Curana Health - Western Homes

Kelly Lestina is a nurse practitioner with Curana Health who began her healthcare career in 2008 as a registered nurse on a surgical floor at Allen Hospital (UnityPoint). Prior to her nursing career, she participated in volunteer and mission work through the University of Northern Iowa’s Global Health Program, providing health screenings and education to underserved communities.

She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Health Promotion, with minors in Global Health and Women’s Health, from the University of Northern Iowa in 2004, followed by her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Allen College in 2007. She later completed her Master of Science in Nursing, Family Medicine, in 2016. Her experience includes working as a hospitalist at Allen Hospital and providing in-home and long-term care services with Optum. She is also a member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners.

Kelly is passionate about building meaningful connections with patients and guiding them through the complexities of healthcare with compassion and education, supporting them through both challenging and celebratory moments.

Outside of work, she lives in Cedar Falls with her husband and three children. She enjoys staying active, including running half marathons, cheering on the UNI Panthers, and spending time reading and doing puzzles with her family.

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.