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 2007-2008 year.

Janie Elliott, President
Cass 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 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.

Kay Forest, President Elect
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, Treasurer
HADH RHC Central Billing Office

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.

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.

Mary Jo Crawford
Paris Family Medical

Carolyn Duncan
Skaggs Community Health Center
Carolyn, CPC, CPC-H, is the Revenue Cycle Manager for Clinics, Skaggs Community Health Center in Branson, MO. Prior to moving to Kansas City, she was their Sr. Director of Physicians & Clinics, with 20 multi-specialty clinics of which six are rural health clinics. In her previous role as a consultant, she presented seminars throughout the country for numerous RHCs and other health care organizations providing coding, documentation, and billing directives. Carolyn is the past president of MARHC.

Sheila Feekes
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.

Carol Lee
Pike Medical Clinic

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 Healthcare, Inc.

Lois Wheat
St. Johns Clinic
Lois is the Practice Manager for the St. John's Clinic-Mountain Grove. She has been with the clinic since 1983. The clinic became an Independent RHC in 1995 and was independently owned until 1997 when it became a member of the St. John's Health System. The clinic currently has three physicians, two nurse practitioners and a Registered Dietitian/Patient and Community Educator. Lois has served on the MARHC Conference Committee for the past two years and is a member of MGMA. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her family.