HealthReach welcomes new Clinician, Faith Sager, LMSW

Coopers Mills — This July, staff of the Sheepscot Valley Health Center are happy to welcome Faith Sager, LMSW, to their professional healthcare team.

Faith Sager

Faith Sager, LMSW

Sager earned both her Master of Social Work degree and her Bachelor of Science in Social Work from Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. Sager’s wealth of experience includes re-entry assistance at the Franklin County Correctional Facility in Columbus, intimate knowledge of Medicaid federal requirements, coordination of support services, and case management. We are certain that with her wide range of experience and knowledge, she will be a wonderful addition to the Sheepscot team.

Sager shares, “I believe meaningful care starts with genuine human connection and creating a space where people feel comfortable, supported, and heard. My approach focuses on building trust, meeting clients where they are, and helping individuals build on their strengths while working through challenges. I am passionate about providing compassionate, person-centered behavioral healthcare and am excited to join the HealthReach team to support accessible, community-centered care while continuing to grow alongside such a dedicated team.”

Sager joins the existing Sheepscot clinical team — Doctor of Podiatry, Daniel Keane; Physician Assistants, Cory Miller, Alexa Shea, Brooke Perez, Craig Urwin, and Zachary Wissman; Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Melanie Morin; and Family Nurse Practitioner, Rachel Palmer.

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 11 family medical practices and 1 school-based health center with the mission of serving the otherwise medically underserved. HealthReach delivers high-quality, accessible healthcare services, including general primary and preventative healthcare, behavioral healthcare, substance use disorder treatment, 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.

HealthReach Announces New Board Members for 2026

Joanne Joy

Joanne Joy

Melinda Corey

Melinda Corey

Karen Sennett

Karen Sennett

 

 

 

 

 

 

WATERVILLE – Connie Coggins, President & CEO of HealthReach Community Health Centers, is pleased to announce that three new members have joined the organization’s Governing Board of Directors. Melinda Corey, Karen Sennett, and Joanne Joy will join returning Board members for the 2026 year.

Melinda Corey is the Outreach Specialist for Help Me Grow Maine, a free resource focused on providing information, systems navigation, and connections to parents and providers around child development and community supports. She has spent over 16 years in the early childhood field, and holds various certifications that support child assessment, advocacy, and safety. She also holds a Masters of Special Education degree with a specialization in Early Intervention.

Karen Sennett is a seasoned Registered Nurse, Certified Nurse of the Operating Room (CNOR), and Registered Nurse First Assistant with over 25 years of perioperative, leadership, and community health experience. She is a member of the Association of Perioperative Registered Nurses and the American Society of Plastic Surgical Nurses. Karen has been recognized for improving patient experience, supporting surgical excellence, and building a strong presence in the community.

Joanne Joy led a public health nonprofit focused on primary prevention for over 20 years. Education and advocacy were key strategies she employed in changing policy and environments to support prevention of tobacco and other substance use, and to improve access and use of daily health foods and activities. She holds a Master’s degree in Examination of Discrimination in Health Care and Social Services through the Lens of Generational Poverty.

HealthReach looks forward to the expertise and unique experience that all three of these new Board Members will bring to the existing Board. In 2026, returning to serve on the Board are: Jenny Boyden, Paula Callan, Paul Forman, Buffy Higgins, Jim Higgins, Michelle Kelley, John Opperman, and Susan Tedrick.

HealthReach Community Health Centers — founded in 1975 and headquartered in Waterville, Maine — is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit operating twelve family medical practices with the mission of serving the otherwise medically underserved communities of Central and Western Maine. HealthReach delivers high-quality, accessible healthcare services, including general primary and preventative healthcare, behavioral healthcare, substance use disorder treatment, 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 received approximately $4,436,654 in federal assistance, which is estimated as constituting 12% of project costs. Of total project costs for 2025, HealthReach financed 88% 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.

HealthReach Announces New Board Member

Dr. Paul Forman

WATERVILLE – Connie Coggins, President & CEO of HealthReach Community Health Centers, is pleased to announce that Dr. Paul Forman has joined the organization’s Governing Board of Directors.

Dr. Paul Forman, of Albion, Maine, is a retired medical clinician. After graduating with his Doctor of Medicine degree and completing his residency as Chief Resident at Central Maine Family Practice Residency (now Maine-Dartmouth Family Medicine Residency), Dr. Forman worked as one of the founders and as a staff member of the Lovejoy Health Center. He continued serving at Lovejoy from its opening in 1978 until 2007. Additionally, Dr. Forman served as Chairman of the Department of Family Medicine, Chief of Medical Staff, and At-Large Director on the Board of Directors all at the Mid-Maine Medical Center (now MaineGeneral). Currently, he is a member of the MaineGeneral Medical Center Honorary Medical Staff. The HealthReach team is grateful to have Dr. Forman back as a member of the HealthReach Board of Directors, and looks forward to all that we can accomplish with his support.

Dr. Forman will join Board officers: Jim Higgins, Chair; Jack Ducharme, Vice Chair; and John Opperman, Secretary & Treasurer; as well as Board members: Jenny Boyden, Paula Callan, Buffy Higgins, Michelle Kelley, Juliana Richard, Susan Tedrick, and Allen Wicken. HealthReach appreciates the volunteer efforts of its Board members, who contribute to the leadership, direction, and success of the nonprofit. Without them, HealthReach would not be able to serve the people of rural Maine as effectively as it does with local, high-quality, and affordable healthcare.

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.

HealthReach welcomes new Clinician, Alexa Koenig, PA

Alexa Koenig, PA

Alexa Koenig, PA

Coopers Mills — This July, staff of the Sheepscot Valley Health Center are happy to welcome Alexa Koenig, PA, to their professional healthcare team.

Koenig earned her Master of Physician Assistant Studies degree from The University of New England. Previously, she also earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Biology from the University of New England. Koenig’s wealth of medical experience includes a variety of care types and settings — including general surgery, family medicine, pediatrics, and urgent care. Her wide range of experience coupled with her passion for serving rural communities will make her a great addition to the Sheepscot team.

When asked about her approach to care, Koenig said, “It is an absolute honor to care for the people and families in this community. I’m passionate about getting to know my patients and being someone they can count on. As a new provider, my goal is to offer care that feels personal, supportive, and rooted in the needs of our community.”

Koenig joins the existing Sheepscot clinical team — Doctor of Podiatry, Daniel Keane; Physician Assistants, Cory Miller, 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-

Join HealthReach for Julie Bailey’s Retirement Celebration!

Julie Bailey, Sheepscot Front Office Coordinator

Julie Bailey, Sheepscot Front Office Coordinator

Whitefield — After 28 inspiring years at Sheepscot Valley Health Center, Julie Bailey, Front Office Coordinator, will be retiring from the nonprofit healthcare practice this summer. Both her steadfast support and dedication to serving community members have been drivers for many patient and staff accolades over the years.

Please join HealthReach in celebrating Julie’s impressive career. HealthReach will host an open house on Saturday, June 21, 2pm to 6pm, at the Calvary Bible Baptist Church, 150 Grande Army Road, Whitefield. All are welcome, and the HealthReach community looks forward to seeing you there!

Thank you, Julie, for an incredible 28 years with HealthReach!

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-

HealthReach welcomes new Clinician, Rachel Palmer, FNP

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-