Our Providers

Michael Meza, MD

Physician

Dr. Meza has been an Idaho-based physician for over 25 years. After graduating from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School in Dallas, Dr. Meza began providing full spectrum family medical care in Orofino, Idaho and to all residents in the region.  In 2012, Dr. Meza and his wife Casey moved to Coeur d’ Alene and began serving the geriatric and rehabilitative patients.  Dr. Meza provides medical care to residents of skilled nursing facilities, assisted living facilities and independent living facilities.

He is the medical director for many of the local and regional skilled nursing facilities and works collaboratively with several of the hospitals to insure safe transitions of care.  He has been nominated twice for Idaho Physician of the year.  He enjoys boating, snow skiing and welding.

Jason Schwintek, MD

Physician

Dr. Schwintek was born and raised in North Idaho. He completed medical school at Loma Linda University School of Medicine in California, completing his internal medicine residency in Spokane, Washington. He has worked in the Northwest since 1999, mostly as a hospitalist.

Dr. Schwintek and his wife Misti are high school sweethearts and have been married since 1992. They have two amazing children that both got married to their wonderful partners in 2021. And their most recent addition to the family, their first grandchild arrived in 2024!

In his free time he enjoys reading, getting together with family and doing projects around the house.

Mario Seyer, DO

Physician

Dr. Seyer is a native of Quebec, Canada, and moved to Northern California in his late teens where he met his wife Stephanie.  After finishing his undergraduate studies at San Diego State University, he graduated from the AT Still University of Osteopathic Medicine in Missouri, then completed his residency at the Southern Illinois University-Quincy Family Medicine program.  Dr. Seyer spent the next 20 years in northern Oregon practicing Family medicine, and the last 3 years, transitioned to Post Acute Care.  He is very excited to continue his Post Acute Care career as a member of the MezaCare team. He and his wife Stephanie have three grown children, and they enjoy all the outdoor activities that beautiful North Idaho has to offer.  

W. Scott Spence, MD

Physician
Dr. Spence grew up in Northern Idaho and Oregon and has been caring for patient in the St. Maries community for 12 years. He graduated from Oregon Health Sciences University and completed his Family Medicine Residency at University of Illinois-Chicago College of Medicine at Rockford. Dr. Spence started his medical career in Oregon and settled back to Idaho in 2012. He and his wife Chris made St. Maries their home, raising their 2-children, Jacob and Sarah. Dr. Spence enjoys flying airplanes and football.

Dr. Spence is a Family Medicine Provider who also enjoys Emergency Medicine.

Paula Strait, DO

Physician
Dr. Strait’s previous experience in general medicine and surgery, as well as her work in rehab and emergency medicine, has provided her with a well-rounded perspective on human health and end-of-life care. Her compassionate approach to family medicine ensures that each person receive personalized care tailored to their individual needs, whether they are recovering from injury, managing chronic conditions, or nearing the end of their lives.With a focus on holistic osteopathic diagnosis (using hands on healing) and a comprehensive understanding of both conventional and neuroplasticity therapies, Dr. Strait strives to offer a more rapid return to baseline function. We can optimize the health and well-being of our loved ones by fostering a deep connection with our innate human resilience.

Rachael Ferraro, DO

Physician

With over 17 years of clinical experience, Dr. Rachael Ferraro is a dedicated and compassionate internal medicine physician focused on delivering high-quality patient care. Originally from South Florida, Dr. Ferraro earned her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from Nova Southeastern College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed her internal medicine residency in Fort Worth, Texas.

Since 2019, Dr. Ferraro has practiced in Idaho, where she has gained a deep understanding of the region’s unique healthcare needs. After years of hospital-based practice, she is transitioning to a community-based setting, prioritizing long-term relationships with patients and a focus on preventive care.

In addition to her medical practice, Dr. Ferraro is an FAA-certified Senior Aviation Medical Examiner, a role she pursued inspired by her husband’s career as a skilled commercial pilot. Her dual passion for medicine and aviation enables her to support her community in even more meaningful ways.

Ali Wheatley

Physician Assistant

Ali graduated from Idaho State University in 2012 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology/Zoology with an emphasis in Biochemistry. She later graduated in 2014 with her Master of Physician Assistant Studies.

Soon after graduating, she found her passion for Internal Medicine and Geriatrics working in a family and internal medicine clinic in Mesa, Arizona. She later joined Dr. Meza in 2016 caring for the elderly patients in Post Acute and Long Term Care facilities. She is passionate about providing excellent medical care for the elderly and chronically ill patients in this area.

When she is not working, Ali loves spending time outdoors with her husband and son camping, backpacking, and boating, as well as trail running with her dog.

Nathan Wheatley

Physician Assistant

Nathan graduated from A.T. Still University with his Master of Physician Assistant Studies.  Nathan began providing treatment and care plans for a wide variety of geriatric and internal medicine patients in multiple Post-Acute and Long-Term facilities in our region immediately after graduating.  Nathan has been practicing with Dr. Meza since 2016.

Before becoming a Physician Assistant,  Nathan was a Medic in the Idaho National Guard and deployed to Iraq in 2010-2011. After completing his tour, he completed his bachelor’s in nursing at Idaho State University while serving as an EMT and firefighter in Chubbuck, ID.

Nathan also worked as a registered nurse in cardiology cardiac floor in Pocatello, Idaho before starting Physician Assistant school.

When not caring for geriatric and rehab patients, Nathan loves spending time with his family outdoors: hiking, camping, and boating on lake Coeur d’Alene.

Olivia Wika

Physician Assistant

Olivia was raised in the Spokane area after moving here at 3 years old. She later attended Western Washington University, where she received her bachelor’s degree in Biology. She spent 4 years working as a Nursing Assistant, both at a skilled nursing facility and a hospital. She completed a Physician Assistant program in 2023 at Midwestern University in Glendale, Arizona. Olivia is happy to be back home in the Inland Northwest, and she is excited to begin her career by caring for our geriatric population. While she’s not working, Olivia will likely be found hiking, knitting, playing video games, or spending time with her husband and cats.

Brittany Johnson

Physician Assistant

Brittany Johnson, PA-C was born and raised in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. She completed her undergraduate degree in Exercise Science at Gonzaga University, before moving to Arizona with her husband to pursue her Masters degree in Physician Assistant Studies. She attended A.T. Still University and graduated in 2014. After graduation, she spent several years working as a family medicine provider in Arizona before moving back up to the Northwest with her family. She has also worked in pain management, specializing both procedures to reduce pain and medication management. In her spare time she enjoys cooking, crafting and spending time with her family.

Rebecca Haddad

Physician Assistant

Rebecca graduated from Lipscomb University in Nashville, TN in 2021. She spent one year working in rural primary care in Tennessee before returning to her hometown of Pittsburgh, PA where she practiced in both community and academic hospitals providing inpatient infectious disease care. She has worked in general infectious diseases and endovascular infectious diseases. Her most recent tenure at UPMC Presbyterian was providing care for patients with endocarditis and other intracardiac infections in Pittsburgh and the surrounding regions.

She comes to Idaho with her husband and son for a slower pace of life and access to the great outdoors. She has a passion for the geriatric population and antibiotic stewardship. She looks forward to supporting all ages in the post-acute and longterm care setting. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her family, watching movies, reading, and hiking.

Andrew Baguley

Physician Assistant

Andrew was born and raised in west Michigan and attended the University of Iowa to receive a Bachelor of Science in Human Physiology. He spent 4 years working as an emergency department technician and CNA through undergrad and during a gap year living in Missoula, MT. He returned to Michigan to earn his Master of Physician Assistant Studies from Grand Valley State University in 2024, attending the school’s Traverse City campus to focus on rural medicine.

When not at work, Andrew can most often be found outdoors trail running, fly fishing, hiking, or skiing.

Emily Oe

Physician Assistant

Emily earned her Bachelor of Science in Health Studies with a minor in Biology from Boise State University in 2019. She went on to complete her Master of Physician Assistant Studies at Idaho State University in 2025, along with a graduate certificate in Interprofessional Geriatrics. Before entering PA school, Emily gained valuable experience working in geriatrics as an in-home caregiver and later in assisted living and memory care. She provided compassionate care for elderly individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic, which further shaped her passion for geriatric medicine early in her career.

Outside of medicine, Emily enjoys the outdoors and is excited to make northern Idaho her home. In her free time, she can be found hiking, camping, biking, paddleboarding, and spending time with her two Miniature Australian Shepherds.

Olivia Blume

Physician Assistant

Lisa Kailey

Geriatric Psych Nurse Practitioner

Lisa graduated from college with an accounting degree, but when she moved to New England in 2010 she discovered she had a passion for nursing. Beginning college for a second time, Lisa obtained her nursing degree from Great Bay Community College in Portsmouth, NH. Then, while working fulltime on an acute Geriatric Psychiatric Unit as an RN, she earned her Bachelor of Science Degree from Southern New Hampshire University, and her Master of Science in Nursing from Simmons University in Boston, Massachusetts. After obtaining her MSN-FNP, she worked in Skilled Nursing Facilities managing and prescribing psychiatric medications until moving to the Coeur d’Alene area to be closer to her husband’s family. Lisa plans on continuing her education to obtain her DNP in psychology to better serve the geriatric population in the facilities we serve. As a former athlete, she enjoys watching sports with her husband and is excited to be able to spend time boating and kayaking in the area. She has 2 children who are in college and is excited to see what the world has in store for them.

Whitney Whitaker

Nurse Practitioner

Whitney was born and raised in Panama City, Florida and graduated from Troy University’s Nurse Practitioner Program in 2021. She was previously an emergency room nurse for over 10 years and worked in ERs all over the country. She came to the hidden gem of North Idaho and decided to plant roots. She is excited to join the Mezacare team, care for the geriatric population, and to be part of the beautiful community of Sandpoint.

When Whitney is not working she enjoys traveling, hiking, camping, boating, and watching every sunset possible. She also enjoys cooking and tending to her plants.

Megan Beaudin

Nurse Practitioner

Megan Beaudin, NP, graduated from Washington State University with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2018. Most recently worked at Kootenai Health as a nurse on one of their medical surgical floors. She has recently graduated in December 2022 from Gonzaga University with her Master of Science in Nursing with an emphasis as a Family Nurse Practitioner. She is excited to join Dr. Meza’s team caring for elderly patients and to assist them in living their life to the fullest. In Megan’s free time she enjoys spending time with her husband, 2 children, and dogs being outside with her family and baking.

Brittany Bongga

Nurse Practitioner

Brittany Bongga is a Certified Family Nurse Practitioner who focuses on providing compassionate, patient-centered care. She graduated from Azusa Pacific University in 2016 with her Masters in Nursing-FNP program and has been working in family medicine since then. Prior to becoming a nurse practitioner, she received her bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology from Cal State University in Fullerton and a second bachelor’s in Nursing from Azusa Pacific University. She then worked in a busy surgical/trauma ICU in Southern California as an RN, where she met her husband.  

They happily moved their family and dog to North Idaho in 2023. Brittany is excited to join the MezaCare team.  When she is not working, Brittany loves traveling, playing golf, hiking, lake life, playing outdoors with her kids, and snowboarding in the winter.

Austin Brekke, DNP, ARNP, NP-C

Nurse Practitioner

Austin Brekke is a Family Nurse Practitioner, born and raised in Spokane, WA. He grew up with family who worked in skilled rehabilitation and long-term care. His healthcare journey began as a CNA in that same facility he visited as a young child. He graduated from Washington State University with his Bachelor’s in Psychology/Human Development, Bachelor’s in Nursing Science, and his Doctor of Nursing Practice. He brings diverse health care experience from his RN practice in cardiovascular care, critical care, neurosurgical care, behavioral health, home health, medical/surgical care, and urgent care.  His Advanced practice experience also includes full-spectrum primary care and Neurosurgery. Austin values the patient-provider relationship and taking time to truly know their stories. When not in practice, he enjoys hiking, swimming, biking, camping, and spending time with his wife (also a Nurse) and their son.

Katrina Cavanaugh, NP

Nurse Practitioner