MRHC Welcomes Family Practice Provider, Melissa Frazier

Melissa Frazier

Melissa FrazierManning Regional Healthcare Center (MRHC) is proud to welcome Melissa Frazier, ARNP, to the Family Practice Clinic. Appointments can now be scheduled with Melissa, who will begin seeing patients in September.

“Melissa brings a strong background in family medicine, a passion for rural health, and a patient-centered approach that aligns beautifully with our mission,” said MRHC CEO Shannon Black. “We’re thrilled to have her on board!”

Melissa brings over 13 years of experience as a Registered Nurse and a deep commitment to providing compassionate, patient-centered care. After earning her Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) degree from Walden University in 2023, she began her NP career by serving students and staff at Western Iowa Tech Community College. Most recently, she’s been practicing at a rural family clinic in Pocahontas, where she’s provided care for patients of all ages.

“I was drawn to becoming a nurse practitioner in family practice because I genuinely love the idea of being there for people throughout all stages of life, not just when they’re sick, but to help keep them well,” Melissa shared. “What excites me about family practice is the focus on prevention. I believe some of the most powerful moments in healthcare happen before a diagnosis ever does – when we catch something early, make lifestyle changes together, or have an open conversation about health goals.”

Melissa is passionate about preventive care, chronic disease management, and in-office procedures, including joint injections, skin tag removals, and Nexplanon insertions and removals. She also has a strong interest in women’s health and believes in empowering women with the education, support, and care they deserve throughout every life stage.

As a certified provider of DOT physicals, knee injections, and other procedures, Melissa enjoys the variety and hands-on care these services bring to her practice. She also has a deep appreciation for serving in rural healthcare settings.

“Practicing in a rural community allows me to build strong, trusted relationships with patients and their families and make a meaningful impact where healthcare access is often limited”, she shared. “I’m also able to become a true part of the community in a way that’s both personal and deeply rewarding.”

Melissa is already familiar with MRHC, having completed a clinical rotation here during her training. She is eager to begin serving the Manning community and join the MRHC team.

“I was immediately struck by the collaborative spirit of the team and MRHC’s commitment to putting patients first,” she said. “My values and long-term goals as a provider align well with MRHC’s mission. I’m passionate about treating patients as whole people, and I prioritize listening and compassionate care, which matches MRHC’s focus on patient-centered service. Being part of a community-focused team like MRHC feels like the right place for me to grow and make a meaningful impact.”

Melissa lives in Denison with her husband and their two children. In her free time, she enjoys hiking with her family, reading, thrifting, exploring boutiques, and discovering coffee shops.

To schedule an appointment with Melissa this fall, call (712) 655-8100.

MRHC Welcomes Mental Health Therapist, Tiffany Johnson

Tiffany Johnson

Tiffany JohnsonManning Regional Healthcare Center (MRHC) is pleased to welcome Mental Health Therapist, Tiffany Johnson, T-LMHC, as the newest addition to the mental health team starting in September. With a strong background in community service, a passion for helping others, and specialized training, Tiffany brings a compassionate and insightful approach to supporting the mental health needs of all ages.

“Bringing Tiffany on board is a great step in expanding mental health support at MRHC,” said CEO Shannon Black. “Having an additional therapist available helps ensure that more individuals and families in our area can access the counseling services they need, when they need them most.”

Tiffany’s professional experience includes years of ministry and youth counseling at Trinity Lutheran Church and Zion Lutheran Church. It was during this time that she became deeply aware of the growing mental health crisis, especially among adolescents. That awareness ultimately inspired her to pursue a career in mental health counseling.

“I believe mental health care is essential for everyone,” Tiffany shared. “We have seen a spike in mental illness since the pandemic, and there is such a need for counselors at the moment. I believe coping mechanisms need to be learned more broadly and that there should never be a stigma surrounding mental health. In so many ways, mental illness is much like a physical illness; however, it needs to be talked about more.”

Counseling Services

Tiffany is trained in Trauma-Informed Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and SMART Stepfamily Therapy. She has a particular interest in grief counseling, helping those impacted by spiritual abuse, and is committed to tailoring therapy methods to each client’s individual needs. While she will work with individuals of all ages, Tiffany brings valuable experience working with pre-teens, teenagers, and young adults.

In her new role at MRHC, Tiffany is excited to continue her mission of serving her neighbors with professional, empathetic care.

“My goal has always been to work in my community and serve the people I know and care about,” Tiffany said. “I want to be able to professionally help those in my community and the surrounding areas, as mental health not only affects the individual, but the entire community. My late husband and I served these communities in the best way we knew how. Now, my ability to serve just looks a little different.”

Tiffany is currently pursuing her Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling from Concordia University-Irvine and is set to graduate in August 2025. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and a Master of Arts in Deaconess Studies.

Tiffany will begin seeing patients in September. To schedule an appointment or learn more about mental health services at MRHC, please call 712-655-2072.

MRHC Welcomes Speech Language Pathologist, Alex Blankman

Alex Blankman

Alex BlankmanManning Regional Healthcare Center (MRHC) is pleased to welcome Alex Blankman, M.A., CCC-SLP, as the hospital’s new Speech Language Pathologist. Alex provides speech therapy services to patients of all ages, from children to older adults, treating disorders related to language, speech sounds, voice, swallowing, and cognition. Her approach combines evidence-based practice with personalized care to help each patient achieve their communication goals.

“I knew I wanted to work in a helping profession, but I was torn between education and healthcare,” said Blankman. “Speech therapy was the perfect mix of both. Joining MRHC allows me to be close to home and help people in my community. MRHC is a great facility, and I have felt very welcomed and supported by all the staff.”

Alex earned her bachelor’s degree in Linguistics from Iowa State University and her Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Colorado at Boulder. Before joining MRHC, she served patients for six years through the Northwest Area Education Agency, working with a wide range of speech and language needs.

Warning signs that someone may need speech therapy services would be unintelligible speech, delays in speech/overall development, issues answering questions, difficulties with fluency (stuttering), coughing or choking while eating, or problems with any aspect of communication.

To learn more about speech therapy services or to schedule an appointment, call (712) 655-8298 or click here.