Contact Us

Our Team

Compassionate healthcare team when and where you need them most.

The Ascent Healthcare team carries out the mission to serve as trusted partners to various healthcare organizations by delivering personalized and high-quality care.

Our providers believe in providing quality care to residents in Skilled Nursing, Assisted Living and Memory care settings. Ascent Healthcare providers enjoy the challenge and complexity of the diverse and at-risk patient population that they serve in the facilities and thrive in being part of the patient’s care team. Providers at Ascent Healthcare stay at Ascent Healthcare as they value the administrative staff as well as the autonomy and flexibility that Ascent Healthcare provides.

Our Leadership Team

Adair Moore NPC EO
Adair Moore, NP, CEO
Chief Executive Officer
Kristen Carr, MD
Kirsten Carr, MD, CMD
Chief Medical Officer
Gwen Sampson NP COO
Gwen Sampson, NP
Chief Operations Officer
Christopher Morris, MD 24
Christopher Morris, MD
Founder
Amy Hoffman
Director of Business Development
Eric Proulx Dir Of HR
Eric Proulx
Director of Human Resources
Robin Jewett DMSc, PA-C Dir of Behavioral Wellness
Robin Jewett, DWSc, PA-C
Director of Behavioral Wellness
Cindy Lin, MD
Director of Podiatric Wellness

Our Practice

Samuel Suk, MD
Samuel Suk, MD
Alisa Gifford PA
Alisa Gifford, PA
Sarah Dunham, MD, CMD
Wendy Gallagher NP
Wendy Gallagher, NP
David Marsh NP
David Marsh, NP
Robyn Trasen, PA
Tomoaki Honda, NP
Jaime Hamilton, PA
Nicole Best, NP
Nicole Best, NP
Ben Young, PA
Julie Allstot, PA
Geoff Xiao, PA
Geoff Xiao, PA
Tina Oliver, MD
Tina Oliver, MD
Stephanie Johnson, NP
Stephanie Johnson, NP
Pawandeep Kaur, NP
Pawandeep Kaur, NP
Natalie Polzen, NP
Natalie Polzen, NP
Matthew Berry, PA
Matthew Berry, PA
Corneliu Volosen, AGPCNP-BC
Corneliu Volosen, AGPCNP-BC

Administrative Staff

Connie Erickson
Clinical Quality Specialist
Adrienne Dolezal
Coding Specialist
Chantell Reyes
Lead Billing Specialist
Iain McKinlay, Lead Medical Assistant
Iain McKinlay
Lead Medical Assistant
Judy Elwood Office Administrative Assistant
Judy Elwood
Office Administrative Assistant
Ben Burnett
Ben Burnett
Project Manager
Our Six Guiding Principles
Integrity

Balance

Innovation

Performance

Respect

Compassion

Interested in joining our team?

View Career Opportunities
“It is a great privilege to work with a team of passionate providers who value making a difference in the health of older adults. I started Ascent Healthcare in 2012 because I saw this community of people had been significantly underserved in our area. Over the years, I have found great joy and fulfillment in serving the geriatric population wherever they are along their health journey.”
- Christopher R. Morris, MD, Founder

Testimonials

My name is Joy Lankford and I am the DRC at The Forum Town Center at the Fountains in Happy Valley. I have partnered with CRM physicians and N.P.’s for the last 4 years. This has been my second facility where I have had the privilege of working with this group. I have been impressed by their dedication, kindness, caring, and outstanding service. I have been in the Medical field for over 45 years and I am impressed at the expertise CRM Physicians provide to my residents. I would highly recommend their services. My residents adore their physician, and this is the highest praise any physician can obtain from their patients.
Joy LankfordDRC at The Forum Town Center at the Fountains in Happy Valley.

Testimonials

Testimonials

I have partnered with Ascent Healthcare’s physicians and nurse practitioners for the last 4 years. This has been my second facility where I have had the privilege of working with this group. I have been impressed by their dedication, kindness, caring, and outstanding service. I have been in the medical field for over 45 years and I am impressed at the expertise Ascent Healthcare provides to my residents. I would highly recommend their services. My residents adore their physician, and this is the highest praise any physician can obtain from their patients.
JoyDRC at Five Star Senior Living
"It is a privilege to be part of a team that takes care of vulnerable patients in a nursing home and ensures continuity of care for their residents. As a healthcare provider, I find it very motivating and challenging to treat patients with both acute and chronic problems. Working for Ascent Healthcare, I get to partner with a team of nursing staff and therapists to provide complex care to my patients. Ascent Healthcare is well organized and very up to date with the changing landscape of medicine in nursing facilities."
Reginald Buesa, MD
"I’ve always been drawn to geriatric medicine. I value being a part of a team providing care and compassion to patients and families as they transition to their next stage, whether that is recovering to go back home, moving on to a facility with a higher level of care, or end of life."
Robyn Trasen, PA-C
Our Ascent Healthcare Medical Director has gained the respect of our facility staff by being present, sharing knowledge and being available to answer questions. During a COVID Educational Session our Medical Director did an excellent job of not only answering questions but giving an explanation that was easy to understand of how the COVID vaccine works. Staff that attended the meeting stated that the meeting was very helpful and many staff that were afraid to get the vaccine received the vaccine.
CamaDNS

Bio

Adair Moore is a Nurse Practitioner and the Chief Operating Officer for Ascent Healthcare. Adair graduated with her MSN from Vanderbilt University in 2009 and has since gained a wide variety of post-acute care experience working in skilled nursing facilities across 4 states. She joined Ascent Healthcare in 2014, became Director of Business Development in 2016, and transitioned to Director of Clinical Operations in 2018. As COO since November 2019, Adair has focused on Ascent Healthcare’s mission of delivering personalized, high-quality care to residents in the post-acute space. Her strengths include organizational management, strategic planning, provider management, and leadership development. In her free time, Adair enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, traveling, running, and exploring the PNW.

Bio

Kirsten earned her medical degree at Oregon Health and Science University and completed her Residency in Family Medicine at Scottsdale Healthcare. In 2013, she was introduced to nursing home medicine and fell in love with the model of care. Dr. Carr earned her certification as a long-term and post-acute care medical director in 2017 and joined Ascent Healthcare in August 2021. In Dr. Carr’s free time she enjoys spending time with her husband and two boys, knitting, attending book club, and going to Oregon Duck football games!

Bio

Gwen Sampson is the Director of Clinical Operations and an Adult Nurse Practitioner for Ascent Healthcare. She earned her Undergraduate in Nutritional Sciences from Cornell University, and later pursued a degree in Nursing at New York University and graduated with a Master of Science in Nursing from Monmouth University in 2016. As an Adult Nurse Practitioner Gwen has experience as a clinical provider in Outpatient Primary Care and Assisted Living. Gwen relocated to Oregon in 2017 to work with OptumCare, before joining Ascent Healthcare. She continues to provide Transition of Care Management and Complex Care Management within the Skilled Nursing community. In her spare time Gwen enjoys spending time with her spouse and three children exploring Oregon

Bio

Chris Morris, MD is the President of Ascent Healthcare. He is board certified in Internal Medicine. He earned his medical degree from American University of the Caribbean. Completed residency at Maricopa Medical Center/Phoenix Childrens Center in Phoenix, AZ

Dr. Morris has many roles in the organization taking an active interest in administration, credentialing, medical billing and provider relations. He continues to round on patients at least 3 days a week.

Dr. Morris enjoys spending time with family, traveling, skiing and exercising.

Bio

“Amy graduated from Centenary College of Louisiana- Shreveport in 2004 earning her Bachelors of Science in Business Administration. After relocating to the Pacific NW, she discovered Skilled Nursing’s need for Activity Directors and thought it would be a lot like being a college resident assistant. She obtained her 36 hour Activity Director certification and her Certified Nursing Assistant certification and fell in love with skilled nursing. In 2006, she found an opportunity to use her business degree through skilled nursing admissions and marketing and became a regional director of business development. In 2023, after 19 years of working in skilled nursing she sought an opportunity to ensure solid and local provider care was available to Oregon SNFs and she joined Ascent Healthcare as Business Devleopment Director. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and three children and dreaming of, one day, becoming a cat owner. “

Bio

Initially from Providence Rhode Island, Eric moved out to Oregon in 2012. Eric has honed a diverse skill set in the Human Resources field with staffing and process improvement being at the forefront. Fostering an inclusive and diverse work environment is both a passion and a lifelong professional goal of his. In his spare time, he enjoys exploring the great PNW with his family, gardening, fishing, and hunting.

Bio

Robin is a Physician Assistant with her Doctorate of Medical Science in Psychiatry. After graduating from Oregon’s Salem Academy, she attended Indiana Wesleyan University (BS in Biology), Trevecca Nazarene University, (MS in Medicine) and Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions for her doctoral studies (DMSc Psychiatry). Robin has nearly 20 years of clinical experience, including dermatology, gastroenterology, ENT, psychiatry, and internal medicine/geriatrics. Having taught in four physician assistant programs, she is currently on faculty at Rocky Mountain University of Health Sciences Doctorate of Medical Science program. In addition to studying general psychiatry, the treatment of agitation in dementia and the biological mechanisms that mediate spirituality in resilience were the focus of her doctoral projects. She has also completed additional coursework to become a Certified Dementia Practitioner, a Certified Geriatric Professional, and is a Positive Approach to Care Independent Consultant. Through these experiences, she realized her love of geriatric patients, their unique mental health needs, and the need for increased access to psychiatric care in Oregon. Having practiced in primary care and specialty areas, she is able to provide unique insight on the role of physical health on mental health. She loves getting lost in a good book, making Pinterest-fail crafts, and orchestrating family vacations so epic they need a subsequent recovery vacation.

Bio

Dr. Sarah Dunham is originally from the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia. She attended The University of Virginia School of Medicine in Charlottesville. Sarah moved west for Internal Medicine residency OHSU for 3 years followed by one chief residency year. She spent the first decade of medical practice as a Hospitalist within the Providence system. Sarah is credentialed as a Certified Medical Director in Post Acute and Long Term Care. She is currently actively seeing patients as well as serving as CMO with Ascent Healthcare. Sarah lives in Portland and enjoys spending time with her husband Jeff, two daughters, 2 stepchildren and their dog Milo. In her spare time she enjoys kayaking, hiking, renovating her historic home and traveling with her family.

Bio

Wendy earned a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree with a specialty as a Family Nurse Practitioner at University of Portland in 2016. Her undergraduate education was also at University of Portland where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Biology in 2007 and another in Nursing in 2010. Prior to earning her NP degree she worked as an RN in a skilled nursing facility. 

Wendy enjoys spending her free time with friends and family. Favorite hobbies include attending local festivals and music events.

Bio

David Marsh, APRN, NP-C is an Adult/Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner certified by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. He obtained his Bachelor of Science from Tennessee Technological University, and his Masters of Science in Nursing from Vanderbilt University. David grew up in Tennessee, but has worked in several states since graduating and has been in Oregon since 2020.  In his free time, David enjoys hiking, traveling, and spending time with family.

Bio

Robyn is a Physician Assistant who grew up in Denver, Colorado, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado. She attended graduate school at Pacific University in Hillsboro, Oregon, and earned a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies.

Robyn Trasen joined Ascent Healthcare in 2014. Her responsibilities focus on internal medicine, geriatric, long-term and skilled nursing care at Avamere Rehabilitation of Hillsboro.

Robyn is a member of the Oregon Medical Board, the American Academy of Physician Assistants, the American Geriatric Society.

In her free time, Robyn enjoys cheering from the sidelines of the various sports and activities that her children participate in, and hiking, skiing, and traveling with her husband.

Bio

Tomoaki is originally from Kyoto, Japan. Tomo has been working with Ascent Healthcare in Post-Acute Care since July 2019. Before joining Ascent Healthcare, Tomo worked as a nurse in skilled nursing facilities for over 20 years. Tomo earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2013 and then went on to earn his Doctorate of Nursing Practice in 2018 from Washington State University. In his free time, Tomoaki enjoys spending time with his family, reading and hiking.

Bio

Jaime Hamilton MS, PA-C is a Physician Associate certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree from The University of Arizona in Tucson, AZ and her Master of Science degree from the School of Physician Assistant Studies at Pace University-Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City in 2011. Prior to joining Ascent Healthcare, Jaime worked in Primary Care in Phoenix, AZ and Vancouver, WA. When not working, she enjoys hanging out with her kids, hiking, skiing, playing tennis, kayaking.

Bio

Nicole grew up in east Tennessee and worked in the intensive care unit as an RN for three years before returning to Lincoln Memorial University in Knoxville, TN to receive her masters in nursing. After graduating, Nicole moved to Oregon with her spouse to work for Ascent Healthcare. In her free time, Nicole loves exploring Oregon and has become an avid soccer fan. GO THORNS!

Bio

Ben Young received his Bachelor’s of Science in Human Physiology at University of Oregon, and his Master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies at SUNY Stony Brook University. Healthcare had a profound impact on extending the length and quality of life of his Grandfather. He was able to have a meaningful relationship with him that he feels he would have not had if it weren’t for quality healthcare. He hopes he can be a part of that for others. Post Acute care played an important role in his grandfather’s care, recovering from a hospitalization for pneumonia. Two months after completing rehab, he celebrated his 90th birthday with large gathering of family and closest friends! They had multiple performances, including Ben’s own juggling and hacky sack routine! (He says he’s out of practice). When he’s not working he enjoys hiking, trail and road running. Last year he completed his first ultramarathon (50K) and a number of other races.

Bio

Julie attended Willamette University, UW school of medicine (Medex) and earned her MBA from Western Governors University. Interesting things to know about Julie is that she speaks Spanish and enjoys power lifting.

Bio

Stephanie Johnson is a Portland Native, born and raise in Beaverton, OR. Attending Valley Catholic High School Beaverton OR, she went on to Carroll College in Helena MT to earn her Bachelor or Arts in Health Science. She further went to Vanderbilt University School of Nursing in Nashville TN to attain her Masters of Science in Nursing in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care. She decided to go into the field of nursing and geriatrics/long term care after working as an in home caregiver and as care staff/activity assistsant in a memory care and being inspired by the carreers by both her grandmothers who were career nurses. Primarily, she feels that her purpose is being called to serve older adults in underserved communities and provide advocacy, support and education to patient and families. She enjoys building repor and relationships with facilities and her longterm care patients and their families. She served as both a community RN & Director of Nursing at for non profit faith based communities in SE Portland and North Portland (St Johns) before coming to Ascent Healthcare and it motivated her to continue working in the long term care setting. Activities Stephanie enjoys when she is not working: Theatre, music (She has a piano, keyboard and a flute at home), wine tasting, trying new food spots, hiking, and spending time with her cat, family and close friends.

Bio

Natalie graduation from OHSU with her BSN then from Frontier Nursing University earning her FNP-C/MSN. She is currently in their PMHNP program as well. When asked why she decided to practice in post-acute and long-term care she said that she has a chronic illness and had really poor healthcare experiences during my diagnosis and treatment. She became an FNP to help other people to have a better experience with healthcare. She also lives in a fairly small community with limited access to providers, especially for mental health and she wants to increase access to care. When not at work, Natalie enjoys reading, riding horses, hiking with her dog, and spending time with her daughter.

Bio

Ben Young received his Bachelor’s of Science in Human Physiology at University of Oregon, and his Master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies at SUNY Stony Brook University. Healthcare had a profound impact on extending the length and quality of life of his Grandfather. He was able to have a meaningful relationship with him that he feels he would have not had if it weren’t for quality healthcare. He hopes he can be a part of that for others. Post Acute care played an important role in his grandfather’s care, recovering from a hospitalization for pneumonia. Two months after completing rehab, he celebrated his 90th birthday with large gathering of family and closest friends! They had multiple performances, including Ben’s own juggling and hacky sack routine! (He says he’s out of practice). When he’s not working he enjoys hiking, trail and road running. Last year he completed his first ultramarathon (50K) and a number of other races.

Bio

Corneliu is a graduate of the University of Texas Medical Branch Galveston with a BSN, and MSN in Primary Care Adult Gerontology Primacy Care. Observing the challenges his grandmother faced at the end of her life, Corneliu seeks to be a clinician that joins the patient in their health care journey, providing individualized patient centered care. In his free time Corneliu enjoys connecting with nature by going hiking and camping, and traveling abroad.

Bio

Although her original plan & studies were in Criminology, Connie ultimately found her passion for health care while taking care of her Grandmother following a Massive Stroke. Throughout the course of her career Connie has worn many hats in the Health Care Industry and has attained several Certifications along the way.

Having worked in several Nursing Facilities, and witnessing first hand the quality of care gap that is created between the hospitalization and the eventual outside primary care Physician, Connie joined Ascent Healthcare in 2017 and has been helping us bridge that gap since.

Bio

Adrienne Dolezal is a Certified Medical Coder for Ascent Healthcare. Adrienne graduated from Southern Oregon University with a BS in Health Promotion/Physical Fitness with a Minor in Mathematics. While at Southern Oregon University she was also a member of the Women’s Basketball team. She joined Ascent Healthcare in 2017 as a Medical Biller and since has become a Certified Medical Coder and has transitioned to developing the coding department within Ascent Healthcare. She brings a background of both billing and coding for companies all over the country while helping increase profits and production within the SNF, In-Patient, and Out-Patient settings. Outside of the office Adrienne spends time with her daughter and coaching basketball. When there is time outside of that her, her daughter, and Golden Retriever spend time camping, fishing, and enjoying what the Pacific Northwest has to offer.

Bio

Chantell joined Ascent Healthcare in 2019 and brings over 10 years’ experience in the medical field. As an AAPC certified coder, she has specialized in billing and coding for internal medicine, alternative care, and laboratory services. As a member of Ascent Healthcare’s billing team, Chantell prepares and bills patients’ insurance, performs necessary tasks to resolve obstacles in receiving timely payment, and collaborates with other team members to increase productivity and efficiency. Chantell enjoys spending time with family, traveling, and dancing hula.

Bio

Ben is a dedicated healthcare professional with a Bachelor of Science in Aquatic and Fishery Sciences from the University of Washington in Seattle. He was drawn from his background in environmental sciences and particularly ichthyology into to medicine administration by way of biomedical research, where he found his passion for improving patient access to care in skilled nursing and nursing facilities, particularly for low-income populations. In addition to his professional pursuits, Ben can be found writing and performing stand-up and sketch comedy when he’s not on the couch watching horror movies with his fiancĂ© and their cats.

Bio

Kiersten earned a Bachelor of Science in Health Promotion and Education from the University of Utah in 2012, followed by a Master of Physician Assistant Studies from Pacific University in 2019. With experience in primary care and internal medicine, Kiersten is dedicated to providing comprehensive healthcare to her patients. Outside of work, Kiersten and enjoys hiking, spending time at the beach, and exploring the beautiful landscapes of the Pacific Northwest.

Bio

Julie attended University of colorado and earned her BA in Biology; At Pacific University she earned her Master’s Physician Assistant Studies Board certified (NCCPA). When asked what inspired her to work in post acute and long-term care she said she was a paramedic for >10 years and loved providing care to people. She wanted to further her education to treat at a higher level. She loves educating patients and helping prevent disease progression. When she isn’t working she enjoys hanging out with her family, exploring the coast, doing any art/craft, and playing the piano.

Bio

Leandra earned her Masters in Nursing at OHSU. She loved clinical rotation at nursing home venues which led her to her current career. Away from work, she enjoys spending time with family!

Bio

Things that need a change: delete this please: In her free time, Robyn enjoys cheering from the sidelines of the various sports and activities that her children participate in, and hiking, skiing, and traveling with her husband. Add this please: In her free time, Robyn enjoys Thursday fun-days with her husband, travel, hiking, skiing, and visiting her adult children.

Bio

David attended Tennessee Tech and received his Bachelors of Science in interdiciplinary studies. He later attended Vanderbilt University attaining his MSN Adult/Gerontology Primary care and University of Arkansas: AS in Healthcare management. He started his career in post-acute care as he wanted to help improve the quality of life of patients by focusing on lifestyle interventions to improve overall health, and not just through medication management. While the population that we work with now is older, that goal comes out more as a disire to limit poly-pharmacy. David enjoys playing piano, hiking, computer games, and cooking.