Mark E. Helm MD, MBA, FAAP

Joining us in Silverton this August!

Meet Valarie

Valarie is a family nurse practitioner who provides patient-centered care with warmth and dedication.  Originally from Wyoming, Valarie has a deep passion for “small town” healthcare and values the strong connections that come with serving close-knit communities. She knew from a young age that she was called to care for others, beginning her nursing journey at 16 when she earned her nursing assistant certification in high school. She went on to receive her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Wyoming.

Choosing Pediatrics

Valarie spent several years working in women’s health before joining the pediatric team at Boulder Medical Center as a registered nurse while completing her Doctor of Nursing Practice through Maryville University. In that role, she cared for a wide range of patients—from newborns to adolescents—gaining hands-on experience with well-child visits, immunizations, developmental screenings, and acute care. This experience not only deepened her clinical skills but also reinforced her passion for pediatric care and family-centered, preventative healthcare. She especially valued the opportunity to build long-term relationships with families and support children’s development through every stage.

Choosing Oregon

After completing her doctorate, Valarie fulfilled a dream by moving to Oregon, where she enjoys milder winters and the beautiful landscapes. For the past two years, she has served as a rural primary care provider in Warrenton, OR, honing her approach to health promotion and disease prevention across the lifespan. Although she cared for patients of all ages, this experience deepened her commitment to holistic, proactive care—an approach she’s eager to bring back to her work with children and families.

Valarie is passionate about building lasting partnerships with families and takes a team-based approach to care—ensuring parents feel heard, supported, and empowered to make informed decisions about their children’s health. She views each visit as an opportunity to educate, connect, and encourage healthy habits that last a lifetime. Valarie looks forward to welcoming new patients and working alongside families to provide comprehensive, compassionate pediatric care at our Silverton location.

In her spare time…

Valarie enjoys staying active, whether it’s skiing, hiking, running, lifting weights, or walking her rescue dog. She loves spending time with her husband and her two spoiled tuxedo cats, as well as cooking, reading, and playing board and card games.