Amber Richardson, PhD

Poplar Bluff

Dr. Amber Richardson, PhD is a clinical psychologist working in the Poplar Bluff office. Dr. Richardson possesses a PhD in clinical psychology in addition to a Masters degree in Counseling and Personnel Services. She has been working in private practice and rural health for several years and is joining Missouri Highland’s as part of the organization’s growing behavioral health program. Dr. Richardson has worked in several clinical settings including inpatient mental health, partial hospitalization programs, natural outpatient settings, and outpatient clinics. As a native Poplar Bluffian, Dr. Richardson is excited continue providing services to rural populations in Missouri Highland’s uniquely integrated medical setting.

Dr. Richardson is devoted to providing quality, evidence based care to individuals with a variety of needs, including psychotherapy, counseling, and psychological assessment. Dr. Richardson is currently accepting patients of all ages Monday through Thursday in the Poplar Bluff clinic.

Amy Manning, DNP, APRN, FNP-C

Van Buren

Amy Manning, DNP, APRN, FNP-C is a 2016 graduate of Frontier Nursing University. In December 2017, Amy furthered her education and completed her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree through Frontier Nursing University making her one of the few nurse practitioners in Southeast Missouri to hold this degree. Amy has been a registered nurse for 15 years with hospital and home health nursing experience. As a nurse practitioner, she has worked in women’s health and family practice. She lives on a cattle farm near Ellington with her husband and three children. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time on her farm, spending time outdoors and boating on the river, and attending church with her family. Amy is accepting patients (children and adults) at the Van Buren Clinic

Anna Patterson, CRADC

Poplar Bluff

Anna Patterson is a Certified Substance Use Counselor 20 years’ experience working with Dept of Corrections, Drug Court Programs, Medication Assistant Programs, and Dept of Mental Health. Anna is no stranger to Substance Use Counseling, having spent years as a Counselor, Manager and Director.  Anna specializes in Medication Assistant Programs and currently holds a (MAT)certification with the Missouri Credentialing Board. Anna holds 5 Missouri State Certifications and 1 International Certification in Substance Use and Trauma Counseling.

Anna enjoys most spending time with her granddaughter. Her favorite things to do are swimming, 5k races, baking and riding bicycles. Anna is an active volunteer at local Substance Use support groups as a group facilitator.

Ashley Starnes, FNP

Annapolis Family Clinic

Ashley Starnes is a Certified Family Nurse Practitioner at the Annapolis Family Clinic. Ashley has had clinical nursing experience in Family Medicine since 2005. She is a 2016 graduate from the University of Missouri- St. Louis with a Master’s of Science in Nursing. Ashley has also received training and now certified in Medication Assistant Treatment (MAT). In Ashley’s spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband Ben Starnes and their three sons, Noah, Rylan and Hudson. Ashley is available to see patients 6 months and older.

Bijan Bastaninejad, MD, FAAP

Poplar Bluff

Dr. Bastaninejad is a board certified pediatrician who has worked in the rural health clinics and as a pediatric hospitalist at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center since 2010. He will be joining our pediatric team as a pediatrician in the office Poplar Bluff Medical Office and will continue to see patients at PBRMC as a pediatric hospitalist.

Dr. Bastaninejad received his bachelor’s degree in Biology from University of California, Irvine. He obtained his medical degree from St. George’s University before completing his pediatric residency at Winthrop University Hospital in New York where he also served as chief resident.

Bradford Davis, FNP

Naylor

Brad Davis is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner. He has been in healthcare for over 25 years, starting in Emergency Medical Services right out of High School. Brad has over 15 years of Emergency Nursing experience and Family Medicine for the past 6 years. He is certified in Hormone Optimization and Thyroid management through Biote out of Irving, Texas. Brad has a degree in Education as well as Social Sciences. He studied nursing at TRCC and went on to obtain his Bachelor’s degree at SEMO. Brad obtained his Master’s in Family Nurse Practitioner from Frontier Nursing University in Hyden, Kentucky. “My beautiful wife, Jamie Davis, is also a very well qualified nurse with Missouri Highlands Healthcare with many years of experience.  We have a total of 5 children that keep us busy.  We love to spend time with family and are active with all the children’s activities. We live in the City of Dexter and own/operate a primary care clinic three days a week serving the healthcare needs of our community. We attend Dexter First Assembly of God Church.  I was born and raised in the city of Naylor, Mo. I lived there for 39 years and have many roots in the area.  My parents live in the area and have operated the local ambulance service since 1975.  I look forward to returning to my hometown community two days a week to serve the great people of the area and to help with their healthcare needs.”

Corinne Durner, FNP

Poplar Bluff

Corinne Durner has called southeast Missouri home since 2012. She received her bachelor’s in nursing from Liberty University in Virginia. As a nurse, she spent 12 years working in adult medical and trauma critical care as well as neonatal critical care. She received her master’s in nursing from Clarkson College in Nebraska and now enjoys serving in primary care and addiction medicine at MHHC Clinic. Corinne loves Jesus Christ and loves people. She believes health is best accomplished in relationship with others. Outside of the clinic, she is grateful to enjoy life with her husband and three boys and often goes hiking, hunting, and bike riding with friends and family.

Cynthia L. Brown, LCSW,MD,MPH

Poplar Bluff

Cynthia Brown is excited to start her career as an LCSW at Missouri Highlands Health Care.  She has an MSW from University of Missouri-Columbia and an MPH from Columbia University School of Public Health.  Social Work is Cynthia’s second career.  She has an MD from Mount Sinai School of Medicine.  She is an Obstetrician-Gynecologist and Preventive Medicine physician.  She is also Board Certified in Preventive Medicine and Public Health.  She is providing Behavioral Health Consultation and therapy.

Cynthia is active in her community.  She has served on the Poplar Bluff R-1 School District Board of Education since 2004.  She is also an Autism Advocate.

Farrah McSpadden, MD, FACOG

OB/GYN – Poplar Bluff

Farrah McSpadden, MD is a Board Certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist. She graduated from the University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences in 2005 and completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Grand Rapids Medical Education Consortium in Grand Rapids, Michigan in 2009. She is a veteran with 11 years of service in the Army Reserves as a Major. Dr. McSpadden has practiced in the Poplar Bluff, Missouri and surrounding areas for thirteen years. She has served as the Chief of Staff for three years and Chairman of the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Pediatrics for eight years at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. She joined Missouri Highlands Healthcare in July of 2019 where she has continued to practice. She resides in Van Buren, Missouri with her husband and children. Dr. McSpadden enjoys traveling, hiking, kayaking and spending time on Current River with her family and friends.

Ian Pelletier, D.O.

Ellington & Pilot Knob

Ian Pelletier D.O., an Internal Medicine Physician is joining Missouri Highlands Health Care’s Ellington and Pilot Knob locations. Dr. Pelletier was born and raised in rural costal Maine where he was active in sports, chess and Boy Scouts achieving Eagle Scout status. He graduated from the University of New England, Summa Cum Lauda, with degrees in Medical Biology and Biochemistry then furthered his education with the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine program. While in medical school, his future wife, Jessica Pelletier D.O., sat down next to him on the first day. Dr. Pelletier completed his residency at Virginia Tech Carilion in Roanoke, Virginia. He loves the outdoors including hiking, caving and rock climbing. He looks forward to practicing at Missouri Highlands Health Care with a focus on taking care of the adult patient population.

Jo Crabtree, FNP-BC

Urgent Care- Doniphan

Navy Veteran, Jo Crabtree, has had ER nursing experience since 1999. She is also a 2011 graduate from the Frontier Nursing University. Jo is currently attending Walden University and will graduate this summer with Doctor of Nursing Practice. She loves spending time with her husband, David; Maxx her Australian Shepherd. Jo has 3 children and 8 grandchildren. In her spare time Jo enjoys gardening, cooking, all outdoor activities, travel and motorcycle riding.

Jody Spain, APRN, FNP-BC

OB/GYN- Poplar Bluff

Jody Spain is an alumna of the local Three Rivers College nursing program and completed her Master’s Degree at the University of Missouri. She has been practicing as a Family Nurse Practitioner, alongside Dr McSpadden, since 2010. She is board certified through the ANCC and has a special interest in obstetrical care, gestational diabetes management, adolescent gynecology, and vulvovaginal disorders. She and her two children, Nick and Marley, reside in Poplar Bluff.

Joseph Toney, DO

Piedmont

Dr. Joseph Toney “Dr. Joe” was born and raised in Piedmont Missouri. After graduating from SEMO in 2004, then Kirksville College of Osteopathist Medicine in 2008 and later SIU Family Medicine residency in 2011, Dr. Joe returned to his hometown of Piedmont, MO. He has a passion to help his community by practicing family and addiction medicine at the Missouri Highlands Health Medical Clinic in Piedmont. When he’s not caring for those in his community, Dr. Joe enjoys hiking, cycling and spending time with his family. Ask about the MAT program.

Kathreen Friend, CPNP-PC

Doniphan

Kathreen (Katie) Friend was born in Poplar Bluff Missouri and grew up in Doniphan. She graduated from Poplar Bluff Technical Career Center in 1997 with her LPN degree. While furthering her education she worked for 10 years at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center in Pediatrics and Neonatal Care, while employed there, she graduated in 2001 from Three Rivers College with an Associate Degree in Nursing and in 2005 from Southeast Missouri State with a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing. In 2005 she became the Director of Children’s Services at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center and also began working at St Louis Children’s Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. In 2007 she graduated from St Louis University with a Master Degree in Pediatric Nursing with a Neonatal Specialty. She began work back in her hometown of Doniphan as a Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner at the Ripley County Family Clinic and has been employed in the same building ever since. She is a Member of the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners, the Doniphan R1 School Board, Doniphan Sports Booster club, and the Spiritual Life and Discipleship Board at the Doniphan First Church of God.  She resides in Doniphan with her husband Roy and three daughters, Jakelyn, Jenna, and Jaysa. She loves kayaking on Current River, vacationing to new places, exploring nature, watching her daughters play sports and attending church.

Kelsey D’Amico, FNP

Piedmont

Kelsey D’Amico is a Southeast Missouri State University graduate Certified Family Nurse Practitioner. Prior to becoming a Nurse Practitioner, Kelsey was a Licensed/Registered Nurse for the past 10 years, most recently working at the office of Dr. John Patty, OB/GYN, of Poplar Bluff, MO and the Wayne County Health Department of Greenville, MO. She and her husband Andrew currently reside in Piedmont, MO, with their two children, Quinn and Grady. Kelsey enjoys spending time with her family and friends, singing, reading, and traveling.
In addition to treating chronic and acute conditions, and doing annual gynecological exams, she is also certified to place Nexplanon and IUD contraceptives.

Kimberlee Barnes, PSY.D.

Van Buren

Dr. Kimberlee Barnes is a licensed Clinical Psychologist in the states of Missouri and Georgia.  She received her Bachelors of Arts from the University of Massachusetts in Psychology, her Masters of Education from Lesley University in Counseling Psychology and her Doctorate from Georgia School of Professional Psychology/Argosy University in Child and Family Therapy.  She has worked in the profession for over 30 years. Prior to moving to Missouri, Dr. Barnes worked in a private practice in Georgia.  Dr. Barnes also worked for the University of Georgia providing mental health treatment to students in need. In addition, she has worked as a Crisis Worker in Mental Health facilities and hospitals.  She worked as a Crisis Reunification therapist for teens placed in shelters.  She has experience with treating trauma, adjustment disorders, grief, anxiety, depression, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and various forms of abuse. Her experience includes working with children, teens, adults, families and couples. Dr. Barnes utilizes a variety of therapeutic techniques depending on the individual and the presenting issues.

Loretta Baker- Montgomery,MSW, LCSW

Ellington & Eminence 

Lori Baker-Montgomery has been employed with Missouri Highlands Health Care since 2019. She has served as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker offering mental health therapy and behavioral health consulting at the Shannon County Family Clinic and Ellington Family Clinic. Lori is now serving in the additional role of Behavioral Health Director. She continues to provide in-person and telehealth clinical services for clients two days per week.

Lori has over 22 years of experience working in a variety of settings; including community mental health, schools and hospice. She specializes in treating children and adults with trauma, depression, anxiety, grief and behavior issues. She provides a safe, non-judgmental therapeutic experience for clients to process current and past life stressors and learn to manage difficult emotions.

Lori is certified in the evidenced-based trauma treatment of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and trained in numerous other treatment types including: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Ego State Therapy, Play Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Person Centered Therapy. She works with her clients in achieving their goals in order to improve their mental health, physical health, overall well being and happiness. Lori earned her Masters of Social Work with a Family Health Concentration from Missouri State University in Springfield, MO in 2000. She is originally from Summersville and currently resides in Eminence. Lori’s interests include spending time with her family, reading, traveling and exploring the Ozarks. She feels fortunate to be able to return to her native area and contribute to the mental health of others.

Marsha Shivley, FNP-BC

Poplar Bluff

Marsha Shivley is an Advanced Practice Nurse that obtained her degree as Clinical Nurse Specialist from Arkansas State University in 1994. She received her Family Nurse Practitioner Degree from the University of Missouri- St Louis, becoming board certified in 1995. In most recent years, Marsha specialized as a Mental Health Nurse Practitioner through Missouri University in 2008. Marsha Shivley is a retired ARMY Lieutenant Colonel and a Veteran. Marsha is dedicated to rural healthcare and desires to make a difference in the lives of her patients. She is a member of the First Methodist Church of Poplar Bluff and in her spare time she enjoys being with her family.

Mary Jarrells, FNP-BC

Ellington

Need a DOT Physical? Schedule with Mary Jarrells, FNP-BC

Michelle Heath, FNP-BC

Pilot Knob

Michelle Health, FNP has been a Registered Nurse since 2005. She has worked critical care and outpatient oncology. She has been ANCC certified Family Nurse Practitioner since February of 2017. Michelle is relocating from the Poplar Bluff area to be closer to family in St. Francis County, where she grew up. Michelle enjoys spending time with family, gardening and reading.

Miranda Dunlap, FNP-BC

Float FNP

Ramiro Icaza, MD

Poplar Bluff

Dr. Ramiro Icaza did his residency at Deaconess Hospital in Saint Louis as an internship, followed by a residency at Erlanger Medical Center in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He was Assistant Professor at A.T. Still University from 2009-2010, received America’s Top Doctor Award in 2007-2008, and was appointed the Jackson Chamber of Commerce Unsung Hero Award in 2004. Dr. Icaza has more than thirty years experience and continues identifying and treating skin conditions. He is also certified in IG-SRT (Image Guided Superficial Radiation Therapy) for the treatment of skin cancer. He is happily married to his wife, Dianne, with four children: Jennifer, Patrick, Chrissie, and Leigh Anne.

Richard Hester, M.D.

Poplar Bluff

Richard Hester, MD is a graduate of Ross University in the Caribbean and completed his residency in Lincoln, Nebraska. Dr. Hester has been practicing family medicine for 6 years. While he enjoys treating patients of all ages, Dr. Hester especially enjoys working with children. Dr. Hester relocated from the Kansas City area and his family will soon follow. Dr. Hester’s passion for serving those in rural communities fits well with Missouri Highlands’ vision and mission.

Dr. Hester is now scheduling patients (newborns to adults)

Robin C. Harwell, MS, RD, LD, CDCES

Licensed Dietician and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialists
CONTACT YOUR LOCAL CLINIC TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT

Robin joined Missouri Highlands Health Care in December of 2011.  As a registered dietitian, she provides nutrition education at all of the Missouri Highlands clinics on a bi-weekly to monthly basis.

Robin is a graduate of the University of Missouri (Mizzou).  She received a master of science in gerontology from Kansas State (K-State) in May 2011.  She is a certified diabetes educator with over 20 years of experience teaching diabetes management skills.

Call your local Missouri Highlands clinic to schedule an appointment with Robin.

Sonya DiCiro, APRN, FNP-BC, CDE

OB/GYN- Poplar Bluff

Sonya DiCiro completed her Master’s degree in Nursing at the University of Missouri-St. Louis in 1997. She has been a nurse for 39 years and graduated from Three Rivers College in 1983. Since that time she has practiced in primary care, labor and delivery, diabetes management and internal medicine. She is board certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner and has an AADE certification as a CDE, Certified Diabetes Educator. Sonya is also a Clinical Faculty professor with Walden University in the MSN/NP program. Gestational diabetes and menopause management are particular areas of interest for this nurse practitioner.
Sonya is married to Kurt DiCiro and is a mother and grandmother. She resides in her hometown of Poplar Bluff, MO. Her hobbies are gardening, decorating, traveling and photography.

Stacy Bentsen, MA, PLPC

Medical- Doniphan

Stacy is a native of Doniphan Missouri and has recently moved back to her hometown.  Stacy graduated from Southeast Missouri State University with her bachelor’s degree in Psychology and her Masters in Mental Health Counseling and she specializes in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.  Stacy has a 15-year background in chiropractic and holistic healthcare.  She loves to study the mind and body connection through her practice and teaching of yoga, meditation, and visualization techniques to help with emotional and mental stress.  Stacy’s hobbies include all things nature!  She loves traveling, hiking and side by side riding trails, as well as boating and kayaking the Current River with friends and family.

Susan Byerley, FNP

Viburnum

Susan Byerley is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner. She is a graduate of Purdue University and the University of Notre Dame in Indiana. She has been a nurse practitioner for over 30 years. She enjoys living in rural Missouri with her husband and two cats. She has many hobbies including gardening, hiking, camping, canoeing, crafts and restoring vintage sewing machines.

Susan M. Norris, FNP-C

Eminence

Susan Norris, Certified Nurse Practitioner at the Shannon County Family Clinic. Susan has had clinical nursing experience since 1997. She is a 2010 graduate of St. Louis University with a Master’s of Science in Nursing in Family Practice. In addition to Family Practice, Susan has pursued additional training and is certified in Medication Assistant Treatment for opioid addiction and has specialized in treating Hepatitis C. She is also certified in Battlefield Acupuncture as alternative treatment for pain. Susan has been a resident of Shannon County for over 30 years. She considers it a blessing to have the opportunity to serve the community and work close to home. Susan is dedicated to rural life, understands the challenges of rural healthcare, and desires to make a difference in the quality of life of her patients. In her spare time, Susan enjoys riding horses, spending time outdoors, and spending time with her husband, Daryl, their children, and grandsons. In addition, Sue is an ordained minister looking forward to a tent ministry in the future; certainly enjoy preaching and teaching the Word of God.

Terra Graves, LCSW

Annapolis

Terra is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). She obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Southeast Missouri State University, and went on to graduate from the University of Missouri, Columbia with her Master’s Degree in Social Work. Terra has 14 years of experience working in a variety of settings, including hospice care and minimum-security and maximum-security mental health facilities. She has worked with both individuals and groups, provided care in client homes, taught psycho-educational classes in inpatient hospitals, and provided long term and intensive group therapy, offering crisis intervention as necessary in each role she has served. She specializes in end of life issues, grief, addressing past trauma, mental illness, and working with criminal and sexual offenders. She works with both children and adults, as well as individuals and families, utilizing a broad approach to best meet the needs of each client. Terra has continued to further her education and knowledge in order to best assist those she works with. She has obtained advanced training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and risk assessment and treatment of sexual offenders. Terra resides in Annapolis with her husband and three sons. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and exploring nature.

Tonya Lucas, MSN, CPNP-PC

Pediatric- Poplar Bluff

Tonya Lucas was born and raised in Poplar Bluff, MO and returned home along with her husband and son after she completed her Associates Degree in Nursing at St. Louis Community College-Florissant Valley. She worked at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center initially in pediatrics and for 9 years in the newborn nursery. While working in the newborn nursery, she continued to further her education, desiring to play a supportive role in each child’s journey. She is now a Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner who received her MSN from Maryville University-St. Louis.  She became certified through the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board in Primary Care in 2021 and is a member of the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners. She enjoys reading mysteries, beach vacations, and spending time with her family and friends. She joined Missouri Highlands because she believes in their mission to meet the primary and preventive health care needs of the community, specifically catering to the pediatric population.