Dr. Ott
Dr. Ott is our Internal Medicine provider. He graduated from medical school and completed internal medicine residency training at the University of Washington. He has worked in the Olympia area since 1986, in private practice, as a hospitalist, and as a faculty member at the Saint Peters Hospital Family Practice Residency. He is interested in adult health care and helping people manage complex medical problems.
Dr. Wilton
Dr. Wilton has been providing care to the Squaxin Island community since 2019. He believes in caring for the whole person. Dr. Wilton sees patients from one year of age through the end of life. He specializes in musculoskeletal injuries, addiction, and management of diabetes and its comorbidities.
Rachel Armas
Rachel is Squaxin’s only mid-level provider. She is a Family Nurse Practitioner and has over 17 years in the medical field. She initially started her career as a trauma nurse in the United States Army in 2007. She enjoys building relationships with clients and is a patient centered. She sees all age groups. Rachel approaches care holistically and is a huge Dallas Cowboys fan.
Nissan Armas
Nissan is a Physician Assistant and is a graduate of the Army’s Interservice Physician Assistant Program.
His prior PA experience was while he was on Active Duty serving as a Battalion PA and a Family Medicine provider.
He is a retired Army Veteran with 20 years time in service.
His philosophy and approach to patient care starts with kindness. He is driven by the bonds he builds with his patients and the enjoyment he holds in keeping them healthy and well.
Nissan enjoys fishing, watching movies, and spending time with his family. He is a huge Dallas Cowboys fan, alongside his wife, Rachel.
Nissan will be working in collaboration with Dr Carl Ott as part of our Internal Medicine Team.
Cindy Beck
Cindy Beck is a naturopathic physician who specializes in diabetes care. Using therapeutic lifestyle interventions, including nutritional assessment and counseling, she offers adjunctive care for many chronic diseases in addition to Diabetes. She works with those who have weight issues, eating disorders, digestive issues, and special dietary needs. Cindy worked in the Tribal Diabetes Prevention Program while working with the Chehalis Tribe and the nutritionist at the Skokomish Health Clinic. Cindy is also a certified Pilates Instructor, as well as a fitness Instructor.
Heather Luther
Heather is a Family Nurse Practitioner with a master’s in public health who has over nine years of clinical experience, blending expertise in community health, acute care, street medicine, and addiction medicine. Skilled in comprehensive patient care, diagnostic evaluation, treatment planning, and health promotion, Heather is passionate about providing holistic, patient-centered care. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, with a focus on addiction and trauma-informed care and is committed to advancing care for individuals and communities. Outside of her professional life, Heather enjoys skiing, traveling, and reading.
Rachel Espanto
Rachel is currently the case manager where she coordinates comprehensive care plans and advocate for patients across the healthcare continuum.Â
Prior to this role, she gained extensive experience as a specialty float registered nurse, delivering high-quality care in diverse clinical settings including wound care, pulmonary, dermatology, allergy, asthma, primary care, and pediatrics.Â
This broad background has strengthened her clinical versatility, sharpened her critical thinking, and deepened her understanding of chronic disease management and preventative health.Â
She is passionate about empowering patients through education, continuity of care, and a holistic approach to wellness.Â
“I may not have all the answers, but I can usually help in some fashion,” she says. “Let me know if there is anything I can help with.”
Patty Lynch
Patty Lynch, ARNP, is a board-certified family nurse practitioner with over 15 years of diverse clinical experience caring for children across all developmental stages, from infancy through adolescence.Â
She has recently joined our tribal health clinic to serve as a primary care provider for the pediatric population, bringing with her a holistic, family-centered approach rooted in prevention, education, and cultural respect.Â
We offer well child exams, sports physicals, and acute care services for pediatric patients, and we work closely with Squaxin Behavioral Health Services to provide comprehensive care for your child’s physical, emotional and development wellbeing. Â Â
Before entering the nursing profession, Patty worked as a marine biologist with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), where she developed a deep appreciation for the interconnectedness of environment, community, and health. Her background in marine science continues to inform her work today. She draws inspiration from the natural world and holds a deep reverence for the water people of the Squaxin Island Tribe, whose traditions and relationship with the sea she greatly admires. This connection is reflected not only in the decor of her exam room-which honors the beauty and significance of coastal life-but also in her thoughtful, relationship-based care.
Patty is committed to building trust with families, supporting their unique needs, and contributing to the long-term wellness of the Squaxin community’s youngest members.
