Mt. Vernon Primary Care Services

Deedra McLain – Medical Director 

Dr. McLain joined our team April of 2019. She graduated from Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in 2002 and is board certified as a family physician. With over 17 years of medical practice, she has an array of experience from family practice, hospital medicine, adolescent and young adult medicine, and minor surgical procedures. She holds memberships in the American Academy of Family Practice, Society of Hospital Medicine, Eating Disorder Academy, and serves as a board member for Knight Shield Children’s Shelter. In her spare time, Dr. McLain enjoys spending time with her three children, traveling and long distance running.

Amanda Engle – Nurse Practitioner & Health Center Manager

Mandy Engele joined the team in February of 2016. Mandy obtained her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in 2010 and her Master of Science as Family Nurse Practitioner from Maryville University in St. Louis, MO in August 2015. Mandy’s experience prior to starting with Premise Health includes working telemetry and ICU units, as well as primary care. Mandy was promoted to Health Center Manager in March 2017. Her passion for business strategy allows her to devote more than just a clinical background to her new role. 

Stephanie Branch – Nurse Practioner

Stephanie joined our staff in February 2013. She received her nursing degree from Kaskaskia College in 2007. In 2011 Stephanie obtained her Masters in Nursing from Frontier Nursing University where she graduated with honors. She is now dually certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and American Nurses Credentialing Center. Her previous medical experience as a provider includes primary and acute episodic care for a wide variety of adult and pediatric patients. Her nursing experience includes community health nursing, lactation counseling, nutrition education, obstetrics, wellness and preventative care.

Kim Claffey, FNP-C – Family Nurse Practitioner

Kim has been a valued team member since 2018 at The Healthy Living Center. Kim has over 20 years of nursing experience in Community Health, Pre-Op and Post-Anesthesia Care Nursing, Medical-Surgical Nursing in the hospital setting, and urgent care. Kim joined our team as an exceptional clinical nurse while she worked diligently to continue her education in becoming a Family Nurse Practitioner in 2021 from Maryville University. Kim’s experience allows her to provide exceptional care to patients in the primary health setting and encourage them to live their best life.

Beth Fadler – Physical Therapist

Beth joined our staff in October 2017.  She did her undergraduate work at Southeast Missouri State University, graduating in 2003 with a Bachelor's degree in Biology.  She graduated from St. Louis University in 2006 with a Master's degree in Physical Therapy.  Beth has spent the last 11 years working in a variety of practice settings including acute care, pediatrics and outpatient orthopedics.  Her diversified background brings a unique set of skills and experiences. Beth is passionate about empowering patients to improve their physical well-being through high quality individualized, compassionate care.

Sherry Jones – Physical Therapy Assistant

Sherry joined our staff in August of 2019.  She graduated as a Physical Therapist Assistant in 1997 from Kaskaskia College.  She had previously obtained an Associates of Science degree from Rend Lake College.  In 2006, she obtained a Bachelors of Science Degree in Workforce Education and Development from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale.  Sherry has a variety of experience in therapy, having worked in hospital, long term care, assisted living and outpatient settings.  Sherry has been married to her husband Scott for 22 years, and they have one daughter.  She loves to read, travel, and get together with friends.

Jordan Shaeffer – Injury Prevention Specialist

Jordan joined our staff in December 2019. Jordan comes from St. Charles, MO where he most recently served as the Head Athletic Trainer for the Lindenwood University football (2019 GLVC champions) and tennis teams since 2017. Prior to his time at Lindenwood, he was an assistant athletic trainer at Lincoln University, Frontier League River City Rascal, and Warrenton High School. Jordan is a BOC-certified and licensed athletic trainer. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training from Southwest Baptist University in 2013 and his Master of Science-Exercise Science in 2016. Jordan is also an NSCA- Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) and a NASM-Corrective Exercise Specialist (CES).

Katy Hill – Shelton RN, Health and Wellness Coach

Katy joined our team as our Health and Wellness Coach in September of 2020. Katy has been an RN for 15 years and was an LPN prior to that. Katy has a wide variety of experience in nursing. She has worked in Orthopedics, Med-Surg, and Surgery. She most recently worked in a wellness clinic in Indiana that contracted with 5 factories to perform biometric exams and provide health education to the employees. Katy received her RN from Rend Lake College.

Katy is married and has one son and one daughter-in-law. She enjoys spending time with her family and photographing nature, especially flowers. She loves meeting new people and helping them set and meet their Health and Wellness goals.

Terryl Dilliner – Licensed Practical Nurse

Prior to joining the HLC team in 2024, Terryl obtained her LPN degree from Rend Lake College. After graduation, she worked at Walgreen’s Distribution Center for 26 years in various roles and gained valuable experience developing relationships with others. Terryl is passionate about working with people and wants to transition back into nursing to serve others. Terryl looks forward to helping members meet their needs and improve their health.

Gwen Upton – Registered Nurse

Gwen joined our team as a nurse in January of 2020. Gwen has been an RN for 4 years and has experience in a variety of fields such as Orthopedic, Neurology and Emergency Medicine in the hospital setting, Home Health Nursing, as well as, Community Health Nursing where she served as the Immunization nurse at Jefferson County Health Department. Gwen received her RN from Rend Lake College and will be starting to work on her BSN in the summer of 2020. She is excited to work in a primary health setting and encourage patients to achieve the goals they have set to become the very best version of themselves.

Gwen is married and has 1 daughter. She enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends, camping, hiking, and anything that involves nature. She loves seeing people smile and is known to be quite the comedian, always ready to share a funny story to brighten someone’s day.

Elaine Beever – Receptionist/Medical Assistant

Prior to rejoining our team at the Healthy Living Center in 2024, Elaine obtained her CNA degree from Rend Lake College in 2023. After graduation she worked at a local hospital and nursing home caring for patients. In 2014 she furthered her education by becoming a certified lab technician. Elaine has 21 years of medical experience with a diverse background working in the Emergency room, hospital, and medical office settings. Elaine is passionate about communicating with patients to meet their needs and learning more about them.

Dena McCowen – Administrative Assistant

Dena McCowen is an administrative assistant at the Healthy Living Center who joined the office in September 2019. She has been in the animal medical field as a veterinary technician for 8 years before joining the team here at the Healthy Living Center. She graduated with an associate degree of science and a certificate of Veterinary Technology through SICCM in May 2014. Her time outside of work is spent with her family and adorable son, River. She enjoys being outside, hunting, and fishing.