250-368-9394 | Clinic Hours: Mon - Fri, 9am - 12pm, 1pm-4:30 pm

Our Staff

Michelle Vanness - RN

Hi, I’m Michelle. I have been an RN for 25 years. I love working at this clinic because of the supportive environment and the continuity of care we have been able to provide our clients over the years. The Kootenays have always been my home where I have loved skiing, hiking, cooking and spending time with my busy and active family.

Karen Ritter - Lead MOA

Born and raised in the Kootenays, summers have always been my favourite time of year going camping and enjoying the beautiful lakes. This year I’m going to try sledding and hopefully I can start enjoying Kootenay Winters. Working at Columbia Primary Care Clinic has been a very enjoyable experience. This office has an amazing team spirit and really seems to care about each other.

Crystal Ouellette - MOA

Allison Ernst - MOA

I love living in the Kootenays because we are surrounded by mountains and beautiful landscape, the lifestyle is like no other and it is a great place to raise my kids, they were born here and have a great love of the outdoors too. I also enjoy working at Columbia Primary because it’s a great environment to work in, the patients are great, the staff is awesome and the doctors really care.

Mercedes Heckhausen - Clinical MOA

Hi my name’s Mercedes. I grew up in Vancouver and moved to Rossland about ten years ago. I love living in the kootenays because of the outdoor lifestyle. In my free time I am either hiking with my dog, skiing, snowshoeing, camping or fishing!