I Believe in the Mission of CCHCI

I believe that Cochise County is a better, healthier place because of CCHCI. Having access to healthcare services is a right that the entire community has. I am proud to be associated with an organization that so closely aligns with my values.


MY BACKGROUND:

I went into nursing knowing I would have an opportunity to help people in a meaningful way.  I didn’t know then that I would not only enjoy this profession this much, but that with continued education I would have so many opportunities to make a difference in so many people’s lives. I am passionate about working with my patients as a team to provide the best possible care that they deserve.


ACADEMIC BACKGROUND:

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Practice Interests

Preventative Care. I especially enjoy working with young adults to set them up with the tools they need for a lifetime of good health.

Patients Seen

Ages 0 – adult.

Steven Dahlke, MD FAAP

Community Pediatrician
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Community Pediatrician

Steven Dahlke, MD FAAP

JOINED CCHCI IN 2015

Why I Believe in the Mission of CCHCI

I believe in the CCHCI mission because I have been impressed by the excellent care that everyone receives. Everyone is treated fairly and with compassion. These are things that I always strive to do.


Steven's BACKGROUND

Since 1995 I have practiced pediatric medicine in Hawaii, Boise and Meridian Idaho, and now in Sierra Vista Arizona. I have enjoyed living in all these places. I have experience in most areas of general pediatric medicine. I enjoy being in an outpatient pediatric practice and the variety of challenges that it brings. I am especially passionate about immunizations and think that they are one of the most important things we can do to fight disease. I also enjoy helping new parents take care of and raise healthy babies and children. I look forward to helping take care of the pediatric population in Cochise County for many years to come.

ACADEMIC BACKGROUND

Professional School

Loma Linda University School of Medicine

Loma Linda, California

Residency Training 
University of Hawaii Pediatric Residency Program
Honolulu, Hawaii

Board Certification / Specialty
Pediatrics, Board Certified

Practice Interests 
Adolescent Health

Patients Seen
0 – 21 years old

Tammy Posey, PNP-C

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
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Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

Tammy Posey, PNP-C

JOINED CCHCI IN 2012

Why I Believe in the Mission of CCHCI

I believe in being of service to the families of my community.  I am proud to be a part of this team that continuously re-examines itself to ensure that we are providing the best care and for ways to become even better.


Tammy's BACKGROUND

I am the mother of seven children and was a stay-at-home mom until my 6th child started kindergarten.  I decided then to go back to school to become a nurse. When I finished school in 2001, I started working as a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit nurse.  I later decided to return to school to be a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner.  My desire was to provide health care to children who did not have ready access to health care.  My first job as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner was in the mountains of northern Georgia where we provided health care to impoverished children in the area.  Most of the children were from Guatemalan-Indian descent.  Care included a community clinic, mobile unit, and health fairs.  I have been serving CCHCI’s communities since June of 2012 and I love the people I serve and work with.

ACADEMIC BACKGROUND

Professional School

University of Missouri Sinclair School of Nursing Advanced Practice Program
Columbia, Missouri

Board Certification / Specialty
Pediatrics, Board Certified

Practice Interests
Asthma
Newborns
Young Children

Patients Seen
0 – 21 years old

 

Tonya Johnson, DNP, FNP-C

Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner
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Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner

Tonya Johnson, DNP, FNP-C

JOINED CCHCI IN 2016

Why I Believe in the Mission of CCHCI

I believe in the CCHCI mission of healing the whole person, where you're not just a number but a person. We help those in need and treat you as we would want to be treated.


MY BACKGROUND

I have a background in family care, urgent care, hospital, clinic and nursing home care. My passions are helping those in need and healing, not only the body, but the whole person.


ACADEMIC BACKGROUND

Professional School

West Texas A&M University

Board Certification

Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner

Victoria Ochoa, FNP-C, MSN

Family Nurse Practitioner
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Family Nurse Practitioner

Victoria Ochoa, FNP-C, MSN

JOINED CCHCI IN 2022

Why I Believe in the Mission of CCHCI

I believe in helping people of this community and providing care for all, regardless of whether they can pay. I enjoy the teamwork that comes with CCHCI to meet the mission of providing health for all.


MY BACKGROUND

I was born and raised in Douglas AZ and attended A Avenue Elementary School, Paul Huber Middle School, Douglas High School and Cochise College, where I became a Registered Nurse. I worked at Canyon Vista Medical Center for 4 years, commuting back and forth to Douglas. As I was about to start my family of 2 boys, Cain and Xavier, with my husband Fabian, I decided I no longer wanted to commute and I wanted to do more for my community; the community where I would raise my family. I took a part time job at DCI, a dialysis clinic in Douglas and began to attend the University of Phoenix where I received my Masters of Science in Nursing – FNP.

I enjoy spending time with my family, we are always doing something; barbecuing, going to the park, hiking or at a baseball game.

My medical passion is to provide health care to the community that raised me.


ACADEMIC BACKGROUND

University of Phoenix

Family Nurse Practitioner – FNP-C