The Missouri Association of Rural Health Clinics (MARHC) board is composed of dedicated individuals that have a strong commitment and understanding of rural health care in Missouri's communities. The following individuals have been chosen by their peers to serve on the MARHC Board of Directors for the 2009-2010 year.

Kay Forest, President
St. Johns Clinic
Kay Forest has worked in Rural Health Care for more than 30 years. Initially, Kay worked with Cedar County Memorial Hospital, El Dorado Springs, MO, and while there applied for and received a federal grant to fund a Rural Health Initiative Project that created a group clinic practice, recruiting physicians and dentists to five rural communities. Later, this medical group transitioned to a private practice in which Kay managed and co-owned. In 1990, this private practice became affiliated with St. John's Health System, Springfield, MO. Kay has continued to manage the practice in El Dorado Springs and has worked as a Regional Clinic Director of St. John's providing leadership and management for other St. John's rural clinics. Currently, Kay serves as St. John's Clinic's Rural Health Clinic Specialist, work with 29 rural health clinics affiliated with St. John's. Kay previously served as MARHC's secretary.

Ellen Schaumberg, President Elect
HADH RHC Central Billing Office
Ellen Schaumberg is with the Hermann Area District Hospital Clinic Central Billing Office. The hospital includes four provider based clinics: Associated Medical Arts in Montgomery City; Hermann Medical Arts in Hermann; Medical Clinic of Owensville in Owensville; and Southwest Medical Associates in Hermann. Ellen previously served as Treasurer of the Board.

Sheila Feekes, Treasurer
Plattsburg Medical Clinic
Sheila Feekes has served as Manager of the Plattsburg Medical Clinic since 1997. They became an Independent Rural Health Clinic in 2002. They have three physicians and one nurse practitioner. Sheila enjoys helping people and is always there to answer the patient’s insurance questions. When Sheila is not at the clinic, she enjoys spending time with her family.

Tom Warner, Secretary
Kneibert Clinic, LLC
For the past 13 years, Tom Warner has been the Assistant Administrator of the Kneibert Clinic, a 20 physician multi--specialty group in Poplar Bluff. Tom was responsible for establishing 3 independent RHCs associated with Kneibert Clinic. These clinics, which provide a full range of services including mental health, have been members of MARHC since they were established in 2002. Tom has served on the MARHC Board for the past 2 years and has played a very active role on the Legislative Committee. Tom also serves as the President of the Butler County Board of Health.

Meredith Cooper
Golden Valley Medical - Clinton
Meredith Cooper serves as the Director of Operations for Golden Valley Medical in Clinton, which includes three provider-based clinics. As Director of Operations, Meredith is the key person in rural health manual updates, surveys, etc. as well as all joint commissions. She also manages the daily functions of the clinic and staff. Meredith feels like serving on the board is beneficial in keeping up to date on all rural health issues and will also give her an opportunity to share strengths and weaknesses in making a stronger rural health foundation.

Marti Cowherd
Family Practice of Ray County
In August of 2004, Marti opened Family Practice of Ray County in Richmond, MO. At that time, she was one of only 9 nurse practitioners in the state to own her own clinic. Marti is a certified Family and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. Prior to owning and operating a Rural Health Clinic, Marti was employed by a FQHC as a nurse practitioner and had been a registered nurse for over 15 years. In 2007, Marti was awarded an alumni achievement award from the University of Missouri Sinclair School of Nursing. She has been a board member of MARHC for two years and is also a member of NAPNAP, Sigma Theta Tau, and ANCP.

Doug Easler
Missouri Baptist Sullivan Hospital Physician Clinics
Doug Easler is the regional manager for Missouri Baptist Sullivan Hospital Physician Clinics. Four RHCs are included within the hospitals system: Sullivan Medical Office; Bourbon Medical Office; Steelville Medical Office; and Cuba Medical Office. Doug manages four physician direct reports; 4 nurse practitioner direct reports; 2 office manager director reports; and oversees the management of 30 rural health clinic staff members. In addition, Doug is responsible for over $2 million rural health clinic budget; strategic planning and physician and nurse practitioner recruiting.

Janie Elliott
Cass Regional Medical Center
Janie Elliott began working for a Family Physician in 1983, serving in a rural community where many walked to the doctor. In 1995, Cass Medical Center purchased the practice and the Pleasant Hill Medical Clinic became a Rural Health Clinic. In 1999, Janie began managing Cass Medical Center's four provider based Rural Health Clinics. While looking for information about the policies and procedures of Rural Health Clinics, she discovered the Missouri Association of Rural Health Clinics in 2001. She became a Board member in 2003 and has served as President, Secretary, and Conference Chair. Today she serves as the Manager of the Central Billing Office for Cass Medical Center, billing for 23 providers, four of which are provider based Rural Health Clinics.

John Howell
Pomme de Terre Family Wellness Clinic
John Howell, PsyD, is the Director of Pomme de Terre Family Wellness Clinic in Bolivar. John's work life is invested in RHC operations, both in his own clinic and in his role as Chairman for Psychiatry and Behavioral Health for Citizens Memorial Hospital and its seven provider based RHCs where his staff provides services. As director, John has overall responsibility for the clinical and business operations of the clinic.

Carol Lee
Pike Medical Clinic
Carol Lee has been with Pike Medical Clinic, Inc. for 25 years and has served as Office Manager for the past twenty years. Pike Medical Clinic has two independent RHCs located in Bowling Green and Louisiana, MO.

Deb Skwarlo
Family Practice Associates of W. Central, MO PC
Deb Skwarlo was one of the four original MARHC members who assembled, looking for information. She has served as President and is currently serving as Co-Chairman of the Conference Committee. She works in Warrensburg, MO as Practice Administrator for Family Practice Associates. Her work involves two Independent Rural Health Clinics.

Donna Thurston
Quality Health Care, Inc.
Donna manages two independent clinics. She has been in health care for the past 30 years. She has served on the MARHC since 2001 as a board member. She has served conference committe, membership chairman for the past two years and currently on the legislative committee. Donna enjoys networking and meeting people in the health care profession.