Dr. Ray Palop, Medical Doctor

Dr. Palop was raised in Guam and Hawaii. He has been involved in the field of medicine since 1978. He served as a Medical Service Specialist/Paramedic and Flight Surgeon during his service in the US Air Force. He received his MD degree from the University of Arizona’s School of Medicine and completed his residency at the University of Wisconsin. He has also served as a Medical Director for a medical/dental clinic prior to joining the St. Croix Tribal Center. For the past 7 years he has been the Medical Director for the St. Croix Tribal Health Center. Dr. Palop joined the Free Clinic in April 2016 as a way to give back and “feed my soul”. He enjoys water sports, hiking and flying.

Dr. Dennis Deziel, Medical Doctor

Dr. Deziel earned his medical degree from the University of Minnesota in 1985 and for the past 30 years has been providing care in the areas of family practice and hospital emergency rooms. He lives in Polk County but is called to travel around the US to work in emergency rooms. Dr. Deziel joined the Clinic in November 2015 and enjoys the “benefits” of spending more time doing direct care, less time on paperwork. Dr. Deziel enjoys hiking, skiing, music, and camping.

Barb Walstrom, Registered Nurse

Ms. Walstrom graduated from Mounds/Midway School of Nursing, in St. Paul, Minnesota. She has worked in hospitals, family practice and OB/GYN clinics. Ms. Walstrom volunteers at the monthly Ruby’s Pantry food distributions held at the Center and in April 2016 began volunteering her nursing skills at the Clinic. Her hobbies are gardening, quilting, and crafting.

Robin Richey, Registered Nurse

Ms. Richey obtained her associate Registered Nurse degree from Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College/Rice Lake. Throughout the years she has worked as a nurse in hospitals, nursing homes, hospice care, and home care settings. Ms. Richey began volunteering at the Clinic in May 2016 out of her desire to help her community. Ms. Richey enjoys gardening, horses, canoeing, and camping.

Virginia Johnson, Registered Nurse

Ms. Johnson graduated from Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College (WITC) in New Richmond. She worked in hospitals locally and in St. Paul, MN for over 33 years, much of the time in Critical Care and Cardiac units. She also provided critical transportation nursing care for 10 years, along with working as a RN on a cruise ship. She has experience teaching First Aid, CPR and Advanced Cardiac Life Support. Now that Ms. Johnson is retired, she spends her time quilting, caring for her flower garden, and volunteering.

Carla Randall, Medical Technologist

Ms. Randall graduated as a Medical Technologist from the University of Wisconsin/River Falls. She has worked as a medical technician at several hospitals and clinics. Ms. Randall learned about the Clinic while she was volunteering at Ruby’s Pantry food distribution and joined the Clinic in May 2016. Ms. Randall lives in the area during the summer and travels during the winter. She enjoys biking, kayaking, and pickle ball.

Diane Nelson, Administrative Management

Ms. Nelson obtained her Administrative Management Certificate from the University of Wisconsin/Eau Claire. She worked in a number of customer service and clerical positions in the Twin Cities area. Ms. Nelson also has experience working for the St. Croix Regional Medical Center, Milltown Telephone, and Polk County Sheriff’s Department. Ms. Nelson began volunteering at the clinic in May 2016 after learning about the clinic from an open house event.