Our Medical Providers
John Nelson, MD
Medical Director
Dr. Nelson has been the Medical Director at Hospice of Humboldt since 2003.
Dr. Nelson graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from Loyola University in New Orleans and attended medical school at the University of California, San Francisco. He did his residency in Family Practice at the University of Connecticut. Previously he worked for the United Indian Health Services, in the Mad River Emergency Room, and as the Medical Director of the Six Rivers Medical Clinic in Willow Creek. Dr. Nelson was also a Commander in the US Navy Medical Corps and lives in McKinleyville.
Dr. Nelson oversees all of the medical services provided by Hospice of Humboldt to our patients. He provides professional training for our clinicians and consults on pain management issues. Dr. Nelson also provides hospital-based palliative care services.
Karen Ayers, ACNP-BC, ACHPN, PMHNP
Clinical Director, Palliative Care
Ms. Ayers graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Humboldt State University where she also completed her pre-med requirements. She received her Masters of Science at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) where she completed the Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program in 2003.
Ms. Ayers is certified in advanced hospice and palliative nursing. She finalized a healthcare leadership project and fellowship through California Health Care Foundation in conjunction with UCSF in 2015. In 2021, she completed a post-master's program to become board certified as a Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
Ms. Ayers has worked for Hospice of Humboldt since 2011. During that time, she has also worked in both inpatient and home-based palliative care. She loves running, hiking, cycling, and gardening in the Humboldt area.
Bill Hunter, MD
Physician
Dr. Hunter earned his bachelor’s degree from Harvard and his medical degree from UCLA before completing a family practice residency at UC Davis. He moved to Garberville in the late 1970s, serving as Medical Director of Redwoods Rural Health Center and practicing family and emergency medicine at Southern Humboldt Community Hospital (now Phelps Hospital). In 1998, he became Medical Director of Open Door Community Health Centers, later transitioning to Medical Director Emeritus in 2020. He retired from Open Door leadership in 2024.
Dr. Hunter joined Hospice of Humboldt in January 2025. He has raised a daughter, son, and stepson in a blended family. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoys hiking, golfing, and bicycling. Music has always been a central part of his life—he plays old-time fiddle and sings with a country-folk band.
Corinne Frugoni, MD
Physician
Dr. Frugoni received her medical degree from UC Davis and completed her family practice residency at UCLA/Santa Monica Hospital.
She started practicing in Humboldt County in the early 90s and spent over 20 years as a physician at United Indian Health Services and another 12 years at Humboldt State University Health Center. Dr. Frugoni continues to be involved with the Humboldt Del Norte Medical Society.
Dr. Frugoni joined the Hospice of Humboldt in November 2023. She enjoys sculling, hiking, politics, travel, cooking, art, and reading.
Joni McAtee, MD, HMDC
Physician
Dr. Joni McAtee attended Humboldt State University and received a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, Medical School at the University of California, Davis, then moved to Duluth Minnesota for residency and trained as a full spectrum Family Medicine physician with emphasis on study in critical care, toxicology, geriatrics, and end of life care.
Dr. McAtee has been a physician with Hospice of Humboldt since 2018. She previously worked at Open Door in Fortuna in Family medicine and obstetrics before starting her own private practice. She continues to work as a hospitalist at Redwood Memorial Hospital and St. Joseph Hospital. She is a board-certified hospice medical director. She is currently completing a Masters and Fellowship program in Hospice and Palliative care through the University of Colorado remotely.
Dr. McAtee lives in Eureka. When she is not working she may be found kayaking, hiking, or biking in our beautiful area.