Rural Roots: A Road Less Travelled

Rural Roots: A Road Less Travelled Presented by NCH: Episode 19

In this episode of Rural Roots: A Road Less Travelled, Ren and Gavin sit down with Natalie Valliere, RN, CLC, C-NPT, Nurse Manager of the Valley Birthplace at Androscoggin Valley Hospital. Natalie shares what personalized, family-centered maternity care looks like in a rural hospital setting, and how her team supports families through one of life’s most meaningful transitions. From private labor and delivery suites to lactation support, wireless fetal monitoring, nitrous for pain management, and the small comforts that help families feel more at home, the Valley Birthplace is designed around safety, connection, and individualized care. Together, they also explore AVH’s use of the TeamBirth model, an evidence-based approach that strengthens communication, shared decision-making, and trust between birthing parents, support people, nurses, and providers. Natalie reflects on why feeling heard matters so deeply during childbirth, how rural maternity care is rooted in relationships, and what it means to care for families close to home. From first contractions to first memories, Natalie and the Valley Birthplace team are helping families feel supported, informed, and cared for every step of the way.

Rural Roots: A Road Less Travelled Presented by NCH- Episode 18

In this episode of Rural Roots: A Road Less Travelled, Ren and Gavin sit down with Erica Hoyt, Medical Staff Coordinator at North Country Healthcare, whose work supports the behind-the-scenes processes that help keep rural healthcare safe, organized, and ready for patient care. Erica shares what credentialing really involves, why trust and confidentiality are central to the work, and how careful coordination helps ensure that medical staff are prepared to serve patients across the North Country. This conversation also reflects on the value of work that is not always visible, but is deeply essential. Erica talks about what it can feel like to lean into discomfort, grow through new challenges, and step into responsibilities that require precision, communication, and courage. Her story is a reminder that rural healthcare depends not only on the people providing care at the bedside, but also on the professionals who protect trust, support providers, and keep the System moving behind the scenes.

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.