Elisabeth Gundersen
President
RN, MS, ANP-BC
Elisabeth, President of Medspire Health. I am a nurse practitioner in San Francisco, but I grew up in Paradise and the ridge and tall trees have always called me back. I still spend every summer going to the river, walking my mom and sister's dogs on the Flume trails and sitting on their back decks watching the sun set into the forest. I often reflect how lucky I was to grow up in such a beautiful place, where I could experience a childhood riding my bike out with friends until dark, and building forts in the forest behind our house.
After the Camp Fire, walking into the East Avenue Church where so many of the most vulnerable residents of the ridge sought shelter, I knew I had to be part of the healing and rebuilding of my hometown, and also knew that rebuilding would not be possible without adequate medical care. I was so inspired by the people I met at the evacuation shelter, both volunteers and evacuees, they felt like "my" people and I wanted more than anything to continue to serve. I also believe that health care is a human right, and a mobile free clinic, accessible and available to everyone regardless of their circumstances, seemed not only like a mission I could live my life by, but a tangible way to invest in the rebuilding of Paradise, Magalia and Concow.
My dream would be to continue to host free clinic days, and to bring free high quality medical care, case management and mental health services directly to those who need it most on the ridge.
On my off time I try to find myself in nature; I love to hike, backpack and camp. I love all animals, even spiders and if I had my way, I would probably have at least ten dogs.