Peter Van Houten, MD, received a Bachelor of Arts degree in chemistry from Occidental College in Los Angeles in 1973. He graduated magna cum laude ("with high honors") and Phi Beta Kappa. He graduated from UCSF Medical School in 1978 with honors and finished his residency training in general medical practice at San Joaquin Medical Center, the county hospital in Stockton, California, in 1980.

After founding the Sierra Family Medical Clinic as a private practice in 1982, he served as owner and medical director until 1994. At that point he donated the Clinic to the newly formed non-profit that has overseen its development since then. He has long championed our Clinic as a way for all the residents of this unique area to work co-operatively to improve access to medical and dental care for all. The opening of our new Clinic building in 1997 was the first major step in this process. Dr. Van Houten has served as the Clinic's Medical Director continuously since its opening in 1982.

Dr. Van Houten's approach to medicine emphasizes regular preventive care as well as integrating mental health care into the primary care setting. He believes that medical care should always be delivered with kindness and respect while maintaining the highest level of quality.

He has lived locally at Ananda Village since 1978 and enjoys growing roses and landscaping. He is co-author of several books on the use of yoga for health problems, and he lectures frequently on the effects of relaxation and meditation on the brain and behavior.

Jennifer Sale, LCSW and Director of Behavioral Health, received her Master of Social Work degree (MSW) from San Diego State University in 1985 and has worked in Nevada County since 1988 treating children, teens and adults. She has worked in a variety of programs and settings, including mental health clinics, residential treatment programs for emotionally disturbed adolescents, convalescent care, special education classrooms, and in her own private practice. One of her specialty fields is the treatment of depression and anxiety in which she employs a blend of psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioral therapy. Jennifer emphasizes the use of relaxation, visualization, and meditative techniques in her treatment. She also specializes in family therapy with an emphasis on communication skill building for couples.

Trevor Nichols, PA graduated from USC and has been a physician's assistant for 8 years. He has extensive experience with SFMC patients as well hospital emergency room care. He has an interest in preventative medicine and feels that most premature illnesses can be prevented with diet, exercise, and moderation.

Michael Duffy, PA, CWS is a board certified physician's assistant and a wound specialist. He graduated from Penn State University's PA program in 1979 and has worked in many specialties since graduating, including family practice, urgent care, wound care, and orthopedics. His most recent position, prior to SFMC was at the U.S. Military Acadamey at West Point, NY specializing in orthopedic and sports medicine.

Sue Loper-Powers, RN, NP specializes in women’s health and natural hormones and has training in ayurveda. Her nurse training includes a BA from Stanford University, the UCFS nurse practitioner program, and a Masters of Nursing from the University of Washington.

Laura Hermann, RN, FNP, BSN received degrees from the University of Missouri at Columbia and Sonoma State. She has worked at the Auburn Pain Rehabilitation Medical Clinic for 6 years. She worked at SFMC in the 1980's and now returns as our Pain Management Coordinator.

Our nursing supervisor position is shared by Susan Sugarman and Orville Grams.

Susan Sugarman, RN, PHN graduated from CSU Long Beach. She has 33 years nursing experience with an emphasis on critical care, home health, and hospice.

Orville Grams, LVN has been in nursing at Sutter Memorial Hospital for 36 years. He is a Vietnam Navy veteran and has experience in general nursing, emergency room, and ICU.

Michael Johnson, PhD, LCSW graduated from San Diego State College and UC Berkeley and has been a clinical social worker for over 40 years. He teaches graduate courses at CSU Stansilaus and most recently worked as a behaviorial health therapist at Chapa De.

Bozhidar Popov, DMD was trained and practiced dentistry in Bulgaria until 1982. He completed advanced studies for foreign trained dentists at UCLA in 1985. He has been in private practice in America for 17 years. His specialties include general and children’s dentistry.

Becky Shultz, DMD graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1979. She has worked in private pratice and community clinics since that time. She does dental surgery at SFMC and is the dentist and coordinator for the Healthy Smiles Mobile Office.

Kari Meyer, RDH graduated from Shasta College. She worked as a dental assistant in Auburn, her hometown, and now joins SFMC as our dental hygenist.