Care Providers

Dr. Okonkwo graduated from Medical University of the Americas in West Indies in 2012 and then completed family medicine residency at the University of Minnesota in 2015. Prior to joining the team at La Pine Community Health Center, she practiced family medicine across the Pacific Northwest as a Locum Tenens (temporary) provider.

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She enjoys the diversity of full spectrum family medicine and is committed to making a deeper connection with her patients so she can understand how to serve them best. When not in the office, Dr. Okonkwo enjoys exploring the outdoors, learning new skills, crafting, and gardening.

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At La Pine Community Health Center, Dr. Okonkwo offers primary medical care to all ages.

Cari graduated from Corban University in Salem, OR with a degree in Psychology and earned her master’s in counseling from Western Seminary in Portland, OR. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with the state of Oregon and is currently working on her Supervision Certification which will allow her to supervise new clinicians. Cari has served a wide range of clients in various settings over the past 10 years and is thrilled to be working in her own community of La Pine!

Cari’s approach to counseling relies heavily on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Family Systems, often paired with Narrative and/or Solutions-Focused modalities. Cari firmly believes fear and pain often keep us from engaging in the necessary work of healing and growth. She counts it a great privilege to journey alongside her clients as they learn to overcome obstacles and work hard toward a healthier version of themselves.

Cari loves time with her husband of 30 years, 3 adult children, and her cute little pom, Peanut. She enjoys the outdoors and is an active member of her church. Cari loves gardening, kayaking, and chicken-keeping; they are her favorite forms of self-care. At LCHC, Cari sees individuals ages 14 and older, couples, and families.

Cynthia graduated from Portland State University, and holds her Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW), with a clinical concentration. Prior to earning her MSW, Cynthia graduated from Oregon State University-Cascades and holds her B.S. in Human Development and Family Sciences, in Human Services.

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Cynthia’s approach to counseling is collaborative and person-centered, with an empathetic, and strength’s-based approach. Cynthia utilizes an Ecological and Systems Theory base, as well as Social Constructionism Theory, and draws upon cognitive behavioral therapeutic modalities, aligned with patient-centered care, to support the behavioral and mental health needs of the patients she serves.

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As a behavioral health consultant, Cynthia provides a safe space for patients to process their thoughts and feelings, while also supporting them with progressing towards their goals and supporting healthy outcomes.

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At La Pine Community Health Center, Cynthia provides Behavioral Healthcare to individuals of all ages. Cynthia also welcomes families for family therapy.

Jay Flesch, RPh, BCACP, came to us after serving as a Clinical Pharmacist for the Klamath Tribes in Chiloquin, OR for several years.  He brings with him a great deal of enthusiasm and positivity. Jay is a graduate of Oregon State University College of Pharmacy and worked all over Oregon and Washington in retail pharmacy before making the move to direct patient care and obtaining his Board Certification in Ambulatory Care.  In his free time, Jay enjoys exploring the outdoors, fishing, camping and spending time with family.

Joe McCook Jr., MD attended California State University in Bakersfield and Eastern Virginia Medical School and completed residency at UC Davis in Merced, California. Dr. McCook volunteered at a free medical clinic in Redmond for many years, provided disaster relief in Mozambique after Cyclone Idai, and provided medical care to Venezuelan refugees in Columbia.

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He enjoys providing primary care to all ages because it allows him to care for newborns, their great grandparents and everyone in between. Partnering with patients to help them obtain their optimum health is his passion. When not at work, Dr. McCook enjoys outdoor activities such as hunting, hiking and Nordic skiing with family and friends and is an active participant at his church.

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At La Pine Community Health Center, Dr. McCook provides primary medical care to all ages.

Sarah, a proud Oregonian, has a deep appreciation for tight-knit communities like ours. Holding a Bachelor of Science degree in Physiology and Developmental Biology from Brigham Young University in Utah, she embarked on her professional journey by working as a CNA in assisted living and rehabilitation centers during her college years. Fond summer memories were made in Sunriver with her grandparents.

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Determined to advance her career, Sarah pursued further education as a Physician Assistant at Elon University in North Carolina after earning her bachelor’s degree. Her commitment to providing quality healthcare led her to spend over four years in Condon, OR offering primary care services prior to joining La Pine Community Health Center.

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Beyond her professional pursuits, Sarah finds joy in outdoor activities like hiking and paddle boarding, often accompanied by her loyal canine companion.

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Sarah provides primary medical care for all ages.

Tyson grew up in the small town of Pleasant Hill, Oregon. He received his B.S. in Exercise Sports Science from the University of Utah then a M.S. in Biophysics from Boise State University. In August 2017, Tyson received his degree as a Physician Assistant (PA) from the Medex Northwest Physician Assistant Program at the University of Washington. Prior to going to PA school, he worked in Central Oregon for 8 years as an EMT, Ski Patrol and Athletic Trainer.

Tyson enjoys providing a more comprehensive approach to medicine and wellness by treating the whole person. When he is not working you will most likely find him outside with friends and family participating in all the wonderful activities that Oregon has to offer.

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At La Pine Community Health Center, Tyson offers primary medical care to all ages.

Zoe grew up in Sacramento, California, before attending the University of Michigan, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience. In April2025, she received her Physician Assistant degree from the University of the Pacific in Sacramento.

Before attending PA school, Zoe gained clinical experience as a medical assistant in both dermatology and ophthalmology and volunteered as an EMT. She is passionate about primary care, and is committed to providing comprehensive, patient-centered care. Zoe values the opportunity to build long-term, meaningful relationships with the patients and families she serves.

Outside of the clinic, Zoe enjoys hiking, camping, exploring new places, and spending time with her dog and two cats.

At La Pine Community Health Center, Zoe provides primary medical care for patients of all ages.

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