hchs providers
Heartland Family Medicine, Alma, NE
Dr. Michael J. Finkner, M.D.
Dr. John Michael Finkner graduated with honors from University Of Nebraska College Of Medicine in 1975. He practiced in Alma from 1980 – 1988 and then became the Director of Emergency Physicians at Good Samaritan Hospital for the next 18 years. His extensive background in Family Practice and Emergency Medicine gives him a broad range of experience that he will continue to share with the patients of Harlan County Health System.
Originally from Minden, Dr. Finkner lives in Kearney with his wife Kathy. The couple has four adult children, and 14 grandchildren. Dr. Finkner enjoys competitive running, fishing, landscaping, shopping with his wife, traveling and visiting his grandchildren.
Jessica D. Stemper, PA-C
Jessica graduated from Waverly High School and earned a degree in biology at Nebraska Wesleyan University in Lincoln. She served as a volunteer for the Peace Corps in Africa before continuing her education at Union College, Lincoln, graduating with a B.S. in Physician Assistant Studies. She is Board Certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. Jessica and her husband, Michael, are the parents of two children, Kendall and Griffin. She enjoys golf, baking and family activities.
Jennifer Taylor PA-C
Jennifer graduated from Alma High School. Her family moved here when she was in the 8th grade and owned and operated the Jack & Jill grocery store in Alma. Some of you may remember her as the "sacker" at the grocery store.
Jennifer got her bachelors degree from FT Hays State and NPA at Wichita State. After graduating from college, Jennifer worked in Alma for Harlan County Health System, Norton County Hospital/clinics, and now is back home here in Alma. Jennifer works M-T-TH-Friday in the Alma and Oxford clinics.
Before she became a PA, she was a mental health educator and the Phillips County Hospital education coordinator in Phillipsburg, KS She was also, Dr. Knackstedt's Clinic Manager for 2 years.
Jennifer is married to Tony Taylor who is a farmer/Rancher locally. They have a son, Nicolas, who is a grain buyer for the Ethanol plant in Phillipsburg, and a daughter, Amanda, who is a physician who practices in Peds/Internal Medicine in Payola, KS. The Taylors have 4 grandchildren.
Connie Lans, PA-C
Connie is originally from Madison, NE. She attended Chadron State College where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Biology. She then received her Master’s in Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Nebraska Medical Center. She is Certified by the National Commission of Physician Assistants and a Member of American Academy of Physician Assistants and Nebraska Academy of Physician Assistants.
Connie and her husband Ben are the proud parents of four children: Camden, Elaina, Eli and Elise. As a family they enjoy traveling, going to the lake, helping on the farm, visiting family and friends, and attending the kids sporting events. Connie has been working as a PA since 2008, she has experience in Family Practice and Geriatrics, but has a special interest in Women’s Health.
Paige Cornwell, PA
Paige received her bachelor's degree in Human Biology with a minor in Psychology from College of Saint Mary. She continued her education and graduated with her master's degree from College of Saint Mary's Physician Assistant Program. Paige grew up in the small town of Honey Creek, Iowa. She is the oldest of five children in her family. As she grew up, she knew she wanted to help others and loved the medical field. During her training, she studied under a wide variety of specialties, but her favorite was always family practice and emergency medicine. In her spare time, Paige enjoys outdoor activities, boating, hiking, cooking, helping on the farm, and being active in the community.
Rebecca Kahrs, APRN
Rebecca is a Nurse Practitioner that resides in the Republican City, NE area with her husband, Kelen, and daughters, Violet and Monroe. Rebecca has a Bachelors of Science Degree in Human Biology from Chadron State College (2012), a Bachelors in Nursing Degree from Nebraska Methodist College (2014), and a Masters of Nursing Practice Degree from UNMC (2019). She has a special interest in Emergency Medicine and Family Practice. Her certifications include: ATLS, ACLS, BLS, PALS, and Wound Care. Rebecca has also had great experience in many areas, including: urgent care, emergency care, family practice, and inpatient care.
PRN Weekend Coverage Providers:
Ryan Lisdke, PA-C
David Blauvelt, PA-C
Jenna Matlock, PA-C