Rachel Villaruz, PA-C, joining Women’s Health Center
Rachel received her Physician Assistant training in the Philadelphia area and has been practicing for four years. She believes that knowledge empowers women to live a healthy life, and therefore is passionate about educating each of her patients to be her best self.
She is excited to be settling in the Grants Pass community and invest in the women and families who live here. In her free time she enjoys hiking and traveling with her husband, taking their dog on long walks, playing volleyball and making a mess in the kitchen.
Say Hello to Sarah Witesman, PA-C!
Our newest Physician's Assistant, Sarah developed a passion for OB/GYN while on her clinical rotations in rural upstate New York. She believes all patients should have control of their own reproductive and sexual health. Whether it’s help with contraception, conception, routine gynecologic care, or there is a problem that needs addressing, she will be an advocate and a partner in your health and wellness. She has a special interest in addressing sexual dysfunction as well as pelvic and vaginal pain, both chronic and acute. In addition to seeing patients in the clinic, Sarah assists with surgical cases and works with the team of physicians and physician assistants caring for patients admitted to the hospital.
Sarah recently relocated to Grants Pass and joins Women’s Health Center after practicing in a busy OB/GYN clinic for more than five years outside of Salt Lake City. She looks forward to getting to know all the wonderful things that southern Oregon has to offer!
Welcome Crystal Lindahl, WHNP!
Women's Health Center continues to expand our practice to better serve the women in our community! Crystal Lindahl, a Women's Health Nurse Practitioner has just joined our team. Previously a labor nurse, Crystal is looking forward to expanding her patient care to include the entire span of a woman's life. She provides an inclusive environment with respect and courtesy, honoring all her patients’ values and goals.
Crystal and her family recently moved to Grants Pass and are delighted to be surrounded by the mountains and the natural beauty of the area. Schedule your appointment with Crystal online or call our office at 541-479-8363.
Welcome Baby! Community Baby Shower – Sept 17
Our community wants to welcome your new baby at a Community Baby Shower! Lots of great educational and informative demonstrations, gifts, food trucks, and more! At Grants Pass High School from 10:30am - 4:00pm or on Facebook: @HealthyStartofSouthernOregon. See you there!

COMING ATTRACTIONS – Our New Providers!
Women's Health Center is expanding our practice to better service the women in our community. We are excited to introduce two new providers who will be joining us this summer.
A native southern Oregonian, Lauren Jones, NP, partners with her patients to help guide them to become the healthiest and happiest version of themselves. Lauren has nearly a decade of experience in healthcare and feels strong two-way communication is the key to ensure each patient achieves their health goals. She is excited about returning to her roots here and joins us in mid-July. When not in the office, she finds happiness spending time with her husband and daughter, living an active lifestyle, and enjoying many outdoor activities.
Meet Dr. Marla Peters who joins us in August. Dr. Peters graduated from Mercer University School of Medicine in 2018 and completed her OB/GYN residency at Memorial University Medical Center in Georgia. She has a special interest in adolescent gynecology, infertility and reproductive endocrinology, as well as menopause management. She is very approachable and incorporates mental well-being into her practice providing a holistic approach to managing the health of her patients. Dr. Peters enjoys hiking and traveling with her husband and their pup durning her off time. She loves painting with acrylics and watercolors and draws inspiration from her hikes.
Community Baby Shower – April 25-29!
All are welcome to attend the virtual Community Baby Shower from the comfort of your own home! Featuring live streaming education for moms and dads and prizes!

Introducing Denise Mao, FNP
Women's Health Center is happy to announce we have a new provider, Denise Mao, FNP. Denise started her career in healthcare as an RN in southern California. She gained valuable experience in many settings including hospital cardiac care, air ambulance service and rehabilitation care. A Nurse Practitioner since 2017- she is now an FNP- Denise and her family have moved to Grants Pass where she joins our team of providers to deliver compassionate care to women of all ages. Denise will begin seeing patients in mid-December. Welcome Denise!
New Physician Joining Women’s Health Center
We are excited to announce a new physician will be joining our practice in August! Dr. Lauren Javernick is currently completing her residency at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, Texas before moving to Grants Pass with her husband and adorable baby son. We are currently scheduling appointments for Dr. Javernick for mid-August. (more…)
Resources to help you in difficult times
If you or someone you love is struggling, the Oregon Health Authority suggests these resources for anyone needing emotional or mental health assistance as a result of the pandemic.
- Mental and emotional health resources are available on OHA's Safe + Strong website.
- This site will also provide you with current updates as to what's happening in your county and around the state.
- Call the Safe + Strong Helpline at 800-923-4357 (800-923-HELP). The line offers free, 24-7 emotional support and resource referral to anyone who needs it — not only those experiencing a mental health crisis.
Check Out These Physician Videos!
Asante recently teamed with three of our physicians to create short videos to introduce our physicians on their website. Dr. Felicia Cohen, Dr. Thom Eagan and Dr. Tamara Medley perform surgery as well as deliver babies at Asante Three Rivers Medical Center. We definitely think they are stars - click on the links below to learn a bit more about them!
Dr. Felicia Cohen
Dr. Thom Eagan
Dr. Tamara Medley