Meet the Pharmacists

MELISSA BELTSOS R.Ph.
Education: I am a 1999 graduate of the University of Cincinnati College of Pharmacy.

Experience: I have been employed at Bernens since I was in high school - beginning in customer service, moving on to pharmacy intern and eventually being hired on as a staff pharmacist upon graduation from pharmacy school.

Pharmacy Interests: Over the years I have enjoyed building and maintaining relationships with the patients and health care providers in our community. Being an accessible health care provider enables me to contribute to the health and well-being of the public in a manner that I feel is unique to the pharmacy profession.

Personal: I reside on the west side of Cincinnati with my husband and two children.

HOLLY ENGELHARDT, R. Ph.
Education: 1995 graduate of the University of Cincinnati College of Pharmacy.

Experience: I have worked here at Bernens Pharmacy since I was 16 years old. I started as a part-time customer service clerk and worked all through high school. During college, I spent two summers at an internship at a pharmaceutical manufacturer in New York, returning to Cincinnati to finish my education and begin my career at Bernens Pharmacy. I have been with Bernens since I graduated in 1995 and became the pharmacy manager in 2001.

Pharmacy Interests: What I like the most about being a pharmacist is the one-on-one patient interaction, which can make a difference in our patients' therapies. We truly work together to provide the best patient care and follow-up. Our patients become extensions of our family and friends. We do our best to go the extra mile for our patients, to fulfill their needs beyond what others can do. Every day is a challenge and I love being here at Bernens to help solve the "problem" that can ultimately make someone's life better.

Personal: I am married to Steve Gillock and we have four wonderful daughters, Madeline, Grace, Mary Ella and Caroline. We are loving life, enjoying each day with the girls and watching them grow. After busy days and activities, we enjoy quiet evenings reading and playing games together.

JOANIE ENGELHARDT, R. Ph.
Education: 1987 graduate of Salem Senior High School in Salem, Ohio; 1992 graduate of The Ohio State University College of Pharmacy. Go Bucks!

Experience: As a college student, I worked at two independent pharmacies. I worked at one during my breaks in my hometown and I worked at one in Columbus during the school year. Right out of college, I worked at a chain pharmacy for two months. I soon realized that the independent setting was more for me. When the position opened up, I jumped at the chance to work at Bernens. I started my career here in August 1992. I am so lucky to work with great family and friends.

Pharmacy Interests: My favorite part of my job is talking to people. Whether it is an insurance issue or giving drug information, it is a good feeling when I know I have helped someone. I really enjoy the challenges that are presented to us every day.

Personal: I am married to Rob Engelhardt, a local pediatrician. Together, we have a vested interest in keeping the West Side healthy! We have four amazing children (Emily, Abby, Anna and Robby) and a big Goldendoodle named Nellie. As a family, we enjoy traveling and cheering on the Buckeyes.

NICOLE KAMSTRA R. Ph.
Education: 1996 graduate of Seton High School. Pre-pharmacy studies at Northern Kentucky University. 2001 graduate of the University of Cincinnati School of Pharmacy.

Experience: I have worked in Cincinnati for ten years. Prior to graduation and for two years after, I worked in a long-term care pharmacy that serviced nursing homes all over Ohio and in Kentucky. In 2003, I began working at Bernens Medical and have been employed here since then.

Pharmacy Interests: I am very proud not only to be a pharmacist, but to be a part of Bernens Medical and Pharmacy. The store is able to provide such a wide variety of services to our customers above and beyond the pharmacy. We are able to get to know our customers and to provide exceptional care for each and every one. It truly is an exciting work place to be involved in. We not only fill prescriptions, but we are also able to provide compounding and immunizations as well.

Personal: I am married to Chad Kamstra and have three children, Brooke, Claire, and Brendan.

KATE ENGELHARDT KUHLMANN, Pharm.D.
Education: 2001 graduate of The Ohio State University with a Bachelors of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences. 2005 graduate of the University of Cincinnati College with a Doctrine of Pharmacy.

Experience: I have worked at Bernens since 1998. I worked in customer service until I went to college and then was a pharmacy technician through undergrad. I then became a pharmacy intern through pharmacy school.

Pharmacy Interests: The thing that I enjoy most about pharmacy is pushing its boundaries. I like to start new ideas, examine new thoughts that can aid our patients in every day life. I love to compound medications; it is a challenge to me that I find to be so worthwhile when finished. I also love our vaccination program and filling the gap between physician, patient and insurance.

Personal: I am married to Jared Kuhlmann, who works in our receiving department. We have a cat named Brutus. I enjoy spending time with my Girl Scout troop, cooking, and working out.