In this special Season One recap of Rural Roots: A Road Less Travelled, we look back at some of our favorite moments from the first season of the podcast, stories that reminded us why this work, and these people, matter so much.
From leadership reflections and career journeys to personal moments that shaped why people choose healthcare, this episode weaves together clips that capture the heart of North Country Healthcare. You’ll hear about work-life balance, growth at NCH, nontraditional paths into healthcare, and the quiet, human moments that connect us all.
As we revisit voices from across the System, this recap celebrates the shared values, resilience, and sense of community that define care in the North Country.
Whether you’ve listened to every episode or are just tuning in, this season in review is a reminder that behind every role is a story, and every story helps shape who we are.
Tune in as we reflect, reconnect, and look ahead to what’s next on the road less travelled.
#ruralroots #northcountryhealthcare #nch #seasonreview #leadership #healthcarestories #ruralhealthcare #oneteamonemission

In this episode of Rural Roots: A Road Less Travelled, we sit down with Luellyn “Lu” Valtin, Director of Quality Performance Excellence at North Country Healthcare, for a thoughtful and refreshing conversation about what quality really means in healthcare.

Lu shares her journey into quality work, what she has learned since joining NCH, and how Performance Excellence goes far beyond compliance and reporting. We talk about shifting the long-standing perception of “quality” as a box to check and instead explore how trust, communication, compassion, and collaboration form the real foundation of excellent care.

From supporting Quality Managers across all affiliates to championing improvement efforts that make daily work easier for staff and safer for patients, Lu offers clear insight into how quality becomes meaningful, accessible, and lived, not just measured.

Tune in for an honest and inspiring discussion about building a culture where improvement is part of who we are, where every role contributes to patient experience, and where quality is defined by the relationships we build and the care we deliver.

#ruralroots #northcountryhealthcare #nch #quality #performanceexcellence #patientexperience #leadership #ruralhealthcare #oneteamonemission

In this episode of Rural Roots: A Road Less Travelled, we sit down with Clare and Abby from the Performance Improvement team to talk about what meaningful improvement really looks like at North Country Healthcare.

They share what Performance Improvement is (and is not), how it differs from traditional “quality work,” and why the PI lens is all about solving real problems, elevating teamwork, and removing barriers so staff can do their best work. We talk about the perception of “quality” as a box-checking task and how the Performance Excellence umbrella is reshaping that narrative across the System.

Clare and Abby walk us through their approach to coaching teams, supporting Yellow Belt projects, and creating sustainable change that matters for patients, staff, and the efficiency of our daily workflows. They also reflect on their own paths into PI, their partnership, and what keeps them energized in a field that requires curiosity, patience, and a sense of humor.

Tune in for an honest, down-to-earth conversation about improving the work, respecting the people who do it, and building a culture where progress feels possible.

#ruralroots #northcountryhealthcare #performanceimprovement #performanceexcellence #yellowbelt #leanthinking #nch #oneteamonemission #ruralhealthcare

In this special episode of Rural Roots: A Road Less Travelled, the spotlight turns to our very own co-host, Gavin Cook, Recruitment Manager for North Country Healthcare.

Gavin shares his path into Human Resources, what drew him to recruitment, and why connecting people to meaningful work in healthcare is one of his greatest joys. We talk about the stories he’s heard through this podcast, how the series has changed the way he sees the organization, and what he believes makes NCH such a unique place to build a career.

From workforce trends in rural healthcare to the importance of culture, connection, and storytelling, Gavin offers an inside look at the people-first philosophy that guides his work. You’ll also hear a few behind-the-scenes reflections about what it’s really like to co-host Rural Roots and what he’s learned along the way.

Tune in for a warm and insightful conversation with the voice you’ve come to know each week... This time sitting on the other side of the questions!

#ruralroots #northcountryhealthcare #nch #recruitment #leadership #oneteamonemission #ruralhealthcare

In this episode of Rural Roots: A Road Less Travelled, we sit down with Tiffany Haynes, MSN, RN, Chief Nursing Officer at North Country Healthcare, for a heartfelt and insightful conversation about leadership, compassion, and the power of nursing in rural healthcare.

Tiffany shares her journey from hospice and palliative care to executive leadership, reflecting on what she’s learned about guiding teams through both challenge and change. We talk about what it means to lead with empathy, how nursing shapes the culture of care across NCH, and why staying connected to the bedside matters at every level of leadership.

From her roots in the North Country to her vision for the future of nursing, Tiffany’s story is one of heart, resilience, and service.

Tune in for a thoughtful discussion about purpose, teamwork, and what it means to care—for patients, for colleagues, and for a community.

#ruralroots #northcountryhealthcare #nch #nursingleadership #chiefnursingofficer #ruralhealthcare #oneteamonemission #leadership

In this episode of Rural Roots: A Road Less Travelled, we sit down with Olivia Harris, Benefits Specialist at North Country Healthcare, for a timely and informative conversation about employee benefits, open enrollment, and how to make the most of the resources available to staff.

Olivia walks us through what to expect during annual enrollment, shares helpful tips for reviewing coverage options, and offers insight into how benefits support overall well-being throughout the year. We also talk about her role behind the scenes in Human Resources, what she enjoys most about working with staff across the System, and how she helps make a complex topic easier to understand.

Whether you’re new to NCH or a long-time employee, this episode will help you feel more confident and prepared heading into open enrollment.

Tune in for a practical and friendly conversation that reminds us that taking care of ourselves helps us take better care of others.

#ruralroots #northcountryhealthcare #nch #humanresources #benefits #employeeexperience #oneteamonemission #ruralhealthcare

In this episode of Rural Roots: A Road Less Travelled, we sit down with Brooke Belanger, In-House Counsel for North Country Healthcare, for a candid and engaging conversation about law, leadership, and the human side of healthcare compliance.
Brooke shares her journey from public defense to healthcare law and how her experiences across state policy, Medicaid development, and hospital compliance shaped her approach to legal counsel. We talk about what it means to make complex systems understandable, the importance of clarity and communication in healthcare policy, and how thoughtful leadership helps teams make confident, ethical decisions.
Through humor, insight, and deep commitment to community well-being, Brooke reminds us that doing things “by the book” can also be done with heart.
Tune in for a refreshing conversation about trust, transparency, and what it means to serve with integrity in rural healthcare.
#ruralroots #northcountryhealthcare #nch #leadership #healthcarelaw #compliance #oneteamonemission #ruralhealthcare

In this episode of Rural Roots: A Road Less Travelled, we sit down with Andrea Tupick, Director of Inpatient Services at North Country Healthcare, to talk about leadership, teamwork, and the fast-paced world of inpatient care.

Andrea shares her journey into nursing leadership and what it takes to oversee a department that never slows down. We discuss the importance of communication, teamwork, and trust in delivering high-quality care, along with what she’s learned about supporting both patients and staff in a constantly changing environment.

Whether you’re on the floor, behind the scenes, or simply curious about what happens within inpatient care, this episode offers an inside look at how strong leadership, compassion, and collaboration shape every patient experience.

Tune in for a grounded and inspiring conversation about nursing, leadership, and the heart of hospital care.

#ruralroots #northcountryhealthcare #nch #nursingleadership #inpatientcare #hospitalleadership #ruralhealthcare #oneteamonemission

In this episode of Rural Roots: A Road Less Travelled, we sit down with Wayne Couture, Director of Imaging Services at North Country Healthcare, to take a closer look at the vital role diagnostic imaging plays in patient care.

Wayne shares his journey into healthcare leadership and what it means to oversee imaging departments across the System. We talk about the technology that makes modern diagnostics possible, the teamwork behind delivering results quickly and accurately, and how imaging supports nearly every other area of care.

From X-rays to advanced scans, Wayne offers insight into the challenges and opportunities of leading imaging services in a rural setting, and what excites him most about the future.

Whether you’re a clinician, a support staff member, or simply curious about the behind-the-scenes work that makes diagnosis and treatment possible, this episode sheds light on a critical piece of the care journey.

Tune in for a thoughtful conversation about technology, collaboration, and keeping patients at the center.

#ruralroots #northcountryhealthcare #nch #imaging #diagnostics #ruralhealthcare #oneteamonemission

In this episode of Rural Roots: A Road Less Travelled, we sit down with Danielle Roy, Clinical Supervisor for Cardiopulmonary, Sleep, Respiratory, Neurology, and Cardiology Services at North Country Healthcare.

Danielle shares her journey into clinical leadership and what it means to oversee such a wide range of specialties. We dive into the Ambulatory EEG project, what it is, why it matters, and how it’s changing the patient experience. She also reflects on the challenges and rewards of working across highly technical fields, the importance of collaboration between departments, and the pride she takes in leading her team.

Whether you’re curious about the latest innovations or simply want to understand more about the people behind the care, this episode offers a fascinating look into the world of cardiopulmonary and neurology services in rural healthcare.

Tune in for a thoughtful conversation about teamwork, innovation, and what the future holds.

#ruralroots #northcountryhealthcare #nch #cardiology #respiratorycare #neurology #innovation #oneteamonemission #ruralhealthcare