Barb Ennis, CNP, Retires from Welia Health

After 22 years of advanced practice nursing and 42 years faithfully serving so many patients in our community, Barb Ennis, CNP, is retiring from Welia Health on June 30, 2020.

Barb’s journey with the organization began as an RN in August 1978 when Welia Health was known as Mora Medical Center. Twenty years later, in October 1998, she became a Nurse Practitioner (NP). Over the years, she has witnessed many changes—a name change to FirstLight Health System, paper charts that evolved to electronic medical records, written prescriptions that transitioned to e-faxing, and now appointments and communications conducted by phone, video sessions, MyChart, text or the old standby, paper letters. She has seen the facilities in Mora, Hinckley and Pine City all move from their original locations and expand exponentially to a full staff of family practice and specialty providers.

Barb has commented on several occasions about how privileged she feels to have been part of many medical advancements. She is also very grateful for her patients who have allowed her to be a part of their lives, the lives of their families, and their personal health goals. It is with a sad heart that she says how much she will miss them all.

Over the past few months, with Barb’s approaching retirement, and the temporary suspension of services due to COVID-19, Welia Health has reevaluated its Hinckley clinic. When the clinic reopens in July, it will be fully staffed to help transition Barb’s patients to new providers, including three advanced care practitioners trained in geriatrics:

• Shannon Koski, APRN, CPN
• Sara Nielsen, APRN, CPN
• Lindsay Wagenbach, CNP

Several Welia Health providers would also welcome the opportunity to see new patients, including:

• Danielle Bergman, MD – Mora and Pine City campuses
• Renee Coleman, PA-C – Mora campus
• Donald Dahlen, MD – Hinckley campus
• Peter Donner, MD – Pine City and Hinckley campuses
• Ryan Gaalswyk, MD – Mora campus
• Kathleen Kroschel, MD – Mora and Hinckley campus
• Ryan Kroschel, MD – Mora and Pine City campuses
• Amy McDaniel, PA-C – Pine City campus
• Sandra Moore, APNP, CNP – Pine City campus

Thank you, Barb, for your 40+ years of service and dedication to your patients. You will be missed by both your patients and your colleagues!