Our providers
Timothy Jones, M.D.
Dr. Timothy Jones is a medical expert with almost 40 years of experience. He has worked in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, emergency rooms, clinics, private practice, and urgent care.
Dr. Jones received his medical degree from the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine in Oklahoma City, followed by his residency program at the University of Oklahoma Tulsa Medical College in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Throughout his career, he has mainly served communities in Texas and Oklahoma.
Joining Castro County Healthcare as a member of the team at Plains Memorial Hospital, Dr. Jones’ main responsibility will be to treat patients in the hospital’s emergency room. This could be added in the ER section or at the bottom on Providers
Office
Plains Memorial Hospital – Emergency Room
310 W. Halsell St.
Dimmitt, TX 79027
Education
- Doctor of Medicine – University of Oklahoma College of Medicine
- Family Practice Residency – University of Oklahoma Tulsa Medical College
Certifications and Licensures
- Texas Medical License
- Texas DEA License
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
- Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS)
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
Michael F. Ruggiero, D.O.
Dr. Michael Ruggiero is a certified family physician specializing in comprehensive and continuous medical care for individuals and families, addressing various health concerns and coordinating referrals to specialists when needed.
Having obtained his medical degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dr. Ruggiero brings a wealth of clinical and private practice experience, having worked in various communities across Utah and Texas.
Now part of the Castro County Healthcare medical team, Dr. Ruggiero serves patients from the Medical Center of Dimmitt.
Office
Medical Center of Dimmitt
300 W. Halsell St.
Dimmitt, TX 79027
806-647-2194
Education
- Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine – Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Certifications and Licensures
- Texas Medical License
- Certification – American Osteopathic Board of Family Medicine
Kimberly I. Smith, M.D.
Caring for patients from the Medical Center of Dimmitt, Dr. Kimberly Smith is a family medicine physician with nearly two decades of experience. Dr. Smith provides primary healthcare to individuals and families, addressing a wide range of medical needs and promoting overall well-being. She also enjoys providing comprehensive women’s health.
Dr. Smith obtained her medical degree from Meharry Medical College of Medicine in Nashville, Tenn. During her career, she has practiced medicine in various communities across Tennessee, Florida, and Texas. Dr. Smith served in the US Navy and is now in the Navy Reserves
Office
Medical Center of Dimmitt
300 W. Halsell St.
Dimmitt, TX 79027
806-647-2194
Education
- Doctor of Medicine – Meharry Medical College of Medicine
Certifications and Licensures
- Texas Medical License
- Certification – American Board of Family Medicine
Sheila Higgins, FNP-C
As a native of our region, Shiela Higgins has been deeply fascinated by the intricacies of the human body since her upbringing. This curiosity became the driving force behind her decision to embark on a career in medicine. Shelia has recently extensively trained in several dermatology services for acne and other derm services for hyperpigmentation and rosacea
Sheila takes great satisfaction in providing care to patients of all age groups.
Office
Medical Center of Dimmitt
300 W. Halsell St.
Dimmitt, TX 79027
806-647-2194
Education
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing – West Texas A&M University
- Master of Science in Nursing – West Texas A&M University
Certifications and Licensures
- Family Nurse Practitioner Certification – American Academy of Nurse Practitioners
Susan Murray Hochstein, FNP-C
Susan stands as a distinguished member of prestigious organizations such as Sigma Theta Tau, Sigma Iota Epsilon, the International Honor Society of Nursing, the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, and the Panhandle Nurse Practitioner Association.
With a professional journey rooted in healthcare since 1989, Susan’s commitment to excellence and continuous learning is evident through her active involvement in these esteemed societies.
Beyond her impressive professional affiliations, Susan’s personal and professional life reflects a deep-seated dedication to advancing healthcare practices and fostering a strong sense of community and family in Nazareth.
Office
Medical Center of Dimmitt
300 W. Halsell St.
Dimmitt, TX 79027
806-647-2194
Education
- Bachelor of Business Administration – Texas Tech University
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing – West Texas A&M University
- Master of Science in Nursing – West Texas A&M University
Certifications and Licensures
- Family Nurse Practitioner Certification – American Academy of Nurse Practitioners
Alex Escobal, FNP-C
As a certified family nurse practitioner, Alex has the credentials to provide healthcare to patients across all stages of life.
Office
Medical Center of Dimmitt
300 W. Halsell St.
Dimmitt, TX 79027
806-647-2194
Education
- Master of Nursing – Purdue University Online
Certifications and Licensures
- Family Nurse Practitioner Certification
Ashley Valdez, APRN, FNP-C
A Dimmitt native, Ashley Valdez has woven her roots deep in the community. With a profound connection to family, she resides in Hereford alongside her husband and four daughters.
Ashley is not only a dedicated mother but also a highly qualified healthcare professional, having earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing from West Texas University. As a Certified Nurse Practitioner, she brings a wealth of expertise to her practice.
Ashley takes pride in getting to know every family as a unit and building meaningful relationships through each visit. Your family’s well-being is her priority, and Ashley provides high-quality, personalized care with a warm and caring touch.
Office
Medical Center of Dimmitt
300 W. Halsell St.
Dimmitt, TX 79027
806-647-2194
Education
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing – West Texas A&M University
- Master of Science in Nursing – West Texas A&M University
- Family Nurse Practitioner – West Texas A&M University
Certifications and Licensures
- Certified Family Nurse Practitioner
Eddie Jean Truelove, FNP-C
Eddie Jean Truelove is a dedicated board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner specializing in working with adults facing challenges related to depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder.
With extensive experience spanning various settings, including inpatient care, detox units, crisis stabilization, private practice, and community mental health care, Eddie Jean brings a wealth of expertise to her practice. Her professional journey encompasses working with both adolescents and adults, reflecting her commitment to comprehensive mental health care. She works closely with the area schools providing assessment and treatment.
Eddie Jean leverages her nearly two decades of experience to empower individuals, employing a thoughtful approach that combines supportive therapy, medication management, and psycho-education. She values the importance of providing a safe space for clients to express their concerns, fostering a collaborative and understanding environment in which individuals can navigate their mental health journey with confidence.
Office
Medical Center of Dimmitt
300 W. Halsell St.
Dimmitt, TX 79027
806-647-2194
Education
- Master of Science in Nursing – University of Mississippi School of Medicine
Certifications and Licensures
- Board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Jillian Keenan-Maginness
Jillian Heenan-Maginness, a licensed clinical social worker, is a dedicated professional with a rich educational background. After earning her bachelor’s degree, she pursued and successfully completed her Master of Social Work at Syracuse University in 2017.
Jillian began her career in Kansas City, Missouri, where she immersed herself in community-based mental health services. She brings a wealth of experience across diverse settings, encompassing work with children, adults, geriatrics, family outpatient services, substance use treatment, domestic violence, and group residential treatment. Her clinical expertise extends to addressing a range of issues, including depression, anxiety, mood disorders, codependency, trauma, substance use disorders, anger management, and co-occurring disorders.
In her therapeutic practice, Jillian employs a versatile approach, drawing from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), mindfulness, strengths-based and solutions-focused techniques, motivational interviewing, behavior modification, and systematic family interventions.
Embracing a person-centered framework, Jillian aims to empower clients to take charge of their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, fostering confidence in their ability to independently manage and navigate the complexities of their world.
Office
Medical Center of Dimmitt
300 W. Halsell St.
Dimmitt, TX 79027
806-647-2194
Education
- Master of Social Work – Syracuse University
Certifications and Licensures
- Licensed Clinical Social Work