Family Medicine Residents

Aaron Arnold
Family Medicine

Aaron Arnold was born and raised in Fremont, CA. Before attending Rocky Vista University, he graduated from Saint Mary’s College with a degree in Biology and Philosophy and went on to pursue graduate studies in Forensic Science and Molecular Biology at Drexel University College of Medicine. He was inspired to become a family physician at a young age. One of his earliest memories was visiting his ill Great Grandmother with his Fisher Price medical bag. His medical interests include geriatrics, psychiatry and preventing childhood obesity. As an osteopathic physician his goal is to provide care to his patients that not only treats their illnesses but teaches and empowers them to actively participate in the healing of their body. His interests outside of medicine are spending time on the coast (rain or shine), cycling, reading, fly fishing, hiking, backpacking, camping and spending time with family and friends. He has missed the west coast tremendously and is very happy to be moving to the Pacific Northwest, the perfect place to fulfill his medical and non-medical interests.

Erika Pope
Family Medicine

Erika Björklund Pope was born and raised in Skagit County and attended Western Washington University where she obtained a degree in Biology and Mathematics. She is a graduate of Pacific Northwest University of Health and Sciences and could not be more thrilled to stay in Skagit Valley to continue her training as a physician. Erika’s medical interests include Osteopathic Manual Treatment, neurodegenerative disorders and perinatal care. She looks forward to providing care for individuals and families in the area for years to come.

Oksana Miller
Family Medicine

Oksana was born and raised in the rural Far East of Russia. She migrated to the U.S. at the age of 27 and settled in Anchorage, Alaska, where she completed her premedical studies. Prior to that Oksana graduated with a Master’s degree in linguistics and elementary education from International Pedagogical University in Russia. She was inspired to become a physician ever since she was a child. She never dreamed that the road would take her all the way here to the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. She received her Doctoral Degree from Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences, School of Osteopathic Medicine. Oksana has an immense interest in full spectrum Family Medicine including obstetrics, integrated behavioral health and osteopathic manipulative medicine. Outside of medicine, Oksana enjoys spending time with her family as well as multiple outdoors activities such as skiing, backpacking, hiking, biking and playing tennis. She is excited to join the medical team at Skagit Valley Hospital’s Family Medicine Residency Program and start a new chapter in her life.

Marissa Capasso
Family Medicine

Prior to attending the Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine, Marissa Capasso graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Duquesne University, which is located in her hometown of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In her spare time, she enjoys catching up with friends and family, reading, cooking, traveling and walking on local trails. She looks forward to making the Mt. Vernon area her new home while she continues on her path to becoming an osteopathic family medicine physician. Marissa is pursuing family medicine because she wants to serve a community and provide long-term care to fellow community members of all ages.

Kathryn Bergen, DO
Family Medicine

A graduate of PCOM-Georgia, Dr. Bergen grew up in Atlanta and Savannah. She obtained her undergraduate degree at Armstrong Atlantic State University in Political Science with a minor in Spanish and studies abroad in Chile and Mexico and a Master's degree from Georgia Institute of Technology in International Affairs. After spending a few years working with various non-profit and human rights organizations, Dr. Bergen was inspired to pursue a medical degree. She hopes to tie in her previous work with medicine, and as an osteopathic physician, she looks forward to cultivating strong relationships with her patients in primary and preventative care. She is married and enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and dog, Lily. 

Shelley Brencick-Higman, DO
Family Medicine

Dr. Shelley Higman is a graduate of PNWU and a fifth generation Washingtonian. After attaining her undergraduate degrees in Sociology and Spanish, Dr. HIgman became a professional oil painter, an after-school program director and later opened up a gardening business. After years of working with people and their gardens, her calling to medicine and healing work reasserted itself and she shifted gears. She enjoys surfing, paddle boarding and spending time with her young son and her wife Anastasia.

Devon Kienzle, DO
Family Medicine

A graduate of Touro University in Las Vegas Nevada, Dr. Kienzle, along with his wife and two children, have missed the Pacific Northwest. Originally from Monroe, WA, he has long awaited the opportunity to return home and establish his roots providing care to the residents of the great Pacific Northwest. Before medical school, Dr. Kienzle attended Brigham Young University – Idaho where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Neuroscience, served a mission in South Florida where he became fluent in Spanish, and married his wonderful wife, Beth, and had two delightfully independent children. He is passionate about creating a patient-centered medical home by blending all philosophies of medicine into a place where any family or family member can feel comfortable receiving a wide spectrum of care. He and his family love spending time outdoors, cycling, backpacking and camping.

Justin Lytle, DO
Family Medicine

A graduate of Touro University Nevada, Dr. Lytle was born and raised in Washington State and is very excited to return home to finish his medical training. He graduated with a degree in human biology at Brigham Young University-Idaho. His love of science, a desire to work with people and his dedication to education drove him to pursue a career in medicine. As an osteopathic family physician, he hopes to practice holistic full-spectrum family medicine, with emphases on his passions for preventive medicine and osteopathic manipulative medicine. Dr. Lytle is married and has two young boys.