Arc of the Ozarks hires 5 from Mercy

Last edited 3:37 p.m., July 19, 2023 [Editor's note: One of the employee's career experience was misstated.]

The Arc of the Ozarks announced the hiring of five Mercy professionals for its Springfield autism clinic.

Dr. Lindsey Reichert, Dr. Raymund Tan, Dr. Joyce Noble, Karina Guffey and Jesika Converse are pediatric and behavioral providers from Mercy joining The Arc of the Ozarks’ Autism and Neurodevelopmental Center, according to a news release issued yesterday.

"We are excited to welcome to our team a mix of talented experts in the field of autism and neurodevelopment that will raise the bar for autism and psychiatric care in southwest Missouri," said Dr. Kyle John, medical director of the Autism and Neurodevelopmental Center, in the release. "These industry leaders bring experience needed to build a dynamic group of autism diagnosticians. Coming to us with an innovative approach to specialized care will serve as an anchor for our growing team of behavioral health providers.”

John worked at Mercy for nearly 16 years before joining The Arc of the Ozarks in the spring, according to past reporting.

The Arc of the Ozarks is partnering with Mercy Springfield Communities and Missouri State University to provide care at the clinic, which plans to offer comprehensive diagnostic, treatment and advocacy services. The center is slated to start serving patients in early 2024 at 2864 S. Nettleton Ave., according to the release.

More details about the new hires:
•    Reichert is a certified autism specialist who spent nine years at Mercy as section chair of behavioral health for the Springfield community.
•    Tan worked 11 years at Mercy as a child and adolescent psychiatrist.
•    Noble worked at Mercy 1986-2023.
•    Converse has participated in school-based clinical work since 2019.
•    Guffey has been a practicing psychiatric nurse practitioner since 2017.