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The Team
James Edwards, MD, Public Health Officer
James Edwards "Jim" graduated from Illinois State University, Normal, III with a Bachelor's degree in Biology. He went on to earn his Medical Degree from University of Illinois in Chicago, and completed his internship and residency at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center.
Jim became a doctor because he enjoys caring for adults and values the relationships he forms with each patient.
As the Public Health Officer, he works in collaboration with the Public Health Administrator to assess current and future public health issues and needs.
Shelby Thompson, RN, Public Health Nurse
Shelby grew up in Idaho, and joined the Idaho Air National Guard in 2015 as a Flight Operational Medical Technician (she is one of two medics for all of Idaho's A-10 pilots). She is still enlisted in this unit and has a great passion in serving for her Country.
In 2020 Shelby graduated from Boise State University as a Registered Nurse, and worked as an RN in a Med/Surg unit after she graduated. She is currently working as a Local Public Health Administrator for Wheeler County Public Health and is residing in Fossil with her husband.
Sarah Hartenstein, Public Health Administrator
Sarah has lived in the Antelope area for the last 11 years with her husband and now three kids. After growing up on the west side of the state, she now calls this side of the mountains home.
In 2012, Sarah graduated from Oregon State University with a BS in Public Health. After raising babies and cattle ranching with her husband for the last few years, she is excited to be a part of the public health team in Wheeler County. She is eager to learn about this rural community and help meet the current health needs.
Madison Portlock, Public Health Program Assistant
Madison originally grew up in a small town in Michigan, then in 2017 moved to Oregon to be closer to family in the beautiful PNW. While living in Central Oregon she gained most of her experience working in various positions and work environments. Madison really enjoyed working in the medical setting and being able to assist people or guide folks in the right direction.
Shortly after she married her husband and had her daughter, Madison and her family made the move to Fossil, Oregon. Since being in Eastern Oregon, Madison has valued feeling closer to her community and understanding their needs a bit more. She is very excited to be a part of the Public Heath team and is eager to provide help to our local communities.
Brynn Opsahl, Public Health Communications Coordinator
With a passion for health and wellness, Brynn is excited to be the Public Health Communications Coordinator for Wheeler County. Brynn has a background in marketing, communications and data analytics and holds a Master’s degree in Social and Consumer Psychology from New York University.
She has spent time in Spray, Oregon for over a decade where her mother and brother reside. She loves spending time on the John Day River, hiking the hillsides in Fossil and hosting community events. Brynn is elated to be a part of the Wheeler County Public Health team and is motivated to help the lovely people of this region gain access to quality health care and information.