Craig Brace | Administrator/CEO
“Our promise is Client-First Care. From assisting you with environmental services or birth certificates to immunizations and maternal and children services, you are our priority.”— Craig Brace, FACHE, ACHD Administrator and CEO
Hi, my name is Craig Brace, I’m the Administrator and CEO of the Audrain County Health Department. I began my new role at the health department on November 2nd, 2020. I grew up pumping gas and changing oil at my dad’s gas station in Wellsville, Missouri, where I learned the importance of customer service.
I began my career in management as a teenager running two hay-hauling crews in Audrain and Montgomery Counties. Yes, I learned valuable management lessons from this experience. I’m a graduate of Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, MO. While attending SBU, I met my wife Lois, who is the Executive and Artistic Director of Presser Arts Center. We have lived in Mexico for more than three decades and have four adult children, one grandson, and one granddaughter.
I’m a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and board-certified in healthcare management. My mission statement is to be faithful to the resources and responsibilities entrusted to me by God in the service to others. My kids and grandchildren make me smile.
Jennie Beamer, Outreach nurse; rn, bsn
Hello my name is Jennie Beamer. I was born and raised in Audrain County. My Husband and I live here in Mexico with our two daughters and miniature dachshund. I achieved my LPN license from MACC in 2012. Then went to Hannibal-LaGrange to obtain my RN license and graduated in 2017. I finished with my bachelors of science in nursing degree in 2019. I worked at Gamma Road Nursing home, Hannibal Clinic while going back to nursing school and then SSM/Noble Health once I became a Registered Nurse until it closed when I started at the Health Department in March. I have always loved serving this community and taking care of people I know.
Caitlin Blackburn, wic breastfeeding peer counselor
Hi, name is Caitlin Blackburn and I have been a Breastfeeding Peer Counselor at ACHD since 2023. I have my BSE in Elementary Education and my MSE in Curriculum and Instruction, both from the University of Central Missouri. My fiancé and I were both born and raised in Mexico. I moved back home, and we have 2 beautiful daughters together and 2 bonus kiddos as well. We love spending time together as a family! We like to play card/board games, exercise, and be outside.
After having my second daughter, I decided I wanted to stay home to be with my girls, and that is how I ended up working part time as a BFPC. My responsibilities as a BFPC are to provide breastfeeding education for pregnant moms and to provide counselling and assistance to breastfeeding moms. I love the opportunity to build relationships with so many women and their children. I am passionate about breastfeeding, and I love my job because I get to give moms the breastfeeding education they need. Education helps moms to be confident in their abilities to feed and nurture their babies, and I love seeing them meet their goals.
Jodi chrisman | Public Health Educator/WIC Nutritionist
Hi, my name is Jodi Elliott. I grew up in Ralls County and graduated from Mark Twain in 2008. I went to college at MACC and then moved to Warrensburg and completed my bachelor’s degree in health studies with an emphasis in Community Health in 2012, at the University of Central Missouri.
I started my career at ACHD in April of 2013. After having my daughter in 2015, I knew I wanted to work more closely with babies/kids. In 2016, I moved into the role of WIC Nutritionist and fell in love with educating and helping families. Currently, I still have the role of a WIC Nutritionist but have also added School Education and the Car Seat Program to my duties. Although I grew up in Ralls County and still reside there, I have always enjoyed working with the Audrain County community.
courtney george, wic breastfeeding peer counselor
I started working at the Health Department in February 2025, and my role is to support and educate moms through every stage of their breastfeeding journey. I help prepare pregnant moms for those important first days after birth, making sure they have the knowledge and tools they need. Once baby arrives, I check in to see how breastfeeding or pumping is going and find out what kind of support they need. My favorite part of the job is talking with moms—not just about breastfeeding, but about motherhood in general. I love getting to know them during pregnancy, seeing them again once baby is born, and celebrating their determination, especially when breastfeeding gets tough.
Outside of work, I’m a proud mom to a 2-year-old son and a baby girl who was born in March 2025. At home, we also have a cat and a goldendoodle who are just as much a part of the family. I’m an avid reader, usually finishing about three books a week, and I enjoy doing my own nails and painting—though finding time for that can be a challenge with two little ones!
Greta Hopke | Registered and Licensed Dietitian and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (RD, LD, IBCLC)
I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Nutritional Sciences with an emphasis in Clinical Dietetics and a Master’s degree in Health Education, both from the University of Missouri–Columbia.
I began working with the WIC program in February 2006 and have since expanded my role to provide nutrition education across a variety of programs and within the community. Through WIC, I offer nutrition and breastfeeding education and support, and I also provide individual Nutrition Coaching and Counseling—helping clients improve their health through personalized nutrition and sustainable lifestyle changes.
I facilitate the Free to Be You class, which focuses on healthy habits and sustainable weight loss. I also provide nutrition education in collaboration with other health programs and community organizations as needed.
I’m passionate about working with individuals and families to support their journey toward healthier living and helping mothers reach their breastfeeding goals.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family and being outdoors.
Christina Jensen | Environmental Public Health Division
Hello! My name is Christina Jensen and I started working for ACHD in August 2020. I started as the front desk Administrative Assistant and Vital Records Registrar and then transferred to Environmental Services. One of my favorite things about working for ACHD is working with community members and clients.
I was born in Illinois and raised in Montgomery County, MO. My husband and I moved our family to Laddonia in 1992 and we remain there today. I have 4 wonderful sons, 4 beautiful Daughter-in-Laws, 5 handsome grandsons, and 1 gorgeous granddaughter.
About 6 years ago I found my love for traveling and take every opportunity to go places and learn new things. If I could travel to anyplace in the world I would love to go to either Sweden or Ireland. One of my favorite places to be is anywhere with my children and grandchildren.
Jane Lierheimer, medical billing specialist
Hello, my name is Jane Lierheimer, I am the insurance billing specialist here at Audrain County Health Department. I am a certified professional coder as well as a certified professional biller through AAPC. I was born and raised here in Mexico, and raised a family of three daughters with my husband of 31 years. I love the Mexico community and enjoy helping others in need, whether it's just as simple as a smile to leading them in the right direction to make their lives easier.
My favorite past-times are decorating, gardening and the beach. I try to make a trip to my favorite place, Gulf Shores, AL as often as possible. I also enjoy spending time with my five grandchildren whom I love dearly and watching them grow into young adults has been such a rewarding experience.
Rebecca martincic, administrative assistant
Hello, my name is Rebecca Martincic. I was born and raised in Audrain County. I started my career at ACHD in December of 2024. I love being a part of the ACHD family. I enjoy helping people any way that I can to help meet their needs. I feel that showing empathy, being kind and greeting people with a warm smile can help brighten someone’s day and truly make a difference.
I love spending time with my husband, Shawn of 27 years and our two adult children, Lauren, and Jared. We have a strong faith and lead a busy life in Ministry.
I enjoy reading, tending to my flower garden, going for walks, and traveling. I love going to places where I can relax and enjoy God’s beautiful creation, like the mountains, waterfalls, and beaches. I love the tranquility that they bring. I like the saying, The most important things in life aren’t things. It’s about relationships that you share, the people that you surround yourself with and the time you spend making special memories.
Brandi Meyer | LPN/Immunization, lAB sERVICES Coordinator & ACHD Corporate health Specialist
Hi, my name is Brandi Meyer. I am a public health nurse at the Audrain County Health Department. I attended nursing school at Moberly Area Community College Advanced Technology Center. I graduated in 2003. During nursing school, my dad passed away and I took some time off after graduation to reassess where I wanted my path to go.
I began my job at Audrain County Health Department in September 2004 with no intention of making it a long-term career. 20 plus years later and I haven’t left. I am proud to serve Audrain County as the Immunization and Lab Services Program Lead. I married my high school sweetheart Jesse in 2004.
We have two children that keep us very busy. In my spare time, I love to read, try new recipes, and travel. My family and I find that our greatest memories come from the time we spend together in the simplest moments.
Chris Newbrough | Emergency Planner/Public Information Officer
Hi, my name is Chris Newbrough and my favorite part of working at ACHD is that, in my role as the Emergency Planner/Public Information Officer (PIO), I know I’m making a difference in people’s lives! Since starting at ACHD in September of 2014, I’d have to say that watching the light bulb go on for one of our 25,000-ish residents when they realize we really do care about their well-being makes my job the easiest one I’ve ever had!
My favorite hobby is as an audiophile. My wife gets tired of me saying “You gotta hear this!” Luckily, I have an old college friend that I trade music with daily! Discovering new music that makes my insides all jittery is the coolest thing in the world, I think! Totally enjoy that when it happens!
My wife and I have four fur-babies named Daisy, Marley, Lilly, and Sassie. Daisy is the old mother hen of the brood as our elderly Labrador Retriever. Marley is our “I don’t give out kisses” 10-year-old Heinz 57. Sassie is our approximately nine-year-old dachschund whose name describes her perfectly and, Lilly is our one and a half year old Catahoula Leopard Hound who is just as incorrigible as ever.
Thanks for stopping by and visiting and, don’t be a stranger when seeing me out and about! Say “Hi!” I love to chat!
Sarah Palmer | Environmental Public Health Specialist II
Hi, my name is Sarah Palmer, and I love working at ACHD because I enjoy working with the community in which I live. Helping my ‘neighbors’ brings great joy to the soul.
My job provides a variety of opportunities where I get to encounter many Audrain County residents, and I am proud to work side-by-side with them. I enjoy being at home and I love the peace and quiet that gardening brings me.
My favorite meal is dinner, any food, as long as friends and family are there.
Kerry Patton, LPN, Maternal Child Health COORDINATOR
Hi, my name is Kerry Patton. I was born and raised in Mexico, MO. I achieved my LPN license from Moberly Area Community College in 2009. That same year I started my nursing career at the Audrain County Health Department as a Home Health and Hospice Nurse. In 2014, I became a Public Health Nurse and Maternal Child Health Coordinator. Maternal Child Health focuses on protecting, promoting and improving the health of women of childbearing age, pregnant women, mothers, infants, children, and adolescents.
I enjoy spending time with my husband, two adult children, grandchildren, Yorkie Tucker and cat Kiki. I am proud to be a nurse! Nursing is very rewarding!
I love helping others bringing a positive impact to the community!
Regina smith, Accounting and bookkeeper
Hello, my name is Regina Smith, and I am a Mexico native. I currently handle accounting and bookkeeping for Audrain County Health Department. I come to ACHD with an extensive background in customer service and I enjoy working with the public. I have always had a passion for helping others and caring for children in any capacity. I believe in fairness and equality, and I’m grateful to be gifted with a deep sense of empathy. I try to live life expressing my belief that everyone deserves to feel like they matter every day.
The greatest job of my life has been motherhood. I am a proud “boy mom” to my two sons, and so blessed to be called Nana by three perfect little humans. I try to spend as much time as possible with my children and grandchildren making as many memories together as possible. Time is fleeting, life is fragile, and they are only small for a short time, I do my best to always show up for them.
In my spare time I enjoy things like concerts, festivals, traveling, comedy, photography, dancing, tailgating, floating, fishing, hiking, watching movies, flowers, trying new restaurants, catching sunrises/sunsets, and spending time with friends. I am drawn to anything relating to water- streams, ponds, lakes, rivers, waterfalls, and oceans- it is simply healing to my mind & soul. I hope to live close to a beach someday.
Embrace your imperfections and turn your adversities into something beautiful (Kintsugi)
Katie Swaim | Registered Nurse/Communicable Disease COORDINATOR/special projects manager
Hi, my name is Katie Swaim. I grew up in Audrain County and went to nursing school at the University of Missouri’s Sinclair School of Nursing. I started my nursing career in 2008 at University Hospital in Pediatrics.
After starting a family I decided to take a position closer to home. In 2012, I started at the Audrain County Health Department as a Home Health & Hospice Case Manager. In 2014, when Home Health & Hospice ended for the Health Department, I was able to take a Public Health position.
I am now a public health nurse and the Health Department’s Communicable Disease Coordinator. My husband and I continue to live and raise our two children in Audrain County. As a nurse at our local health department, I enjoy being able to help people, especially those within my own community!
Becky Wieberg | Registered Nurse/CLINICAL SERVICES MANAGER AND WIC COORDINATOR
Hi, my name is Becky Wieberg, and my favorite part about working at ACHD is the diversity of the programs we offer and people that we serve.
I started my path to nursing when I was in high school volunteering as a Candy Striper at Audrain Medical Center. After graduating from high school, I went to nursing school at Central Methodist College in Fayette, MO.
My favorite kind of food to eat for a meal is Mexican, and my favorite song is “Same Old Lang Syne” by Dan Fogelberg.
I have two cats, Felix and Leo, and a dog named Gabby. Some of my hobbies include scrapbooking, adult coloring, and word find puzzles. My favorite TV series is Heartland on Netflix. Something that makes me smile every day is my family.
