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Social Determinants of Health

Meet Our Providers

Alexis Arie
LSW

Alexis earned her Bachelor's in Social Work from Ohio University. She chose to go into social work as she has always felt called to help people. One of her favorite quotes is "Anyone can find the dirt in someone. Be the one who finds the gold." As a social worker, she strives to show people the gold in themselves. Alexis has previous experience working with teens and families for over five years in her role at her local church and as an Adoption Coordinator at Guernsey County Children Services. 

A fun fact about Alexis is she is a youth pastor and has a cockapoo named Dallas! She loves to hang out with her husband, family, and friends. Her husband is from Texas, so they love to travel there and to other places as well! Alexis has been a part of the MVHC Team since March of 2021. 

Kendra Cosgrave
LSW

Kendra obtained her Bachelor in Social Work from Ohio University and her Master of Science in Social Work from the University of Louisville. She is also a Certified Trauma Professional. Kendra chose to become a social worker because it is a versatile field. She enjoys learning about others and helping them overcome the challenges they face in life. She especially enjoys working with teens and adults. She has previous experience providing case management and therapy services in the Guernsey County area. 

A fun fact about Kendra is that she has a twin brother who is one minute older than her and an older sister! In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, especially her nieces and nephews. Kendra has been on the MVHC Team since May of 2022. 

Deidre Lemon
LSW

Deidre obtained her Bachelor of Social Work from Ohio University Zanesville and brings 4 years of experience to our team. Deidre chose to become a social worker because she wanted to be able to help people who aren't able to help themselves. She enjoys seeing all patients but especially likes helping individuals who have been through the worst times and are trying to turn their life around.

 

Some fun facts about Deidre are that she has a daughter and she loves animals, the outdoors, music, and hunting. Deidre has been part of the MVHC Team since September of 2022. 

Kelley Penny 
ASW

Kelly obtained her Associate Degree in Social Work from Zane State College and brings 8 years of counseling experience to our team. Kelley chose her profession because even from a young age, she enjoyed reaching out of her comfort zone to help others. No matter the age or the problem, she always felt the desire to give a helping hand, be a shoulder, an ear, or a friend to vent and cry to. Kelley enjoys working with those who desire to change but need guidance and help to determine how to proceed and make that successful change happen. She enjoys pointing out strengths in her patients that reflect good decision making and positive choices. She also likes to identify weaker areas, discuss possible ways to strengthen them, and set small goals for the patient to work towards. 

 

A fun fact about Kelley is that she loves art! Her favorite artist is Vincent Van Gogh, and her favorite painting is The Starry Night. Kelly has been part of the MVHC Team since September of 2022. 

Julie Wells
BA

Julie earned her Bachelor of Arts in Child and Family Services from Muskingum University. She is currently in her clinical (and final) year of graduate school, working towards her Master of Social Work and LISW licensure. Julie chose to pursue a career in social work as she has always had the heart to help others and wanted a job where she could help people live happier and healthier lives. A few years ago, she decided to further her education so she could help people in various capacities as a social worker. 

A fun fact about Julie is that she has been married for almost 19 years and has four children who keep her busy! She enjoys watching her kids do the things they enjoy. In her spare time, she enjoys running and working out, as well as spending time with her family and friends. Julie previously worked in intervention at The Catholic Schools of Zanesville for six years before joining the MVHC Team. She joined MVHC as a grad student in January of 2022, then became a full-time employee in June of 2022. 

Sierra Bethel
LSW

Sierra earned her Bachelor of Social Work from Ohio University. She chose to become a social worker because she has a passion for helping others and loves making an impact in her community. She especially enjoys working with children. Sierra previously worked as a Licensed Social Worker at Aultman Hospital in the Emergency Department. She also has previous experience as a Therapeutic Support Specialist and a Victim Advocate. 

A fun fact about Sierra is she loves to travel! She has been a part of the MVHC Team since November of 2022. 

Dana Israel
LSW

Dana obtained her Bachelor of Science in Social Work from Ashland University. She decided to become a healthcare provider as she wanted to help people feel the best that they can and help them live happy healthy lives. Dana has previous experience in drug/alcohol and inpatient psychiatric therapy. 

A fun fact about Dana is she is very creative and outgoing! She enjoys crafting, fishing, watching dirt track races, reading, spending time with her husband and family, gardening, and playing board games with friends. Dana joined the MVHC Team in May of 2020.

Amanda McNutt
LSW

Amanda received her Associate of Applied Science in Social Work Assistant from Zane State College and her Bachelor of Social Work from Mount Vernon Nazarene University. She wanted to become a social worker to ensure that no one individual feels alone and so she could provide hope in the lives of others. She previously worked at the Julia Paige Family Center and Genesis Hospital Case Management on the ICU and OB units. 

A fun fact about Amanda is she is a single mother and attributes her strength and courage to her son. They love to travel together and explore new adventures, regardless if it's traveling to small towns or big cities! She is hopeful to obtain her Master of Social Work in the future. Amanda has been a part of the MVHC Team since April of 2019. 

Jordan Sharrer
BSW

Jordan received his Bachelor's Degree in Social Work from Ohio University. He chose to go into social work as he has always had a passion to help people and wanted to pursue a career where he could continue to do that. Jordan previously worked as the Social Service Director at Autumn Healthcare before joining the MVHC Team in October of 2014. 

A fun fact about Jordan is he has a twin brother who is also in the medical field! In his free time, he enjoys being outdoors and spending time with his wife and two children. He has a true passion for the outdoors and when he is not spending time with his family, he is typically hunting or fishing. Jordan also likes to travel and typically plans a trip to Florida at least once a year. 

Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) are the conditions in which people are born, live, work, play, and age. SDOH have a major impact on your health, well-being, and overall quality of life. At MVHC, we understand how SDOH impact your ability to access and receive health care. That is why we have an entire team dedicated to helping eliminate SDOH barriers you may experience. Our team is comprised of social workers and case workers dedicated to helping you reach your healthcare hopes, needs, and goals. 

 

This looks like: 

  • One-on-one coaching 

  • Resource connection (examples: Produce Vouchers, Transportation, Housing Assistance, etc.) 

  • Counseling 

  • Application assistance (SNAP, TANF, Job Applications, etc.) 

  • Referrals (Legal Services, Housing, etc.) 

 

You can expect an SDOH screening during your visit with us. This is a short questionnaire completed during your medical visit. If you have any needs, one of our SDOH team members will reach out to you.

 

At MVHC, we are dedicated to your wellness and believe access to high-quality, affordable healthcare is important. Our SDOH Team partners with your medical provider to ensure everyone on your healthcare team understands your goals. 

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