Providers
Aaron Heaslet, PA
Aaron Heaslet, PA is a certified Physician Assistant who graduated from Indiana State University in 2016. Originally from Anchorage, Alaska, he loves working in a place similar to home. Aaron has a passion for family medicine and building relationships over time with his patients. When he is not working, Aaron enjoys spending quality time with his wife and three children.
Aaron practices at the Floodwood Medical clinic.
Allison Weddle, NP
Allison Weddle, NP, was born and raised in southeastern Nebraska. She worked as a Registered Nurse for five years before completing her Master’s Degree in Nursing in 2012. Allison worked as a Nurse Practitioner in Nebraska for six years, and after many vacations to Minnesota, finally decided to make the move and join the Scenic Rivers staff in 2018. She and her husband have four children, four dogs, four ducks and two horses! They love spending time outdoors fishing, hunting, riding trails and boating. Allison provides medical care to patients of all ages.
Allison practices at the Big Falls and Bigfork Medical clinics.
Amanda Ladd, RDH
Amanda, RDH, is a Registered Dental Hygienist and has been in the dental profession since 2002. She attended Central Lakes College in Brainerd, receiving her certification as a Licensed Dental Assistant. From there, Amanda continued her education at Lake Superior College in Duluth to receive her degree as a Registered Dental Hygienist in 2004. Amanda has recently completed the Academy of Laser Dentistry course at the University of Minnesota and is certified in the use of the soft tissue diode laser. Amanda enjoys talking to her patients about dental care and their oral hygiene, and will do her absolute best to help patients improve their dental education and experience. Amanda is from the McGregor area, where she loves to spend time with her family.
Amanda practices at the Floodwood Dental clinic.
Amy Banks, MD
Amy Banks, MD, grew up in Mt. Iron, Minnesota. She received her degree in engineering from the University of Minnesota in 1996 and her medical degree in 2003. Dr. Banks completed her residency in Family Medicine at North Memorial Hospital in Robbinsdale, MN. For the next 12 years she worked as a physician in Salt Lake City before moving back to the Iron Range in 2019. Dr. Banks loves being a mom and spends most of her free time trying to reign in her wild young kids, enjoying great Minnesota outdoors together. Dr. Banks practices full-scope family medicine including geriatrics, women’s health, pediatrics, and acute and chronic care. She especially enjoys the “teaching” part of practicing medicine: helping patients feel informed and empowered about their health.
Amy practices at the Cook Medical and Tower Medical clinics.
Ashley Vogh, RDH
Ashley Vogh, RDH, grew up in Tower, Minnesota. She obtained her Dental Assisting license at Hibbing Community College, and from there continued onto Dental Hygiene at Lake Superior College. Ashley enjoys spending her free time with friends and family, being on Lake Vermilion, every season of fishing, and attending her son Blake’s youth sporting events.
Ashley practices at the Cook Dental and Tower Dental clinics.
Barret Wolfson, MD
Barret Wolfson, MD, grew up in Rochester, Minnesota, where her family still resides. She is a 2014 graduate of the University of Minnesota Medical School. During her third year of medical school, she was in Bigfork for nine months as a RPAP (Rural Physician Associate Program) student and chose to return to Bigfork to practice. Dr. Wolfson completed her residency training in Family Medicine at the La Crosse-Mayo Family Medicine Residency. She is Board Certified by the American Board of Family Practice. Barret enjoys spending time outside, and with her husband and two young sons. She provides medical care to patients of all ages.
Dr. Wolfson practices at the Bigfork Medical clinic. She also provides emergency department, inpatient, and long-term care services through Bigfork Valley Hospital.
Ben DeVries, PA
Ben DeVries, PA, grew up in Albert Lea, Minnesota and graduated from Albert Lea High School in 2005. Ben spent ten years working as a Firefighter/Paramedic in rural South Dakota and Minnesota. He attended the University of North Dakota School of Medicine and graduated with a Master of Physician Assistant Studies in May 2021. As a Physician Assistant in rural Minnesota, Ben enjoys providing quality care for those throughout their entire life span, pediatrics to geriatrics. Ben and his wife, along with their two children, spend time enjoying everything northern Minnesota has to offer along with traveling to new places.
Ben practices at the Eveleth Medical clinic.
Celin Williams, LICSW
Celin Williams, LICSW, grew up in Ely, Minnesota. She obtained her undergraduate degree in social work from Bemidji State University in 2009 and her graduate degree in social work from the University of North Dakota in 2010. Celin began her career working as a nursing home social worker in Minneapolis before moving home to work as a therapist for Range Mental Health in Ely and Virginia. She started with Scenic Rivers in 2018, practicing in the Cook and Bigfork clinics. With her history in gerontology, she especially enjoys working with our elders. Celin spends her time cross country skiing, snowboarding, quilting, swimming, watching Netflix, eating sushi, and spending time with family. Celin is available to address all mental health concerns with children ages six and older, and adults of all ages.
Celin practices at the Cook Medical, Tower Medical and Eveleth Medical clinics.
Charles Tietz, MD
Charles Tietz, MD, joined Scenic Rivers after years of practice in Virginia, MN. He received his undergraduate degree from St. Olaf College and attended medical school at the University of Chicago. After an internship at the Hennepin County Medical Center, he went on to train at the University of Minnesota’s Residency in Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health. Dr. Tietz brings with him a wealth of knowledge in women’s health, and he practices in gynecology and minimally invasive surgeries. When he is not at work, he and his wife Vicki enjoy biking and gardening at their home.
Dr. Tietz practices at the Cook Medical, Tower Medical and Eveleth Medical clinics. Dr. Tietz also practices minimally invasive surgeries in Cook and Tower.
Cynthia Sandberg, APRN, FNP
Cindy Sandberg, APRN, FNP, and her husband moved to the Vermilion area after spending many years vacationing here. Cindy comes with a wide variety of experiences as a Family and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, having worked as the medical provider on a large inpatient mental health unit and chemical dependency treatment program, as well as a chronic pain clinic. Cindy graduated from the College of St. Benedict with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing in 1978, earned her Master’s Degree in Nursing (Pediatric Nurse Practitioner) at the University of St. Catherine in 1998, then post-Masters Family Nurse Practitioner at Mankato State University in 2001, once Cindy’s six children were all in school. Cindy is excited about living and working in this pristine natural area, and loves enjoying real winters, and beautiful summers. In her spare time, she enjoys walking miles, gardening, fishing, spinning on her spinning wheel, knitting and spending time with their grandchildren.
Cindy practices at the Cook Medical clinic.
Danielle Keister, RDH
Dani Keister, RDH, grew up in Orr, Minnesota. She is a graduate from Hibbing Community College where she became a Licensed Dental Assistant. She continued her education at Lake Superior College, where she graduated as a Registered Dental Hygienist in 2016. Dani enjoys educating patients about their overall health and disease prevention, while also providing individual patient care. Outside of the office, Dani enjoys being in the outdoors whenever possible, hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, and spending time with family and friends.
Duane Sushoreba, DDS
Duane Sushoreba, DDS, is a 1979 graduate of the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry. He has been employed by Scenic Rivers Health Services since 1985. He provides general dental services to patients of all ages.
Dr. Sushoreba practices at the Floodwood Dental clinic.
Edwin Anderson, MD
Ed Anderson, MD, is a 1995 graduate of the University of Minnesota School of Medicine and completed his residency in Family Medicine at Appleton Family Health Clinic, University of Wisconsin, Madison. He is Board Certified by the American Board of Family Practice and previously worked in Grand Rapids, MN before being employed by Scenic Rivers Health Services in 2007. Dr. Anderson teaches medical students through the University of Minnesota Duluth School of Medicine and is an Adjunct Clinical Professor with the University of Minnesota Rural Physician Associate Program (RPAP). Dr. Anderson is currently the Chief Medical Officer at Bigfork Valley Hospital. He provides medical care to patients of all ages.
Dr. Anderson practices at the Bigfork Medical clinic. He also provides emergency department, inpatient, and long-term care services through Bigfork Valley Hospital.
Elizabeth Jacobson, NP
Elizabeth Jacobson, NP, grew up in Mountain Iron, MN, graduating from MIB high school in late 90’s. She attended Mesabi Community College and obtained her CNA certification. She then married her husband and moved to the Bigfork area with their daughter where they raised three more boys. During that time, Elizabeth went back to school to obtain her LPN, ADRN, BSN, and an AA degree in Liberal Arts. In December of 2022, she graduated from Maryville University with National honors as a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner. Over the past 20 years, most of Elizabeth’s career has been spent working for Bigfork Valley Hospital, though she has also worked as a Registered Nurse in other settings which include ER, OB, Acute Care, and ICU. Elizabeth enjoys working with individuals at any stage of development across the lifespan. As a mother of athletic boys, and grandmother of future athletic boys, she is particularly interested in sports related health and wellness, as well as physical fitness. Elizabeth is also a strong advocate for our Veterans and has a passion for Mental Health related illnesses.
In her spare time, Elizabeth loves fueling her inner artist with photography and painting.
Elizabeth practices at the Bigfork Medical clinic.
Emily Hadrava, CNP
Emily Hadrava, CNP, obtained her undergrad in nursing from the University of North Dakota in 2005, and went on to get her Masters of Science Degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner from St. Scholastica in 2009. After graduating, she worked at Essentia Health in Virginia, Minnesota, specializing in family practice for all ages, while also focusing on women’s and children’s healthcare. Emily is a life-long resident of the Iron Range and has deep roots in the culture of the area. She and her husband, along with three children, enjoy all that the northland has to offer, especially time spent on Lake Vermilion. Emily has been with Scenic Rivers since February of 2016 and sees patients of all ages.
Emily practices at the Eveleth Medical clinic.
Emily Wild, CNP
Emily Wild, CNP, grew up in Duluth, Minnesota and attended Bethel University in 2010 where she received her Bachelor’s degree. She started her career as a registered nurse in 2014 at United Hospital in St. Paul, MN. Emily returned to school in 2018 at Metropolitan State University to pursue becoming a Nurse Practitioner, where she graduated in May 2022 with a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. Emily is passionate about providing holistic care for patients and assisting them on their own path to health and well-being.
Emily practices at Cook Medical and Tower Medical clinics.
Eric Elleby, MD
Eric Elleby, MD, grew up on a small dairy farm in southern Minnesota. He is a 2014 graduate of the University of Illinois School of Medicine and completed his residency in Family Medicine at La Crosse-Mayo Family Medicine Residency. He is Board Certified by the American Board of Family Practice. Dr. Elleby is an avid Minnesota sports fan, fisherman, and enjoys telling jokes. He is very close with his parents Chris and Mary, younger brother Jordan, and his grandma, Nancy. He provides medical care to patients of all ages.
Dr. Elleby practices at the Cook Medical clinic. He also provides emergency department, inpatient, and long-term care services through the Cook Hospital and Care Center.
Eric Scrivner, MD
Eric Scrivner, MD, FAWM, was born and raised in Bigfork, Minnesota. After graduating from Bigfork High School, he completed his undergraduate degree at Johns Hopkins University in Maryland, then spent two years doing full-time volunteer work through AmeriCorps in Georgia. Eric returned to Minnesota for medical school at the University of Minnesota, then headed west to Klamath Falls, Oregon to complete his training at Oregon Health Sciences University’s Cascades East Family Medicine Residency. During residency, he also completed a Fellowship through the Academy of Wilderness Medicine. Eric has been back in Bigfork practicing medicine and fishing as much as possible since 2014.
Dr. Scrivner practices at the Bigfork Medical clinic. He also provides emergency department, inpatient, and long-term care services through Bigfork Valley Hospital.
Erin Thielbar, FNP-C
Erin Theilbar, FNP-C, was born and raised on the Iron Range and loves the area. Starting as a Registered Nurse in 2005, Erin worked as a floor nurse, and in surgery and clinical informatics. She then received her Master’s degree in Family Nurse Practitioner from the University of North Dakota and is AANP board-certified. Erin is passionate about providing care to the community where she lives. Her goal is to provide safe, quality healthcare and preventative education. In her free time, Erin enjoys spending quality time with her two children and spouse at Lake Vermilion for fishing, campfires, and cabin time.
Erin practices at Cook Medical and Tower Medical clinics.
James Marzella, DDS
James Marzella, DDS, relocated from Edina, Minnesota and currently lives with his family in Ely, Minnesota. Dr. Marzella also has three older children who live near the Twin Cities area, and one living in Middleton, Wisconson. In addition to spending time with family, he enjoys hiking, biking, boating and working and living in beautiful northern Minnesota. Dr. Marzella is dedicated to providing gentle dental services at the Tower location for your entire family, from the young, to the young at heart.
Dr. Marzella practices at the Tower Dental clinic.
Jeffery Scrivner, MD
Jeffrey Scrivner, MD, is a graduate of the Medical College of Wisconsin. He is Board Certified by the American Board of Family Practice and is a member of the American Academy of Family Practice, the American Medical Association and the Minnesota Medical Association. Dr. Scrivner came to Bigfork in 1981. He is a full-time family practice physician and Chief Medical Officer for Scenic Rivers Health Services, as well as Medical Director for Bigfork Valley’s Long Term Care Facility. Dr. Scrivner has played an integral role in the growth and development of the medical community in Bigfork. His dedication and commitment to quality patient care is evident to all who work under his leadership. He also serves as Director of Quality Improvement and Director of several projects currently underway at Scenic Rivers Health Services including their Patient Centered Medical Home project. Dr. Scrivner has always been an avid runner and outdoorsman and enjoys his time with family and friends. He provides medical care to patients of all ages.
Dr. Scrivner practices at the Bigfork Medical clinic. He also provides emergency department, inpatient, and long-term care services through Bigfork Valley Hospital.
Julie Miller, NP
Julie Miller, NP, is from Eden Prairie, Minnesota and lived in Madison, Wisconsin for five years. Julie obtained her Bachelor’s degree from St. Scholastica and her Master’s degree from Minnesota State University. Her medical background includes med/surg and labor and delivery nursing. In the last eight years, Julie has been practicing surgical and perioperative nursing. In her spare time, Julie loves to be outdoors with her family enjoying activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, and hiking.
Julie practices at the Bigfork Medical clinic.
Kari Drake, PA-C
Kari Drake, PA-C, is a a lifelong resident of the Iron Range and came to Scenic Rivers Health Services in 2010. She is a 2010 graduate of Des Moines University and is certified by the National Commission of Certification of Physician Assistants as well as a member of the American and Minnesota Academy of Physician Assistants. Kari is currently certified as a DOT Medical Examiner. Kari has an outstanding reputation with her patients and colleagues as she holds a special medical interest in family and preventative care. Kari provides medical care to patients of all ages.
Kari practices at the Bigfork Medical clinic.
Kiara Westendorf, LICSW
Kiara Westendorf, LICSW, grew up in Duluth, Minnesota and moved to the Iron Range in 2022. She attended the College of St. Benedict for her undergraduate degree in psychology. During that time, Kiara worked with elementary aged children in a mental health program in Sauk Rapids. She then moved back to Duluth to attend and graduate from the College of St. Scholastica with her Master of Social Work degree. During her graduate program, Kiara worked in a community mental health setting with at-risk youth and teens. She also has experience working in an adult inpatient mental health unit, an adult partial hospitalization program, and outpatient therapy. She has experience working with elementary children, teens, and adults with a variety of mental health needs. Kiara is also trained in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), which is used to treat trauma, in addition to many other mental health concerns. In her spare time, Kiara enjoys hiking, reading, and spending time at her cabin.
Kiara practices at Cook Medical, Tower Medical, and Eveleth Medical clinics.
Kristen Dombovy, DNP
Kristen Dombovy, DNP, graduated from St. Scholastica in 2020. She initially started with Scenic Rivers at our Floodwood clinic. Kristi then transitioned to a float provider and visited Scenic Rivers facilities in Bigfork, Cook and Eveleth to care for and fill the needs of the community. She is now at the Eveleth clinic on a regular schedule and accepting new patients.
Kristen practices at the Eveleth Medical clinic.
Matthew Holmes, MD
Matthew Holmes, MD, grew up in Angora, Minnesota and graduated from Virginia High School in 2004. He moved to Duluth for his undergraduate degree at the College of St Scholastica, as well as medical school at the University of Minnesota Duluth where he graduated in 2011. Dr. Holmes completed his residency in Duluth at the Duluth Family Medicine Center. He tried to stay as close to his roots as possible throughout his education journey and residency due to his love for the area. Dr. Holmes thoroughly enjoys northern Minnesota and spends most of his free time outdoors hunting, fishing, and snowmobiling.
Dr. Holmes practices at the Cook Medical clinic. He also provides emergency department, inpatient, and long-term care services through the Cook Hospital and Care Center.
Michael Talberg, DDS
Michael Talberg, DDS, grew up in Plymouth, Minnesota and graduated from Wayzata High School in 2001. He finished a business degree at the University of Minnesota Duluth in 2005, and after years of working odd jobs, decided to pursue dentistry. He was accepted into the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry and graduated in 2017. Dr. Talberg especially likes the “people” part of being a dentist: getting to know his patients and helping them however possible. He decided to work at Scenic Rivers to help fill the need for dental professionals in rural Minnesota. Dr. Talberg is a Captain in the Minnesota National Guard, serving as a Dental Officer. Outside of the clinic, he enjoys spending time with his wife and children, attending Mass, golfing, pool, and exercising. He loves living in Cook and plans to spend his dental career working at Scenic Rivers.
Dr. Talberg practices at the Cook Dental clinic.
Nicholas Vidor, MD
Nicholas Vidor, MD, grew up in International Falls, Minnesota and graduated from Falls High School. He attended Rainy River Community College graduating with an Associate of Arts Degree and later attended the University of Minnesota Duluth. After earning undergraduate degrees at UMD in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Cell Biology, Dr. Vidor attended UMD for a Masters in Chemistry. He readily finished his graduate degree and attended UMD Medical School. Dr. Vidor completed his medical training in Duluth at the Duluth Family Medicine Clinic. He started working in medicine as an EMT on the Falls Ambulance Service when attending RRCC. He enjoys living in Northern Minnesota fishing, hunting, and enjoying the outdoors with his wife and kids. Dr. Vidor is excited to bring quality healthcare to rural Northern Minnesota with interests in Family Medicine and Emergency Medicine.
Dr. Vidor practices at the Cook Medical clinic. He also provides emergency department, inpatient, and long-term care services through the Cook Hospital and Care Center.
Peg Simonson, RDH
Peg Simonson, RDH, grew up on Lake Michican but came to love the accessibility and beauty of the Boundary Waters area. Her passion for this area helped her make the decision to move here in 2019, which has allowed her to explore year-round. Peg graduated from the University of Minnesota program in Dental Hygiene with a special focus on care of the older adult patient and those with special needs. Peg has two adult children who live in the Twin Cities area. She enjoys serving patients of all ages and strives to build trust with every visit.
Peg practices at the Tower Dental clinic.
Rachel Beldo-Rosa, DNP, APRN, CNP
Rachel Beldo-Rosa, DNP, APRN, CNP, grew up in Eveleth, Minnesota. She obtained her nursing degree from the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth in 2007, and her DNP from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities in 2013. Rachel worked at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota for 10 years, four of which were in Family Medicine. She lives in Tower with her husband, Andrew, dogs Sven and Lena, and cat Ole. Rachel loves spending time outside and on Lake Vermilion. She provides medical care to patients of all ages.
Rachel practices at the Tower Medical and Cook Medical clinics.
Rhonda Gravitis, ADT
Rhonda Gravitis, ADT, grew up in eastern Wisconsin and moved to Minnesota for college. She attended University of Minnesota Twin Cities and received her Bachelors in Psychology with minors in Chemistry and Biology in 2007. Rhonda continued her dream of working in dental at one of the four offices on the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus at the front desk for seven years. In 2014 she started dental hygiene school at Normandale Community College, graduated with her Associates and Bachelors in Dental Hygiene in 2016, and continued on with her schooling at Metro State University where she graduated with her Master’s in Advanced Dental Therapy in December of 2017. Rhonda received her Advanced status in June of 2019 and has enjoyed the autonomy it brings. Her role as a mid-level dental provider allows her to provide preventative and restorative dentistry to those who may not have access to dental care. When not practicing dentistry, Rhonda enjoys the variety of outdoor activities the northland has to offer.
Rhonda practices at the Cook Dental clinic.
Robin Nelson, LICSW
Originally from Burnsville, Robin lived in Minnesota most of her life and recently moved to Northern Minnesota with her husband. She brings a wealth of experience as a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor and holds a Master’s in Social Work from Augsburg University in Minneapolis. Throughout her career, she has worked in various levels of care, including outpatient settings, adolescent dual diagnosis programs, and acute inpatient facilities. Additionally, Robin managed behavioral health case management and utilization review for several insurance companies. Outside of work, Robin and her husband enjoy the Northern Minnesota lifestyle with their three dogs, exploring nature trails, fishing, and birdwatching.
Robin practices at the Bigfork Medical and Northome Medical clinics.
Teresa Bushnell, ADT
Teresa Bushnell, ADT, grew up in sunny Tucson, Arizona. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Arizona in 1997 in Math Education. Teresa was a high school math teacher for a number of years until she decided to pursue a career in dentistry. An oral surgeon recommended the dental therapy profession to her, so she moved her family to beautiful and snowy Minnesota to pursue a new career. Teresa successfully completed her education and training to become an Advanced Dental Therapist at the University of Minnesota. She has been licensed since 2013 and has practiced solely in the public health sector. Residing in northern Minnesota since 2014, her family has grown to love it here. With four children and being very active in the church, spare time is a rare luxury. Teresa enjoys being with family, attending school and sporting events, playing the piano, and volunteering.
Teresa practices at the Floodwood dental clinic.
Tim Sprouls, DDS
Dr. Tim Sprouls grew up in western Nebraska. He obtained a BS in Biology from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, graduated from the University of Nebraska College of Dentistry in 1986 and completed a general practice residency at the VA Hospital in Minneapolis in 1987. Dr. Sprouls first came to Cook in 1989 and has spent the bulk of his career working in community health centers in St. Paul and Cook, Minnesota.
Dr. Sprouls practices at the Cook Dental, Tower Dental, and Bigfork Dental clinics.
Valerie Flank, RDH
Valerie Flank, RDH, grew up in Cook, Minnesota. She worked for Scenic Rivers as a Dental Assistant while earning her Dental Hygienist degree from Lake Superior College in 1996. Val has been employed as a Dental Hygienist for Scenic Rivers since 2003. She currently resides in Bear River and loves spending time with her husband and children. When Val isn’t at work, she loves to decorate and work in her garden. Val provides dental services to patients of all ages.
Valerie practices at the Cook Dental clinic.