Office Staff
Joan Raulston
Deputy Administrator/ Patient Services Coordinator/ WIC CoordinatorJoan Raulston grew up in Salem and has been with the Dent County Health Center for 27 Years. She is currently the WIC Coordinator and billing clerk. Joan’s career started as a part time clerk and has expanded to a wide variety of job roles over the years which included installing car seats, teaching abstinence-based education in the schools, and working side by side with nurses to maintain a healthy immunization program. Joan is married to Randal Raulston, and they have two children, Jessica and Jacob and two granddaughters, Elizabeth and Savannah.
Jessica Ricks, MPH
Deputy Administrator/ Population Health DirectorJessica Ricks has worked in public health since 2017, bringing experience in community health improvement, chronic disease prevention, substance use prevention, and public health program development. She holds a Master of Public Health from the University of Nevada, Reno, and a Bachelor of Science in Community Health and Wellness from the University of West Georgia. Throughout her career, she has focused on building community partnerships, expanding access to healthcare resources, and improving health outcomes. Outside of work, Jessica enjoys staying active through running, swimming, and weightlifting. She also loves spending time with her German Shepherd, Toquinho and her spouse, Marcelo.
Sonnya Hayes
WIC ClerkMy name is Sonnya Hayes. I have been with Dent County Health Center for 3 years this October. I worked for US Foods for 20 years. Taking a job in public health has been a very different, but gratifying experience. My job as a front desk clerk requires computer skills, a basic understanding about immunizations, WIC Program, scheduling, and basic office skills. I am very grateful for this job opportunity. I was raised in Dent County, and have raised 3 wonderful children here. I enjoy spending time with all my family and friends.
Riley Pratt, MPH
MCH Coordinator / WIC NutritionistRiley Pratt is the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Coordinator and WIC Nutritionist at Dent County Health Center. She has a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition Science and a Master of Public Health (MPH) and enjoys working with individuals and families to help them build healthier futures. Riley is passionate about making a positive difference in her community by connecting families with resources and support, including car seats, safe sleep education and cribs, nutrition services, and other programs that help families thrive.
Prerana Thapa, MPH
Public Health Case Investigator IIPrerana Thapa is a Public Health Case Investigator II at Dent County Health Center. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Master of Public Health (MPH) with a concentration in Epidemiology. Her work spans several public health programs, including communicable disease investigation, surveillance, reporting and education, the Fetal and Infant Mortality Review (FIMR) program, environmental health, and community health promotion. She considers public health her ikigai, finding purpose at the intersection of science, service, and making a meaningful difference in people's lives. Originally from the mountainous country of Nepal, she has a deep appreciation for wildlife and finds joy in being fully present in nature.
Caitlyn Florence
Patient Services/WIC ClerkCaitlyn was raised in Salem and attended Green Forest R2 and Salem High School before enrolling at Mizzou. She is married to Justin Florence and fills her leisure time caring for her energetic toddler, Alexander. She takes pleasure in traditional pastimes such as sewing, embroidery, and crochet. You can find her at the front desk helping with WIC or checking in for appointments or she’s also happy to chat on the phone!
Courtney Lanham, RN
Registered NurseCourtney Lanham is a Registered Nurse at Dent County Health Center with eight years of nursing experience. She began her nursing career after earning her Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) credentials from Rolla Technical Center in 2016. She continued her education at East Central College, earning her Associate Degree in Nursing (RN) in 2017. Courtney is dedicated to providing compassionate, patient-centered care and promoting the health and well-being of individuals and families in the community. Outside of work, Courtney enjoys spending time with her husband and their two children.
Board of Trustees
Regular Meetings are held at 5:00pm on the third Thursday of the month at 5pm at the Dent County Health Center. Meeting agendas are posted at the Health Center in advance according to Missouri Sunshine Laws.
