Mariah's Journey: Feeling Seen, Heard and Supported in Her Care

How personalized care and empathy helped Mariah regain hope and confidence.

For almost ten years, Mariah Payne of Benson faced the challenges of infertility and the painful, frustrating symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). She was looking for a clinician she could really connect with, someone who would explore her symptoms more fully and better understand her needs.

Searching for Answers

Looking back, Mariah felt her care focused more on symptoms rather than understanding the bigger picture. "I was only being treated for my symptoms on the surface," she said.

She saw multiple providers at different clinics over several years but still didn't feel like she had the answers she needed. Emotionally, the journey took a toll. "I wasn't given hope that it could get better," Mariah said. She was looking for support that recognized how her symptoms were affecting her both physically and emotionally.

Discovering CentraCare - Benson

Determined to find a new primary care provider, Mariah searched online for "female providers near Benson", leading her to CentraCare's website. Using the Find a Doctor tool, she easily narrowed her options and began reading clinician profiles.

Mariah explored the 'About Me' sections and eventually discovered nurse practitioner Shawnda Tosel at CentraCare - Benson Clinic. A family medicine nurse practitioner, Shawnda recently began seeing patients at CentraCare - Benson this past February.

"When I came across Shawnda, I found her ‘About Me' section extremely relatable. She mentioned her interest in women's health, which is exactly what I was hoping to find. And it was a bonus she was in Benson!"

Finding Supportive and Understanding Care

Mariah felt hopeful when scheduling her first appointment with Shawnda, but also a little nervous. She hoped this new appointment would feel different and that she would connect in a meaningful way. "Trying a new provider was difficult. I was worried this visit would go like the others," she said.

That first visit changed everything.

"Shawnda was so open, relatable, and reassuring," Mariah said. "She knew what I wanted to achieve with my health and started right away to get me on the right track. She was incredibly supportive and listened closely to my concerns and was careful with putting together a care plan that worked best for me."

"For the first time, I felt truly seen and understood by a provider."

Shawnda's personalized care plan not only addressed Mariah's physical health but also supported her mental and emotional well-being. Within weeks, Mariah began noticing improvements.

"I feel lighter, more hopeful, and more in control of my body than I have in years."

Shawnda continues to partner with Mariah on her health goals, and tools like MyChart help Mariah stay connected and informed.

Feeling at Home and Finding Hope

"CentraCare - Benson is a warm and inviting small-town location that just feels like home!" Mariah said. "The care teams come together perfectly to make you feel truly cared for. Shawnda herself does an amazing job of combining empathy and empowerment, care and compassion. She creates an environment for you as a person that feels like you're more than just a patient in a doctor's office."

Mariah now feels a renewed sense of confidence about her care. Her advice to others: find someone who feels like the right fit for you. Someone who makes you feel heard, supported and understood. For Mariah, that moment with Shawnda felt like "a breath of fresh air."