Our Providers
Meet the dedicated providers of Sawtooth Mountain Clinic.
Each of our providers work with all people regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or national origin.
Medical Staff
Melissa Brooks, CNP
I became a Nurse Practitioner in 2013. I practiced in Alaska and Washington prior to joining the SMC team in May 2022. I love living and working in rural/remote areas with my family where we can explore, forage, and appreciate nature. I enjoy working with a variety of patients of all ages. I particularly enjoy women’s health, children, and teens.
Kristin DeArrudaWharton, CNP
I arrived in Grand Marais in June of 2000 with no plans beyond a summer timberframing internship. One thing led to another and this place became my home, and providing health care to our community became my vocation and calling. From new families to elders, from wellness to chronic disease, through life transitions and changes, I am here to partner with you. I am certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner and Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, and have experience working in clinics and hospitals locally and in other remote and tribal communities. I tend to see things through a holistic health lens and enjoy getting to know you as a person to help you work towards your health goals. Outside of clinic, you might find me working on my family’s off-grid farm, cheering on our kids at a high school athletics event, or enjoying the woods and waters. I have degrees in Nursing from The College of Saint Scholastica and Frontier Nursing University with clinical rotations at Fond du Lac clinics, St Luke’s, Essentia and Regions Hospitals.
Jenny Delfs, MD
I graduated from the University of Iowa medical school in 1991 and married Jeff Kern a week later. We lived in Duluth where I did my residency before moving to Grand Marais in 1996. We have two sons. I enjoy being a part of this lively community and taking care of my friends and neighbors. I love working with the team at SMC to care for patients through the full spectrum of their lives. I am especially interested in helping patients with chronic conditions manage their disease. I additionally see patients at Grand Portage Health Services.
Kaylan Dix, CNP
I started at Sawtooth Mountain Clinic as a nurse practitioner in 2021, and I have been a registered nurse since 2007. In 2018 I did a clinical rotation and scholarship project at SMC, which is how I got to know the clinic and grow to appreciate the community and lifestyle in Cook County. I truly enjoy caring for and connecting with people of all ages. I feel so lucky to be situated in this place of natural wonder and wonderful people.
Kaylan Dix, CNP and Dr. Sampson work together and share patients. With this team-based approach, you have two primary care providers who know you and can provide timely, tailored, quality health care.
Catherine Hansen, MD
I started at Sawtooth Mountain Clinic in October 2018. I attended University of Minnesota Medical School and completed residency at the University of Minnesota – North Memorial program in Minneapolis. My professional interests include full spectrum family medicine, women’s health, mental health, and addiction medicine. Outside of work I enjoy traveling, hiking, ceramics, and spending time with my dog.
Alexys J. Hillman, DO
I graduated from Western University College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific with a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree in 2011 and entered active duty in the U.S. Army, where I completed my family medicine residency and achieved my board certification. I served honorably until 2017, including assignments at Fort Benning, Georgia and Seoul, South Korea. My professional interests include end-of-life planning, grief, and transgender and LGBTQ+ healthcare. I have received certifications both as a death doula as well as a Grief Recovery Method Specialist. I moved to Grand Marais with my husband and two sons in 2023. I enjoy ghost tours, crocheting and reading.
Michael Sampson, MD
I have been a family medicine physician at SMC since October, 2009. I attended University of MN Medical School and practiced medicine for 16 years in Vermont, prior to returning home to Minnesota. I see patients two days a week at Sawtooth Mountain Clinic and one day a week at Grand Portage Health Services.
Kaylan Dix, CNP and Dr. Sampson work together and share patients. With this team-based approach, you have two primary care providers who know you and can provide timely, tailored, quality health care.
Paul Terrill, MD, FAAFP
I’ve been a physician at SMC since 1991. I received my medical degree from the University of Minnesota and completed graduate training in Family Medicine at the Duluth Family Practice Center. My practice includes the performance of colonoscopies. Lake Superior Medical Society 2010 Physician of the Year honoree.
Behavioral Health Staff
Jane Asay, LICSW
I joined the team at Sawtooth Mountain Clinic in 2017. My therapeutic style is a blend of evidence-based practices, infused with an interest in understanding the unique narratives and histories of each individual I work with. I deeply value the vulnerability it takes to pursue therapy and strive to assist clients in recognizing their inner strengths. My passion lies in guiding individuals to understand the intricate connections between their body and mind, nurturing a profound sense of self-awareness and connection. I approach each session with curiosity, and I’ll wholeheartedly encourage you to join me.
I completed my Master’s in Social Work from the University of Minnesota in 2012. My areas of focus include treating trauma, anxiety, depression, behavior problems, addictions, grief, family and relationship stressors, and early childhood mental health.
Specialty Training: Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Trauma Informed-CBT, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), EMDR for Early Childhood Trauma, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP), and Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT).
Melissa Beseres, LICSW
I received my Masters in Social Work from the University of St. Thomas – St. Catherine’s University in St. Paul, MN in 2017. I am committed to creating a safe environment for those looking to overcome addictions to alcohol and drugs, depression, anxiety, and other stressors that affect all of us at some time in our life. I consider myself an active therapist, combining experience, education, skill work, and a down-to-earth, realistic approach to therapy. I have a strong interest in those looking to explore their grief and loss. I also have a strong passion for group work. I believe groups can help us heal, make us feel less alone, and even inspire us to help others.
I see patients once a week in Grand Portage.
Specialty Training: Grief Support Specialist, Animals and Human Health, Mind-Body Medicine, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
Sarah Dragswiek, LICSW
I was raised in the Twin Cities but attended college and graduate school in Los Angeles, obtaining my MSW from the University of Southern California in 2005. I practiced in Minneapolis for 10 years before moving to Grand Marais in 2016 with my family. I was drawn to Sawtooth Mountain Clinic’s commitment to integrated primary and behavioral health care and the team-based approach that it values, as well as the ability to work with people at all stages of life. I’m committed to de-stigmatizing and normalizing behavioral health care and maintaining an inclusive practice.
Specialty Training: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), EMDR for Early Childhood Trauma, Motivational Interviewing, Trauma-Focused Mindfulness Practices, and Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP), Certificate in Trauma Studies from the University of Minnesota’s School of Social Work.
Anna Ross, LGSW
I received my Master’s in Social Work from Capella University in March of 2024. I was born and raised in Duluth, MN, and moved to the Cook County area in 2016. I offer a person-centered outlook and meet each individual where they are at. Every person is unique in what they will find helpful in therapy, and I strive to partner with people to find the right balance for them. Offering individuals a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space to learn and grow is something I strive to do. I work from both a strengths-based and solution-focused perspective to help those with difficulties such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and overall life stress. I am eager to work with individuals from all walks of life to provide a space they feel comfortable in and confident in the work we are doing.
Specialty Training: Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Pharmacists
Anna Krevechenko, PharmD
I graduated from the University of Minnesota Pharmacy School in 2020. I have been a Pharmacist in charge at SMC since May 2021. I enjoy being a part of the Grand Marais community, recognizing patient’s needs, improving their experience and outcomes, addressing healthcare issues, challenges and struggles. Pharmacy is my passion, and also my second career. I was born and raised in Ukraine, where I have earned a Master degree in International Economics and Law.
As a healthcare professional, I am able to adapt, recognize and acknowledge the existence of other cultures by creating an interactive environment with patients. Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my family. I love culinary arts, knitting and crochet, fishing and kayaking.
Rachel Theismann, PharmD
I started at Sawtooth Mountain Clinic in the spring of 2022. I graduated with my PharmD at the University of Minnesota Pharmacy School-Duluth campus. Throughout pharmacy school I developed a particular interest in rural healthcare, so I am thrilled to be here serving our small community.
Sawtooth Mountain Clinic is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.