Rural Roots: A Road Less Travelled

Rural Roots: A Road Less Travelled Presented by NCH- Episode 17

In this heartfelt episode of Rural Roots: A Road Less Travelled, Ren and Gavin sit down with Karen Gagnon from North Country Healthcare’s Case Management team. Known by colleagues for her extraordinary compassion, Karen shares what it means to support patients and families during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. Recently recognized through a DAISY Award nomination, Karen reflects on the power of empathy in healthcare, the importance of staying curious, and how asking thoughtful questions can help patients and families feel heard, understood, and supported. This conversation explores the emotional side of healthcare work, the humanity behind case management, and the quiet leadership that happens through presence, patience, curiosity, and care. Warm, thoughtful, and deeply grounded in mission, Karen reminds us that healthcare is ultimately about people showing up for one another.

Rural Roots: A Road Less Travelled Presented by NCH- Episode 16

In this episode of Rural Roots: A Road Less Travelled, Ren and Gavin sit down with Derek Eastman, Director of Outreach Rehab at the Gorham Clinic, to discuss the impact outpatient physical therapy has on patients and communities across rural northern New Hampshire. Together, they explore Derek’s path into rehabilitation services, the importance of personalized care, and how physical therapy helps patients recover from injuries, surgeries, and chronic conditions while staying close to home. The conversation also touches on the importance of community involvement, promoting healthcare careers to younger generations, and encouraging youth to explore opportunities within rural healthcare. Derek shares insight into the challenges and rewards of serving rural communities and the meaningful relationships built throughout the recovery process. From improving mobility to mentoring future healthcare professionals, Derek’s work reflects the compassionate, community-focused care that helps keep rural healthcare moving forward.

Rural Roots: A Road Less Travelled Presented by NCH- Episode 15

In this episode of Rural Roots: A Road Less Travelled, Ren and Gavin sit down with Stephanie Farnsworth, RN, a nurse whose work spans both Employee Health and the Medical-Surgical floor at North Country Healthcare. Stephanie brings a unique perspective to rural healthcare, caring for both patients and the staff who make that care possible. Together, they explore Stephanie’s path into nursing, what Employee Health really looks like behind the scenes, and how staff wellbeing connects directly to patient safety and outcomes. Stephanie also shares what it means to be a Certified Holistic Nurse, how holistic practices can fit within a traditional healthcare setting, and the small, practical ways healthcare workers can care for themselves during demanding shifts. From the Med-Surg floor to Employee Health, Stephanie’s work reflects the practical, human side of keeping a healthcare System healthy from the inside out.

Rural Roots: A Road Less Travelled Presented by NCH: Episode 14

In this episode of Rural Roots: A Road Less Travelled, we sit down with Kelly Dussault to talk about the work of the Coös Coalition for Young Children and Families (CCYFC) and how it’s shaping the future of children and families across the North Country. CCYFC brings together partners across healthcare, education, family support, and community services to create a more coordinated system of care for children from birth through age eight. Through collaboration, shared strategy, and a focus on early support, the work centers on helping families access the right resources at the right time. Kelly shares her path into this work and offers a grounded look at what collaboration really looks like in practice. From developmental screening and early intervention to strengthening connections between providers, the conversation highlights how prevention and partnership directly impact long-term health outcomes. We also explore the realities families are facing today, the importance of aligning systems rather than working in silos, and how efforts like CCYFC help “connect the dots” so families are supported more seamlessly across services. This episode is a reminder that community health doesn’t start in a clinic. It starts with strong relationships, early support, and a shared commitment to helping every child and family thrive.

Rural Roots: A Road Less Travelled Presented by NCH: Episode 13

In this episode of Rural Roots: A Road Less Travelled, we sit down with Kat Morris, Director of Development, and Briana Shannon, Director of Family Support at the Family Resource Center, for a conversation about prevention, partnership, and the role community organizations play in shaping long-term health.   Together, Kat and Briana share how they found their way into this work and what drives their commitment to supporting families across the North Country. We explore what prevention looks like in practice, from building trust with families to connecting people with resources that strengthen stability, safety, and wellbeing.   The conversation highlights how community-based support and healthcare are deeply interconnected, and why addressing challenges early can have a lasting impact on both individual outcomes and community health. We also discuss the importance of collaboration, the realities families are facing today, and the wide range of resources available through the Family Resource Center.   This episode offers a powerful reminder that health begins long before someone walks into a clinic, and that prevention, relationships, and community support are essential to improving lives across the region.