Jessica Evans, NP - Beacon Medical Group Mishawaka

Thank you for selecting Beacon Medical Group Center for Family Practice for your medical care. We want you to get the most out of each visit with your physician. We encourage you to ask questions and share any health concerns that you may have. We are here for your health today and in the future. Caring for your health is an important task best trusted to a professional. As your physicians, we are trained in the latest state-of-the-art medical advances to provide outstanding care for you and your family. Our Medical Services Include • Well child and adult exams • Asthma care • Immunizations, including flu shots • Prenatal and OB Services • Diabetes care • Hypertension • Heart care • Bronchitis, Emphysema care and COPD • Help with weight management and obesity • Help to stop smoking • Family planning exams • Depression care • Skin procedures, dermatitis treatment • Joint injections • Ear ache treatment • Help for problems with prescription drugs • Drug screening for businesses/employers • Sports physicals for kids • Referrals to other physicians as needed • X-rays

About Dr. HandtkeVariety and relationships are what keep James A. Handtke, DO, engaged in his work. I love the long-standing relationships I get to build with my patients, he says. I thought it was so cool when a doctor I rotated with in medical school told me they had been with a patient for the last 15 or 20 years.Watching the sacrifices his dad made as a Family Practice physician, Dr. Handtke never thought he wanted to do that. He enjoyed high school classes like science, biology, human health and physiology, and thought he was headed toward being a surgeon. However, once he was in medical school, he realized he did not like being in the operating room and his interest in Family Medicine really kicked in.His undergraduate work was completed at Huntington University, Huntington, IN. He then earned his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree at Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, Downers Grove, IL. Finally, he completed the Memorial Hospital Family Medicine Residency in South Bend.His approach to practicing medicine is to develop a partnership with patients. I love to offer advice and brainstorm ways to help people be their healthiest possible selves, he says. Each person is unique and their needs and priorities are different I love the challenge of individualizing peoples care.Dr. Handtke wants his patients to know he cares for them deeply. He doesnt see a patient number on a chart and he will always take an extra minute to hear what patients have to say and not rush them out the door. Im here to try my best to get them happy and healthy.In his own wordsWhat was your first job growing up? What do you remember about it?I worked at a Christmas tree farm early in high school. I thought it was cool because I got to trim trees with a machete all day.What is your favorite food? Movie?Favorite foods: a really good al pastor taco Favorite movie: Avengers: Infinity War, but really any Marvel movie with Iron Man in it.What was your best/worst subjects in school growing up?Best subject: any science classes Worst subject: physics was really hardIf you could sit down to dinner with anyone (alive or deceased) who would it be and why?I would love to pick John Muirs brain. He is an ecologist/naturalist from the late 1800s who played a huge role in establishing our national parks.In addition to medicine, what are you passionate about?Mountain biking and road biking are some of my favorite things. Beyond that, I love just about anything that gets me outside. If I have to be inside, I really like cooking and trying new foods.What is something most people dont know about you?I am a novice gardener and have almost no idea what Im doing, but really like it. Share tips with me!

About Nicole GauthierI have always been a helper, says Nicole Gauthier, LCSW. When I was younger, I enjoyed going to visit my parents at their work at the hospital and medical practice, she says. Her father is an Internist, and her mom a Registered Nurse. In addition to her parents medical roles, her sister is an Infectious Disease Physician and her husband a Urologist.I worked a summer at a local nursing home and loved assisting the residents with their emotional needs, she says. So even though science was not Nicoles strong suit, she found the social workers within the health care setting to be very helpful to overall well-being of patients and their families, and found this as her path into health care.Nicoles undergraduate work was completed at Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, and she earned her Master of Public Health and Master of Social Work at Tulane University, New Orleans.Nicole describes herself as a patient advocate and a good resource to finding solutions to problems. Her work includes counseling those in crisis who are experiencing distress or who have mental health needs. I work collaboratively with physicians and nurses in finding solutions, and aid patients through active listening, support and empowerment, she says. Connecting patients and their families with necessary resources.An experienced licensed clinical social worker in Indiana and Michigan, Nicole has a broad background in mental health assessments and interventions, family counseling and crisis intervention in ICU, Surgical ICU and ER. She has worked in case management and crisis intervention for indigent patients and patients experiencing trauma, homelessness and acute mental health issues. Also, as a medical case manager, Nicole has skill with discharging indigent patients, grief counseling and crisis intervention in violent situations.Nicole says from her patients, she has learned to be open minded and to never make assumptions. While her work can be intense as she deals with all levels of emotion and grief, she hopes her patients see her as a good listener and appreciate that she has a sense of humor.In her own wordsWho is or was the most influential people/role models in your life?My parents. They always emphasized the importance of contributing to your community and putting others before yourself.What was your first job growing up? What do you remember about it?Dishwasher at Lindys Restaurant in Cassopolis. I remember it being physically demanding and I had to work fast. Eventually, I graduated to pizza cook and learned how to toss pizza dough!What is your favorite food? Movie?Favorite foods: New Orleans food and cherry pie Favorite movie: Urban CowboyWhat was your best/worst subjects in school growing up?Best subject was social studies and worst was mathIf you could sit down to dinner with anyone (alive or deceased) who would it be?My great-great grandparentsIn addition to medicine, what are you passionate about?Autism advocacy. I have a son with autism and feel passionate about this community.What are your hobbies, interests?Volunteer in the theater, downhill skiing, fly fishing, traveling. Everything New Orleans.Do you have pets?Yes, a hound dog named Roux. She is the color of good Louisiana roux for making gumbo.What is something most people dont know about you?Im married to a Louisiana Cajun and our last name is pronounced Go-chay.