New Faces at the Ruby Valley Hospital

Over the summer, there have been a few staff changes in various departments at the Ruby Valley Hospital. We are pleased to make the introductions!

Paula Christensen, APRN, FNP-BC

Paula comes to the Ruby Valley Hospital from Deer Lodge Medical Center. The move brings her closer to family in Dillon. While employed as a traveling nurse, Paula worked at the Ruby Valley Hospital from time-to-time and is familiar with the facility. Paula said, “I have a long-term perspective on the Ruby Valley Hospital.”

Paula received her L.P.N. from Butte Vo-Tech and her R.N. from New York University. She earned her Masters of Science, Family Nurse Practitioner from Walden University in Minneapolis.

Prior to her receiving her nurse practitioner training, Paula was a nurse at Barrett Hospital and a traveling nurse throughout Western Montana. She delivered quite a few Ruby Valley babies at Barrett Hospital and enjoyed filling the critical needs of various rural hospitals. Paula said, “Rural healthcare provided me with excellent experience in a wide range of areas including obstetrics, pediatrics, surgical outpatients, intensive care/emergency room, and charge nurse.” She also spent a few years working as a flight nurse.

Paula grew up and graduated from high school in Dillon. The youngest of her six children will be attending high school in Sheridan this fall. When Paula isn’t busy with her large family, she enjoys antiquing and gardening.

MacKenzie Larsen, MLT(ASCP)

Mackenzie recently joined the Ruby Valley Hospital’s Lab team after completing her active service in the Army. She received her Medical Lab Technician’s certification following her training at Fort Sill (Oklahoma), Fort Sam Houston (Texas) and the Walter Reed Medical Center in D.C.

Mackenzie grew up in Whitefish and is a big quarter horse fan. She enjoys training horses, riding dressage and barrel racing. Mackenzie is also in the Army Reserves.

Jennifer Rohrback, SHRM-CP, PHR

Jennifer recently moved to Ennis from Great Falls where she was in charge of Human Resources for ADF International, a structural steel fabrication company headquartered in Quebec, Canada. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Business and Human Resource Management from Western Governor’s University in Salt Lake City. Jennifer has earned credentials from the Society of Human Resource Management Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) and the Professional in Human Resources Certification (PHR).

While working as an executive assistant at Benefis Health System in Great Falls, Jennifer’s interest was sparked for the human resources management profession. Her boss, the Chief Human Resources Officer and CFO, encouraged her to develop her skills and education in the field. “In human resources, we walk a fine line, advocating for the employees and protecting the company. It can be stressful but I really enjoy my work,” Jennifer remarked. At ADF International, Jennifer was the third employee hired in 2013 and the company currently has over 200 employees.

Jennifer and her husband have four children – a rancher in Havre, a medical student in Phoenix, a freshman at Rocky Mountain College and a freshman at Ennis High School.

Woody Puckett, LPN

Woody just couldn’t stay away from the Ruby Valley. Born and raised in Twin Bridges, Woody planned to join the Army after graduation from Twin Bridges High School and he was ready to go!

During his service, he moved around quite a bit and the stops included Fort Benning (GA), Camp Ball (LA), Fort Leonard Wood (MO), San Antonio, Texas, and Fort Lee (VA). The last stop was nearly a year at Walter Reed Medical Center where Woody completed his L.P.N. (licensed practical nurse) training. In 2015, Woody was awarded “Best Warrior” for his unit. Woody has completed his Basic Cardiac Life Support certification and is working on certifications for Pediatric Advanced Life Support and Advanced Cardiac Life Support.

Woody enjoys spending his free time helping with the critters at his family’s MT Cross Farms in the Bear Gulch west of Twin Bridges. He also pursues the typical Montana outdoor activities – hiking, fishing, 4-wheeling, snowmobiling and hunting.

Julie Tezak – Housekeeping

Julie was born and raised in Hamilton, Montana and came to the Ruby Valley via Missoula and Anaconda. She moved to the Valley 25 years ago after marrying her husband, Joe. “I love the people and I love the atmosphere,” says Julie regarding her work.

Julie and Joe share a passion for riding Harleys and showing cars, particularly their ’69 Roadrunner.

Please stop by and welcome our new staff!