The purpose of the Southwest Memorial Hospital Foundation is to support Southwest Health System, Inc. in providing high-quality, accessible health care for the people of Montezuma County and surrounding areas, and to assist in meeting its need to recruit and retain physicians and other medical providers, obtain new equipment and furnishings, continue to provide effective and efficient emergency care, and other services in partnership with the hospital.

Raised in a small town in the rural Midwest, Abby graduated cum laude from Wake Forest University. As a remote worker in the Denver commercial construction market, Abby’s career has focused on bringing multiple stakeholders together to deliver projects on budget and on schedule. She relishes in the small-town feel of Montezuma County that fondly reminds her of her childhood and enjoys exploring the Four Corners by bike, paddleboard, snowshoe, ski, or whatever new form of outdoor gear that she can find.

Karla Demby, MD, FACP is a board-certified Internal Medicine physician.  She grew up on a wheat farm in Gypsum, Kansas.  She achieved a B.A. in chemistry from Bethany College and received her MD from the University of Kansas School of Medicine.  She completed a three-year Family Practice residency in Rockford, Illinois before focusing on Internal Medicine with three more years of residency at St. Joseph Hospital Internal Medicine Program in Denver.

Karla came to Cortez with her physician husband, Brian, and son, Max, in 1994.  Four years later she delivered twins, Rachel and Nicole.  Karla practiced with Internal Medicine Associates for six years before founding Southwest Internal Medicine in 2000.   She brought several other Internists to the practice over twenty years and retired in December 2019.

Karla is enjoying retirement with Brian traveling, mountain biking, kayaking, and skiing.  She has added the SHS Foundation Board to her list of retirement activities because of her commitment to maintaining quality health care in Montezuma and Dolores Counties.

Austan was born and raised here in Cortez, Colorado. Currently an EVS Technician at the hospital, he is in the process of developing a broad skillset and finding a lifelong career where he can be of service to others.

He spends his free time with school work, small projects at home, or curled up at his desk with an electric blanket and his cat.

He’s very excited at the opportunity to help lead the foundation and collaborate with professionals in our community.

Jaycee was raised in Cortez, Colorado, where she developed a passion for agriculture and the outdoors. Jaycee currently serves as the Marketing Specialist for Southwest Health System.

Jaycee graduated from Texas Tech University with a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Communications and a Master of Arts in Mass Communications. She gained experience working for Texas Tech Athletics’ in the Promotions and Fan Engagement Department for five years before transitioning to college recruiting in the College of Education at Texas Tech.

Jaycee returned to her hometown in 2021, working for the Montezuma-Cortez School District before joining SHS as the Marketing Specialist in May 2022. She joined the Southwest Memorial Hospital Foundation in June 2022 to assist in organizing fundraising events benefiting the hospital and the community.

In her free time, she enjoys outdoor activities like golfing and lake visits, as well as traveling and supporting the Texas Tech Red Raiders with her husband and family.

Melinda grew up in the small town of Mancos, Colorado where she fell in love with the beautiful outdoors. She enjoys camping, hiking, fishing, being on the lake, and taking her side-by-side out on the open trails. She has three children and enjoys spending time with her family as she feels family is important and making time for your loved ones is valuable.

For many years, Melinda has worked in nursing and healthcare administration. She has a special place in her heart for senior citizens. Taking care of those in hospice is very important to her. She finds it rewarding to be able to give back and help others through her work and by helping with the Foundation. Being able to make a difference for people in their most vulnerable moments, that’s what drives her in this role.

Melinda has served on the Foundation Board for Southwest Memorial Hospital Foundation for many years and currently serves as the Board Treasurer. Melinda finds it very rewarding to help the hospital provide quality healthcare. She is proud to serve the organization and its important mission.

Karen is originally from Connecticut, and her career has taken her to many different places across the United States. She moved to Montezuma County to fill her current role as the Director of Food and Nutrition at SHS in 2014, and she is a Certified Dietary Manager and Certified Food Protection Professional. Karen has served on the Foundation board for several years and enjoys raising money for cancer assistance grants and hospital improvements. She is also active in the Food Security Action Team with Team Up, the Four Corners Gem and Mineral Club, and the Four Corners Rifle and Pistol Club. When not serving her community through work and volunteering, Karen enjoys spending time with her three adult children and their growing families.

Molly Greenlee is a recent graduate of Emerson College’s Communication Sciences and Disorders (MS) Program. Molly also holds a Master’s degree in Language, Literacy, and Sociocultural Studies from the University of New Mexico. She completed her Bachelor’s degree at Bennington College in Bennington, VT, where she majored in Spanish. Molly has been lucky enough to live in many different states and countries, but returned to her hometown of Cortez, CO in 2017. As a speech-language pathologist (SLP), Molly loves working with adult clients with a broad spectrum of communication and swallowing disorders. She is looking forward to serving on the Board in its mission to ensure high-quality, accessible healthcare for the people of Montezuma County and surrounding areas.

Gala grew up on a farm west of Pleasant View but spent her working years in Oregon. She holds a B.S. from Oregon College of Education, with a major in Economics & Business Administration. Upon retiring, she moved back to Colorado and resides on what was her grandparents’ homestead.

Gala’s working career was in accounting in the for-profit and nonprofit sectors, and in government; County, and Special Districts. For many years, she was an officer and shop steward in various governmental unions.