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Meet Our Care Team

Whatever your healthcare needs are, Konza is here for you. Our highly qualified, compassionate team provides affordable, high-quality, personalized care for all ages. Konza providers work as an integrated team – with you at the center.

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Medical

An image of Dr. Dustie Samuels. Click on it to read her biography.

Dustie Samuels, DO

Medical Director
Family Medicine Physician

An image of Dr. Todd Frieze. Click on it to read his biography.

Todd Frieze, MD

Family Medicine Physician

Jennifer Ebert, DNP, FNP-BC

Family Nurse Practitioner

An image of Kelly Herron, Nurse Practitioner. Click on it to read her biography.

Kelley Herron, APRN, FNP-C

Family Nurse Practitioner

An image of Stephanie Kimbrel, Nurse Practitioner. Click on it to read her biography.

Stephanie Kimbrel, APRN, FNP

Family Nurse Practitioner

Cshandar Lamb, PA-C

Family Physician Assistant

Lily Martinez, APRN, FNP-C

Family Nurse Practitioner

Swathi Punreddy, PA-C

Family Physician Assistant

Shana Roether, DNP, FNP-BC

Family Nurse Practitioner

Heather Sloan, APRN, FNP-BC

Family Nurse Practitioner

Dental

Taylor Pratt, DMD, MPH

Dental Director
Dentist

Daniel Winter, DDS

Dental Business Development Director Dentist

Katie Roe-Blythe, DDS

Dentist

Thomas Lin, DMD

Dentist

Jake Heit, DDS

Dentist

Dental Hygiene

Brenda Hayden, RDH, ECP-III

Dental Hygiene Supervisor
Dental Hygienist

Savannah Baker, RDH, ECP-III

Dental Hygienist

Myrissa Humphreys, RDH, BSDH

Dental Hygienist

Natalie Post, RDH, ECP-III

Dental Hygienist

Liz Robbins, RDH

Dental Hygienist

Jessica Rutz, RDH

Dental Hygienist

Karyn Sisco, RDH, ECP-III

Community Outreach Dental Hygienist

Pinkie Suggs, RDH, ECP-III

Dental Hygienist

Behavioral Health

Nicole Gonzalez, LCMFT, LCAC

Behavioral Health Director &
Behavioral Health Therapist

Amanda Folsom, MSN, PMHNP-BC

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Melody Morse, MSN, CRNP, PMHNP-BC

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Gabriela Acevedo-Iguina, PhD, LP-T

Behavioral Health Therapist

Michaela Chiarilli, LCSW

Behavioral Health Therapist

Andrea McFarland, LSCSW

Behavioral Health Therapist

Julia Romo-Figueroa, LMFT

Behavioral Health Therapist

April Zimmermann, LMSW

Behavioral Health Therapist

Coming Soon

Behavioral Health Therapist

Pharmacy

Megan Landrith, PharmD

Pharmacy Supervisor
Pharmacist

Lane Sebes, PharmD

Pharmacist

Lauren Graham, PharmD

Pharmacist

WIC | Nutrition

Tracy Sabo, MS, RD, LD

WIC & Nutrition Services Director
WIC / Clinical Dietitian

Kalie Kipp, RDN, LD

WIC / Clinical Dietitian

Make an Appointment

Call and speak to one of our experienced, friendly staff who can help answer your questions and make your appointment.

An image of Dr. Dustie Samuels. Click on it to read her biography.

Dustie Samuels, DO

Medical Director
Family Medicine Physician

Dr. Samuels is the medical director for Konza clinics in Junction City, Manhattan, and Chapman.

A native of northeast Kansas, Dr. Samuels graduated from Council Grove High School and received health education in pre-hospital emergency medicine from various Kansas community colleges before graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nutritional Sciences from Kansas State University. She received her degree in Osteopathic Medicine from Lincoln Memorial University, DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine in Harrogate, Tennessee. She conducted her residency at the Wichita Center for Graduate Medical Education in Wichita, KS.

Dr. Samuels is a board-certified family medicine physician who provides full-spectrum primary care for patients of all ages. She is a member of the American Osteopathic Association and American Academy of Family Physicians.

In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Samuels also serves as adjunct clinical faculty at Kansas College of Osteopathic Medicine in Wichita. She also has experience as an instructor and provider in Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Basic Life Support and Pediatric Life Support.

 

Her hobbies include fishing, gardening, cooking & baking, and spending time with her family.

An image of Dr. Todd Frieze. Click on it to read his biography.

Todd Frieze, MD

Family Medicine Physician

Todd Frieze, MD attended medical school at the University of Kansas. Dr. Frieze completed his training in the KUMC Family Practice Residency – Junction City Rural Track; He is board-certified in family medicine and is a fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians.

Dr. Frieze has over 22 years of experience providing broad-spectrum primary healthcare for patients of all ages from Junction City, Chapman, and the surrounding communities. He joined the KPCHC team in January 2023 and is available at the Junction City and Chapman clinics.

An image of Jennifer Ebert, Nurse Practitioner. Click on it to read her biography.

Jennifer Ebert, DNP, APRN, FNP-C

Title

Jennifer Ebert, DNP, APRN, FNP-C earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Washburn University, then continued her education by receiving a Master of Science in Nursing and Family Nurse Practitioner degree. In 2017, Jennifer completed a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree, also from Washburn University. She joined the KPCHC team in 2012 and is available at the Manhattan location.

An image of Kelly Herron, Nurse Practitioner. Click on it to read her biography.

Kelley Herron, FNP

Title

Kelley Herron, FNP earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Tabor College in 2014, then proceeded to Walden University to obtain a Master of Science in Nursing. Kelley joined the KPCHC team in 2018 and is available in the Junction City location.

Cshandar Lamb, PA-C

Family Physician Assistant

Cshandar Lamb is an experienced, board-certified family physician assistant who is accepting new patients now.

Biography coming soon!

Swathi Punreddy, PA-C

Family Physician Assistant

Swathi Punreddy is a board-certified physician assistant who graduated from Kansas State University. She is also a dentist from India and holds a Masters in Healthcare Administration. Passionate about healthcare, Swathi aims to improve community well-being by providing evidence-based care in large healthcare facilities serving diverse populations.

Why family medicine?

I chose family medicine for its variety and the meaningful connections it offers. Every day brings new challenges and learning opportunities, keeping me engaged and connected to the community I serve.

Why Konza?

I chose to work at Konza because it aligns with my goals and values. The supportive workplace and commitment to community care made Konza the perfect choice for me.

Why I love caring for patients…

I enjoy helping patients make informed choices that fit their needs and improve their health at their own pace. I value understanding them, working as a team, and finding creative ways to support their well-being while also growing in the process.

More about Swathi Punreddy, PA-C:

Swathi and her husband married at a Hindu temple in Houston; he is a professor at Kansas State University. They have a beautiful daughter, a cat named Cleo, fortunate chickens, and bearded dragon named Elliot.

Fun Fact: Swathi can recite the alphabet in reverse order at a much faster pace than she can say it forwards!

Heather Sloan, APRN, FNP-BC

Family Nurse Practitioner

Heather Sloan is a board-certified family nurse practitioner. She provides broad-spectrum primary care for patients of all ages and she has special interests in neurology, patient education, and care of vulnerable populations.

Heather earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Emporia State University and continued her education, earning a Master of Science in Nursing from Washburn University in 2012.

Heather teaches nursing at Wichita State University – K-State Campus. She is originally from Ottawa, KS and now lives near Manhattan with her husband and three children. 

Outside of the clinic, Heather’s hobbies include camping, reading, gardening, and attending her kids’ activities.

Taylor Pratt, DMD

Dentist & Director of Dental Services

Dr. Pratt attended A.T. Still University – Missouri School of Dentistry and Oral Health where he earned his degree in 2017. Dr. Pratt also holds a Master of Public Health degree with dental emphasis from A.T. Still University. He joined the Konza Dental team in 2017 and is currently the Director of Dental Services. 

Brett Ballingham, DDM

Dentist

Dr. Ballingham attended dental school at Roseman University where he graduated in 2014 with a DDM degree. After graduation, he spent one year in an advanced education for general dentists (AEGD) program at NYU Langone University where he was able to work one-on-one with specialists in all aspects of dentistry. He expects to complete the Masters of Public Health at A.T. Still University in 2022.

 

Dr. Ballingham joined Konza in 2019, when he moved here from Salt Lake City Utah. He speaks Spanish and enjoys working with our Latino population. He is available Monday through Friday.

Nicole Gonzalez, LCMFT, LCAC

Behavioral Health Services Director
Behavioral Health Therapist

I’m both a Licensed Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist and a Licensed Clinical Addictions Counselor, and I have a deep passion for helping individuals and families thrive. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Family Studies and Human Services with a minor in Conflict Analysis and Trauma Studies from Kansas State University in 2014 and later completed my Master of Science in Family Studies and Human Services with a specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy in 2017.

I began my career as a therapist at St. Francis Ministries’ Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility, working with youth in some of their most challenging circumstances. That experience shaped my commitment to supporting families and preventing crises before they escalate. From there, I transitioned to private practice and then joined Pawnee Mental Health, where I spent six years as a therapist and clinical supervisor—helping other clinicians grow and strengthening teams.

Today, I serve as the Behavioral Health Services Director at Konza Prairie Community Health Center. In this role, I provide therapy for individuals, couples, and families, oversee clinical supervision, and manage behavioral health staff. My vision is to create a trauma-informed, client-centered department where every patient feels supported and every clinician feels equipped to help. I’m passionate about integrating behavioral health with medical care and expanding services, including recovery and substance use support, to meet the needs of our community.

When people ask why I chose this career, I tell them: I’ve always been a helper. As I grew as a clinician, I wanted to help other clinicians grow too. As a therapist, I strive to help every individual find peace and restoration in their daily life and to provide care that makes a lasting difference. As a leader, I hope to expand the value and belief in providing healthcare for all by strengthening the collaborative care model at Konza—treating the whole person, mind and body—and serving as a strong community partner.

Melody Morse, CRNP, PMHNP-BC

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Melody Morse completed her undergraduate nursing degree from Mercer University in Atlanta, Georgia and her Master of Science degree at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing, specializing as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). Melody is Nationally Board Certified to diagnose and treat psychiatric disorders in all ages. She has more than 10 years of experience working in behavioral health in a variety of settings and with both military and civilian populations.

Her previous nursing experience centered on pediatric hematology and oncology. Melody prescribes and manages medications for a variety of psychiatric disorders including depression, anxiety, trauma related disorders, mood disorders, ADHD, addiction issues, and certain neurological conditions. She is a licensed Suboxone prescriber and is actively prescribing a variety of Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) options for both opioid use disorder and alcohol use disorder.

Melody is passionate about providing innovative psychiatric care that is holistic and collaborative. She joined Konza Prairie Community Health Center in 2018 and is available in-office to see patients Monday-Thursday in Junction City. There is limited availability for scheduling appointments in the Manhattan office. In her free time, she loves visiting with family, traveling the world, and watching the Atlanta Braves.

Dra. Gabriela R. Acevedo-Iguina is a temporarily licensed clinical psychologist in the state of Kansas with a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Albizu University in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where she also earned her M.S. and B.A. in Psychology with the highest academic distinctions. Her clinical training includes experience in community mental health centers, private practice, school-based consultation, and specialized judicial settings.

She has worked with children, adolescents, adults, and older adults experiencing a wide range of emotional and behavioral concerns, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADHD, grief, relational difficulties, and personality disorders. Her therapeutic style integrates evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), client-centered therapy, and trauma-informed care.

Her research experience includes working with the Disparities Research Unit at Massachusetts General Hospital, as well as leading independent research on mental health literacy, treatment adherence, and aging populations. Her doctoral dissertation focused on validating the ASK-20 Scale among Puerto Rican adults receiving psychopharmacological treatment, which she presented at the International Congress of Psychiatry and Addiction in Vienna in September 2025.

Dra. Acevedo-Iguina is deeply committed to advancing culturally responsive mental health care. She integrates clinical expertise, research insight, and a strong dedication to social justice to promote accessible, inclusive, and evidence-based psychological services. As a bilingual clinician, she provides services in both English and Spanish.

I am a Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Worker. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Kansas State University in 2016 and my Master’s degree in Social Work from Washburn University in 2018. I joined Konza Prairie Community Health Center in January 2025 as a behavioral health therapist.

My practice focuses on community mental health, where I provide individual and family therapy for clients age six and older. I work with people facing a wide range of challenges and diagnoses, and I strive to create a safe, supportive environment where clients feel heard and empowered.

In therapy, I use approaches such as Solution-Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and a trauma-informed, person-centered perspective. I am certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and School-Based Yoga and Mindfulness, which I incorporate to help clients build resilience and well-being.

I am passionate about helping individuals and families discover their strengths and achieve their goals through compassionate, evidence-based care.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) at Konza Prairie Community Health Center. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Kansas State University in Fall 2020 and continued at K-State to complete my Master of Science in Human Development and Family Science through the Couple and Family Therapy program in Fall 2023.

I have specialized training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), which I completed through the EMDR Support Network in Fall 2023. My focus is on trauma-informed care, relationship dynamics, and helping individuals and families build healthier connections.

I am bilingual so I am able to see both English and Spanish speaking clients.

April Zimmermann, LMSW

Behavioral Health Therapist
Junction City Clinic

I am a Licensed Master Social Worker dedicated to providing compassionate and comprehensive mental health care to individuals of all backgrounds. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Kansas State University in 2022 and completed my Master’s degree in Social Work at Washburn University in 2024.

I provide comprehensive mental health care for all. I have specialized experience in areas such as self-identity and expression, trauma, anxiety, and depression, and I also work with individuals navigating suicidal ideation and non-suicidal self-injury.

My approach to care focuses on creating a safe and supportive environment for clients to explore their personal challenges and strengths. My goal is to empower clients through evidence-based strategies and empathetic support, helping them build resilience and improve overall well-being.

Tracy Sabo, MS, RD, LD

WIC / Clinical Dietitian

Tracy Sabo, MS, RD, LD attended Kansas State University where she earned a BS in Dietetics (2007) and MS in Food Science (2010). During her dietetics career, Tracy has worked in long term care, food service, and public health. She has more than a decade of experience as a WIC dietitian where she specializes in support for breastfeeding and child feeding, and she excels in leadership.

Tracy is married with one daughter. She loves to try new foods, spend time with her family, and go camping. She is an avid gardener who enjoys growing fresh vegetables, herbs, and flowers. Fun fact: Tracy collects measuring cups.

Tracy joined Konza in 2018. She provides clinical dietitian services on Wednesdays in Manhattan and she sees WIC clients on Fridays in Junction City.  

Kalie Brownlee, RDN, LD

WIC / Clinical Dietitian

Kalie Brownlee, RDN, LD attended Kansas State University where she majored in Dietetics, Nutrition & Health. She graduated in 2021 and joined the Konza Nutrition and WIC staff the same year. Outside of the clinic, Kalie runs the Geary Community Farmers Market. In both areas, she is proud to promote healthy choices and provide educational opportunities for our community.