Rural Roots: A Road Less Travelled

Darrell description for 8/27 upload: In this episode of Rural Roots: A Road Less Travelled, we sit down with Darrell Bodnar, Chief Information Officer at North Country Healthcare, for a behind-the-scenes look at the technology, innovation, and strategy that keep healthcare moving forward in the North Country.

Darrell shares his journey into healthcare IT leadership, what it takes to manage complex systems across multiple hospitals and affiliates, and how his team works to ensure that technology truly serves the needs of patients and staff. We explore the balance between security and accessibility, the challenges of keeping up with rapid change, and the role technology plays in advancing our mission.

Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, a healthcare professional, or just curious about what goes into running the systems that support care, this episode offers a thoughtful and practical perspective on leading technology in rural healthcare.

Tune in for an engaging conversation about vision, adaptability, and how the right tools can empower the right people to do their best work.

#ruralroots #northcountryhealthcare #nch #healthcareIT #CIO #oneteamonemission #technologyinhealthcare #innovation #ruralhealthcare

In this episode of Rural Roots: A Road Less Travelled, we sit down with Nicole Gross, Philanthropy Coordinator at North Country Healthcare, for an energetic and inspiring conversation about joining a new organization, jumping into big projects, and finding your place in the community.

Nicole shares what it’s been like in her first nine months at NCH. From coordinating events and donor communications to leading her first Yellow Belt project. We talk about the learning curve, the surprises along the way, and how she’s approaching her role with curiosity, creativity, and a commitment to making a difference.

Whether you’re new to NCH, a long-time team member, or simply curious about the people who keep our community connected, this episode offers a candid look at the fresh perspective and momentum a new team member can bring.

Tune in for a fun and thoughtful conversation about growth, collaboration, and saying “yes” to new opportunities.

#ruralroots #northcountryhealthcare #nch #philanthropy #donorevents #yellowbelt #oneteamonemission #community

In this episode of Rural Roots: A Road Less Travelled, we sit down with Mike Peterson, President and CEO of Androscoggin Valley Hospital, for an honest and insightful conversation about leadership, community, and what it means to guide a rural hospital in today’s ever-changing healthcare landscape.

Mike shares his journey into healthcare leadership, his approach to building trust and transparency across teams, and how AVH is working to meet the evolving needs of its community. We talk about collaboration across the System, staying grounded in mission, and how strong leadership creates space for others to thrive.

Whether you’re a front-line team member, seasoned leader, or just curious about what happens behind the scenes at your local hospital, this episode offers valuable perspective on what it really means to lead with purpose in rural healthcare.

Tune in for a thoughtful conversation about vision, teamwork, and the power of listening.

#ruralroots #northcountryhealthcare #AVH #leadershipinhealthcare #mikepeterson #communityhospital #ruralhealthcare #nch #oneteamonemission

In this episode of Rural Roots: A Road Less Travelled, we sit down with Bernie Adams, Chief Quality Officer at North Country Healthcare, for a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to deliver safe, reliable, and patient-centered care across a rural health system.

Bernie shares his journey into healthcare quality and why process improvement and teamwork are essential to both patient outcomes and staff experience. We talk about what “quality” really means beyond metrics, how teams across affiliates are raising the bar every day, and how a culture of learning drives better care for the communities we serve.

This conversation is packed with insight about continuous improvement, collaboration, and the future of quality in healthcare. It’s a powerful reminder that every department, every role, and every process has an impact on the patient journey.

 Tune in to hear how quality work at NCH goes far beyond checklists and dashboards: it’s about people, connection, and always striving to do better for those we serve.

#ruralhealthcare #northcountryhealthcare #nch #qualityimprovement #patientcare #leadership #oneteamonemission

In this episode of Rural Roots: A Road Less Travelled, we sit down with Tonya St. Cyr, Director of Human Resources at North Country Healthcare, for a candid conversation about what it means to lead people-first work across a rural health system.

Tonya shares her journey into healthcare HR, the importance of building a unified culture across affiliates, and how the One Team, One Mission philosophy is shaping the way we support and engage staff at every level.

We also discuss North Country Healthcare’s new designation as a Recovery Friendly Workplace, and what that means for employees, leadership, and the broader community.

This episode is packed with heart, perspective, and practical insight into what it takes to foster a resilient, inclusive, and mission-aligned workforce.

🎧 Tune in to hear how HR is helping to strengthen connection, build trust, and support the people who power NCH every day.

#ruralhealthcare #northcountryhealthcare #nch #humanresources #oneteamonemission #recoveryfriendlyworkplace #employeeengagement #workplaceculture

In this episode, we sit down with Jessica Locke, longtime home health nurse and leader at North Country Home Health & Hospice Agency, to explore what it really means to deliver care across the backroads and small towns of northern New Hampshire.

Jessica shares stories from the field, reflects on the deeply personal relationships built through home care, and offers an inside look at the unique challenges and quiet joys of nursing in a rural setting. From gravel roads to patient breakthroughs, this conversation reminds us how powerful it is to meet people exactly where they are.

Hosted by Ren Anderson and Gavin Cook, Rural Roots: A Road Less Travelled is North Country Healthcare’s weekly podcast that brings you real stories from the heart of rural healthcare.

Subscribe and follow for more conversations with the people who care for our communities, one story at a time.

#ruralhealthcare #homehealth #northcountryhealthcare #nch #nchgiving #communitycare #nursingstories #ruralroots

In this episode of Rural Roots: A Road Less Traveled, Gavin and Ren discuss the shows conception and how it all came to be. They jump into their backgrounds and roles within NCH and the future of the show.

Discussion involving the backbone of NCH and the direct links to the community, as well as a teaser for next weeks first FULL episode with special guest, Jessica Foster, Interim President of North Country Home Health & Hospice Agency!

In this teaser short, Gavin and Ren introduce the Concept of Rural Roots: A Road Less Traveled, a pdocast presented by North Country Healthcare