High Plains is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization governed by a majority consumer Board of Directors and managed by a suite of officers: Chief Executive (CEO), Medical (CMO), and Financial (CFO), as well as Directors of Clinical, Dental, Behavioral Health, Financial Services, Human Resources, Data Systems, and Compliance & Risk Management.
Samantha Brookshire serves as the Director of Human Resources at High Plains Community Health Center, where she is dedicated to fostering a supportive, compliant, and people-centered workplace culture. With a strong background in human resources operations, employee relations, and organizational development, Samantha partners closely with executive leadership to align HR strategies with the organization’s mission and values.
In her role, Samantha oversees recruitment and retention, performance management, employee engagement, policy development, and compliance with state and federal regulations. She is passionate about creating an environment where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to provide exceptional care to the communities High Plains serves.
Mendi Choat serves as the Director of Clinical Operations at High Plains, where she has been since May 2023. A Prowers County native, she is deeply committed to serving her community by helping ensure access to high-quality, patient-centered health care.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in Health Information Management with a minor in Health Care Administration from Regis University and brings more than ten years of experience in medical practice management. Mendi later earned her associate degree in nursing from Lamar Community College and spent seven years working as a Registered Nurse.
Mendi is passionate about delivering exceptional customer service and fostering a positive, healthy work environment for staff, all while supporting the delivery of quality care to the communities High Plains serves.
Cindy Jimenez, MSW, LCSW, ADS, is a southeastern Colorado native. She completed her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Sociology at Adams State University and her master’s degree in Social Work at Colorado State University, Fort Collins. Cindy joined High Plains Community Health Center as the Director of Behavioral Health in October 2023 and has been in practice over 30 years. Cindy is trained in multiple therapy techniques including EMDR, auricular acupuncture, trauma treatment, and cognitive behavioral therapy.
Tara Parmely serves as the Director of Dental Operations at High Plains, where she has proudly been employed for 26 years. Throughout her career, she has been dedicated to supporting high-quality dental care, strengthening clinical operations, and ensuring her team has the resources they need to serve patients effectively. Her long-standing commitment to High Plains reflects her passion for excellence, collaboration, and community-focused care.
Angela Woodward serves as the Director of Financial Operations at High Plains, where she has twelve years of experience in community health care. Angela brings a deep commitment to serving local populations through accessible, patient-centered care. After spending 17 years working at Lamar Community College, Angela made her transition to High Plains Community Health Center in 2014, and her focus changed from eliminating barriers and supporting students’ navigation through the education process to supporting the same efforts for patients navigating health care.
One of Angela’s key roles is to help ensure the financial sustainability of services that support High Plains, patients, and well-being of the community.
Dedicated to strengthening local healthcare access, Angela is proud to be part of High Plains Community Health Center and its mission to provide quality healthcare services to the surrounding service area. Having grown up in Lamar, she maintains deep roots in the community and a strong personal connection to the people the clinic serves.
