AXIS HEALTH SYSTEM - Key Persons
Dagny Lodowski is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She has expertise in child and adolescent therapy, family therapy, and parent coaching.
Job Titles:
- Executive Vice President of Finance & Operations
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- Member of the Senior Leadership Team
- Senior Director of Nursing
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- Member of the Board of Directors
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- Member of the Senior Leadership Team
- Senior Director Acute Behavioral Health Services
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- Member of the Board of Directors
- Treasurer, Montezuma County
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- Member of the Senior Leadership Team
- Senior Director Information Technologies
Aaron Montaño, MD, is a psychiatrist at Cortez Integrated Healthcare.
Aaron Montaño, MD, is a psychiatrist at Axis Health System. He attended Colorado University School of Medicine and completed his psychiatric residency at CU. He sees patients ages 16 and older.
Dr. Montaño has been treating patients since 2015 and completed his residency in 2020. He uses a number of approaches, depending on the needs and wants of the person he is working with. He is most comfortable working within a relational framework, with behavioral interventions or CBT when needed. He can provide medications for a range of mental health problems, including Suboxone (medication-assisted treatment) and other medications for addiction.
Dr. Amanda Brown, DDS, is a dentist at Durango Oral Health Clinic.
Dr. Amanda Brown, DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery), was born in Denver and is a graduate of the University of Colorado at Boulder. She obtained her dental degree at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine in Aurora, Colo. Her residency for Advanced Education in General Dentistry took place at the Marillac Clinic in Grand Junction and was facilitated by New York University.
Amanda has 4 years' experience as a practitioner and over 10 years of experience in the dental field. Dr. Brown has a special interest in restorative and cosmetic dentistry. She is a member of the ADA, CDA and current President of the San Juan Basin Dental Society.
Amanda lives in Durango with her husband, Cubby, and their pet chameleon.
"I believe in quality care for all, and I enjoy educating patients about the connection between a healthy mouth and total body wellness," said Amanda. She loves getting to know people beyond their dental work and focuses on creating a comfortable and professional environment.
Dr. Blake Brown and Dr. Amanda Brown are not married or related. To prevent confusion, patients may request "Dr. Blake" for Blake Brown, or "Dr. Brown" for Amanda Brown.
Dr. Katie Baron, DDS, is a dentist at Durango Oral Health Clinic and
Dr. Baron, DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery), was born in Toronto, ON, Canada. She obtained her Doctorate in Dental Surgery at New York University College of Dentistry. She has practiced dentistry in Colorado for the past four years. Dr. Baron has clinical skills in various dental fields, including: general dentistry, oral surgery, endodontics, prosthodontics and oral medicine. While Dr. Baron has honed her clinical skills, she also has a wonderful bedside manner and will put even the most nervous patient at ease.
"Your concerns will be taken seriously, and we will work together to find the best solutions tailored to you. Your overall happiness, health and wellness are important to me, and that is why I believe integrated health is so essential."
Dr. Baron lives in Durango with her husband, Grant, and little dog, Sabre. "You can expect to be cared for like family," said Dr. Baron.
Dr. Luke Casias, MD, is the Chief Medical Officer. He manages all of our medical and dental providers across our locations. Dr. Casias is part of our executive team. He is our go-to source for questions about physical health and primary care practices.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Senior Leadership Team
- Senior Director of Community Services ( Behavioral Health )
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- Director of Public Relations
- Director of Public Relations & Development
- Media Contacts
Haley Leonard, Director of Public Relations & Development: 970.335.2207, hleonard@axishealthsystem.org
Haley Leonard is the Director of Public Relations & Development. Haley can talk about our partnerships, programs, and projects.
Job Titles:
- Nurse Practitioner at Archuleta Integrated Healthcare
Jeanne Marotta is a Family Nurse Practitioner at Archuleta Integrated Healthcare in Pagosa Springs, Colorado. She is accepting new patients of all ages.
Jeanne Marotta, Family Nurse Practitioner, has a special interest in Rural Family Practice and Emergency Medicine.
Jeanne Marotta was born in Gillette, Wyoming, and is a graduate of the University of New Mexico. She obtained her Masters in Nursing at Walden University in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and completed her Nurse Practitioner training in New Mexico. Jeanne lives in Pagosa Springs with her husband and son.
She says: "I have always believed healthcare encompasses much more than the medical aspects of a person. It is the inclusion of body, mind and life circumstance. Caring for a person involves caring for each aspect, both independently and as a whole."
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- President, La Plata County
Job Titles:
- Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
Justine Smith is an Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner at Cortez Integrated Healthcare.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Secretary, Montezuma County
Job Titles:
- Nurse Practitioner
- Nurse Practitioner in Cortez
Kirstin Howell is a Family Nurse Practitioner at Cortez Integrated Healthcare and Dove Creek Integrated Healthcare.
Kirstin Howell is a family nurse practitioner in Cortez, Colorado. She obtained her Master of Science in Nursing at Frontier Nursing University in Hayden, Kentucky, completing her clinical training locally at Cortez Integrated Health Center and Northern Navajo Medical Center. Kirstin Howell was born in Salida, Colorado, and is a graduate of the University of Alaska, Anchorage. Kirstin has been a nurse since 2010. She loves seeing patients of all ages and has a special interest in pediatrics and women's health. She worked on the Navajo Nation for over seven years and is currently a member on the board of the local youth cycling group, High Desert DEVO. Kirstin resides in Arriola, Colorado with her husband and two sons.
Job Titles:
- Chief Integration Officer
Job Titles:
- Member of the Senior Leadership Team
- Senior Director Integrated Care
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- Nurse Practitioner at La Plata Integrated Healthcare
Melissa Briggs is a Family Nurse Practitioner at La Plata Integrated Healthcare in Durango. She is accepting new patients of all ages.
Melissa Briggs is a Family Nurse Practitioner at La Plata Integrated Healthcare. Melissa was born in Memphis, Tenn., and lived in various states along the East Coast before moving to Monument, Colo., eight years ago. Melissa began her healthcare experience initially as a paramedic 18 years ago. She specialized in emergency nursing for the last 11 years. She graduated with her bachelor's degree in nursing from University of Northern Colorado and then from the University of Colorado- Colorado Springs, with her master's degree in nursing and her specialty in family practice.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Senior Leadership Team
- Senior Director Financial Operations & Reporting
Job Titles:
- Chief Operating Officer
- Executive Vice President of Strategy
Pam Sharratt, Ph.D., is the Chief Operating Officer. Pam has a longtime history with Axis Health System. She's a member of our executive team with a deep understanding of healthcare integration.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Vice President, La Plata County
Job Titles:
- Member of the Senior Leadership Team
- Senior Director of Quality
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- Member of the Senior Leadership Team
- Senior Director Community Clinics
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- Member of the Senior Leadership Team
- Senior Director Financial Planning & Grant Management
Job Titles:
- Member of the Senior Leadership Team
- Senior Director Development
- Senior Director of Strategy & Development
Sarada Leavenworth is the Senior Director of Strategy & Development. Sarada (suh-RAH-duh) can provide a zoomed-out overview of our many programs, projects and mission-related objectives.
Shawn Palmer, PA-C is a Physician Assistant at Dove Creek Integrated Healthcare in Dolores County, Colorado. He treats patients of all ages with a variety of medical conditions.
Shawn Palmer is a Physician Assistant (PA-C) in Dove Creek, Colorado. He went to school at BYU-Idaho for his bachelor's degree, and then to Salus University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for the Physician Assistant program.
Shawn and his wife have three daughters. Shawn is from Idaho, born and raised. "I grew up in a small town and loved just about every minute of it." They all enjoy the outdoors and being together as a family. "I went into medicine because I like to help people, and love to learn about the body and its functions," he said. "Health is such a precious part of our lives, and maintaining it is one of life's greatest challenges," Shawn says he looks forward to helping patients achieve their health goals and enjoy life.
Job Titles:
- Nurse Practitioner at Cortez Integrated Healthcare
Shawna Yates is a Family Nurse Practitioner at Cortez Integrated Healthcare in Cortez, Colorado. She is accepting new patients of all ages including newborns.
Shawna Yates has worked in critical care and pediatrics for the past 12 years and pursued her Master's in Nursing to fulfill her dream of becoming a Nurse Practitioner. She has a wealth of experience in cardiology, oncology, women's health and chronic condition management, and enjoys caring for people of all ages and backgrounds.
Ms. Yates said she prides herself on being very empathetic and thorough. "I love the mission of Axis and our focus on integrated care. Being a one-stop-shop for my patients is very important. I like knowing that my patients are getting the care they need through our wrap-around services or are being referred to equally caring providers in the region."
Ms. Yates lives in the Town of Dolores and is the proud mother of two sons and three grandchildren. She moved from Lubbock, Texas, nine years ago. She loves the outdoors- especially four-wheeling, hiking, and camping. She values spending time with family, friends, and especially her grandchildren.
Job Titles:
- Chief Behavioral Health Officer
Job Titles:
- Member of the Senior Leadership Team
- Senior Clinical Director
- Senior Director Clinical ( Behavioral Health )
Stephanie Allred, Ph.D., is the Senior Clinical Director. Stephanie is our behavioral health expert. She is skilled at describing our crisis care, counseling, psychiatry and substance use treatment programs.
Dr. Steve Lavengood, MD, is a Family Physician at La Plata Integrated Healthcare in Durango.
Dr. John Steven (Steve) Lavengood is a family physician who has served the Durango community for more than 30 years. He is accepting new patients at La Plata Integrated Healthcare. He has practiced comprehensive family medicine throughout his career. Dr. Lavengood has provided primary care to thousands of patients, some spanning four generations, throughout the Four Corners area.
"Primary care is the backbone for healthcare," said Dr. Lavengood. "I believe primary care delivery needs to focus on relationship-based care in conjunction with exceptional clinical acumen and quality."
Dr. Lavengood has held various leadership positions, including Medical Director for Primary Care Services at Mercy Hospital from 2011-2017. He then accepted the position of Medical Director for Comprehensive Primary Care Plus, a program initiated by Centers for Medicaid and Medicare, for the Southwest Operating Group under Centura Health Physician Group.
His passion has been to provide whole person care with a team-based approach. Over the last decade, he has presented on the national stage about an integrated approach of providing primary care. Dr. Lavengood led the Mercy clinic's transformation effort, beginning in 2011. He helped integrate behavioral health, targeted care management, care coordination, pharmacy consultation, and diabetes education - all while listening to the voices of patients in a Patient and Family Advisory Council.
Dr. Lavengood is a graduate of Fort Lewis College. He received his Doctor of Medicine from the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center and later completed his Family Medicine residency in Denver. He earned recognition as a Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians. Dr. Lavengood practiced full spectrum family medicine for the first 25 years of his career, which included obstetrics, hospital care and ICU management, and currently focuses on outpatient family medicine. He continues to provide care for newborns, infants and children of all ages as well as adult care.
Dr. Lavengood has held various leadership positions in the Colorado Academy of Family Physicians (CAFP), including board member, followed by president, and subsequently chairman of the board. He continues as Assistant Clinical Professor for the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center. He was more recently recognized as the Colorado Family Physician of the Year for 2017 by the Colorado Academy.
He and his wife Tamra raised their four children in Durango and have been involved in various community activities, including the Durango wrestling community. In this capacity he has served as Board President of the Durango Youth Wrestling Club as well as Assistant Wrestling Coach at Durango High School. He enjoys the pleasures of living in the Four Corners, including hiking, fly-fishing, skiing and exploring.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Senior Leadership Team
- Senior Director Human Resources