Celebrating National Nurses Week and Patient Services Representatives Day

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National Nurses Week, May 6-12

In 1993, the American Nurses Association designated May 6–12 as National Nurses Week to celebrate and elevate the nursing profession. The week concludes on May 12, the birthday of Florence Nightingale, an English social reformer, statistician and founder of modern nursing.

The 2026 theme, “The Power of Nurses,” highlights the resilience, expertise and compassion nurses bring to patients and communities every day.

At HPC, we recognize the vital role nurses play on the front lines of the health care system. We extend our sincere appreciation to licensed practical nurses Kelli Brower and Michelle Fleming for their dedication to supporting patients, medical providers, medical assistants and fellow team members.

We also thank Hannah Carlisle, RN, clinic director and risk/compliance officer, for her leadership in overseeing the nursing department, refining workflows and advancing patient safety.

HPC is proud to celebrate its nurses and the meaningful difference they make in patient care. Thank you Hannah, Kelli and Michelle for the great work you do!

National Nurses Week

Patient Services Representatives Day / Receptionist Day – May 13

Every day, our Patient Services Representatives (PSRs) are the first to welcome our patients and the last to wish them well. Their kindness, professionalism, and attention to detail help shape every patient’s experience at HPC.

Since 1991, National Receptionist Day has been celebrated on the second Wednesday of May. This year, it falls on May 13, and HPC is proud to recognize our Patient Services Representatives (PSRs)—team members who serve as the welcoming face of our organization and play a vital role in the patient experience.

For many patients, a PSR is the very first interaction they have at HPC. Whether greeting someone at the front desk or answering a phone call, PSRs set the tone for each visit with professionalism, compassion, and care.

Their work requires not only strong organizational skills, but also empathy, adaptability, and the ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment. PSRs often help patients navigate questions, ease concerns, and ensure that each individual feels supported from the moment they walk through our doors.

This year, HPC has welcomed a new role in the Patient & Billing Services Department- Patient Services Assistants. We thank Isabella Diaz, Norma Guevara and William Santos for assisting the PSRs to keep the workflow running smoothly.

Our PSRs are also an essential part of the Revenue Cycle Management team: Billie Reese-Turner, Director of Billing & Patient Services; Mayra Bocanegra, Manager of Billing & Patient Services; Jorge Larriba, Billing Coordinator and Diana Zamora, Enrollment Specialist.

Every day, our PSRs go above and beyond—balancing multiple responsibilities while creating a welcoming and supportive environment for all. Thank you to our PSR team: Perla Cardenas, Patient Services Assistant Manager; Jean Cast-Martin, Pediatric Assistant Manager; Renato Guzman, Kristen Kadletz, Melanie Kline, Karla Nunez, Lead PSR and Rosemary Villa.

Today and every day, we celebrate and appreciate the important role they play at HPC.

PSR Recognition Day

 

HPC Celebrates National Hygienists Week and Administrative Professionals Day in April

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By Christina Cook, RDH

National Dental Hygienist Week | April 12-18

Every April, we celebrate National Dental Hygienist Week gives us the opportunity to shine a light on a profession that often works behind the scenes—but makes a lasting impact on community health every single day.

Dental hygienists are often associated with routine cleanings, but the scope of our work extends far beyond polishing teeth. We are educators, preventive care specialists, early disease detectors, and patient advocates. From identifying early signs of gum disease to screening for oral cancer, hygienists play a critical role in catching issues before they become serious—and costly.

In community health settings, that role becomes even more impactful. Many of our patients face barriers to care, including limited access, financial constraints, or lack of dental education. For them, a visit with a hygienist may be their first introduction to preventive oral healthcare.

Federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) serve as a safety net for underserved populations. Dental hygienists working in these environments do more than provide care—we build trust. We meet patients where they are, offering compassion, education, and practical solutions tailored to their lives.

Whether it’s teaching a child proper brushing techniques, helping a diabetic patient understand the link between oral health and systemic health, or easing the fears of someone who hasn’t seen a dentist in years, hygienists are often the bridge between patients and long-term care.

A special thank you to Christina Cook, RDH, ECP II, Dental Operations Manager and Dental Hygienist, and Rowena (Row) Arensman, RDH, Dental Hygienist, for their unwavering dedication to our patients. This dynamic duo consistently goes above and beyond to ensure excellent care!

Let’s take a moment to appreciate and celebrate all dental hygienists—especially Christina and Rowe at Health Partnership Clinic—for their commitment to healthier smiles and healthier lives!

HPC Celebrates National Hygienists Week and Administrative Professionals Day in April

Celebrating National Administrative Professionals’ Day | April 23

Every year, on the Wednesday of the last full week of April, we celebrate National Administrative Professionals’ Day—also known as Secretaries Day or Admin Day—to recognize the invaluable contributions of administrative support professionals. These dedicated individuals keep organizations running smoothly, providing essential support to teams and leaders alike.

Today, we give a special shoutout to Nikki Balden, Administrative Assistant, at HPC! Nikki plays a crucial role in supporting our Senior Leadership Team, coordinating meetings and schedules, while also working in her new role of Marketing and Development Coordinator. She also meticulously records minutes for the Board of Directors, Finance and Quality Improvement Committee’s monthly meetings, among many other responsibilities. Nikki’s dedication and efficiency keep HPC organized and thriving—we are incredibly grateful for all she does!

Join us in thanking and celebrating Nikki and all administrative professionals for their hard work, dedication and commitment to keeping our teams and organizations running seamlessly!

Beyond the White Coat: Celebrating Our Doctors on Doctor’s Day (March 30)

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Tiffany SwansonBy Tiffany Swanson, DO, CHO

We often picture doctors as individuals in white coats with stethoscopes — diagnosing and treating diseases. On this Doctor’s Day, I want to take a moment to recognize our doctors for everything they do beyond that stereotype.

Every day, our doctors go above and beyond for our patients. They take into account each patient’s individual situation. They consider the cost of medications before prescribing. They squeeze patients into already full schedules. They listen when patients share their struggles. They collaborate across teams to connect patients with the resources they need.

In community health, being a doctor is about so much more than diagnosing and treating. It’s a constant balance between providing medical care and navigating the very real challenges our patients face outside the clinic.

As a doctor myself, I know firsthand that we cannot do this work alone. It takes our entire team to care for one patient, and that collaboration is at the heart of what we do.

Health Partnership Clinic thanks our doctors for their time and dedication to our patients: Emily Bush, MD; Kelly Kreisler, MD; Kare Lyche, MD; Noriko Okahara, DO and Tiffany Swanson, DO.

Beyond the White Coat: Celebrating Our Doctors on Doctor’s Day (March 30)

Honoring the Heart of Public Health Dentistry: National Dentist Day and Dental Assistant Week

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Christina CookBy Christina Cook, RDH, Dental Operations Manager

In public health dentistry, our mission goes far beyond teeth. It’s about access, education and compassion. On National Dentist Day (Mar. 6) and Dental Assistant Week (Mar. 1-7), we pause to recognize the professionals who make our mission possible—our dentists and dental assistants.

Every day, our team shows up for patients who may have delayed care, faced barriers to treatment, or never experienced a positive dental visit before. They provide not only clinical excellence, but reassurance, dignity and trust. In the public health setting, that impact is profound.

Dentists: Leaders, Healers, and Advocates

Our dentists do more than diagnose and treat. They advocate for patients who need a voice, adapt care plans to meet complex social and medical needs, and lead with empathy in a fast-paced, resource-conscious environment. Their dedication ensures that quality dental care is not a privilege, but a right.

They balance precision with compassion, science with service, often treating entire families and generations within the same community. Their work changes lives, one patient at a time.

Dental Assistants: The Backbone of Every Successful Clinic

Dental assistants are the heartbeat of our operation. They anticipate needs before they’re spoken, calm anxious patients, and keep the clinic running smoothly through skill, organization and teamwork. In public health, their role is especially critical—they are educators, translators, advocates and trusted faces patients return to.

Their adaptability, resilience, and commitment to patient care make every visit safer, more efficient and more enjoyable.

Honoring the Heart of Public Health Dentistry: National Dentist Day and Dental Assistant Week

A Team United by Purpose

What makes public health dentistry special is not just the care delivered, but the collective purpose behind it. Dentists and dental assistants work side by side, supporting one another through busy schedules, complex cases and meaningful community outreach. Together, they create access where there is none and hope where it is needed most.

Thank You

To our dentists, Dr. Kurt Echols and Dr. Alexis Rickel, and dental assistants Rachell Perez and Stephanie Rojas, thank you for your expertise, your patience and your unwavering commitment to the communities we serve. Your work matters. Your dedication is seen. And your impact extends far beyond the clinic walls.

Today, and every day, we celebrate you!

The Vital Role of Nurse Practitioners in Community Health

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Tiffany SwansonBy Tiffany Swanson, DO, CHO

HPC Celebrates National Nurse Practitioner Week, Nov. 9-15

Nurse Practitioners (NPs) are advanced practice registered nurses who provide high-quality, patient-centered care across the lifespan. With graduate-level education and clinical training, nurse practitioners diagnose and treat illnesses, prescribe medications, order diagnostic tests and emphasize prevention and wellness.

At Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), nurse practitioners play a critical role in expanding access to care. FQHCs exist to make sure everyone—no matter their income, insurance status, or background—has access to quality healthcare. Nurse practitioners help make that possible. Many underserved communities face provider shortages, long wait times, and transportation barriers. Nurse practitioners help fill those gaps by serving as primary care providers who can diagnose, treat, and manage a wide range of health conditions. Their presence allows more patients to be seen more quickly and helps reduce unnecessary emergency room visits.

Beyond clinical impact, nurse practitioners contribute to the financial sustainability of FQHCs. Their focus on prevention and chronic disease management reduces healthcare costs while allowing providers to serve more patients. In short, nurse practitioners are essential partners in fulfilling the mission of community health centers: improving health and building stronger, healthier communities for everyone.

The Vital Role of Nurse Practitioners in Community Health

We are so grateful for our Nurse Practitioners Papri Barman, Eva Clark, Patricia Fowler, Thao Le, Joseph Nichols, Jazmine Spencer and Whitney Venegoni! Thank you for all you do for our patients and our community.

Happy Nurse Practitioner Week!

May Brings Special Recognition to Nurses and Patient Services Representatives

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Celebrate

National Nurses Week, May 6-12

In 1993, the American Nurses Association declared May 6-12 as the national week to celebrate and elevate the nursing profession. Each year the celebration ends on May 12, Florence Nightingale’s birthday. Florence Nightingale was an English social reformer, statistician and the founder of modern nursing.

This year’s theme for Nurses Week is “The Power of Nurses”, which highlights the resilience, expertise, and heart nurses bring to their patients and communities every day.
At HPC we celebrate the important roles that nurses play on the frontlines of the healthcare system. Special thanks to our LPNs, Kelli Brower and Michelle Fleming, for all that they do to support our patients, medical providers, medical assistants and other HPC team members.

Additionally, we would like to thank Hannah Carlisle, RN, Clinic Director and Risk/Compliance Officer, for overseeing the nursing department, refining workflows and leading the charge in patient safety.

Hannah shared, “Since joining the HPC team, the nurses have been working hard to help adapt a nurse closure model. The nurse closure model provides more education opportunities for our patients regarding their chronic medical conditions, medication questions, and any other education they may need to better manage their health and comply with treatments. We have seen the positive outcomes of this, as patients have made statements of gratitude for the extra time and kindness, as well as some slow but positive improvements in patient health outcomes. At HPC, the nurses show up to give their best, help the team however they can, and acknowledge our patients’ questions and concerns with education and compassion. Daily we can see the effect of ‘The Power of Nurses’.”

Thank you, Kelli, Michelle and Hannah for all the great work you do to improve patient care at HPC!May Brings Special Recognition to Nurses and Patient Services Representatives

Patient Services Representatives Day/Receptionist Day, May 14

Since 1991, National Receptionist Day has been celebrated on the second Wednesday of May, this year falling on Wednesday, May 14. HPC would like to take this opportunity to recognize our Patient Services Representatives (PSRs) who fill the role of receptionist and so much more! They are the first smiling faces our patients interact with once they walk through the doors.

At first glance, you may think that our patient services representatives only check patients in and out of our clinics all day. But did you know that just at the Olathe location, the PSR staff receives over 5,500 calls on average per month? This would equal about 1,400 calls per week and 280 calls per day. The focus and diligence of our PSR staff allows them to perform each of the following tasks daily: taking payments, scheduling appointments, verifying insurance, scanning patient paperwork and completing pre-registration for their individual assignments.

Mayra Bocanegra, Manager of Billing & Patient Services, stated, “I am incredibly proud of our patient service representatives. Despite all the changes and what our everyday life outside of work throws at us, I love my job at HPC and the mission we strive for. I would not change it for anything.”

Thank you to our wonderful team of PSRs: Crystal Albarran, Anahi Bueno, Jean Cast-Martin, Diana Flores, Iliana Mejia, Karla Nunez and Natalia Rosales.

The PSRs are also part of the Revenue Cycle Management team and work closely with Mayra; Perla Cardenas, Women’s Health Coordinator; Jorge Larriba, Dental Coordinator; Billie Reese-Turner, Director of Billing and Patient Services; Yesenia Salazar, Billing Coordinator; and Diana Zamora, Enrollment Specialist.May Brings Special Recognition to Nurses and Patient Services Representatives

HPC Celebrates National Hygienists Week and Administrative Professionals Day in April

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National Dental Hygienist Week | April 7-11

Every April, we celebrate National Dental Hygienist Week to recognize the invaluable contributions of dental hygienists and their dedication to promoting good oral health—an essential component of overall well-being.

With over 200,000 dental hygienists across the United States and nearly 3,000 in Kansas, these professionals play a crucial role in preventive care. Working under a dentist’s supervision, dental hygienists clean teeth, assess oral health and detect signs of gum disease, cavities, and other conditions. Beyond treatment, they empower patients with the knowledge to maintain lifelong oral hygiene habits.

Becoming a dental hygienist requires rigorous education. Students complete prerequisite coursework before pursuing a dental hygiene certificate or associate degree, typically a three-year program. Many go on to earn a Bachelor of Science or Master of Science in Dental Hygiene to expand their expertise.

In Kansas, dental hygienists can obtain an Extended Care Permit (ECP)—Level I, II, or III—allowing them to provide care in schools, nursing homes and other community settings with indirect supervision, increasing access to essential oral healthcare.

A special thank you to Christina Cook, RDH, ECP II, Dental Operations Manager and Dental Hygienist, and Rowena (Row) Arensman, RDH, Dental Hygienist, for their unwavering dedication to our patients. This dynamic duo consistently goes above and beyond to ensure excellent care!

Let’s take a moment to appreciate and celebrate all dental hygienists—especially Christina and Row at Health Partnership Clinic—for their commitment to healthier smiles and healthier lives!

HPC Celebrates National Hygienists Week and Administrative Professionals Day in April

Celebrating National Administrative Professionals’ Day | April 23

Every year, on the Wednesday of the last full week of April, we celebrate National Administrative Professionals’ Day—also known as Secretaries Day or Admin Day—to recognize the invaluable contributions of administrative support professionals. These dedicated individuals keep organizations running smoothly, providing essential support to teams and leaders alike.

Today, we give a special shoutout to Nikki Balden, Administrative Assistant, at HPC! Nikki plays a crucial role in supporting our Senior Leadership Team, coordinating meetings and schedules, assisting with HR functions, and taking notes for Continuous Quality Improvement meetings. She also meticulously records minutes for the Board of Directors, Finance and Quality Improvement Committee’s monthly meetings, among many other responsibilities. Nikki’s dedication and efficiency keep HPC organized and thriving—we are incredibly grateful for all she does!

Nikki shares her passion for her role:

“My favorite part of my job is the people I get to work with and seeing our HPC mission put into action through them each day. I have a great amount of respect for our Senior Leadership and have seen firsthand how they live and lead our mission. Every person in our organization plays a vital role—from our front desk staff to our providers. We are lucky to have a team that truly cares about the communities we serve, and I am proud to be part of it. Whether I’m working behind the scenes or in a more visible capacity, I know I’m contributing to something that has a meaningful impact on people’s lives.”

Join us in thanking and celebrating Nikki and all administrative professionals for their hard work, dedication and commitment to keeping our teams and organizations running seamlessly!

Stay tuned for May, when we celebrate Patient Services Representatives and Nurses!

Honoring Our Physicians on National Doctor’s Day – Sunday, March 30

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Celebrate

Each year on March 30, the United States celebrates National Doctor’s Day, a time to recognize the invaluable contributions of physicians who dedicate their lives to caring for their patients, strengthening communities and advancing health care.

With over one million physicians practicing across the country, becoming a doctor requires years of rigorous education and training. The journey begins with four years of undergraduate studies, followed by four years of medical school. Afterward, doctors complete three to five years of residency in their chosen specialty, with some pursuing an additional one to three years of fellowship training to become sub-specialists.

Doctors earn one of two equivalent degrees: Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO). Throughout their training, they face demanding schedules, often working 80-hour weeks with overnight shifts, all while upholding the highest standards of professionalism, ethics, and patient care.

Physicians specialize in a wide range of fields, from primary care—including family medicine, internal medicine, and pediatrics—to surgical specialties, obstetrics and gynecology, psychiatry, and more. In fact, there are over 100 medical specialties and sub-specialties in the U.S. Of all specialties, family medicine sees the highest number of patients during office visits, playing a crucial role in community healthcare.

On this National Doctor’s Day, we extend our deepest gratitude to our Health Partnership Clinic physicians  – Drs. Emily M. Bush, Cheri El-Halawany, Kelly Kreisler, Chief Health Officer, Kare Lyche and Noriko Okahara. Your dedication, hard work, and compassion make a profound difference in the lives of our patients and the community.

Thank you for all that you do!

 

Recognitions: Doctors Day

HPC Celebrates Nurse Practitioner Week, Nov. 10-16

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Kelly KreislerBy Kelly Kreisler, MD, MPH, FAAP, Chief Health Officer and Pediatrician  

Meet your Nurse Practitioners!

At Health Partnership Clinic (HPC) our Nurse Practitioners play key roles. They provide a full range of medical care from pediatric to geriatric and some specialty services. We greatly appreciate their quality of care and service to our patients.

What is a Nurse Practitioner?

A nurse practitioner is an RN who begins with a bachelor’s degree in nursing (RN-BSN). He or she then obtains a master’s degree, Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) or doctoral level, Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). Nurse practitioners may practice in broad areas including primary care, acute care and specialty care services, practicing either independently or in collaboration with a physician. Your primary care provider may be a nurse practitioner.

What does a Nurse Practitioner do?

Primary Care nurse practitioners see patients in offices or Urgent Care settings, perform routine check-ups and investigate symptoms to diagnose and treat illnesses. Their work varies from wellness visits to managing chronic complex illnesses. They order and interpret lab tests, x-rays and the full range of other diagnostic tests. From your history and test results, they form a treatment plan. Some nurse practitioners perform procedures such as biopsies, suturing of lacerations and fracture care to name a few.

What is the education and training needed to become a Nurse Practitioner?

All nurse practitioners complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program and a Master of Science in Nursing (APRN) and/or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. Each nurse practitioner has to successfully pass a certification exam to begin practice.

Do Nurse Practitioners specialize, or do they all practice Primary Care?

About three-fourths of nurse practitioners work in Primary Care but there are many other specialties that can be pursued. These include Psychiatry and Mental Health, Orthopedics, Pediatrics, Nurse Midwife and Women’s Health.

At HPC our nurse practitioners play key roles specializing in primary care, psychiatric services and women’s health. We also employ nurse practitioners who are specially trained in medication assisted treatment of substance abuse.

Please take time to thank our Nurse Practitioners for all they do for our patients. Happy Nurse Practitioner Week!

HPC Celebrates Nurse Practitioner Week, Nov. 10-16

We are so grateful for our NPs at HPC. Thank you Tony Anno, DNP, ACNP-BC, APRN; Eva Clark, MSN, APRN, WHNP-BC; Trish Fowler, DNP, APRN, FNP-C; Edward Karanja, MSN, APRN, FNP-C; Thao Le, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC; Jennifer Miller, FNP-BC; Jessica Nichols, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC; Inessa Sergeyeva, MSN, APRN, ANP-BC, FNP-BC; Leigh Smith, DNP, FNP-C, and Whitney Venegoni, APRN, FNP-C. 

HPC Celebrates Medical Assistants Week Oct. 21-25

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Hannah CarlisleBy Hannah Carlisle, BSN, RN, Clinic Director and Risk Manager

Medical assisting is an allied health profession where health professionals function as members of the healthcare delivery team and perform administrative and clinical assistance. With their unique versatility, medical assistants (MAs) are proving to be the allied health professional of choice for this decade and beyond. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical assisting is one of the Nation’s faster than average growing careers.

Our MAs at Health Partnership Clinic (HPC) are multiskilled health professionals who perform a wide range of administrative and clinical tasks with skill, dedication and loyalty. All the MAs at HPC are cross trained and are an asset to our patients and providers with their vast knowledge of ambulatory care.

They make a substantial contribution to the quality of health by promoting and maintaining collaborative and meaningful interactions between patients and providers while being vital members of the team. MAs are an integral point of contact for patients and relatives when visiting their healthcare provider. A significant part of the MA’s daily routine revolves around supporting the healthcare team and patients by participating in quality, value-based care initiatives.

We have MAs who are our subject matter experts in Pediatrics, Women’s Health and Primary Care working with doctors and nurse practitioners who provide care to infants, children, teens and adults.

We are very thankful for our MAs at HPC:

Carolina Barraza, Tierra Hardaway, Jamie Johnson, Mayra Lemus, Jessica Magallanes, Sandra Marquez, Traci McIntire, Cinthia Salazar and Shamya Starks.

HPC Celebrates Medical Assistants Week Oct. 21-25