Barbara J Kunnen, FNP - Saint Joseph's Physicians Network

Saint Joseph Health System provides a comprehensive array of healthcare services, including primary and specialty care, aimed at meeting the diverse needs of its patients. With convenient online scheduling and a commitment to patient-centered care, the health system strives to enhance the overall health experience for individuals and families in the community. The organization is dedicated to supporting its workforce by offering competitive benefits and career opportunities, cultivating an environment that encourages professional growth. Additionally, through contributions and community engagement, Saint Joseph Health System continues to expand its services and improve health outcomes for all residents in the area. Generated from the website

About Sharlotte Sharlotte Brown knows there is always more to learn from others. This doesn’t just apply to medicine, but to life’s relationships, as well. She says her patients have taught her an important lesson: “Listening is more powerful than anything I can do for people sometimes.” With a strong background in science and medical research, several degrees, and work experience in hospital and family medicine settings, Sharlotte is well prepared to treat patients as a Nurse Practitioner. She manages chronic/acute illness in a primary care setting collaboratively with physicians, working with all ages, across all lifespans. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Biology degree from the University of Michigan, Sharlotte worked in research. Eventually deciding she wanted to work more directly with people, she went back to school, earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Indiana University South Bend. From there, she went to work at Memorial Hospital of South Bend in the childbirth unit/special care obstetrics. Still wanting to learn and do more, Sharlotte eventually returned to IU South Bend for her Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner degree. Her philosophy as a provider is simple: “I am here to support you and help you live your best/healthiest life.” Seeing herself as always a nurse first, Sharlotte says she wants patient input in creating a care plan, adding that this only works if everyone is on the same page. She says that patients should know that she is on their side and has their best interest in mind. In her own words… Who is or was the most influential people/role models in your life? My mother, who is always herself, is resourceful, strong, caring and funny. What was your first job growing up? What do you remember about it? I was a babysitter from ages 11-18. That was when I found I loved getting to know families. What is your favorite food? I love pasta, coffee and chocolate. What was your best/worst subjects in school growing up? My best subjects were science and math. My worst, and least, favorite was history. If you could sit down to dinner with anyone (alive or deceased) who would it be and why? My father. He passed before I was born. In addition to medicine, what are you passionate about? I love music and my family. What are your hobbies, interests? Do you have pets? Crochet, travel, cooking/baking, playing trivia and family. I have two cats. What is something most people don’t know about you? I am a middle child. I also love art/painting.

Nurse practitioner Reba Goshert was just five years old when she decided to pursue a career in health care. “I wanted to help and care for people.” She accomplished this goal. “I started a nurse at Elkhart General Hospital working on the pediatric unit,” she explains. “I knew that I wanted to help families beyond an acute time as an inpatient, so I decided to continue my education and graduated with my pediatric nurse practitioner in 1993.” She earned her master’s degree in nursing at Indiana University and completed a post-master’s program in family practice at Graceland University. “After a period of time, I realized that I wanted to see the whole family, not just the children. I love family practice because I can serve the whole family for all of their health care needs.” “It is important to listen to your patients,” she explains. As a family nurse practitioner, she listens to patients from all walks of life. “I see patients from newborn to geriatric for all of their health care needs, including wellness exams, acute visits and chronic disease management.” In Her Own Words Who are the most influential people in your life? The most influential people in my life were my parents who showed me how to care, listen and work hard. What was your first job growing up? What do you remember about it? MY very first job was cleaning at the local school system. What are your hobbies, interests? I love working outside, gardening and taking walking when I am not busy on the farm. Do you have pets? We have chickens, goats and dairy feeder calves for 4-H. We have two dogs and two cats. What were your best and worst subjects in school? My best subjects in school were math and science. My worst subject was social studies.