Service Integration: Building Rural Resilience Outside of Disaster Preparation

Melissa Baurer serves as the Executive Director of Community Development at
Santiam Hospital & Clinics, where she has been a transformative leader since
2017. With a Master’s in Criminal Justice and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology
from Western Oregon University, Melissa brings over a decade of experience in
social services and community health innovation.

At Santiam, Melissa founded and scaled the Santiam Service Integration
Team(s), which evolved into a comprehensive department under her leadership.
She now oversees community health, service integration, disaster recovery,
community benefit, and communications & marketing. Her pioneering work in
disaster preparedness and recovery has been recognized nationally—highlighted
as a best practice by After the Fire USA and cited by FEMA as a model for
replication across the country.

Melissa’s leadership has redefined community resilience through the Santiam
Service Integration Model, setting new standards in health equity, emergency
response, and collaborative care. Her commitment to service extends beyond her
professional role—she is an elected member of the Lebanon Community School
District’s Board, where she advocates for youth and education.
Outside of work, Melissa enjoys kayaking, hiking, and spending quality time with
her husband and two children.

John Moriarty is the Associate Director of McKenzie Valley LTRG, leading their community resilience building initiative. Prior to joining MVLTRG in January 2024, John served as a Senior Program Officer for the Oregon Community Foundation, during which time he helped lead the Foundation’s response to both the COVID crisis and the 2020 Labor Day fires (3 of which occurred in the regions he served). John brings more than 25 years of nonprofit leadership experience.

Kim Dwyer serves as the Service Integration Coordinator for Santiam Hospital & Clinics, where she helps connect individuals, families, and community partners with resources and support throughout the Santiam region. Kim has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and served as a Juvenile Probation Officer for 24 years prior to coming to Santiam Hospital & Clinics. In her current role at Santiam, Kim coordinates regional Service Integration Teams, supports funding requests, organizes community outreach efforts, and works closely with schools, nonprofits, healthcare partners, local agencies, and community organizations.

Kim is passionate about bringing people together, building strong partnerships, and helping remove barriers for those in need. She values the opportunity to serve the community she calls home and is grateful to be part of work that makes a meaningful difference for children, families, and individuals across the region.

Outside of work, Kim enjoys spending time with family and friends and soaking up the sunshine in Eastern Oregon whenever she can.