Apr 16, 2025
Rachel Palmer, FNP
Coopers Mills — This May, staff of the Sheepscot Valley Health Center are happy to welcome Rachel Palmer, FNP, to their professional healthcare team.
Rachel earned her Master of Nursing degree from Herzing University in Milwaukee, WI. Previously, she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from the University of Maine at Fort Kent, and her Associate’s Degree in Nursing from the Maine College of Health Professions. Rachel’s wealth of medical experience includes a variety of care types and settings — including in-patient physical rehabilitation, community program planning, and primary care nursing. We are certain that with her wide range of experience and knowledge, she will be a wonderful addition to the Sheepscot team.
Rachel shares, “I am deeply committed to providing comprehensive, patient-centered care that focuses on building lasting, trusting relationships with individuals and families across their healthcare journey. My approach emphasizes preventive care and health promotion, believing that empowering patients with knowledge and support leads to better health outcomes and improved quality of life. I am thrilled to join the HealthReach team, where I can continue my passion for delivering accessible, compassionate care while making a meaningful difference in our community’s health and wellbeing.”
Rachel joins the existing Sheepscot clinical team — Doctors, Daniel Keane and Ann Schwink; Physician Assistants, Brooke Perez, Craig Urwin, and Zachary Wissman; Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Melanie Morin; and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Kristina Mont.
Founded in 1980, Sheepscot Valley Health Center is a part of HealthReach Community Health Centers — headquartered in Waterville, Maine. HealthReach is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit operating twelve family medical practices with the mission of serving the otherwise medically underserved. In 2025, HealthReach proudly marks 50 years of delivering high-quality healthcare to the rural communities of Central and Western Maine since its founding in 1975! HealthReach services include general primary and preventative healthcare, including behavioral, substance use disorder, dental, and podiatric care services. To ensure access for everyone, HealthReach accepts Medicare, MaineCare, and major insurance providers, and there are no eligibility requirements to access care through HealthReach; all are welcome. An Affordable Care Program is available to both uninsured and underinsured people. Assistance is available for applications to programs that help with your healthcare and medication costs, including enrollment support for Maine’s Health Insurance Marketplace.
The above is issued in furtherance of HealthReach Community Health Centers’ federally funded health center project. In 2025, HealthReach is projected to receive $4,436,654 in federal assistance, which is estimated as constituting 12% of project costs. Of total project costs for 2025, HealthReach estimates 88% to be financed with non-governmental sources.
The contents above are those of the author, and do not necessarily represent the official views of or an endorsement by, HRSA, DHHS, or the U.S. Government.
-END-
Mar 18, 2025
WATERVILLE — Connie Coggins, HealthReach President & CEO, is happy to commemorate an important milestone: in 2025, HealthReach Community Health Centers marks its 50th year of providing high-quality, affordable care to rural Maine. Founded in 1975, HealthReach’s mission continues to be serving the otherwise medically underserved areas of Central and Western Maine. HealthReach offers rural communities convenient healthcare close to home, including general primary and preventative, behavioral, substance use disorder, dental, and podiatric care services.
In 1975, when the local doctor in Bingham retired, the tightknit community pulled together and imagined a family medical practice where everyone felt welcome. Working together, neighbors helped raise funds to renovate an old house, which they converted into a community health center. This is how the very first HealthReach clinic — Bingham Area Health Center — was formed!
Since its founding, HealthReach has gradually grown to now operate 12 community health centers across Maine, including one school-based health center, as well as integrated dental centers in two towns: Bingham and Strong. HealthReach is a 501c3 nonprofit that offers patients high-quality care without high costs by putting patients before profits. Nearly 300 HealthReach staff serve 26,000 patients each year. The majority of the volunteer HealthReach Governing Board are patients of HealthReach. This model has led to steady success by building the voice of the patient into the organization’s strategy and priorities.
HealthReach proudly celebrates a half-century of patient-centered care while looking forward to the future!
HealthReach Community Health Centers — headquartered in Waterville, Maine — is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit operating twelve family medical practices
with the mission of serving the otherwise medically underserved. In 2025, HealthReach proudly marks 50 years of delivering high-quality healthcare to
the rural communities of Central and Western Maine since its founding in 1975! HealthReach services include general primary and preventative healthcare, including behavioral, substance use disorder, dental, and podiatric care services. To ensure access for everyone, HealthReach accepts Medicare, MaineCare, and major insurance providers, and there are no eligibility requirements to access care through HealthReach; all are welcome. An Affordable Care Program is available to both uninsured and underinsured people. Assistance is available for applications to programs that help with your healthcare and medication costs, including enrollment support for Maine’s Health Insurance Marketplace.
The above is issued in furtherance of HealthReach Community Health Centers’ federally funded health center project. In 2025, HealthReach is projected to
receive $4,436,654 in federal assistance, which is estimated as constituting 12% of project costs. Of total project costs for 2025, HealthReach estimates 88% to be financed with non-governmental sources.
The contents above are those of the author, and do not necessarily represent the official views of or an endorsement by, HRSA, DHHS, or the U.S.
Government.
Oct 12, 2023
Coopers Mills, Whitefield – This October, Sheepscot Valley Health Center staff are happy to welcome Kristina Mont, LCPC, to their professional healthcare team.
Mont earned her Master’s degree in Professional Counseling from Monmouth University in New Jersey. She previously earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Northern Arizona University. Mont’s wealth of professional counseling experience includes substance use counseling, group therapy, and family therapy. She will apply this diverse skillset to her work at Sheepscot.
Kristina Mont, LCPC
Mont shares, “I love the saying, ‘We don’t grow when things are easy – we grow when challenged’. Every one of us can use help navigating life’s challenges. I’m a firm believer in maintaining our emotional and physical wellness to avoid ‘dis-ease’, so I’m excited to be joining the HealthReach team. HealthReach uses a holistic approach to treatment and is dedicated to improving the lives of community members. It is very fulfilling to meet someone where they are and watch them gain confidence and courage to become the person they want to be. When a person is feeling stuck or is ready to make changes, I offer my support.
Mont joins the existing Sheepscot clinical team in Coopers Mills – Doctors, Ann Schwink, Daniel Keane, and Kathryn Wistar; Physician Assistants, Brooke Perez, Anna Simmler, Craig Urwin, and Zachary Wissman; and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Melanie Morin.
Sheepscot Valley Health Center, founded in 1980, is part of HealthReach Community Health Centers, a Federally Qualified Health Center consisting of twelve community health centers located across Central and Western Maine. Dedicated clinicians deliver high-quality healthcare – inclusive of behavioral health and dental services – to residents from 9 of Maine’s 16 counties. To ensure access for everyone, HealthReach accepts Medicare, MaineCare, and major insurance providers. In addition, an Affordable Care Program is available to both uninsured and underinsured residents. Assistance is available for applications to programs that help with the cost of your healthcare and medications, including Maine’s Health Insurance Marketplace.
A private non-profit with a 48-year history, HealthReach is funded by patient fees, grants, and by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of an award totaling $4,815,606 with 82.2% financed by non-governmental sources. The contents above are those of the author, and do not necessarily represent the official views of or an endorsement by, HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government.
Oct 3, 2023
Western Maine – This year, HealthReach Community Health Centers is happy to announce that it has received Let’s Go! 5-2-1-0 program recognition across eight of its local healthcare practices.
Let’s Go! 5-2-1-0 is a program focused on education around obesity and healthy living for primary care practice teams. The program provides materials to support “simple changes for better health, such as moving more, eating real food, drinking water, and getting adequate rest.”
HealthReach’s longstanding partnership with Let’s Go! 5-2-1-0 has had positive impacts on both HealthReach patients and their care teams. This year, HealthReach was recognized for excellence in obesity prevention. The sites recognized include Belgrade Regional Health Center, Bethel Family Health Center, Lovejoy Health Center (of Albion), Rangeley Family Medicine, Richmond Area Health Center, Sheepscot Valley Health Center (of Coopers Mills / Whitefield), Strong Area Health Center, and Western Maine Family Health Center (of Livermore Falls).
Connie Coggins, HealthReach President & CEO, shares, “HealthReach is proud to once again be recognized for our staff’s efforts to help our patients achieve their best health. Local, affordable, quality care is only possible through effective partnership between clinician and patient – so we also must thank our community members for engaging so well in our programs. Thank you!”
HealthReach Community Health Centers is a Federally Qualified Health Center consisting of twelve community health centers located across Central and Western Maine. Dedicated clinicians deliver high-quality healthcare – inclusive of behavioral health and dental services – to residents from 9 of Maine’s 16 counties. To ensure access for everyone, HealthReach accepts Medicare, MaineCare, and major insurance providers. In addition, an Affordable Care Program is available to both uninsured and underinsured residents. Assistance is available for applications to programs that help with the cost of your healthcare and medications, including Maine’s Health Insurance Marketplace.
A private non-profit with a 48-year history, HealthReach is funded by patient fees, grants, and by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of an award totaling $4,815,606 with 82.2% financed by non-governmental sources. The contents above are those of the author, and do not necessarily representthe official views of or an endorsement by, HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government.
Aug 8, 2023
Waterville – This September, HealthReach staff in Albion, Belgrade, Coopers Mills, and Richmond are happy to welcome Dr. Daniel J. Keane, Podiatrist, to their team.
Dr. Keane earned his Doctorate degree in Podiatric Medicine from the William Scholl College of Podiatric Surgery in North Chicago, IL. He has a wealth of experience in the field of podiatry, including experience in rearfoot, forefoot, and ankle surgery; podiatric medicine; and wound treatment.
Dr. Keane shares, “In my many years of practice, I have always strived to treat patients as if they were family: providing the highest level of care with both respect and dignity. As a member of the HealthReach Community Health Centers family, I will continue to provide the best care possible. Patient relationships have always been a cornerstone of my practice, and I provide individualized patient care based on each patient’s needs. It is a rewarding and meaningful experience to join the team at HealthReach and to contribute to this community-based system of affordable and high-quality healthcare.”
Dr. Keane joins the existing mission-driven, values-focused care teams at the Belgrade Regional Health Center, Lovejoy Health Center (of Albion), Sheepscot Valley Health Center (of Coopers Mills/Whitefield), and Richmond Area Health Center. Our clinicians offer medical and behavioral health services for patients of all ages and from all walks of life.
Belgrade Regional Health Center, Lovejoy Health Center, Sheepscot Valley Health Center, and Richmond Area Health Center are all part of HealthReach Community Health Centers, a Federally Qualified Health Center consisting of twelve community health centers located across Central and Western Maine. Dedicated clinicians deliver high-quality healthcare – inclusive of behavioral health and dental services – to residents from 9 of Maine’s 16 counties. To ensure access for everyone, HealthReach accepts Medicare, MaineCare, and major insurance providers. In addition, an Affordable Care Program is available to both uninsured and underinsured residents. Assistance is available for applications to programs that help with the cost of your healthcare and medications, including Maine’s Health Insurance Marketplace.
A private non-profit with a 48-year history, HealthReach is funded by patient fees, grants, and by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of an award totaling $4,815,606 with 82.2% financed by non-governmental sources. The contents above are those of the author, and do not necessarily represent the official views of or an endorsement by, HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government.
Feb 1, 2023
WATERVILLE – This March, staff at Lovejoy Health Center and Sheepscot Valley Health Center are happy to welcome Melanie Morin, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, to the team.
Melanie earned her Master’s degree in Psychiatric Nursing from Husson University of Bangor. Previously, she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from the University of Maine at Fort Kent, and her Associate’s degree in Nursing from Kennebec Valley Community College. Melanie brings a wealth of experience in whole-person (holistic) patient care, and specifically in evidence-based treatments for mental illness.
Melanie shares, “My philosophy of care is to treat patients with respect and dignity –providing care for patients in the same way as I would want to be treated if I was in a similar situation. It is my belief that this way of caring for patients creates an environment of attention that is more conducive to healing. Focusing on the whole person means caring for their physical wellbeing as well as considering their emotional and spiritual wellbeing. Each of these aspects is integral to the whole person.”
Melanie joins physicians Dean Chamberlain, Ann Schwink and Kathryn Wistar; physician assistants Nichole Johnston, Anna Simmler, Craig Urwin, and Zachary Wissman; nurse practitioner Keiko Kurita; licensed clinical social worker Deborah Daigle; and licensed clinical professional counselor Ashley Rancourt. Our clinicians offer medical and behavioral health services for patients of all ages.
Residents of Albion, Coopers Mills/Whitefield, and nearby towns have enjoyed quality care at Lovejoy Health Center and Sheepscot Valley Health Center since their establishments in 1978 and 1980, respectively.
Lovejoy Health Center and Sheepscot Valley Health Center are a part of HealthReach Community Health Centers, a group of twelve Federally Qualified Health Centers located across Central and Western Maine. Dedicated clinicians deliver high-quality healthcare – inclusive of behavioral health and dental services – to residents from 9 of Maine’s 16 counties. To ensure access for everyone, HealthReach accepts Medicare, MaineCare, and major insurance providers. In addition, an Affordable Care Program is available to both uninsured and underinsured residents. Assistance is available for applications to programs that help with the cost of your healthcare and medications, including Maine’s Health Insurance Marketplace.
A private non-profit with a 48-year history, HealthReach is funded by patient fees, grants, and by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of an award totaling $4,815,606 with 82.2% financed by non-governmental sources. The contents above are those of the author, and do not necessarily represent the official views of or an endorsement by, HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government.
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