Meet your team mates

Hi. I’m Dr. Andrew Vizcarra

Pediatric Chief of Staff

Heart of a neighbor. Mind of a pediatrician.

Lighthearted, friendly, and thoughtful — that’s the energy I try to bring into every room. After residency, my wife and I were practicing just north of Nashville, but when we visited Sandpoint for an interview, we instantly knew this is where we wanted to raise our kids. I grew up in Montana, so returning to the mountains felt like coming home.

One of the greatest lessons I’ve gained at KCH is the impact of compassionate communication. Our families are diverse in background and belief, and they’ve pushed me to listen deeply and speak with intention. Since day one, I’ve been surrounded by mentors who model culture, kindness, and leadership — and that has shaped me both as a doctor and as a person.

Outside of work, my life looks like a highlight reel: two energetic boys racing around the house, campfires in Banff, bread rising on the counter, elk bugles, bows and arrows, fishing lures, stacks of firewood, soccer balls, 49ers games, and friends gathered around our firepit. I’m happiest outdoors, with my family, creating memories that feel grounding and full of joy. I am who I am because of the people who invested in me — family, mentors, and every person who offered encouragement along the way. And what I love most about this community is its welcoming spirit. From the moment we arrived, Sandpoint made us feel like we belonged here.

Hi. I’m Nicole

Population Health Analyst & Clinical Quality Manager

I grow because others believed in me — and now I pay that forward.

Driven, passionate, and caring — that’s who I strive to be. I began at KCH as a Certified Medical Assistant in 2017 and quickly discovered how much joy I find in supporting providers and making care easier for our patients. When I stepped into a quality-focused role in 2020, I knew I had found my place. I returned to school while working full time and earned my Health Information Management degree in 2024, growing into a leadership role that showed me how much I love helping others succeed.

I’ve had incredible mentors — including Shelly Russell, Jordin McClellan, and Amber Villelli — who encouraged, challenged, and believed in me. Their support fuels my desire to someday pursue a master’s degree and continue growing within the organization I love.

Outside of work, I’m a lifelong musician and a mom cheering on kids with activities in every season. We love to hike, camp, and kayak, and at home you’ll find me reading, crocheting, watching shows, or playing card games (Uno No Mercy currently reigns). What I love most about this community is how deeply we care for one another.

Hi. I’m Kimberly

Business Operations Manager

I’m becoming who I’m meant to be — one choice, one team, and one messy, joyful kitchen at a time.

Honest, inclusive, and accountable — those are the values I try to live by every day. I started at KCH as a pediatric front-office receptionist, fell in love with serving our community, and quickly knew I wanted to grow. I moved into a Dental team lead role, discovered my passion for developing people, and recently stepped into my new position as Business Operations Manager — a moment I’m still squealing about!

One of the biggest surprises in my journey has been finding my voice. I began shy and timid, but KCH taught me how every choice ripples outward and how to communicate with clarity and confidence. A favorite lesson from a mentor — “Be a duck” — reminds me to let things roll off, own mistakes, and keep moving forward.

At home, I’m happiest cooking with my family — experimenting, laughing, and covering the kitchen (and the dog) in flour. We’re slowly building our own home, and I can’t wait for the chef’s kitchen at its center. What I love most about this community is its kindness. I am who I am because I’m surrounded by people — at home and at KCH — who lift others up.

Hi. I’m Denise

Manager of Patient Experience

I care about people, my family and my hometown. Helping others is what I was meant to do.

Family is at the center of everything I do. I’m a mom, a grandma, and someone who finds pure joy in tiny hugs, big smiles, and the connections that make life meaningful. Outside of work, I recharge in nature — hiking mountain trails, camping by lakes, exploring new coastlines, or taking quick trips to beautiful places. I’m that women singing loudly in her car or anywhere else she can. I enjoy activity and sports and can’t wait for football season….GO DUCKS!

People often describe me as compassionate and dedicated — qualities that naturally led me to my role at KCH. My path here wasn’t a straight line, but the experiences that shaped me, including my role as a single mom to four amazing, now adult children, guide how I serve patients today. What I love most about this work is the chance to make a real difference — advocating for others, removing barriers, and helping people feel truly cared for.

And what I love most about this community? The beauty, the safety, and the sense of home. This is where my kids grew up supported and connected.

Hi. I’m Caleb

Associate Director of Behavioral Health & Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC & Neurotherapy Provider

I build things — from cabinets to characters to confidence.

Playful, helpful, and loyal — that’s me, whether I’m supporting a client or jumping into a new skill at home. I love building things, from 3D‑printed models to home projects, and it connects me back to my dad and brother, who taught me the value of creating with your hands. I’m also an unapologetic Dungeons & Dragons fan — world‑building and story‑crafting give me a creative balance to my science‑minded work.

I’ve wanted to be a therapist since third grade, and today I get to help people rewrite their stories and make changes they never thought possible. Adding Neurotherapy has been especially rewarding, letting me blend science and compassion in new ways. KCH has pushed me to grow professionally, with a culture where development is truly encouraged. My next goal is deepening my Neurotherapy certifications and helping establish KCH as a community-based Neurotherapy hub.

I am who I am because of the people who came before me — especially my dad — and because I believe effort is a privilege. And what I love most about our community is its everyday kindness and deep-rooted values.

Hi. I’m Jillian

Nursing Manager

I’m a nurse, a mother, and an adventurer — always caring, always learning, always moving forward.

Adaptable, compassionate, and collaborative — those values guide me as a nurse, leader, and mom. I’ve spent my entire adult life in healthcare, starting as a CNA at 19 and becoming a nurse in 2010. Joining Kaniksu in 2022 rekindled my love for preventative care, patient education, and supporting people as they work toward healthier lives.

Outside of work, I’m always adventuring with my kids — exploring new places, conquering challenges, and growing together through every shared moment. I’m also a puzzle lover, a pool player, a music fan, and someone endlessly fascinated by how the human body works. Troubleshooting health problems for my family and patients brings me joy.

KCH has deepened my understanding of value‑based care and showed me how to lead with purpose, thanks in part to strong mentorship. Looking ahead, I plan to pursue an advanced nursing degree and continue growing as a leader. My four children are my motivation, and this community’s support and natural beauty make it the perfect place to call home.

Hi. I’m Kayla

Pharmacy Director

I care deeply, lead boldly, and fill my life with movement, meaning, and light.

Driven, compassionate, and dedicated — those words describe me well. I’ve been in pharmacy for 25 years, working in everything from retail to medication therapy management, but Kaniksu changed my career in the best way. I came here wanting more connection to patient care and ended up helping build our pharmacy program, open new services, and lead an incredible team — something I never expected but absolutely love.

Before Kaniksu, I’d never held a formal leadership role. Learning the 340B program, opening a pharmacy, and guiding a team pushed me to discover strengths I didn’t know I had. Mentors — especially our CEO — taught me to prioritize what matters and trust my judgment.

Outside of work, I’m a proud mom to two grown boys and enjoying the empty‑nest life with my husband. We love road trips, travel, trying new foods, and anything that keeps us active — from boating and kayaking to hiking with our dog. And in winter, nothing beats cozy nights with friends and family. What I love most about this community is its genuine kindness and the way neighbors care for one another.