Curana Health - Western Homes

Melody Kern is a board-certified family nurse practitioner. She began her nursing career after earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Allen College of Nursing in 2014, followed by her Master of Science in Nursing from Purdue Global University in 2018.

Throughout her career, Melody has worked across a variety of healthcare settings, including family practice, urgent care, and long-term care. This diverse experience has given her a well-rounded perspective on patient care and the ability to support individuals at every stage of life.

Melody chose to become a family nurse practitioner because of her passion for building lasting relationships with patients and providing comprehensive care. Her approach goes beyond treating illness, with a focus on prevention, education, and empowering patients to make informed decisions about their health.

She enjoys partnering with individuals and families to promote overall wellness and help them navigate health challenges along the way. Melody’s goal is to provide compassionate, personalized care that makes a meaningful difference in the lives of her patients.

Colin DeFord, DO, is a physician with Curana Health who began his healthcare career as a certified nursing assistant in a nursing home. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Pre-Med from Pensacola Christian College in 2006 and his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Des Moines University in 2011. He completed his Family Medicine residency at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in 2014 in partnership with the U.S. Air Force.

Following residency, Dr. DeFord served in the U.S. Air Force until 2018. He then practiced as a family physician at Waverly Health Center’s Nashua Clinic and later with Cedar Valley Medical Specialists. He is also a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians.

Dr. DeFord is passionate about caring for older adults, inspired by his early experiences working in a nursing home and his close relationships with his grandparents. His training in a memory clinic during medical school further shaped his commitment to family medicine and geriatric care.

Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife and four daughters, staying involved in church activities, and keeping up with family life. When he has the chance, he enjoys watching football and working on projects around his home and acreage.