Nextera Healthcare – Nebraska

April Thomas is a board-certified family nurse practitioner who is passionate about developing strong patient relationships to increase the quality of care. She obtained an undergraduate degree from Loyola University in Chicago and a masters degree from Creighton University in Omaha. She has spent much of her career in community health settings, providing primary care to high-risk patients with limited resources, which ingrained in her that our physical health cannot be separated from our mental, emotional, spiritual, or socioeconomic well being.

April practices integrative care –– a whole-person approach that acknowledges the complex factors influencing health, wellness, and disease and elevates the partnership between patient and provider. Integrative care encourages the use of evidence-based lifestyle and natural therapies whenever possible, to improve patient safety and keep healthcare costs low. So April pairs the pharmaceutical treatment of chronic illnesses with nutritional, lifestyle and environmental changes to enhance one’s innate ability to get well. She is particularly interested in improving primary care for patients suffering from depression and anxiety.

Although Doctor Bart Bellamy was born in Utah, he spent most of his childhood and life in Lincoln, Nebraska. He attended Nebraska Wesleyan University and received a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Degree from Des Moines University of Osteopathic Medical Center. Part of his medical training involved living in the Cleveland, Ohio area before returning to Lincoln to complete his residency training at the Lincoln Medical Education Partnership Family Medicine Program.

Dr. Bellamy is a board-Certified Family Physician. He has been in private practice since 2005. Dr. Bellamy has a passion for Family Medicine because it allows for the opportunity to develop long-term relationships with patients and their families. He appreciates providing medical care for generations of families and patients of all ages. He believes the most valuable part of providing excellent medical care is getting to know patients on a complete and personal level.

He approaches each patient with a holistic mindset and he values the importance of their questions and choices as they work together as a team in providing medical care and disease prevention.

He and his wife Leah have two children who keep them busy with their activities. He enjoys spending his free time doing all the enjoyable things of life, such as outdoor activities, exercising, reading, enjoying good food and sports. What he enjoys the most is spending as much time as possible with family and friends.

Bobby attended UW-Madison Medical School. His residency training included surgery, anesthesiology (UCLA), and he is Board Certified in Family Medicine. He has centered his life around practicing medicine in the Fox Valley — spending over 15 years of as Medical Director of urgent care clinics in the Fox Valley and Green Bay areas.

His practice philosophy is simple: provide the highest quality healthcare that is both accessible and affordable to hard-working families.

Outside of his medical practice, he enjoys supporting the activities of his three children and family, racquet sports, teaching Taekwondo, and the outdoors.

Carrie Juracek is a Strada Healthcare affiliate practicing Family Medicine in Bellevue, NE.

Carrie is a highly qualified physician assistant who is available to treat patients of all ages. She treats acute and chronic illnesses and is available to manage urgent illnesses and injuries. She performs well-child exams, sports physicals, and annual physical exams for both men and women.

Carrie worked in rural South Dakota for two years before joining Dr. Cervantes in Bellevue in 2003.  She enjoys reading, camping, and spending time with her family.

Originally from Cairo, Nebraska, Dr. Vieth received his undergraduate degree from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln and his medical degree from UNMC. Dr. Vieth joined Family Practice of Grand Island during July of 2000.

David G. Lindley, MD, graduated from Spalding Grammar School in England in 1982. He attended Leeds University Medical School in Leeds, England, from 1982 to 1987 and graduated with a degree in Medicine. From 1988 to 1991, he completed a General Practice Residency at the Bradford Vocational Training Scheme in Bradford, England. He obtained membership of the Royal College of General Practitioners of England along with diplomas in pediatrics, obstetrics, gynecology, family planning, and geriatrics. After his residency, Dr. Lindley gained general practice experience in many places throughout England. He acquired unique experiences in medicine, including time in the Falkland Islands; as a trek doctor in the Nepalese Himalayas; as a cruise doctor on board a ship traveling to remote parts of the world, including Antarctica and the South Atlantic; and practicing in Canada. Dr. Lindley became board certified in 1999 by the American Academy of Family Physicians and practiced family medicine in North Platte, Nebraska, from 1998 to 2004. In August 2004, he along with Dr. Kent Allison opened Complete Family Medicine in North Platte.

Originally from Fremont, Nebraska, Dr. Settje received his undergraduate degree from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln and his medical degree from UNMC. Dr. Settje joined Family Practice of Grand Island during July of 1980.

Dr. Jeffrey Bruce Toner is a Family Medicine Specialist in Jonesville, Michigan. He graduated with honors from Michigan State University College Of Human Medicine in 2000.

Jeremy Campbell graduated from the University of Nebraska Medical Center in 2006 earning his degree in Masters of Physician Assistant Studies. During his career, he has amassed knowledge in several different medical specialties including Orthopedics, Emergency Medicine, Primary Care, and Men’s Health. With this knowledge it allows him to be a more complete provider and use this expertise to better care for his patients. He is currently working on his Diplomate Certification through the American Academy of Anti-Aging.

Jeremy is married to his wife Alyssa for the last 15 years. They live in Papillion where they are raising their four young children. In his spare time, he coaches his son’s soccer team and enjoys outdoor activities like camping, running, hunting, kayaking, and jet-skiing.

John R. Jacobsen, M.D., a Board Certified Family Practice physician, is the founder and owner of Click Family Healthcare in Kearney, Nebraska.

John, who grew up in Merna, was an ag banker for 10+ years before applying to medical school.  Coming from a small town, his desire was to practice family medicine in a more rural setting.

After finishing his residency, John was in private practice in Geneva, Nebraska for over 10 years caring for all ages including pediatric, adolescent, adult and geriatric patients.  In addition, he provided obstetrical services including cesarean sections, upper and lower endoscopies, in-hospital and in-clinic minor surgical procedures, hospital in-patient care and emergency room services. John served as the hospital chief of staff, was medical director of a nursing home and was medical director of the hospital out-patient senior behavioral health program.

John moved to Omaha to become the Chief Medical Officer of a start-up primary care center, a role that was administrative in nature.  After 3 1/2 years, the desire to provide direct patient care led him to decide to open Click Family Healthcare.

John has been active in family medicine organizations at both the state and national levels.  He is a Past President and has served as an AAFP Alternate Delegate, on the Board of Directors, the Scientific Affairs committee and the Executive committee. On the national level, John is a Past Chairman of the Finance and Insurance Commission of the American Academy of Family Physicians, an organization serving over 120,000 Family Physicians nationwide.  He is also a member of the American Medical Association and the Nebraska Medical Association.

He has been married to Janet for over 39 years, has 2 daughters, Jenny and Katie (Michael Allison), a grandson Easton and a granddaughter Briar.

Internal medicine physician Jon Van Der Veer, DO, started Exemplar Care in Des Moines, Iowa, to give patients access to effective, affordable health care they deserve. Dr. Van Der Veer understands how his investment of time and attention to patient-focused care makes all the difference. He has taken the administrative red tape and insurance roadblocks out of direct primary care to give individuals a highly personalized experience.

Dr. Van Der Veer is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Before starting his own practice, he served as chief medical officer at both Greene County Medical Center in Jefferson, Iowa, and CareMore Health in Des Moines, Iowa. Dr. Van Der Veer also worked as a primary care provider at UnityPoint Clinic Internal Medicine in Des Moines.

Earning his medical degree at Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dr. Van Der Veer completed his residency in internal medicine at Central Iowa Health System – Methodist in Des Moines. In addition to his clinic work, he is the co-author of several articles published in medical journals.

At Exemplar Care, Dr. Van Der Veer takes a holistic approach, treating the whole person instead of just their symptoms. He retains a membership-based patient load of just 500-800 people, which gives him time to advocate for his patients’ needs. Dr. Van Der Veer is devoted to unhurried appointments and consistency in care, offering unlimited consultations through text, FaceTime, and phone calls.

Dr. Van Der Veer is an affiliate provider for Strada Healthcare and provides onsite diagnostic and treatment services for a wide range of acute and chronic conditions, including diabetes, thyroid disorders, and the flu. He also focuses on preventive health care, offering mental health evaluations, and routine physical exams.

If you’re looking for a compassionate primary care provider, schedule an appointment with Dr. Van Der Veer online or by calling Exemplar Care today.

Coming soon!

Coming soon!

Dr. Kari Galyen is originally from Pierce, NE. She went to the University of Nebraska Medical Center where she received her medical degree. She then completed two different residencies in internal medicine and Family Practice in Omaha and Kearney, NE. Kari is married to Dr. Jim Galyen and has 4 children, Ainsley, Brody, Blake, and Luke. She enjoys cooking and spending time outside with the family.

Kelli grew up in Bee, Nebraska. She started her nursing career at the age of 16 as a Certified Nursing Assistant. Quickly, nursing and helping others, became a passion. 

In 2003 she got her Associate’s Degree in Nursing from Southeast Community College in Lincoln. She worked for 11 years for BryanLGH Medical Center in Lincoln, Nebraska. There, she cared for a diverse inpatient population including oncology, urology, women’s health, alcohol detoxification, general surgery and inpatient hospice.

Kelli graduated in 2004 with her Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from the University of Nebraska Medical Center. In 2011 she completed her graduate education at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and is Nationally Board Certified in Adult Health and Illness by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. 

Kelli’s post-graduate experience began in a robust internal medicine clinic which has transitioned over the last several years towards functional and regenerative medicine as the desire for more natural therapies rises. Over the last two years she has studied functional medicine at the School of Applied Functional Medicine and continued her education in regenerative medicine with the use of Platelet Rich Fibrin therapy for joint health. 

Kelli was on the regional speaker’s bureau for Veridia Diagnostics from 2016 to 2018. In this role, she educated other providers about the benefits of advanced cardiometabolic laboratory testing to aid in the prevention of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. 

Kelli has attended several PALETTE trainings for esthetics for use in Remedy Health’s MedSpa and is a seasoned injector of neurotoxins such as Botox, Xeomin, and Jeaveau as well as hyaluronic fillers such as Juvederm and Voluma. She has attended training and frequently administers Bellafill injections. 

Kelli’s Personal Practice Philosophy 

Kelli believes that most people have been fed the wrong information for several decades, especially when it comes to nutrition and pharmaceuticals. She believes that if she can give people small action steps with each visit, that they can change little by little, these small changes will eventually make a huge impact on her patients’ health. 

Kelli enjoys spending time with her husband and their four children. She loves to travel when they are able, and enjoys watching her children play sports and dance. She also leads the Greater Omaha Nurse Practitioner’s group helping provide free education to her fellow, local Nurse Practitioners on a monthly basis.

Originally from Aurora, Nebraska, Dr. Vettel received his undergraduate degree from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln and his medical degree from UNMC. Dr. Vettel joined Family Practice of Grand Island during July of 1995.

Kent P. Allison, MD, is a western Nebraska native. He graduated from Stapleton High School in 1982. He attended Chadron State College from 1982 to 1983 and Kearney State College from 1983 to 1987 where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. He then taught high school science in Ogallala and Wolbach, Nebraska. In 1993, he returned to school at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and graduated in 1997 with a degree in Medicine. He completed the Family Practice Residency program at the North Platte Rural Training Track from 1997 through 2000. He then became board certified in 2000 by the American Academy of Family Physicians. Dr. Allison has formerly worked in family medicine practices in Broken Bow and North Platte, Nebraska, before opening Complete Family Medicine in North Platte with Dr. David Lindley in August 2004

Born and raised in rural Nebraska, Krystal developed an unending love for small, meaningful relationships. She spent many hours in the local nursing home during high school and college working as a nurses’ aide. Krystal graduated from Nebraska Wesleyan University in 2002 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology. In 2004 she completed her Masters of Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Nebraska Medical center in 2004. She began her career in rural Kansas with two doctors and one other PA. “It was there in this small town that I gained invaluable experience working in the clinic, emergency room (first on-call responsibilities), hospital and nursing home settings, as well as newborn care,” states Krystal.

Nearly eight years and two children later, Krystal and her husband felt a strong desire to get back home, to Nebraska. Most recently Krystal worked in a primary care clinic in Crete, NE. She spent 8 years there sharpening her clinical skills. Krystal has studied the DPC model and believes in the core values and mission of our office. Krystal states, “It is a privilege to care for people,” she goes on to say, “there is no greater honor and responsibility than for people to trust you with their health. I recognize and value that privilege, trust, and that relationship.”

Dr. Kyleen Schmoker is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner.  She grew up in Springfield Nebraska.  She began her career in healthcare at age 19 as a Certified Nursing Assistant.

In 2016, she graduated from Nebraska Methodist College with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.  She worked for 4 years in the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CVICU) at Nebraska Medicine where she grew to love the fast-paced environment and critical thinking skills it takes to be a CVICU nurse.  Over time, she quickly learned that she has a deep passion for preventative medicine.  Helping patients improve their quality of life and prevent them from ending up in the ICU due to chronic disease became her ultimate goal.

In 2021, Dr. Schmoker graduated from Nebraska Methodist College with her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree and is Nationally Board Certified in Family Practice by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.  During graduate school, one of her preceptors specialized in functional medicine.  From him, she gained skills and knowledge that she will use to help patients determine how and why illness occurs. She will use this experience to help teach her patients ways to restore health by addressing the root causes of disease for each individual.

Dr. Schmoker enjoys spending time with her husband, their two sons (has another on the way), friends, and family.  In her free time, she participates in church activities, she enjoys watching their oldest son play sports, trying new things, and loves going on date nights with her husband.

Dr. Schmoker is excited about this new opportunity to build her career and meet new people.

Originally from Guanajuato, Mexico. Grand Island is home town here in Nebraska. Dr. Rojas-Bita received her Bachelor of Science from University of Nebraska at Kearney and her medical degree from UNMC. She joined Family Practice of Grand Island in July of 2021.

I am the youngest of 3 boys born in West Point, NE, and raised in Fremont, NE.  My father was a US Post Office letter carrier who taught me to work hard and pay attention to details.  My mother was a kindergarten school teacher who encouraged me to always do my best with a positive attitude—my day is “great and getting better” she would say.  Their lessons and encouragement followed me to the University of NE-Lincoln.  I initially majored in computer science, but noted quickly that I enjoyed working with other students more than computers.  I read a book called “Operation Prayer” that provided a list of prayer requests for other countries and their needs.  I noticed the frequent need for medical doctors.  It was at that time that I changed my major to chemistry and took classes to prepare for medical school.  Before medical school I married my college sweetheart, Sandy, and we headed to Omaha to attend the University of Nebraska College of Medicine.

Following medical school, we headed to Wichita, KS, and I completed a family medicine residency at St. Joseph Family Practice where I was chief resident in the third year.  After becoming a Board Certified Family Physician in 1991 we landed in Beatrice where we have remained.  We have been fortunate to raise our 5 children here—Allison, Betsy, Caleb, Danielle, and Elijah.  Beatrice has been very good to us with many medical opportunities as well.  I had the blessing to work at the Gage County Medical Clinic for 17 ½ years before moving to the emergency department in 2008.  I have also been able to work with the hospital to develop a palliative care program, work as a hospitalist, and develop a nursing home comprehensive care program.  However, I miss the close patient-physician relationships I was able to develop when I was first in practice.  For the last 5 years I have researched the new Direct Primary Care (DPC) approach to medicine.  With a smaller patient panel and more time with patients, I am able to return to the personal nature of medicine, providing care like a doctor who is a friend of the family, with affordable, value-laden care.

Michelle K. Hunter, PA-C, grew up in North Platte, NE. In 2000, she completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Nebraska-Lin- coln. She then received her Master of Physician Assistant studies at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, NE.

She has been practicing in western Nebraska and eastern Wyoming since 2003.  She enjoys treating patients of all ages and helping them to take steps toward a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle. She has a special interest in children’s health as well as treating the patient as a whole.

Michelle is married and has two children. She enjoys spending time with her family as well as skiing, running, lifting weights and reading books in her leisure time.

Michelle Kentfield joined the Novis Health team in October 2021 and is excited to make a difference in the lives of her patients as a primary care provider. Michelle grew up near Lincoln, Nebraska and enjoyed the open space that comes with country living. Because of this, she enjoys anything outdoors and loves to travel. She has two dogs that take up a lot of her time and love, too.

Michelle decided to go into medicine because she was inspired by her family, friends, teachers, professors, and mentors throughout her life. Her friends and family provided her support and her teachers showed her how much she loves science.

This led Michelle to complete the Physician Assistant Studies program at the College of Saint Mary, including 12 clinical rotations to expand her knowledge in a variety of medical fields. At Novis Health, Michelle is able to combine her love of science and medicine with caring for people in a way that is meaningful to her.

Originally from Holdrege, Nebraska, Dr. Steinke received her undergraduate degree from Creighton University and her medical degree from UNMC. Dr. Steinke joined Family Practice of Grand Island during September of 1999.

Originally from Hastings, Nebraska, Dr. Fruehling received his undergraduate degree at Hastings College and received his medical degree from UNMC. Dr. Fruehling joined Family Practice of Grand Island during December of 1979.

With over 10 years of experience in the health and fitness industry, Dr. Robbie Robinson founded Prosper Direct Health to provide primary care, weight loss, Functional Medicine, Anti-Aging, and Hormone Balance solutions for his patients. His goal is to help permanently change the patient’s everyday wellness habits so each individual can live a healthier and happier life.

As a child, Robbie experienced first-hand the unsettling effects of Asthma and childhood obesity. With his own struggles in mind he wanted to create a healing space in Sioux City, Iowa to help others overcome chronic illnesses.

Dr. Robinson initially started his career as a Nurse after graduating with Honors from St. Luke’s Nursing College and Briar Cliff University both in Sioux City, Iowa. From there, he obtained a Doctorate Degree in Nursing at Creighton University in Omaha Nebraska. Since then he has received additional training in Functional and Nutritional Medicine, Recieved certification with Sottopelle for Pellet Hormone optimization. Completed Training with A4M in Anti-Aging Medicine, and is Board Certified with American Academy of Procedural Medicine. Through his integrative wellness approach, he created Prosper Direct Health to customize health programs to fit every body type, regardless of gender and genetics.

Dr. Sabrina Cerny is a native of Hannibal, Missouri joining our faculty in January of 2014. She graduated from The University of Iowa with a BA in French and attended the Virginia Commonwealth University medical school. Upon completing her family medicine residency at CHRISTUS Santa Rose Family Medicine Residency Program in San Antonia, Texas, Dr. Cerny then completed a Faculty Development Fellowship at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Dr. Cerny completed training in medical acupuncture from Helms Medical Institute, UCLA/Berkley. She enjoys “all things French” (considers herself a Francophile) along with exercising, spending time with her husband and daughter, and their dogs.

Originally from Mullen, Nebraska, Dr. Graybill completed her undergraduate degree from Chadron State College and her medical degree from the University Of Nebraska College Of Medicine. Dr. Graybill joined Family Practice of Grand Island during July of 2006.

Dr. Scott R Gutowski is a Family Medicine Specialist in Jonesville, Michigan. He graduated with honors from Michigan State University College Of Osteopathic Medicine in 2000.

Originally from Wood River, Nebraska, Dr. Husen received his undergraduate degree from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln and received his medical degree from UNMC. Dr. Husen founded Family Practice of Grand Island during July of 1978.

Teresa is very excited to join Access Family Medicine and work in a Direct Primary Care setting. After over 30 years as a family practice provider, she has a following of families she has cared for over 2 or 3 generations.

Ms. Novak obtained her Bachelor’s degree in pre-med biology in 1986 at Doane College in Crete, Nebraska. She attended the University of Nebraska Medical Center and received her Physician Assistant degree in 1990. Teresa began her career providing family and hospital medicine in rural Nebraska from 1990 – 1993. Since then, she has worked as a family practice provider in Lincoln, Nebraska, including 14 years of caring for families at a satellite clinic in Ashland, NE. Regarding practice style, Teresa feels a provider should have realistic expectations of those they care for. “Although we’d all like to be the healthiest version of ourselves, there are real-life obligations and time constraints that sometimes stand in the way. I don’t want to judge my patients, just as I wouldn’t want to be judged. It’s my job to help them however I can, even if it’s just little steps.” Teresa also believes that it’s important to really listen. “Many times, I can figure out a complicated problem just by paying attention to the little details my patient provides.” She also likes to use a little humor whenever possible. “No one should dread going to the doctor’s office!”

Ms. Novak is a member of the American Academy of Physician Associates and the Nebraska Academy of Physician Assistants. In her free time, she enjoys movies, spoiling her pets, and singing/performing with her husband, Ledo.

I am a Board Certified Family Medicine Physician who has been practicing for more than 20 years, taking care of newborns to elders. Since medical school, my great love for medicine has always been caring for all ages, helping with acute illnesses (from common colds to serious problems), chronic health concerns, disease prevention, and my favorite, wellness promotion.

While gaining experience in treating patients the world over, I have come to see a common thread: Patients want to be heard and cared for – we all do, actually. However, over the last couple decades, I have become disillusioned with the trend of doctor-patient relationships. In our current model, we often have no time to address the real health concerns of our patients.

Originally from Aurora, Nebraska, Dr. T. Vettel received his undergraduate degree from Chadron State College and his medical degree from UNMC. Dr. T. Vettel joined Family Practice of Grand Island during July of 2016.

Originally from Central City, Nebraska, Dr. Meyer received his undergraduate degree from the University of Nebraska at Omaha and his medical degree from UNMC. Dr. Meyer joined Family Practice of Grand Island during July of 2012.