Building Awareness. Supporting Youth. Strengthening Our Community.
At Community HealthCare System, we believe that strong mental health support starts early. Our Youth and Teen Mental Health First Aid programs give parents, teachers, school staff, and teens the tools to recognize, understand, and respond to mental health and substance use challenges—before they become crises.
Through evidence-based training, CHCS equips both adults and teens to start conversations, offer support, and connect those in need with professional care and local resources.
Youth Mental Health First Aid
For adults caring for youth ages 6–18
CHCS Youth Mental Health First Aid helps parents, educators, coaches, and other caring adults:
- Recognize early signs of mental health challenges in youth
- Approach and support a child or teen experiencing distress
- Listen with understanding and non-judgment
- Connect families with professional help and community resources
Classes combine interactive instruction, real-life scenarios, and practical strategies to prepare participants to take action with confidence.
Teen Mental Health First Aid
For students in grades 9–12
CHCS Teen Mental Health First Aid empowers teens to support themselves and their peers. Participants learn to:
- Identify signs of mental health challenges in friends
- Practice safe, supportive ways to listen and help
- Encourage help-seeking from trusted adults
- Build resilience and awareness within their peer groups
- Address stigma and explain that recovery is possible.
These classes are offered in local schools and youth organizations by CHCS-certified instructors, fostering a culture of care and support among teens.
Why CHCS Offers This Program
One in five youth experiences a mental health challenge each year—and many deal with or experience this in silence. By providing Youth and Teen Mental Health First Aid, CHCS strengthens our community through early intervention, awareness, and compassionate action.
Join a Class or Schedule Training
Bring Youth or Teen Mental Health First Aid to your school, organization, or community group with CHCS instructors. Flexible schedules, certified training, and supportive materials make it easy to participate.
CHCS—Caring for Our Community, One Youth at a Time.
Marcus Weiser, DO
Family Medicine
Location: Onaga
Position: Physician
Medical Services: Birth Center, Diabetic Care, Emergency Department, Family Medicine, Health Screenings, Medical & Surgical Care, Men's Health, Senior Care, Youth Services, Women's Health
Marcus Weiser, DO
Dr. Marcus Weiser is passionate about the variety and connection that come with rural family medicine. A Bethany College graduate, he earned his medical degree from Kansas City University and completed his residency—serving as chief resident—at Via Christi in Wichita. Board-certified in family medicine, Dr. Weiser also performs C-sections, colonoscopies, EGDs, and obstetrics. He loves teaching future physicians and serves as a clinical assistant professor and preceptor for two medical schools. Originally from northwest Kansas, Dr. Weiser now lives in Onaga with his wife and five children. Outside of work, you’ll often find him with his family, coaching youth sports, or enjoying a round of golf.
Nancy J. Zidek, MD
Family Medicine
Locations: Frankfort, Onaga, Holton
Position: Physician
Medical Services: Birth Center, Diabetic Care, Emergency Department, Family Medicine, Health Screenings, Men's Health, Senior Care, Youth Services, Women's Health
Nancy J. Zidek, MD
Compassionate, steady, and deeply rooted in Kansas, Dr. Nancy Zidek brings decades of experience and a personal touch to family medicine. A graduate of the University of Kansas with degrees in microbiology and medicine, she completed her residency at Wesley Family Practice in Wichita. As a second-generation physician, Dr. Zidek was inspired early on by her father’s 40-year career in rural medicine. She carries that same passion into her own work—especially in women’s health. Dr. Zidek loves getting to know families over time and finds great joy in watching her youngest patients grow up under her care. She and her husband, Paul and enjoy traveling when they can. Their daughter, Bethany, is following in her footsteps and currently completing her family medicine residency at Ascension Via Christi in Wichita. Their son, Elijah, is working in Kansas City. When she’s not in clinic, Dr. Zidek can often be found tending to her hummingbird feeders, doting on her two spoiled rescue dogs, or planning their next getaway.
Andrew Barnes, APRN‐C
Family Medicine
Location: Onaga
Position: Advanced Practitioner
Medical Services: Diabetic Care, Emergency Department, Family Medicine, Health Screenings, Men's Health, Senior Care, Youth Services, Women's Health
Andrew Barnes, APRN‐C
Andrew Barnes, APRN, holds a bachelor of science in nursing from Baker University and a master of science in nursing from Washburn University. He is certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and is a board-certified emergency nurse. He takes a special interest in emergency medicine, trauma, and acute care. Barnes was drawn to medicine through his father’s encounters with healthcare providers who always amazed him. He lives in Wheaton with his wife and three children, and he enjoys being outdoors with his family. They enjoy caring for cattle as well as dogs and barn cats.
Nancy Bosse, APRN‐C
Family Medicine
Locations: Onaga, Westmoreland
Position: Advanced Practitioner
Medical Services: Diabetic Care, Emergency Department, Family Medicine, Health Screenings, Men's Health, Senior Care, Youth Services, Women's Health
Nancy Bosse, APRN‐C
Nancy Bosse, APRN-C, holds a bachelor of science degree in nursing from Washburn University and a master of science in nursing-family nurse practitioner degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Bosse worked in critical care, neurology, trauma, and general surgery for 20 years at Saint Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City. Her areas of clinical interest are women’s health, pediatrics, and geriatrics, and she loves family practice because it allows her to help patients while getting to know them and their entire family. Bosse says the most important thing patients can do is to “let us know if you are not getting better. Follow up so we can help you!” Bosse grew up in Onaga and now resides in Wamego with her husband and two children. When not at work, she enjoys attending kids’ activities, being outside, gardening, and helping at the farm.
David Allen, MD
Family Medicine
Location: Holton
Position: Physician
Medical Services: Birth Center, Diabetic Care, Emergency Department, Family Medicine, Health Screenings, Medical & Surgical Care, Men's Health, Senior Care, Youth Services, Women's Health
David Allen, MD
Friendly, thorough, and passionate about caring for families, Dr. David Allen brings decades of experience to Holton Family Health Center. He earned his medical degree from the University of Kansas School of Medicine after completing his undergraduate studies at Kansas State University, then trained in family medicine at Via Christi Regional Medical Center in Wichita. Dr. Allen provides comprehensive care for all ages, with special expertise in obstetrics (including C-sections), pediatric care, and gastrointestinal procedures.. Whether he's welcoming a new baby into the world or helping a patient manage chronic conditions, Dr. Allen is committed to building long-term relationships and improving lives through compassionate, whole-person care.
Emma Beck, MD
Family Medicine
Locations: Holton, St. Marys
Position: Physician
Medical Services: Birth Center, Diabetic Care, Family Medicine, Health Screenings, Men's Health, Senior Care, Youth Services, Women's Health
Emma Beck, MD
Dr. Emma Beck earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology with a Minor in Spanish from Oklahoma Baptist University. She went on to complete her medical degree at the University of Kansas Medical School, followed by residency training at Via Christi Family Medicine, where she also completed the Osteopathic Recognition Track. She is currently eligible to sit for the Family Medicine-Obstetrics boards. Dr. Beck’s clinical interests include women’s health and obstetrics, international medicine, and point-of-care ultrasound. Her passion for medicine was sparked early in life, inspired by her mother’s example as a dedicated veterinarian serving their local community. That calling grew into a desire to serve vulnerable and underserved populations—both in rural areas and abroad—with a human-focused, hands-on approach (minus the paws). What Dr. Beck loves most about practicing medicine is getting to know each patient’s unique story. She values the opportunity to partner with individuals and families on their path to wellness, celebrating their milestones and helping them achieve health goals based on what matters most to them. She also appreciates the ever-changing nature of medicine and the learning that comes with every patient encounter. She is also bilingual in Spanish, which enhances her ability to care for diverse patient populations. Originally from Eudora, Kansas, Dr. Beck chose to stay in-state to give back to the place that played such a key role in her education and training. She now lives in Mayetta with her husband, four children, and their Husky, Tiggr. When not at work, you’ll likely find her outside—playing sports, taking walks, working in the yard, or relaxing in her hammock. She’s excited to be living closer to family and looks forward to many backyard gatherings and outdoor adventures. There may even be chickens in their future!
Nicholas Cahoj, MD
Family Medicine
Location: Westmoreland
Position: Physician
Medical Services: Diabetic Care, Family Medicine, Health Screenings, Men's Health, Senior Care, Youth Services, Women's Health
Nicholas Cahoj, MD
Dr. Nicholas Cahoj graduated from Kansas State University and the University of Kansas School of Medicine. He completed his residency at Via Christi Family Medicine in Wichita. Dr. Cahoj grew up in Atwood, Kansas. He appreciates family practice. "I enjoy the relationships that I get to build with patients and their families. I also enjoy the broad array of conditions that I see and treat," he said. He performs esophagogastroduodenoscopies (EGDs) and colonoscopies. He enjoys teaching students and is a clinical assistant professor for the University of Kansas School of Medicine- Wichita. Dr. Cahoj and his wife, Alyssa, have three daughters who they enjoy helping in their sports and activities. He also likes watching sports, hunting/shooting, and playing golf. .
Collin Connor, MD
Family Medicine
Locations: Holton, St. Marys
Position: Physician
Medical Services: Birth Center, Diabetic Care, Family Medicine, Health Screenings, Men's Health, Senior Care, Youth Services, Women's Health
Collin Connor, MD
Dr. Collin Connor didn’t always dream of becoming a doctor — but a year of service through AmeriCorps changed everything. While volunteering at a free medical clinic in Providence, Rhode Island, he discovered how deeply his strengths in listening, teamwork, and problem-solving could serve others through medicine. “That experience helped me realize I could combine my love for science and learning with my desire to help people,” he said. “It truly felt like a calling from God — everything just fell into place.” A native Kansan, Dr. Connor earned his biochemistry degree from Emporia State University, then went on to study at the University of Kansas Medical Center. He completed his family medicine residency at Ascension Via Christi in Wichita. Dr. Connor enjoys caring for patients of all ages and building long-term, trusted relationships with the families he serves. Outside of work, he stays active with his wife and three sons, listens to music and podcasts, plays or watches just about any sport, and spends time in the garden. He’s also looking forward to exploring more of the great outdoors — starting with an elk hunting trip next year. Dr. Connor and his family are excited to call Onaga home and are proud to be part of the CHCS community.
Melissa Goulart, DO
Family Medicine
Location: St. Marys
Position: Physician
Medical Services: Diabetic Care, Family Medicine, Health Screenings, Men's Health, Senior Care, Youth Services, Women's Health
Melissa Goulart, DO
Dr. Melissa Goulart holds a bachelor of science degree in biology from Truman State University in Kirksville, Missouri. She attended medical school at Des Moines University in Iowa and completed her residency in Waterloo, Iowa. She is board-certified in family medicine. Dr. Goulart lives in St. Marys with her husband, five children, and a Yorkie named Jack.
Ben Harstine, MD, FMOB
Family Medicine
Locations: Centralia, Onaga
Position: Physician
Medical Services: Birth Center, Diabetic Care, Emergency Department, Family Medicine, Health Screenings, Men's Health, Senior Care, Youth Services, Women's Health
Ben Harstine, MD, FMOB
Dr. Harstine earned his bachelor of science in Public Health Nutrition from Kansas State University and attended medical school at the University of Kansas Medical Center. He completed his family medicine residency and family medicine obstetrics fellowship at Waco Family Medicine in Waco, Texas. He recently received both his family medicine and family medicine obstetrics board certifications. Dr. Harstine always knew he had a strong desire to teach. In the years after college, while working in Manhattan, he realized he also wanted “to be in the trenches with folks discussing the events and on-goings of their daily lives.” “Medicine became a place where I could use a natural interest in the sciences and human well-being to do a little bit of both. I want to be an active listener and teach my patients the benefits of daily exercise and movement to improve overall health." As a native Kansan, Dr. Harstine has always dreamed of living and serving a rural Kansas community. “I was fortunate to have the opportunity to work with CHCS as a medical student because my wife was from the area. I grew to love the hospital, staff, and community and I am glad to be joining an organization with such a long history of providing patient-centered care.” In his spare time, Dr. Harstine enjoys spending time with his wife Emily and their four children, working outside, exercising, reading and cooking. “Emily and I are excited to be back in rural Kansas, close to family, and are excited to make Onaga our home,” Dr. Harstine said.