ADAPT Team
Mykenzie Bender, DNP, APRN, FNP-C
“As a nurse practitioner, I believe that every person is unique and deserves to be treated with respect and dignity. In-home care has always been my favorite setting to work in. I find great joy in building relationships with patients and their families. I strive to provide personalized care to my patients that helps them meet their goals. Getting to walk beside my patients and seeing them reach their goals is something I cherish.” —Mykenzie Bender, DNP, APRN, FNP-C- Family Nurse Practitioner – Certified by American Academy of Nurse Practitioners
- Doctor of Nursing Practice - Family Nurse Practitioner – Augsburg University, Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Bachelor of Science, Nursing – Metropolitan State University, St. Paul, Minnesota
- Associate of Science, Nursing – Century College, White Bear Lake, Minnesota
McKenzie Putnam, DNP, APRN, FNP-C
“I am deeply passionate about forming meaningful connections with my patients. I appreciate the life experiences that patients of all ages can share with me; we can all learn so much from one another. Providing care in patients' homes, where they are the most comfortable, is a gift. I started my career as a Registered Nurse because of my grandfather. He spent a lot of time in the hospital throughout my childhood, and the nurses greatly impacted him and us as family members. I was inspired to continue my education and career as a Nurse Practitioner to provide further care and make a meaningful difference in the lives of those I serve.” —McKenzie Putnam, DNP, APRN, FNP-C- Family Nurse Practitioner – Certified by American Association of Nurse Practitioners
- Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner Program – North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota
- Bachelor of Science, Nursing – North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota
Sarah Meyer, PA-C
“My experience caring for residents at a group home had a profound impact on my decision to become a physician assistant. The residents faced many obstacles surrounding their healthcare management and the quality of care they received. I am excited to be working with Bluestone Physicians to address some of these challenges by bringing healthcare into the homes of our patients. I believe that everyone deserves access to a compassionate and reliable healthcare provider who respects their autonomy.” — Sarah Meyer, PA-C- Certified Physician Assistant
- Master of Physician Assistant Studies – The College of St. Scholastica, Duluth, Minnesota
- Bachelor of Arts, Biology, Society, & Environment – University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Emily Solie, PA-C
“I strive to provide compassionate and holistic care to patients by helping them make well-informed choices about their health so they can be at their best and continue to lead full, independent lives. I believe that practicing with an empathetic, honest and patient-centered approach is essential to promoting overall health and well-being that works for each individual patient and their unique circumstances.” – Emily Solie, PA-C- Certified Physician Assistant
- Master of Science, Physician Assistant Studies – Saint Catherine University, St. Paul, Minnesota
- Bachelor of Arts, Physiology – University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minnesota
Marit Meland, MPAS, PA-C
"I enjoy working with this population because I believe I can learn something important about life and living from each of them. I want my patients to be involved in their own healthcare and to know that their voice matters.” – Marit Meland, MPAS, PA-C- Certified Physician Assistant
- Master of Science, Physician Assistant Studies – University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
- Bachelor of Science, Biological Sciences – University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
Sarah Kane, PA-C
"I believe that every person is a valuable member of our community and is worthy of compassionate care. As a physician assistant, I am honored to have the opportunity to provide quality care that is responsive to each patient’s preferences, needs and values.” —Sarah Kane, PA-C- Certified Physician Assistant
- Master of Science, Physician Assistant Studies – Augsburg College, Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Master of Arts, Management – College of Saint Scholastica, Duluth, Minnesota
- Bachelor of Arts, Management – College of Saint Scholastica, Duluth, Minnesota
Richard Grode, CNP
"Providing healthcare to patients in an environment that is familiar to them allows me to see the whole picture of health. I am better able to provide consistent quality care to the whole person.” —Richard Grode, CNP- Certified Advanced Practice Nurse Practitioner
- Master of Science, Nursing – Nurse Practitioner, University of Wisconsin Eau Claire, Eau Claire, Wisconsin
- Bachelor of Science, Nursing – Bethel University, St. Paul, Minnesota
Marisa Felker, PA-C
"My mission as a provider has always been to be a stable caregiver with a focus on compassion, integrity, and open communication. In my previous experiences I have learned that this is essential to developing strong relationships and providing quality care. It is such a privilege to continue to advocate and strive for patient autonomy in my career with Bluestone.” —Marisa Felker, PA-C- Master of Science, Physician Assistant Studies – University of Wisconsin Madison, School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
- Bachelor of Science, Biology, Society, and Environment – University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Heather Pett-Taylor, M.D.
“I believe knowing a patient’s story allows me to better understand each person's health needs. By meeting our patients in their homes, we are able to enrich that story and further partner with them, their families and the health team to achieve the goals the patient chooses.” —Dr. Pett-Taylor- Board Certified, Family Medicine
- Duluth Family Medicine Residency Program, Director
- Residency, Duluth Family Practice Residency Program
- Doctor of Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Our teams collaborate with the facility/community staff to bring the highest level of care. If you would like to send a message to any team member, please log into the Bluestone BridgeSM Communications Exchange network .