North Country Home Health & Hospice Agency

04/08/2026

In this episode of Rural Roots: A Road Less Travelled, we sit down with Ashley LaRoche, RN, to talk about the realities of working in the Emergency Department and what it takes to care for patients in some of the most unpredictable moments of their lives.
Ashley shares her journey in nursing, including her experience working in a Level I trauma center and how that shaped her approach to emergency care in a rural setting. The conversation explores the wide range of skills required of ER teams, from managing critical situations to anticipating patient needs and working seamlessly with providers.
We also talk about how emergency departments determine patient priority, why certain cases are seen first, and the challenges of balancing high demand with compassionate care. Ashley offers insight into how telehealth supports rural emergency care and what patients can do to help improve their experience when seeking care.
This episode provides a behind-the-scenes look at the expertise, coordination, and adaptability required in emergency services, and the people who show up ready for anything, every single shift.

Watch or listen on YouTube, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist...
https://open.spotify.com/show/3h9rxkuQBNPxZlRTYss99D

04/01/2026

In this episode of Rural Roots: A Road Less Travelled, we sit down with Nick Marois, Director of Facilities at Weeks Medical Center, to talk about the work that keeps a hospital running every single day.

Nick began his career working hands-on as an electrician and maintenance mechanic before stepping into facilities leadership. In this conversation, he shares how that technical background shaped his approach to managing the complex systems that support patient care behind the scenes.

From power and mechanical systems to safety infrastructure and daily operational demands, Nick walks us through the critical role facilities teams play in maintaining a safe and reliable healthcare environment. We also explore the challenges of prioritizing urgent work, leading skilled technical teams, and ensuring that hospitals are prepared to meet both routine needs and unexpected events.

This episode shines a light on the often unseen work that keeps healthcare facilities operating safely and reliably for patients, staff, and communities.

Watch or listen on YouTube, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist...
https://open.spotify.com/show/3h9rxkuQBNPxZlRTYss99D

03/25/2026

In this episode of Rural Roots: A Road Less Travelled, the tables are turned as the mic turns to host Ren Anderson, Director of Philanthropy & Community Relations at North Country Healthcare.

Co-host Gavin Cook and producer Tyler Ruggles have Ren step into the hot seat to reflect on her path into rural healthcare, the work of building philanthropy and community engagement across a System, and what it means to lead in a way that is both strategic and deeply human.

The conversation explores the realities of creating something new, balancing big-picture vision with day-to-day ex*****on, and the role storytelling plays in connecting people to purpose. Ren also shares personal insights on leadership, identity, and the experiences that have shaped how she shows up in this work today.

This episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the voice behind the podcast and the perspective driving many of the conversations featured throughout the series.

Watch or listen on YouTube, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist...
https://open.spotify.com/show/3h9rxkuQBNPxZlRTYss99D

03/20/2026

Meet Kara, a Social Worker who has been part of North Country Home Health and Hospice for the past two years.

Kara chose a career in home health and hospice because of the meaningful connections she can build with patients and families. She values the opportunity to help hospice patients remain in the comfort of their own homes while making sure they have the support and resources they need.

A highlight of Kara’s work is hearing from families who appreciate the care and emotional support she provides during end of life. Those moments reinforce the impact of the work she does every day.

Outside of work, Kara enjoys traveling, baking, and spending time with her family. One thing you might not know about Kara is that she grew up on a dairy farm. This photo shows her and her son on a tractor ride at her family farm.
We are grateful for the care and dedication Kara brings to our community.

03/18/2026

In this episode of Rural Roots: A Road Less Travelled, we sit down with Dr. Mark Morgan, Chief Medical Officer at North Country Healthcare, to talk about leadership, medicine, and the evolving realities of rural healthcare.
Dr. Morgan shares reflections from his career in clinical medicine and what it means to help guide medical strategy across a healthcare System serving communities throughout the North Country. The conversation explores the balance between patient care, physician leadership, and the operational realities that shape healthcare delivery today.

We also discuss the importance of collaboration between clinicians and administration, the challenges facing rural hospitals, and the opportunities that come from building strong teams focused on quality, safety, and patient outcomes.

This episode offers a thoughtful look at the role of physician leadership and the responsibility of stewarding healthcare in rural communities where access, relationships, and trust matter deeply.

Watch or listen on YouTube, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLip_7RDZIOI_cGoMAzM25spamUh3urKTB
https://open.spotify.com/show/3h9rxkuQBNPxZlRTYss99D

03/11/2026

In this episode of Rural Roots: A Road Less Travelled, we sit down with Scarlett Moberly, Grants and Community Benefit Coordinator at North Country Healthcare, to talk about the work that connects healthcare systems to the communities they serve.

Scarlett shares how grants and community benefit programs help support critical services, expand access to care, and strengthen partnerships across the North Country. From navigating complex funding opportunities to helping translate community needs into meaningful programs, her work sits at the intersection of strategy, storytelling, and impact.

We also discuss how rural healthcare organizations identify community priorities, the importance of collaboration with local partners, and the behind-the-scenes work that makes new initiatives possible.

This episode offers a look at how thoughtful grant strategy and community engagement help ensure that healthcare systems remain responsive to the people and places they serve.

Watch or listen on YouTube, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLip_7RDZIOI_cGoMAzM25spamUh3urKTB
https://open.spotify.com/show/3h9rxkuQBNPxZlRTYss99D

03/04/2026

In this episode of Rural Roots: A Road Less Travelled, we sit down with Tammy Berthiaume, MSN, RN, System Director of Emergency Services at North Country Healthcare, to talk about leadership in one of the most high-pressure areas of healthcare.

With nearly three decades in emergency nursing and leadership at Androscoggin Valley Hospital, Tammy shares how emergency care has evolved over the years and what it takes to lead teams through both routine demands and unexpected crises. We explore the realities of rural emergency services, the balance between preparation and adaptability, and the importance of staying steady when the stakes are high.

Tammy also reflects on lessons learned through COVID, what strong emergency department leadership looks like in practice, and why teamwork across departments is essential to delivering safe, responsive care.

Whether you work in clinical care or support services, this episode offers insight into the discipline, resilience, and leadership required to keep emergency services strong across the System.

Watch or listen on YouTube, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist...
https://open.spotify.com/show/3h9rxkuQBNPxZlRTYss99D

02/25/2026

In this episode of Rural Roots: A Road Less Travelled, we sit down with Steven Legge, Emergency Preparedness Coordinator and EMS Liaison at North Country Healthcare, to talk about what it really means to be ready.

Steven shares how emergency management works behind the scenes across our hospitals and Affiliates, from disaster planning and training to coordination with EMS, public safety, and regional partners. We explore how preparedness in a rural healthcare System requires collaboration, adaptability, and strong relationships long before a crisis ever happens.

The conversation highlights the quiet, steady work that ensures NCH can respond effectively to natural disasters, mass casualty incidents, and other critical events while keeping patient and staff safety at the forefront.

Whether you’ve participated in a drill or simply wondered how emergency planning comes together, this episode offers a clearer look at the systems and people working every day to keep our communities safe.

Watch or listen on YouTube, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist...
https://open.spotify.com/show/3h9rxkuQBNPxZlRTYss99D

02/18/2026

In this episode of Rural Roots: A Road Less Travelled, we sit down with Tom Mee, Chief Executive Officer of North Country Healthcare, following a series of Community Conversations held across the North Country.
Tom reflects on what he heard directly from patients, partners, and community members, including themes around access, staffing, communication, and trust. The conversation explores what it means to listen as a healthcare leader, how feedback is processed at the System level, and how rural healthcare organizations balance community identity with operational realities.
We also discuss what happens next. How does listening translate into action? How will staff see community feedback reflected in future decisions? And how does leadership stay grounded when navigating both praise and criticism?
This episode offers an honest look at leadership, accountability, and the responsibility of stewarding healthcare in small communities where hospitals are deeply personal.
Tune in for a thoughtful conversation about listening, resilience, and the path forward.

Watch or listen on YouTube, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist...
https://open.spotify.com/show/3h9rxkuQBNPxZlRTYss99D

02/16/2026

Congratulations to North Country Home Health & Hospice Agency for receiving deficiency-free survey results from a recent Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) survey!

In other words, the survey found no violations, provided no citations, and required no corrective action plans for NCHHHA. These unannounced, annual surveys are comprehensive audits that provide a snapshot of how an Agency is performing and the quality of care they provide. A deficiency-free survey is a major achievement and reflects a well-run Agency with exceptional attention to detail, consistent staff performance, a strong culture of accountability, and, above all, dedication to providing quality patient care.

Congratulations to the team at NCHHHA!

02/11/2026

In this episode of Rural Roots: A Road Less Travelled, we sit down with Emily O’Neil, Executive Administrative Assistant supporting the CEO at North Country Healthcare, for a conversation about the work that keeps the organization connected and moving forward.

Emily shares what it’s like to work at the center of system-level leadership, balancing organization, communication, and problem solving behind the scenes. We talk about how her role supports collaboration across teams, helps leadership stay aligned, and ensures that important work doesn’t fall through the cracks.

The conversation also touches on the human side of administrative work, building trust, anticipating needs, and staying grounded in a fast-paced environment. Whether you’ve interacted with Emily directly or are simply curious about how administrative roles support the bigger picture, this episode offers a thoughtful look at a role that is essential to keeping the System running smoothly.
Watch or listen on YouTube, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist...
https://open.spotify.com/show/3h9rxkuQBNPxZlRTYss99D

02/10/2026

“Every single interaction was marked with kindness, compassion, professionalism, and genuine care. You helped us give the peaceful, comfortable, and loving end she deserved.”
We’re honored to share this excerpt from a thank-you card, along with cookies sent by a family as a heartfelt gesture of gratitude to our home health and hospice team. Additional thanks to Chrissi's Cookies & Sweets for creating such creative tasty cookies!

Honored to create this thank-you set from a grateful family to the home health nurses who supported them with such kindness and care.