Heath joined Tulip Tree in December 2018. He graduated as a Registered Nurse from Indiana University and received his Advanced Nurse Practitioner degree in Family Practice from Vanderbilt University. Heath is a full-time provider and sees patients Monday-Friday. He is a native of Oakland City in Gibson County and looks forward to serving his community and neighbors as their provider. As a Family Practice provider, he treats patients of all ages for all primary care services.
Mellisa joined Tulip Tree in 2005. She has been a family nurse practitioner for more than 30 years. Mellisa works on a part-time basis and is also professor emeritus with the University of Southern Indiana. Mellisa has worked in rural health throughout her career. Prior to working as a nurse practitioner, Mellisa served at the Director of Nursing Education at IU Health Bedford, in Bedford, Indiana. While at the University of Southern Indiana, Mellisa served as the Chair of Graduate Nursing. She sees long-term patients as well as newer patients at Tulip Tree in our Fort Branch and Princeton locations.
Melissa joined Tulip Tree in April 2024. She received her Associates of Science degree in Nursing from Wabash Valley College and received her Registered Nurse license before graduating in 2019 with her Masters of Science Degree in Nursing from the Chamberlain College of Nursing, specializing in Family Practice. Melissa brings a wide range of knowledge to Tulip Tree with work experience in Long-term Acute Care, Oncology, Hospice, Medical/Surgical and Pediatric settings as a Registered Nurse as well as Nurse Practitioner experience in both Acute and Chronic Care settings. Melissa is a full-time provider and can see patients at Tulip Tree Monday through Friday. As a Family Practice provider, she can treat patients of all ages for all primary care services.
Dr. Alapati joined Tulip Tree’s dental program in 2015. She received her Bachelor of Dental Surgery from New York University School of Dentistry in 2011 and her dental license for Indiana in 2012. She continually pursues clinical and academic excellence by attending numerous continuing education courses and programs on an annual basis. Dr. Alapati enjoys working with dental patients of all ages and is committed to improving access to dental care in our community. During her leisure time, Dr. Alapati enjoys spending time with friends and family, cooking, and loves traveling.
Dr. Walters received his Bachelor of Dental Surgery from Indiana University of Dentistry in 1972. After he graduated, he joined the United States Air Force and provided dental services to the Air Force service members until 1974. In 1974 he returned home to Princeton, IN, to open his private dental practice, and served the Princeton area until he sold his practice in 2015. Dr. Walters joined Tulip Tree’s dental program team in 2016 because he enjoys using his dental skills and strives to give back to his community by providing dental care to those who have limited access. In his leisure time, Dr. Walters enjoys spending time with friends and family, gardening, and reading.
Erin joined Tulip Tree in November 2018. She began her work in health care in the area of mental health upon receiving her degree in Psychology from the University of Evansville. She then obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from the University of Southern Indiana and worked in hospital critical care and mental health positions. Her interest in mental health led her to obtain an Advanced Practice Nursing degree specializing in Psychiatric and Mental Health Care from USI. With this training, Erin can provide psychiatric care for patients struggling with mental health, behavioral health, and/or addiction issues.
Ethel joined Tulip Tree in 2013 when we opened our small behavioral health program to serve Tulip Tree patients. She provides counseling services one day per week to individuals and families. Ethel works full-time at USI as a professor in the Health Services Program. She is a graduate of USI School of Social Work.
Matthew joined Tulip Tree in April 2022. Matthew earned his Masters degree in social work at the University of Southern Indiana. He provides counseling services to patients of all ages at both the Fort Branch and Princeton locations.
Amanda earned a Master’s Degree as a Nurse Practitioner from the University of Southern Indiana. She has practiced at Tulip Tree as a ANCC board certified, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner since 2020. Amanda brings over eighteen years of nursing experience in behavioral health, critical care, and long-term, and preventive health care. Amanda provides patient centered, evidence-based, outpatient mental health services to children, adolescents, and adults. She provides medication management for the treatment of mental health disorders, including medication assisted treatment of substance use disorders, anxiety, trauma related disorders, mood spectrum disorders, and behavioral disorders, as well as referrals to other specialists for therapy, screening, and testing services.
Kristine Georges serves as the CEO of Tulip Tree Family Health Care, a vital resource for rural communities in southwestern Indiana and southeastern Illinois. With over twenty years of experience in health care, Kristine brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for improving community health. Prior to her current role, Kristine held leadership positions at Deaconess Hospital and The Heart Hospital at Deaconess Gateway.
Kristine started at Tulip Tree Family Health Care in 2019 Fort Branch, Indiana. In 2019, Tulip Tree received Federally Qualified Health Center Status and a Health Resources and Services Administration New Access Point Grant allowing the ability to add an additional clinic. In 2020, while navigating through Covid-19 pandemic Kristine and her team opened a second clinic location in Princeton, Indiana. At Tulip Tree Family Health Care, Kristine is committed to improving the health of individuals by offering high quality, affordable services regardless of income. Kristine’s leadership style emphasizes respect, understanding, compassion, and a patient-centered approach. Kristine is dedicated to building a strong team that empowers staff to provide the highest quality care to all patients, regardless of their ability to pay.
Kristine holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern Indiana and holds multiple certifications. She is a Certified Professional in Healthcare Management (CPHM), Certified Compliance and Ethic Professional (CCEP), and Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ). Kristine is also a member of the Indiana Primary Health Care Association (IPHCA) serving on the Board of Managers and the Health Policy Committee as well as the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC). She serves on the Policy and Legislative Committee with the Indiana Rural Health Association. Tulip Tree Family Health Care is a member of the Clinically Integrated Network of Indiana (CINI). Kristine serves on the Board of managers and Chair of Membership and the Compliance Committee for CINI. Some other committees she serves include the USI Health Professions Advisory committee, Ivy Tech Medical Assistant Advisory Committee, the Boards of the Salvation Army, and Gibson County Holly’s House Steering Committee. When Kristine is not dedicating her time to her profession she enjoys spending time with her family, attending her children’s sporting events, reading, and finding the best online shopping deals.
Andy joined Tulip Tree in November of 2021. He received a bachelor’s degree in public relations and political science from the University of Southern Indiana in 1991. Andy has extensive management and administrative experience in multiple industries including marketing, finance, and healthcare. Andy currently holds an Indiana Health Facility Administrators license and a Resident Navigator license. He is a Board member of the Town of Haubstadt as well as The Gibson County Chamber of Commerce. He regularly provides guitar entertainment in coordination with outreach events.
Eric graduated from the University of Southern Indiana in 2005 with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. He is a former business co-owner, where he was responsible for the general operations, human resources, inventory, accounting, staff management, and payroll. In July 2023, Eric joined Tulip Tree with a role in medical records, billing, and bookkeeping. He has since then accepted a promotion as Finance Manager. He is responsible for daily financial tasks, accounts payable, and facility management. Eric is a jack-of-all-trades. He is selfless and willing to go above and beyond for anyone in need of assistance.
Lori Graduated in 1991 from the University of Southern Indiana with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and received her CPA in 1998. Throughout the years Lori has earned vast experience in all aspects of accounting. In 2021, Lori joined Tulip Tree Family Health Care as the Finance Manager and took on the role of Controller in 2024. She manages all aspects of Tulip Tree’s financial operations and assists with managing daily operations. Lori is approachable and open-minded. She is an ethical and trustworthy team member for all of our staff to lean on.
Shea graduated in 2011 with a certificate in Practical Nursing from Wabash Valley College. She extended her knowledge of nursing and graduated from Western Governors University in 2017 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Shea began her career in healthcare in 2011 as a certified nursing assistant. After growing as a nurse throughout the years Shea accepted a position at Tulip Tree Family Health Care in 2022. In January 2024, she was promoted to Clinical Nurse Manager. She is responsible for the day‐to‐day operation of the medical clinics and supervises clinical staff. She is instrumental in policy development, review, and education. She has a strong focus on quality of care and meeting the needs of Tulip Tree’s patient population.
Skye joined Tulip Tree in 2014 as the sole dental hygienist. In 2017, with the growth of our dental operations, Skye was promoted to the position of Dental Program Manager. She manages the dental team and acts as support to the dental providers. She is responsible for quality initiatives, patient satisfaction, and day-to-day operations. Skye completed the Dental Hygiene Program and holds a bachelor’s degree in science from the University of Southern Indiana which she obtained in 2012. Skye maintains a positive and productive work environment. She has a passion for leading her team to provide the best community health dental care.
Mellisa joined Tulip Tree in 2005. She has been a family nurse practitioner for more than 30 years. Mellisa works on a part-time basis and is also professor emeritus with the University of Southern Indiana. Mellisa has worked in rural health throughout her career. Prior to working as a nurse practitioner, Mellisa served at the Director of Nursing Education at IU Health Bedford, in Bedford, Indiana. While at the University of Southern Indiana, Mellisa served as the Chair of Graduate Nursing. She sees long-term patients as well as newer patients at Tulip Tree in our Fort Branch and Princeton locations.
