Carmen Jones, DODr. Jones was born in Pullman, WA but moved to Phoenix, AZ at a young age. She studied neurobiology, physiology, and behavior at Arizona State University which is where she was first introduced to the field of addiction psychology. Throughout undergrad and later during medical school, she volunteered with Sonoran Prevention Works, a harm reduction group in Tempe. Her interest in addiction medicine is part of what drew her to the field of family medicine, along with the desire to connect with and form long-lasting patient relationships. In her spare time, she enjoys hanging out with her cat DJ, scoping out cool breweries with her partner, and making art.
Andrea Negrete, DODr. Negrete, born on the East Coast, was raised on the West Coast, primarily in Southern California and Northern Washington. She earned a Bachelor's degree in Applied Mathematics from Seattle Pacific University and a Master of Arts in Medical Sciences from Heritage University. She subsequently pursued her medical degree at Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences in Yakima, WA. During her medical education, Dr. Negrete actively contributed to volunteer efforts at Washington states largest free clinic, focusing on reducing barriers to healthcare access. She is passionate about serving underserved populations and enhancing equity in healthcare delivery. Medical interests include full-scope family medicine practice, OMT, and procedures. In her personal time, Dr. Negrete enjoys reading, going on walks with her dog and cat, watching crime dramas, attending concerts, playing board games, and spending quality time with her family.
Nikolai Reitz, DODr. Reitz grew up in Eagle River Alaska and developed a love for outdooring, hunting, fishing, and boating. When Dr. Reitz can't be outside he enjoys video gaming, wood working, and maintaining the 1950's Jeep FC that he inherited from his grandfather. He has been happily married for 2 years to his wife Katie. It is his hope to some day return to the land of his birth and provide rural focused healthcare to a small town or village near where he can spend his free time walking in the woods or out on the water.
Shannon Achille, DOOriginally from Pennsylvania, she earned her undergraduate degree in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences from the University of Pittsburgh. She then gained valuable experience working as a health coach and yoga instructor, which helped her establish a holistic view of wellness. Her passion for partnering with clients to achieve their goals led her to further explore how lifestyle can change medical outcomes and longevity. Throughout her training at Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dr. Achille gained a deep appreciation for the crucial role mental health plays in family medicine. Influenced by studies on adverse childhood experiences and books such as When the Body Says No, Dr. Achille has developed an understanding of the connection between the mind and overall health. She is committed to supporting individuals with behavioral health conditions, sensitivities, or marginalized identities. By fostering genuine connections with her patients, she believes health can be reimagined through nonjudgmental awareness and an ethos of compassion. Dr. Achille eagerly anticipates advocating for patients who face barriers to personalized care, including those affected by psychological challenges and chronic illness. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys engaging in gymnastic-inspired activities, running, listening to soulful music, painting, dancing, and exploring the world of nutritional gastronomy. She cherishes spending time in nature alongside her beloved greyhound, Jojo.
Kristen Gavin, DODr. Gavin grew up in Sunnyside, Washington, where her passion for serving rural communities first began. She has cherished memories of visiting her extended family in Lewis County and is thrilled to be here for her residency.
She earned her undergraduate degree from Washington State University, where she co-managed a small herd of dairy cattle and taught human anatomy. She also studied Spanish including time living in Spain to immerse herself in the language and culture. During medical school, she participated in a program at the Betty Ford Center, deepening her understanding of addiction as a disease. She also dedicated a year to focusing on osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) and teaching at the medical school.
Dr. Gavin’s clinical interests include lifestyle medicine, OMT, addiction medicine, hospice care, lactation and breastfeeding, and natural family planning. She is committed to building strong partnerships with her patients, combining their personal insights with her medical expertise to create care plans tailored to their unique needs.
Outside of medicine, Dr. Gavin enjoys spending quality time with her husband, daughter, family, and friends, as well as crafting homemade food and beverages.
Regina Souder, DODr. Souder was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania but was raised in the suburbs about an hour outside of the city. She moved to Indiana to attend the University of Notre Dame where she majored in Biology and played on the Women's Club Ultimate Frisbee team. While earning her undergraduate degree, Regina led three service learning trips to the Appalachian region. This experience helped her form a deep appreciation for the sense of community that exists in rural areas, and sparked her interest in medicine. She later attended the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, and fell in love with full spectrum family medicine through the course of her clinical rotations. She most enjoys forming relationships with patients and getting to know them beyond the scope of their physical care. In her free time, Regina enjoys playing ultimate frisbee with her husband, Peter, hiking, reading, doing crossword puzzles, and cuddling with her cat, Mellow. She is thrilled with the opportunity to complete her residency in Washington and can't wait to explore all the wonderful outdoor activities the state has to offer.
Samantha Sondermayer, DOShe was born and raised in St. Cloud, MN amongst the frigid snow. Prior to medicine, she obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Concordia University St. Paul, spent many years caring for championship dressage horses, worked at an ophthalmology clinic, and helped grow the business of a powersports dealership. Dr. Brennan eventually ventured to the Pacific Northwest to attend medical school at Western University of Health Sciences in the small town of Lebanon, Oregon. She spends her free time by taking the dirt bikes out for weekend camping adventures, tending to her garden, and caring for her pet duck, Ducky.
Christopher Walker, DOBorn and raised in the small town of Naches Washington, he played college baseball at Lewis-Clark State College in Lewiston, Idaho where he double majored in Exercise Science and Biology. During his time at Lewis-Clark State College he had his daughter Berkeley and his son Fletcher. His kids are his passion and in his free time you can find them riding bikes, hiking through the woods or at the beach searching through tide pools looking for hermit crabs! He is also very into slowpitch softball, crossfit, snowboarding, fishing, duck hunting and yelling at the TV when his favorite sports teams are on. He is excited to practice family medicine in a rural community and build lasting relationships with his patients.
Jordyn Wirkkala, DODr. Wirkkala was born and raised in Cathlamet, WA so Washington has always been home to her. She attended Gonzaga University for her undergraduate degree in biology and then attended medical school at PNWU in Yakima, WA, She's always had a goal of returning to Southwest WA to practice medicine! She worked for some time before going to medical school in multiple different fields. One of her most influential experiences was spending one year in Mobile, AL with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps establishing relationships within the community, advocating for social justice, and working towards compassion and fair treatment for marginalized populations living there. In her free time she enjoys reading, gardening, sewing, and enjoying quality time with her husband, extended family, and golden retriever. She is always interested in a good recommendation for a book or podcast from anyone that has one!
