By Your Side

Through life’s joys and its challenges, we’re here for your medical needs.

Our Medical Providers

David Benson, MD

Appointments Available:

  • Mondays 9 AM - 4:40 PM

  • Tuesdays 9 AM - 4:40 PM

  • Thursdays 9 AM - 4:40 PM

  • Fridays 9 AM - 4:40 PM

I was born & raised in a Norwegian farming family in Bow, WA. Though always a lover of science, I had a strong interest in music as a violin performance major through most of my undergraduate education at PLU in Tacoma. In my last year there, I decided to pursue medicine based on my love of anatomy, physiology, and the social sciences. I took a year to apply to medical school at the UW and served as a youth, music, and missions pastor at my Puyallup church.

After completing med school at the UW, I entered residency at Providence St. Peter Hospital in Olympia (where I eventually served as chief resident). After 4 years as an active duty Navy physician with the Marines in Okinawa, Japan and in Oak Harbor, WA, I entered a fellowship in high risk OB & women's health at Swedish Medical Center in Seattle.

Since 2007, I have been a family physician practicing the full scope of family medicine back in Skagit County, where I own and operate my private practice and work with an incredible staff, including two outstanding ARNPs. We are dedicated to positively impacting and inspiring change in how healthcare is delivered in this county & beyond!

I still absolutely love live music of all types. As a violinist, I am concert master of the Skagit Valley Symphony as well as a church musician. My three sons keep me active and we enjoy skiing, hiking, rafting, biking, tennis, and tending to our family farm. The exploration of nature, exposure to the arts, and engagement in meaningful conversations are activities that center me.

Christina Jepperson, ARNP

Appointments Available:

  • Tuesdays 8 AM -12:20 PM

  • Wednesdays 8 AM - 4:40 PM

  • Thursdays 1:40 PM - 4:40 PM

  • Fridays 8 AM - 4:40 PM

I grew up in Spokane, WA and still love the east side. Seasons with hot dry pine forest smells in the summer and cold snowy winters are the best. I attended UW (GO DAWGS!), Seattle Pacific University, and Gonzaga University (Go Bulldogs). I worked in the Medical Surgical ICU, Labor and Delivery and NICU (where I was known as the baby whisperer) and ended my nursing career in Cardiothoracic Intensive Care and Transplant at UW.

As a nurse practitioner, I have only ever worked for the Benson gang in one place or another! I practice with the belief that listening to a patient is sometimes the best exam there is, and that often the complexity lies not in an illness but in not truly hearing what people are saying. I value my patients and our relationships and work to heal the whole person.

I am passionate about people, cultures, and travel. I fill my soul volunteering around the world and traveling. My hubby, Ryan, takes care of the farm when I am gone (yup, real farm with cows, chickens, sheep, and goats). My two kids, Jacob and Samantha, are now getting the travel bug with me. Last year I had two foreign exchange students as well, whom I now consider my kids, too (Javier from Spain and Breno from Brazil)!

Abigail Britanyak, ARNP

Appointments Available:

  • Mondays 8 AM - 12:20pm

  • Tuesdays 1:40 PM - 4:40 PM

  • Wednesdays 8 AM - 12:20 PM

  • Thursdays 8 AM - 12:20 PM

I was born and raised in Sandpoint, ID and love when I am able to visit the panhandle. I went to the University of Idaho where I earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, worked as a laboratory assistant researching in a quantitative analysis lab, and met my future husband. I went on to a fast-track nursing program at Idaho State University and finished with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. In 2008, I started my nursing career in Richland, WA as an emergency room nurse. In 2011 my husband and I moved to Indiana, with an opportunity to nurse in a cardiovascular critical care unit and be part of a transplant team. Nursing transplant recipients and the ‘sickest’ patients in the state was incredibly rewarding and humbling. In 2013, I went back to ER nursing, had my first baby, and by 2016 we were ready to return to the great PNW. From 2016-2022, I worked as an ER nurse at Skagit Valley Hospital. My family enjoys the beauty and outdoor opportunities Skagit provides. We can be found riding bikes, hiking, visiting all the wonderful state parks, or just playing in our yard.

My most important role as an ARNP is to build a trusting relationship, listen to your concerns, motivate you towards your goals, advocate for your needs, help you in disease prevention, and to sometimes make you laugh.

Our Support Staff

Tara, Manager

I'm a Burlington alum (go Tigers!) & a WSU alum (go Cougs!). I obtained my BA in English/Creative Writing. After college graduation, I resided in Spokane for a couple of years managing the rental “department” (myself) of a trucking company. I couldn't quite get used to dodging oil puddles & dirty jokes (we obviously never joke here), but mostly I longed to be back in the tippy-top of the NW among the trees, so I returned home. Upon return I worked as a newborn photographer at Skagit Valley Hospital and returned to the Train Wreck as a server, until I found my home with Dr. Benson's team. I am a collector of hobbies: rock-hounding, kayaking, photography (follow me @tara.jean.photography), writing, rock climbing, and bowling. I've recently changed my bowling team's name from ‘Game of Throws’ to the ‘Pindemics’.

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Lynn, LPN

I was born and raised in Anacortes. I started my nursing career in ‘76 as a nurses aid. In the 90’s, I went back to school and got my LPN degree. I have a wonderful daughter and son-in-law and two terrific grandsons. My husband Steve and I recetly bought his parents old farmhouse here in Mount Vernon. We have cows, goats, two mini horses, six dogs, and five cats.

When Dr. Benson moved back to Skagit Valley to continue practicing medicine in his hometown, I became his nurse. Thirteen years later, we’re still stuck with each other. :)

Tammy, Reception

I’ve lived in Skagit county most of my life.  I’ve always loved the medical field and working with people. 

I was a foster parent for 12 years. I adopted 3 of my 4 children; 3 boys and 1 girl.  I was also a cub scout leader and a Girl Scout leader for 15 years. 

I’ve been self employed for the last 12 years, owning a mobile espresso stand and a medical billing business.  Recently I had some major changes in my life and decided it was time to join the outside work force again.  I am so happy to be able to be part of the team at Valley Roots Family Care, they are all amazing people to work with and I love my role there.  

In my off time I take care of my 5-year-old grandson, my 3 dogs, my cat, 17 chickens, and my mini pig, Paisley.  I enjoy spending time with my best friend painting, hiding, and finding rocks, attending painting classes and going on road trips when we can. 

Danielle, LPN

BIO COMING SOON!

Erin, Admin Assistant

I became a part of the Valley Roots family in July 2021 and am so grateful for it. I am a Michigan native and ended up in Washington because I met my husband on a Caribbean cruise in 2014. I absolutely love Washington and have gained some amazing friends, work experiences, and hobbies. We recently moved up to Mount Vernon where we have property to eventually have a mini farm, greenhouse, and a crafting she-shed for me! We used to live in King county where I worked in the floral industry and dog services. While working for Valley Roots, I am also studying to be a dog trainer. Hoping to build a small facility on my property to train and board dogs.  

Being a part of this community has reassured me that we made the right decision to move up here. I have been happy to come into work every day to meet new people and learn something different.  

Melissa, Reception

BIO COMING SOON!

Saige, MA-C

I was born and raised in Skagit County. In 2017 I graduated from Sedro-Woolley High, and in 2020 I graduated from Charter College where I earned my certification as a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant. I originally wanted to work in Obstetrics but due to the pandemic I was placed in Orthopedics where I spent the next 2.5 years. February of 2023 I took the opportunity to change specialties. I am very thankful to not only be working in Obstetrics and Family Medicine like I originally wanted to, but that I am now apart of the Valley Roots family! 

I am a mom of two- Collyn and Evallyn, with my husband Evan. And I can not forget our cat, Artemis, and the fish.  In my free time, I spend it outdoors working on my vehicles or playing in the mountains. I recently started working on a Nissan D21 drag truck build that I am hoping to have out on the track next summer. I also have a Jeep Cherokee that is my wheeler. In the rest of my free time, I am giving myself tattoos or doing arts and crafts. One thing about me- you never know what color hair I will have the next time you see me.