As Citizen Potawatomi Nation’s health services grow, the need for professional care providers expands as well. The Tribe now operates two clinics, an urgent care facility, pharmacies and an imaging center and specialty clinic. Several CPN doctors and medical practitioners choose the Nation as their employer to serve other Native Americans.
Kassi Roselius, M.D.
Medical Professional Director, Public Health Coordinator and West Clinic provider
Vieux family descendant Dr. Kassi Roselius attended both the University of North Dakota Health Sciences and the University of Oklahoma, graduating with her M.D. in 2012. Roselius chose medicine because it brought together her love of science with a way to help others. CPN’s Dr. Adam Vascellaro recruited Roselius to come work for the Nation in 2016. She accepted the offer as a way to care for family and bridge a gap in health care. “What better opportunity than to serve your own Tribal members?” she asked.
Over the last three years, Roselius watched the CPN health care system grow. She believes its continuity is one of the most memorable and impressive things about it. The Nation offers medical laboratory testing, imaging, physical therapy, optometry, dental, nutritional and pharmacy services, all in one place, which allows for seamlessness and transparency between departments and doctors. Throughout her time at the West Clinic, she learned serving others builds a base for the broader Potawatomi culture. Roselius proudly contributes to what she describes as “excellent health care services” every day.
Megan Wilson, M.D.
West Clinic provider
Dr. Megan Wilson completed her residency at the University of Knoxville in Tennessee in 2017, specializing in family medicine. She began working for CPN afterward, spending the last two years assisting Tribal members and other Native Americans. Wilson wanted to become part of what she calls an “incredible organization” and to live close to family.
“I was so impressed with what great quality care CPN was able to provide,” she said.
Wilson’s parents worked in health care as well; however, she remains the only one of her siblings to continue into the field.
“Family medicine combines my passion for science and getting to know patients,” she said. “I enjoy being able to guide patients on their health journey, helping them through their medical conditions and also celebrating their successes when they have beaten a disease.”
Despite growing up relatively close to CPN in Choctaw, Oklahoma, Wilson increased her involvement as an Ogee family descendant since working at the West Clinic. She learns from others daily and sees their passion for the community and its future, which she brings into her practice.
Patrick Kennedye, M.D.
East Clinic provider
Dr. Patrick Kennedye completed his doctorate at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine in 2015. He views his career as a way to fill a void for others who require restorative attention and have an “impact on the whole person.” He began as a staff physician at the CPN East Clinic a little more than a month after completing his residency with INTEGRIS Health in June 2018.
He sought out working for the Nation after receiving help throughout his education.
“It was important to me to try to give back to the Tribe and pay it forward,” he said.
As a Peltier descendant, he enjoys the Tribe’s intimate ambience as well as seeing familiar faces when he visits other businesses and departments. He described CPN Health Services as “the most comprehensive care system I have ever seen.”
“Health care is a team effort. I see myself as a quarterback for people’s health. My job is to identify the problem and design the health care plan, but the patients and I rely on so many other people to implement that plan and make it happen,” Kennedye said. CPN provides all the pieces needed.
Destiny Mitchell, APRN
Family Nurse Practitioner
Destiny Mitchell is an advanced practice registered nurse and certified nurse practitioner. As a descendant of Therese Bennett, she kept other Tribal members at the forefront of her career goals.
“I have been a patient with CPNHS for as long as I can remember and live locally and knew this would be a great place to work,” she said.
Mitchell grew up in Shawnee, Oklahoma, and graduated from Shawnee High School. She received her Master of Science in nursing from Graceland University in Iowa. Before accepting her current position, Mitchell worked as an intensive care unit and operating room nurse, taught clinical rotations for Gordon Cooper Technology Center and worked as the Mercy Primary Care Clinic in Stroud, Oklahoma.
However, she always kept an eye on open positions and joined the Tribe’s staff in October 2016. Working “alongside excellent providers” makes the job rewarding. As part of her day-to-day duties, she floats between the West and East Clinics.
Mitchell believes CPN focuses on the patients and utilizes all of its available resources to help every individual. “I am very thankful to be here,” she added.
Crystal Marcum, APRN
Family Nurse Practitioner
Crystal Marcum began working for the Tribe in 2014 as a public health nurse at the West Clinic. Since then, she returned to school and graduated with her Master of Science in nursing from Spring Arbor University in Michigan in 2019. The combination of professionalism and the camaraderie of the work environment attracted her to nursing as a career field. She also finds satisfaction providing “comfort and joy to patients who needed care and compassion” during their difficult times.
Originally from California, the Bergeron descendant and her husband moved to Shawnee, Oklahoma, to be near family. She described her decision to work for CPN as “gratifying” and enjoys the atmosphere. The Nation’s health care system provides a personal touch throughout a wide variety of services, which makes it unique. Assisting Tribal members gives her daily duties structure and meaning.
“They are sometimes part of the underserved population, and my work helps them find care,” she said. “I feel that I am making a difference for my Tribe through helping others find confidence in better health through informed decisions and quality personal interaction in clinic visits.”