Voices from the frontlines of Patient Experience and Trauma care
At Sheridan Memorial Hospital, caring for patients goes beyond clinical excellence—it’s about connection, compassion, and continuous improvement. In a recent conversation with host Floyd Whiting on Sheridan Media’s Public Pulse, two dedicated healthcare professionals—Kelly Lieb, DMSc, PA-C, Director of Patient Experience, and Toni Schoonover, BSN, RN, Trauma Coordinator—shared their journeys into healthcare and how their roles shape the patient and community experience every day.
Both Kelly and Toni emphasized the deeply personal paths that led them into medicine. For Toni, it began in childhood. “When I was in eighth grade, my mom got really sick, and I helped care for her. Ever since then, I’ve had a passion for caring for others.” That early experience has since evolved into a role focused on trauma education, emergency care coordination, and injury prevention through community outreach.
Kelly’s story also reflects a lifelong commitment to both science and people. Today, she balances patient care with her leadership in enhancing the patient experience. “We aim to create a five-star experience that patients remember as feeling cared for,” she shared. Her role includes spearheading initiatives like the hospital’s upcoming Patient and Family Advisory Council— “The Voice”— Voicing opportunities for improvement, collaboration and engagement a new opportunity— for patients and families to help shape care delivery through direct partnership and feedback.
The conversation highlighted the collaborative nature of healthcare at Sheridan Memorial. From bedside interventions to systemic improvements, both speakers stressed the importance of teamwork across disciplines, whether it’s between nurses and physician assistants or through cross-functional efforts to engage the community.
Sheridan Memorial Hospital’s outreach extends far beyond its walls, thanks to programs like Third Thursday, where Toni and her team offer hands-on injury prevention education supported by the Sheridan Memorial Hospital Foundation. These efforts demonstrate the hospital’s commitment to proactive health and safety—a mission rooted in community connection and wellness.
Whether responding in the ED or shaping policy behind the scenes, Kelly and Toni embody Sheridan Memorial Hospital’s vision: to serve our community with excellent patient-centered care.
🎧 Listen to Kelly Lieb and Toni Schoonover’s full interview on Public Pulse by clicking below.
Cody Sinclair and Liz Dearcorn talk about transforming mental healthcare
Transforming Mental Healthcare: Sheridan Memorial Hospital’s Growing for You Campaign
Sheridan Memorial Hospital is making remarkable strides in addressing Wyoming’s critical mental health needs through its Growing for You Campaign. As discussed in a recent episode of Public Pulse hosted by Floyd Whiting, Chief Development Officer Cody Sinclair and Foundation Director of Philanthropy Liz Dearcorn shared the progress of this transformative initiative. The campaign is funding a new Behavioral Health Unit, a vital step toward providing accessible, comprehensive mental health care in Sheridan County and beyond.
Wyoming’s mental health crisis
Wyoming faces a significant mental health crisis, with a 2022 statistic revealing that 32% of adults experiencing anxiety or depressive disorders did not receive needed counseling or therapy, compared to the national average of 28%. The state’s suicide rate, alarmingly 120% higher than the national average, underscores the urgency of this project. The Behavioral Health Unit aims to bridge these gaps by offering crisis stabilization, inpatient care and a robust network of community-based services.
Campaign goals and progress
The campaign, launched in 2023, has a total project goal of $18.9 million, with the Sheridan Memorial Hospital Foundation tasked with raising $8.12 million. Thanks to overwhelming community support, including contributions from local donors, businesses, the state legislature and partners like the Helmsley Charitable Trust, the campaign is just $700,000 short of its goal. A recent $45,000 matching gift from O’Dell Construction and Shawn & Lisa O’Dell has further energized fundraising efforts, encouraging community members to double their impact by donating.
Community collaboration and leadership
Cody Sinclair highlighted the collaborative spirit driving the project: “When you have a whole community come together, and with The Foundation, we have a committee that meets every couple months… it’s been a team effort for sure.” This teamwork extends beyond fundraising, with the hospital forging partnerships with local law enforcement, schools and mental health providers to create a seamless care network. Dr. Michael Kinney, the new psychiatrist at SMH, has already made a significant impact, serving over 300 patients in just six months and reducing Title 25 involuntary commitments.
Impact and vision of the Behavioral Health Unit
Liz Dearcorn emphasized the project’s immediate and future impact: “The community needs the right place, the right department, and the right team to take care of these people going through a mental health crisis. Seeing this all come together, phase by phase, has been absolutely incredible.” The Behavioral Health Unit, now in phase three of four, involves renovating hospital spaces to include six inpatient rooms, a crisis stabilization area and pediatric rooms, ensuring care for all ages.
Project efficiency and community engagement
The project’s rapid progress is a testament to the dedication of the hospital’s team, led by figures like Director of Behavioral Health Brittany Goodvin and Dr. Kinney. By repurposing existing hospital space, costs were reduced from an initial $32 million to a more manageable $18.9 million, making this vision feasible. Community engagement remains central, with tours available to showcase the ongoing renovations and foster continued support.
🎧 Listen to Cody Sinclair and Liz Dearcorn’s full interview on Public Pulse by clicking below.
Sheridan Memorial Hospital invites the community to get involved by donating or scheduling a tour to see the progress firsthand. Contact The Foundation at 307.673.2418 or visit sheridanhospital.org/foundation to contribute to this life-changing initiative. Every donation, no matter the size, is a step toward a stronger, healthier Sheridan County.
Michael Kinney, MD— Talks about a new beginning for Behavioral Health in Sheridan
When Dr. Michael Kinney and his wife, Lindsay, first arrived in Sheridan, they were looking for something more than a beautiful place to live. They were seeking impact.
“We wanted to make a big splash in a little pond,” Dr. Kinney shared during a recent interview on Public Pulse with host Floyd Whiting. That desire led him to Sheridan Memorial Hospital, where he now serves as the organization’s psychiatrist, serving patients ages 13 and older.
And that splash? It’s already rippling.
Building behavioral health service from the ground up
Dr. Kinney joined Sheridan Memorial Hospital in late 2024 and quickly stepped into a role that was as foundational as it was formidable — building a behavioral health clinic from the ground up.
“It’s intimidating,” he admitted. “But exciting.”
With no existing psychiatry infrastructure in the hospital system, Dr. Kinney and Director of Behavioral Health Brittany Goodvin have taken on the challenge of creating not just a clinic, but a new model of care — patient-focused, data-informed and stigma-free.
Rather than being overwhelmed by the size of the mission, they’ve approached it one piece at a time.
“Let’s not look at the whale,” Kinney said. “Let’s take just pieces of it off at a time.”
Meaningful metrics and measurable impact
One of the most promising signs of success so far? A nearly 20% reduction in the use of emergency hold proceedings under Wyoming’s Title 25 since the clinic opened. Dr. Kinney sees that number not only as a marker of progress but also as an early indicator that the community is gaining access to care in a more timely and supportive way.
And the future is even brighter. With the hospital’s behavioral health facility currently under construction — featuring a crisis stabilization area, inpatient beds and expanded outpatient therapy spaces — Sheridan Memorial is preparing to meet a broader spectrum of mental health needs with compassion and skill.
Psychiatry rooted in purpose
Dr. Kinney’s journey into medicine wasn’t linear. Initially pursuing law, it wasn’t until a volunteer EMT call — where a child in distress looked up at him “like [he] was Superman” — that he realized his calling was to be a different kind of helper.
That sense of calling became even more personal after the tragic loss of his brother to addiction and mental illness.
“He didn’t survive those issues,” Kinney said. “And that’s part of what drives me now.”
Kinney speaks openly about that grief and how it shaped his desire to become a psychiatrist unafraid of addressing addiction.
“I don’t want to do this halfway,” he said. “I want to be able to take care of the whole person.”
A philosophy of thoughtful care
In an age where medication can feel like a quick fix, Dr. Kinney is refreshingly intentional. He uses metaphor to explain the role of treatment: if mental health challenges are a Wyoming blizzard, then medication is the pair of boots that keeps your feet warm—but it’s therapy that helps you find your way out of the storm.
“Some people need the boots longer than others. But nobody should feel like they have to weather it alone.”
Kinney also emphasizes the importance of accurate diagnosis. He noted that a significant number of patients he sees arrive with labels like bipolar disorder that may not fit. His approach involves “getting back to the drawing board,” with careful attention to both removing unnecessary medications and prescribing only what’s needed to support healing.
Community matters
One thing is clear: Kinney is here for Sheridan. He praises the region’s strength and resilience while recognizing the need to shift cultural attitudes around mental health.
“This is a place that takes care of others,” he said. “But to do that well, we have to start by taking care of ourselves.”
And that begins with making it easier — and more normal — to ask for help.
“Pay attention to how you feel,” he said. “Honor your emotions. That’s where healing starts.”
At Sheridan Memorial Hospital, the addition of Dr. Kinney is part of a larger commitment to transform how the community understands, accesses and receives behavioral health care.
🎧 Listen to Dr. Kinney’s full interview on Public Pulse by clicking below.
Jory Wasserburger, MD— Talks about raising the bar in orthopedic care.
April 21, 2025 — Recently on Sheridan Media’s Public Pulse, orthopedic surgeon Dr. Jory Wasserburger joined host Floyd Whiting to share insights into his journey in medicine, the exciting advancements happening in orthopedic care, and the recent integration of Sheridan Orthopedic Associates into Sheridan Memorial Hospital.
A native of Gillette, Wyoming, Dr. Wasserburger’s Wyoming roots run deep. Growing up with a strong ranching background and a mother who was a nurse, he described how early exposure to hospital environments and a deep desire to help people naturally guided him toward medicine—and ultimately orthopedics. His story embodies the spirit of service and community dedication that Sheridan Memorial Hospital (SMH) strives to cultivate every day.
During the conversation, Dr. Wasserburger spoke passionately about the “match process” in medical training, the challenges of becoming an orthopedic surgeon, and the powerful sense of purpose he found in treating injuries that help people move, work, and live fully again.
“Bones are the rebar of the body,” he explained, reflecting on how restoring mobility improves lives in tangible, lasting ways.
Today, Dr. Wasserburger specializes in sports medicine, joint replacements, and tendon repair—areas critical to keeping our active, adventurous community on the move.
“Whether it’s shoulder replacements, ACL reconstructions, or helping a rancher return to work, the outcomes are transformative,” he shared.
A particularly exciting development for patients is Sheridan Orthopedic Associates’ new access to robotic-assisted surgery—a leading-edge technology now available thanks to the partnership with Sheridan Memorial Hospital. “The robot doesn’t replace the surgeon,” he noted. “It enhances precision, decreases recovery times, and ultimately improves outcomes.”
The decision for Sheridan Orthopedic Associates to become part of Sheridan Memorial Hospital was a deliberate one, rooted in a shared commitment to excellent, patient-centered care. By joining SMH, the orthopedic team now benefits from expanded resources, streamlined insurance processes, collaboration with hospital-based rehabilitation services, and access to innovative technologies like the robotic surgical platform.
“Ultimately, it’s about taking the very best care of our patients,” Dr. Wasserburger emphasized. “We’re here, we live here, and we’re part of the same community. Being stronger together means a healthier Sheridan.”
Sheridan Memorial Hospital’s 2023–2026 Strategic Plan outlines a clear focus on expanding access to care, enhancing quality and safety, and ensuring a sustainable future. The addition of Sheridan Orthopedic Associates strengthens the hospital’s ability to meet community needs, especially in key priority areas like chronic disease management and injury recovery.
At SMH, we’re proud to support Dr. Wasserburger and the Sheridan Orthopedic team as they deliver world-class orthopedic care—right here at home.
🎧 Listen to Dr. Wasserburger’s full interview on Public Pulse by clicking below.
Wyoming Rehab’s, Justin Bridger & Lindsay Kinney, talk on Public Pulse
Wyoming Rehab’s physical therapists, Justin Bridger & Lindsay Kinney, joined Public Pulse to talk about the power of physical therapy in recovery, injury prevention, and overall well-being. From getting back on the trails after winter to helping patients overcome injuries, their message is clear—staying active is the key to lifelong health!
Cody Sinclair, Ada Kirven and Liz Dearcorn discuss the Growing for You campaign and ongoing projects.
Sheridan Memorial Hospital Foundation leaders recently joined Sheridan Media’s Public Pulse to share updates on the Growing for You campaign. Chief Development Officer Cody Sinclair, Director of Donor Relations Ada Kirven and Director of Philanthropy Liz Dearcorn discussed the campaign’s impact on expanding mental health care in the region. Listen Here!
Sheridan Memorial Hospital’s Growing for You campaign is transforming healthcare in our community! From new pediatric and behavioral health units to emergency care upgrades, every dollar donated helps keep quality care close to home.
For additional details on The Foundation and the Growing for You campaign, as well as current initiatives at Sheridan Memorial Hospital, please contact us at 307.673.2418 or explore our website at sheridanhospital.org/foundation.
Dr. Prior and Dr. Nickerson discuss SameDay Health & Imaging
Discover how Sheridan Memorial Hospital’s Same Day Health & Imaging is redefining healthcare convenience in Sheridan County. On the January 20th episode of Public Pulse, host Floyd Whiting sat down with Dr. Christopher Prior and Dr. David Nickerson to explore how this innovative clinic is bridging the gap between urgent care and primary care.
From walk-in and scheduled appointments to on-site imaging, lab services, and telehealth, SameDay Health & Imaging offers a comprehensive approach to patient-centered care. The doctors shared their unique professional journeys, insights on the differences between urgent and emergency care, and how modern technologies streamline communication across healthcare providers.
Dr. Prior emphasized, “SameDay Health & Imaging evolved to meet patients’ needs, providing timely, efficient, and comprehensive care without delays.” Dr. Nickerson added, “It’s a great starting point for anyone unsure where to go or unable to get into their regular provider.”
Key Services Offered:
Walk-in and scheduled appointments
Telehealth for added convenience
On-site imaging, lab draws, mammography, and more
Integrated care with Sheridan Memorial’s electronic medical records system
Same Day Health & Imaging ensures that care is both efficient and personal, making it easier for patients to access the services they need when they need them.
Listen now to what Dr. Christopher Prior and Dr. David Nickerson have to say on Public Pulse, hosted by Floyd Whiting.
Jason Ackerman, MD — Talks about addiction on Public Pulse
Dr. Jason Ackerman from Sheridan Memorial Hospital Addiction & Internal Medicine Clinic spoke with Floyd Whiting on Public Pulse about addiction and the support available to those struggling with it. Dr. Ackerman explained how addiction is more than just bad choices—it’s a medical condition that affects the brain. He also talked about the importance of breaking the stigma around addiction so people feel safe asking for help.
During the conversation, Dr. Ackerman shared how treatment can make a big difference. Using medicine to reduce cravings can help people focus on building better habits and relationships. He also talked about the role of family and support systems, especially during stressful times like the holidays, when many people face extra challenges.
Sheridan Memorial Hospital’s Addiction and Internal Medicine Clinic is ready to help, with a team of caring professionals who understand the journey to recovery. Dr. Ackerman encourages anyone struggling—or their loved ones—to reach out. There is hope, and there is help.
Driving assessments now available at SMH. Listen to what Kristopher Schamber, MD, FACP, and Rachel Fields, OTR/L, CDRS, have to say on Public Pulse hosted by Floyd Whiting.
Dr. Emily Denney talks about keeping kids safe from common illnesses.
Listen to what Dr. Emily Denney shares about keeping kids safe from common illnesses.
Ensure your kids are ready for the school year ahead by staying informed about illness prevention. Schedule a wellness check-up at Sheridan Memorial Hospital’s Primary Care clinic today, and protect your family with expert care! Text or call 307.675.2690 to make an appointment. Your child’s health starts with prevention!
Get to know Mike McCafferty, CEO, and listen to what he shares about SMH Growing for You
Get to know Mike McCafferty, CEO, and listen to what he shares about SMH Growing for You.
Dr. Emily Denny and Jazz Scott discuss services available for new moms.
Listen to what Dr. Emily Denny and Jazz Scott share about services available for new moms, including prenatal and lactation classes in a facilitated peer group.
Cody Sinclair and Liz Dearcorn discuss the Growing for You campaign and ongoing projects at SMH.
Listen to what Cody Sinclair and Liz Dearcorn share about the Growing for You campaign and ongoing projects at Sheridan Memorial Hospital.
For additional details on The Foundation and the Growing for You campaign, as well as current initiatives at Sheridan Memorial Hospital, please contact us at 307.673.2418 or explore our website at sheridanhospital.org/foundation.
Kelly Lieb, DMSc, PA-C, and Teara Leibee, BSN, RN, talk about patient experience and patient responsibilities
Listen to what Kelly Lieb, DMSc, PA-C, Director of Patient Experience, and Teara Leibee, BSN, RN, and Emergency Department/ICU Supervisor, share about themselves, the patient experience, and patient responsibilities.
ClickHEREto read Kelly’s article, “What is patient experience?”
Meet Dr. Erin Henderson And Listen To What She Shares About Preventive Healthcare
Meet Dr. Erin Henderson and listen to what she shares about
preventive healthcare and why it is essential to excellent health.
Jason Ackerman, MD — Talks About Sheridan Memorial Hospital’s Addiction and Internal Medicine
Listen to what Dr. Jason Ackerman shares about Sheridan Memorial Hospital’s Addiction and Internal Medicine Clinic, who they are, what they do, what addiction is, and MORE!
