Indian Health Service Director and Surgeon General Visit to Clinic
WASSAJA MEMORIAL
HEALTH CENTER
Our health center is an outpatient health facility dedicated to the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation community. The clinic is owned and operated by FMYN.
In addition to treating patient illness, our clinic promotes wellness, performs tests and procedures as well as a number of other services. We have an onsite pharmacy that is open during regular clinic hours, and we provide a number of community health services and wellness programs.
Our Mission & Vision
The mission of the Wassaja Memorial Health Center is to provide Primary Care and Community Health Services to eligible American Indians.
We understand the need of American Indiausl and we are creating motivational events emphasizing wellness for al.
Our ultimate goal is to promote and encourage the whole community of American Indians to pursue healthy lifestyles.
Our Values
- Elevating health status to the highest possible level.
- Providing high quality health services.
- Demonstrate cultural sensitivity.
- Maximize availability of resources.
Hours of Operation
Open – Mon–Thurs 7:30am–5:30pm
Closed daily 12:30pm-1:00pm,
Closed Fri-Sun & Tribal Holidays
Pharmacy Open – Mon–Thurs 8:00am–5:00pm
Closed daily 12:30pm-1:00pm,
Closed Fri-Sun & Tribal Holidays
CONTACT US
In emergency situations always call 9-1-1. For non-emergency situations you can reach the Wassaja Memorial Health Center at 480-789-7890.
CALL 9-1-1 IMMEDIATELY FOR:
Medical Attention
OTHER EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS
Disclaimer: The information on this website is a supportive service to Wassaja Memorial Health Center and is not meant to replace the advice of a physician who provides your health care. All medical information and advice on this website is considered incomplete without a physical exam and consultation with your doctor.
Dr. Rosemarie Kennaley
I am currently the Acting Medical Director of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation at the Wassaja Memorial Health Center. Over the course of my career I have worked with Native Peoples from the Arctic Circle to here in Arizona.
I grew up on the banks of the Grand River, in Brantford Ontario, Canada alongside the Six Nations. I attended McMaster University Medical School and did my residency at McGill University in Montreal Quebec. During this time I was able to study in London England and in the Northwest Territories of Canada. I enjoy my time here to provide patient care to the community.
Desiree Lopez
I then moved on to work for Fort McDowell Enterprises working in various roles in the HR Department. During my tenure working for the Nation I have obtained my Bachelors Degree in Business Management and am looking forward to obtaining my Masters in Healthcare Management.
Mia Castaneda
I have worked at Wassaja Memorial Health Center as the Medical Records Receptionist for nine years, with my hardwork and dedication I am now currently the Executive Admin.
I trained at Tempe St. Lukes Hospital as a medical assistant and graduated with completion. I live in the community and enjoy participating in the events the clinic has to offer.
Stella Reed
I joined Wassaja Memorial Health Center in 2015 as the Medical Records Specialist assisting with front desk duties. I specialize in patient care registration and electronic medical records.
The best part about my job is I get to see our tribal and community members utilize our facility for their ongoing health care needs. But outside of work I enjoy spending time with family, watching sports and travel every chance I get.
Malinda Pattea
I joined the Wassaja Memorial Health Center staff a year ago. Graduated from Fountain Hills High School, Graduated Cortiva Massage School 2018, Licensed Massage therapist since 2018 – current.
Francesca Baile
I have been a Family Nurse Practitioner for 7 yrs. and with Wassaja Memorial Health Center for 3 yrs. My nursing journey started in 2004 as an RN working in the cardiac unit. Two years later, I moved to the medical ICU where I stayed for 10 yrs. During that time, I realized my passion was to do my best to keep patients out of the hospital, so in 2016, I received my master’s degree in nursing and was certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner.
I truly love what I do! Caring and educating patients and having a positive impact on their lives is truly what it’s all about. In my person life- I grew up in New Jersey and moved to Arizona in 2000. I’ve been married for 27 yrs. and have two wonderful children. We also have an adorable 1 yr. old puppy named Harley. In my free time, I love to cook, read, go on hikes, and spend time with my family & friends.
Isabel Goel
I am a native of Cuba and enjoy spending time with my husband and dog. I love dogs, but my Shetland sheepdog, Leo, is my favorite.
I also enjoy traveling, music and trying new foods.
I love caring for others and empowering them to take care of themselves and live their best, healthiest lives.
Josina Montoya
I started my nursing career in 2013 as an LPN. I then went back to school to attain my BSN, RN at the University of New Mexico. I have worked in many different specialties including Pediatrics and Adult ICU. I have been working at Wassaja Memorial Health Center for a little over 2 years.
I am very appreciative and happy to work here at the clinic and serve the community.
Merlyn Camat
She has been a Nurse for 29 years, garnered her BSN degree in March 1994 in Baguio City, Philippines. Immigrated in United States in 2005 together with her family.
She worked in diverse healthcare settings, but enjoyed being a Clinic Nurse the most where continuity of care is provided. She has been a Clinic Nurse in WMHC from Dec 2014 to June 2019, and came back on September 2022. She is one of the Committee members of Filipino American Nurses Association of Grand Canyon State (FANOGCS) and is actively involved in Community outreach and volunteer work.
She also enjoys performing Filipino Folk dances when time permits her to do so. She wishes to retire her nursing profession serving the FYMN Community.
Dr. Patrice Churchill
An African American Board-Certified Family Physician. She discovered she is a descendant from the Fulani and Cota tribes of West Africa who have a rich history of community medicine. She is happy to practice here with the Yavapai Nation.
Renaye Tennison
I started working at WMHC toward the end of July in 2021 as a RN in the clinic and now I have taken the role of the RN/Case Manager and PRC. I have been a RN for over 18 years. My husband and I have 6 and 1 grandchild on the way.
I love to worship God, hike, read, go bowling, serve others, travel, learn new things and spend time with my family and friends.
Robinson Candilosa
Joined Wassaja Memorial Health Center in 2015, I work with elder patients providing home care services, I help transport them to and from their appointment, I enjoy my time here at the clinic and enjoy providing my services.
Godfrey Ramirez
I have been in the medical field for 10 years and worked as a tech in the ER, ICU, and Cardiac units before I became an X-ray tech. I am now the CHR for the Nation and I love educating the community on health screenings and diseases.
Andrew Gonzales
I grew up in downtown phoenix and attending Arizona State University where he received his Bachelors in Exercise and Wellness. He is a certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), an Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-EP), an USA Weight lighting Coach (USAW-SPL1) and a CrossFit Level 2 coach (CF-L2).
He also has owned a CrossFit gym for the last 9 years and has 3 grandchildren. Andrew has also worked at the clinic for the last 18 years as the Physical Fitness Specialist!
Dr. Rao Ivaturi
A board-certified nutrition specialist. 30+ years of experience as a full-time tenured university professor and teaching nutrition courses to undergraduate and graduate students. The last 10+ years, he was the director of a nutrition clinic. He has developed two software programs that are used in the field of nutrition.
His specialization centers around applying nutrition and diet intervention protocols in the prevention and/or treatment of chronic diseases. He joined FMYN in May 2022 and plays a vital role as a health educator in the Healthy Futures – Special Diabetes Program in Indians (SDPI).
Erica Myron
I have been the Healthy Futures intern for 5-months. I have lived in Fort McDowell for 1 year. Prior to this job, I was the 2017-2018 Diversity and Equity Coordinator for the Associated Students of Pierce College-Puyallup in Puyallup WA. After that I transferred to the University of Washington where I graduated in 2020 with my Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences and a minor in American Indian Studies.
After I graduated UW I entered, competed, and won the title of Ms. Wheelchair USA 2021. I sincerely enjoy this job because in many aspects it is the same as being a student leader which makes things more fun and interesting. In my downtime I enjoy reading, gaming on the Xbox, singing to K-pop, or just watching TV.
Mariah Doka
I’m a tribal member of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation. I’m employed here at Wassaja Memorial Health Center as a transportation driver. After high school I pursued my passion of traveling abroad, reading books, and growing plants. I pride myself on being a safe driver and being on time. I look forward to serving my community.
Dominick Grosso
I have been at the Wassaja clinic for 2 years. I earned my Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Midwestern University. Previously, I was a staff pharmacist for Albertsons Safeway for 5 years. For the last two years, I have been responsible for providing Covid vaccine and relief services as a member of the emergency committee.
I am grateful to be serving the Yavapai Nation, and I look forward to many more years. In my spare time, I enjoy kickboxing and weight training.
Daniel Diggins
I’ve been a contract pharmacist at the Wassaja Clinic for 3 ½ years. I have pharmacy degrees from the University of Maryland and the Medical University of South Carolina. My subsequent assignments included five years in Anchorage, Alaska, and 21 years at the Phoenix Indian Medical Center. I semi-retired in 2018 after a total of 30 years of service in the health care of native peoples. My career in I.H.S. was rewarding personally and professionally, and I find myself very much at home working for the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation.
I am also a part time sports referee, officiating basketball, and football, mostly for youths from the age of 8 to 14. My other hobbies and interests include reading, gardening, and landscaping projects.