Healthcare Providers
Bonnie Sprague, ARNP
Bonnie is an ANCC board certified Family Nurse Practitioner with over twenty-five years experience. Bonnie practiced for several years as an RN, and then received her ARNP from Seattle Pacific University in 1983. Beginning in 1987, she spent thirteen years at the Interfaith Clinic here in Bellingham where she was the first solo provider.
In 2000, Bonnie started her own practice and in 2006 she expanded it to the current Sehome Clinic location. She believes in working with her clients to empower them for better health. She has several areas of focus, including Women’s Health, menopausal and premenstrual issues (including prescription natural hormones), depression, thyroid, fatigue, hypnotherapy, and health counseling. She works collaboratively with physician specialists and primary care, naturopaths, acupuncturists, mental health counselors, and chiropractors.
Bonnie enjoys sailing, kayaking, music, and traveling with her husband Steve. She grew up near Snohomish and has two grown step children.
Megan Gruber, ARNP
Megan is an ANCC board certified Family Nurse Practitioner who is open to using both traditional and complimentary modalities while treating patients. Her goal is to provide whole-person care while helping individuals realize their own vision of health and guiding them in their journey of achieving it.
Megan was originally trained in person-centered health, first at Bronson Hospital in Michigan and then at Oregon Health & Science University's Level I Trauma Center in Portland. In the Trauma Center's Pediatric Intensive Care Unit she integrated patient/family needs, hospital-based medicine, and culturally centered care for several years. She continued her education and training at Washington State University where she received her Master's Degree and volunteered in community organized “Free Clinics”. Megan went on to work in an urgent & family care practice in Vancouver, WA which has given her an excellent background in minor injuries and emergencies ranging from open wounds and infected toe nails to joint injections and burns.
When not at work you can often find Megan and her husband, Chad; hiking, running, climbing, and playing with their pup.
Heather Whitaker, ARNP
Heather is an ANCC board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner. She is committed to preventative health and being active across the lifespan. She believes there are many paths to wellness and supports complimentary care when safe and effective, as well as traditional medical approaches. As many health issues are related to lifestyle, she encourages patients to take charge of their health through physical activity and good nutrition.
A former Peace Corps volunteer, she is interested in travel medicine and would be delighted to help you prepare for your trip. A community health provider for nine years, she has broad experience caring for the whole family, managing chronic health issues like diabetes and depression, and managing acute illness, dermatological problems, and minor injuries. Heather also enjoys gynecology and reproductive health. She is an experienced provider of family planning services, including IUDs and Implanon. She is interested in fertility. She’s trained at two national STD centers and provides comprehensive screening and evaluation of genital skin issues. Fluent in Spanish, she welcomes you to speak in Spanish if it is your first language.
Heather received her BA from the University of Maine and her RN/MN/ARNP from the MGH Institute of Health Professions in Boston, MA. When not in the clinic, she is found playing soccer, gardening, canning, knitting, running, biking, hiking, walking, reading and eating vegetables or chocolate.
Amanda Vichas, ARNP
Amanda is an AANP board certified Family Nurse Practitioner who enjoys assisting patients and families in a way that allows them to feel they are a partner in their own care. "I believe listening to a patient with compassion is the most important thing we can do"
Her practice also focuses on preventative health and patient education. She has a background in oncology nursing, as well as experience in family practice and as a LPN and RN instructor. "My background has really given me the tools to help guide people of all ages and situations through their journey in the healthcare system"
Amanda received her RN from Shoreline Community College, her BSN from The University of Washington, and her MSN/ARNP from George Washington University in Washington D.C.
Amanda is a new resident to the Bellingham area and is thrilled to be a part of such a beautiful community. When not working, Amanda enjoys spending time with her husband, friends, and her black lab. She also enjoys knitting, cooking, exploring the outdoors, and traveling.
We're here for you!
We take pride in being your healthcare team. Our receptionists, nurses, and nurse practitioners all strive to make a personal connection with each patient. We believe that building strong relationships among the staff and with our patients is important to healthcare effectiveness, and patient satisfaction.
Why Nurse Practitioners?
The Nurse Practitioner's nursing training and experience puts emphasis on building a relationship with their patients, spending time with them to understanding their needs, and providing education so the patient can make their own good choices for long term health.
Nurse Practitioners are governed by the Washington State Board of Nursing which holds them to high standards of professional care and requires continuing education for as long as they practice.
Nurse Practitioners are certified through the American Nurses Association Credentialing Center and are licensed to practice in each state. In Washington, Nurse Practitioners hold the ARNP or Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner as well as Registered Nurse licenses. These licenses allow them to practice independently and provide a full spectrum of healthcare services including diagnosis, lab tests, prescriptions, and referrals to other healthcare providers.