COMMUNITY HEALTH NET - Key Persons
Chris Cain, CRNP joined Community Health Net in 2018. He received a Bachelor of Nursing Degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from Clarion/Edinboro University and received his Masters Degree with a focus on Family Medicine. Chris is a member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and the PA Coalition of Nurse Practitioners. During his free time, he enjoys spending time with family, music and gardening.
Job Titles:
- Health Center Administration Office
Job Titles:
- Nurse Practitioner
- Member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners
Deneen Morris, CRNP, joined Community Health Net in November 2022. She graduated from Gannon University in Erie, Pennsylvania, with honors and received an Associate Degree in Nursing. Deneen then enrolled in Gannon's RN to MSN Nurse practitioner Program and received a Master of Science Degree in Nursing in 2014. Deneen has 30 years of experience in healthcare, including 17 years as an orthopedic pediatric nurse on a pre/post-surgical and post-anesthesia unit.
Deneen has worked as a Nurse practitioner for 8 years. Deneen Loves working with vulnerable populations. In addition to working with children with multiple bone disorders, she has a background in Women's correctional medicine and Geriatrics with a focus on end-of-life care.
Deneen is a member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. In her free time, she enjoys singing in church, planning social events, and spending time with her family, including her 2 sons.
Job Titles:
- Optometrist in Erie, PA / Douglas J. Villella, O.D.
attended St. Bonaventure University and received his Bachelor's of Science in Biology. Dr. Villella continued his education and attended PA College of Optometry to earn his Doctor of Optometry. He served in the United States Army as a Captain and optometrist from 1982 to 1986. He currently sees patients at Community Health Net's Vision Clinic, Bayfront Eyecare, and Health South Rehabilitation Hospital. He is a member of the American Optometry Association and serves as the Executive Director for Vision for the Poor. He has been the recipient of multiple awards including the Archbishop Oscar Romero Award in 2017, the People First Humanitarian of the Year Award in 2005, and the Lions Club International Melvin Jones Award in 2002. He is passionate and dedicated to his practice and has a very special interest in Pediatrics and Post-Trauma treatment. When Dr. Villella has some free time, he enjoys kayaking, cross-country skiing, cycling, golfing, and travel.
Emily Barron joined Community Health Net in January 2024. Emily graduated from Mercyhurst University's RN program in 2014 and received her Master of Science in Nursing degree specializing in Family Nurse Practitioner from Frontier Nursing University in 2023.
In 2024, Emily obtained the HIV Specialist credential from the American Academy of HIV Medicine.
Emily is a member of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and Nurses for Sexual and Reproductive Health.
Jeffrey Nowak, PharmD, RPh is the Director of Pharmacy at Community Health Net (CHN). Dr. Nowak attended the LECOM School of Pharmacy and earned a Doctor of Pharmacy in June 2005. He attended Pennsylvania State University earning a Bachelor of Science-Polymer Science in December 1986. As the Pharmacy Director, Dr. Nowak serves as one of two full time pharmacists and is responsible for managing operations of CHN's Pharmacy and also serves as a pharmacy preceptor to LECOM pharmacy students. Prior to joining Community Health Net, Dr. Nowak was employed at the Regional Cancer Center, as the Clinical Pharmacist and Target Pharmacy, as the Pharmacy Manager. Dr. Nowak was also the Laboratory Manager at Automated Industrial Systems and served as the staff chemist at Mameco, Inc. in Cleveland, Ohio. Currently, he serves as parish council president at St. George Church in Erie, PA. His hobbies include mountain biking, volleyball and carpentry.
Job Titles:
- Family Nurse Practitioner
Jillian Williams, Family Nurse Practitioner, joined Community Health Net in September 2024. Jillian graduated from Pennsylvania State University with a Bachelor's of Science in Biology. She furthered her education graduating Magna cum laude with a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing, and graduated Summa cum laude with a Master's of Science in Nursing from Thomas Jefferson University. Jillian's focus is family/individual across the lifespan. During her time as a Registered Nurse, Jillian worked in Philadelphia on a heart failure/left ventricular assistive device step down unit, and post operative Cardiac Surgery unit. During her time in school, Jillian worked in a Neurosurgical and Cardiac Surgery Intensive Care Unit. She is board certified through the American Nurses Credentialing Center, and is a member of the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing. Her passions include her charity, Miles for Malignancy, which helps local families and individuals in need who are suffering from cancer. During her free time, she enjoys hunting, fishing, hiking, teaching Sunday school, and spending time with friends and family.
Lana Quinn is a Dental Hygienist. She earned her Science degree from Gannon University and an Associate Degree in Applied Science in Dental Hygiene from Lakeland Community College. She brings 29 years of experience to Community Health Net. She is Board Certified with the American Dental Association. She is a Public Dental Health Practitioner. In her free time she enjoys walking, running, gardening and spending time with family.
Lora Bell is a dental hygienist with 20 years of experience. She has an Associate Degree from Erie Community College in Buffalo New York. Lora has earned her Public Dental Health Practitioner and Anesthesia Certification. She is a member of the American Dental Hygienist Association. She enjoys giving back to the community in her free time. She also enjoys walking, relaxing and spending time with her family.
Lynne Birkmeyer, M.D. is a Board Certified Pediatrician at Community Health Net. Dr. Birkmeyer received her Bachelor's degree from Chestnut Hill College and then continued on to receive her medical degree from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. She completed her residency in Pediatrics at Hershey Medical Center. She is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics. She is passionate about helping children and is committed to ensuring that every child receives the best healthcare. Dr. Birkmeyer is the 2018 APEX award recipient for Outstanding Primary Care Clinician by the Pennsylvania Association of Community Health Centers (PACHC). When Dr. Birkmeyer has some free time she enjoys watching the Cleveland Cavaliers and Oklahoma City Thunder basketball teams with her son.
Mary Howick, D.O. is a native of Cambridge Springs, PA. She obtained a Bachelor of Science in Biology at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania in 1999, graduating Summa Cum Laude. She attended Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and graduated in 2003. She then completed a traditional rotating internship at Meadville Medical Center in Meadville, PA. She realized that her passion was with family medicine and completed her Family Medicine residency at Meadville Medical Center in 2008. She practiced Family Medicine in the Meadville area for 15 years. She served as the Medical Director at Meadville Rehabilitation and Nursing and recently had the opportunity to serve for two years as the Medical Director at a maximum-security men's prison. She currently serves as the Medical Director of Inspire MedSpa in Meadville, PA. She can't imagine doing anything else and is grateful for the many experiences she has had during her training and many years of practice. She loves family medicine and finds it very rewarding to develop long-term relationships with patients and their families. She has 4 children who bring much joy to her life. Dr. Howick also has many family pets and loves plants, particularly succulents and cactuses, and has a house full of them. She is thrilled to join the Community Health Net Team and hopes to be a long-term positive force in the organization.
Job Titles:
- Certified Registered Nurse
Melissa L. Greene is a Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner. Melissa obtained her Associate Degree in nursing from Villa Maria School of Nursing. She continued her education at Gannon University to receive her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Melissa received her Master of Science, Nurse Practitioner Degree from Edinboro, Clarion, Slippery Rock Universities. She has been part of the Community Health Net team since 2009.
Job Titles:
- Certified Registered Nurse
Melissa L. Robertson is a Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner with board certification in Family Medicine. Melissa obtained her Bachelor of Science Degree from Gannon University, Villa Maria School of Nursing in 1999. She continued her education at Gannon University to receive her Master of Science in Nursing Degree in 2005. In 2008, Melissa received her Post-Master's Certificate in the Nurse Practitioner Program from Gannon University. She is a member of Sigma Theta Tau, International Honor Society of Nursing, and serves as secretary of the Eta Xi chapter of Sigma Theta Tau. Melissa is also a member of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and the Pennsylvania Coalition of Nurse Practitioners. She has been part of the Community Health Net team since 2009.
Michael DeSantis, CRNP joined Community Health Net in 2018. He received an Associate Degree in Paramedical Science and Bachelor of Nursing Degree from Charles Sturt University in Australia. He attended Gannon University and received his Masters Degree with a focus on Family Medicine. Michael has served our country in the rank of Sergeant with the United States Marine Corp. Michael is a member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, American Nurses Association and American Legion. During his free time he enjoys outdoor activities i.e. hunting, fishing, hiking and golfing. He also enjoys playing the guitar and going to the gym.
Rachel Cragle, Adult-Geriatric CRNP, joined Community Health Net in December of 2023. She received a Bachelor of Nursing Degree from Frostburg State University. In 2023 she graduated from Walden University receiving a master's degree in advanced practice nursing with focus on Adult-Geriatric medicine. Rachel received her NP certification through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board. In her free time, she enjoys reading and spending time with friends and family.
Job Titles:
- Registered Dental Hygienist
Regina Zapata is a registered dental hygienist having earned an Associate Degree at Tri-State Institute in Dental Hygiene. Regina is board certified by the American Dental Association and is a member of the American Dental Hygienists Association. She has earned her public dental health practitioner and anesthesia certification. She is passionate about working in an FQHC Community Office. In her free time she enjoys listening to music, watching movies and spending time with her husband and two beautiful daughters. Shopping and travel are on her list of favorite things to do.
Stephanie Dorich, LCSW, joined Community Health Net in October 2021. Stephanie brings over 15 years of experience as a clinician in the Behavioral Health and human services field. She obtained her bachelor's degree in Psychology from Penn State Behrend, and her Master's degree in Social Work from Edinboro University. She obtained her Clinical License in 2012. Stephanie is experienced in substance use/addiction disorders, depression, PTSD, anxiety, crisis assessment and intervention, and a variety of other psychiatric conditions. She has worked as a direct care clinician in both inpatient and outpatient substance programs, Veteran behavioral health populations, and as a director of clinical services.
Stephanie uses an integrated approach to wellness, understanding the interplay between mental, physical, emotional, and social well-being. She would describe herself as approachable, empathetic, and willing to address challenging issues that are barriers to progress. She enjoys spending time with her son and 2 cats, camping, traveling, and a good cup of coffee.