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Our Practice
At West River Ear, Nose & Throat, we’re committed to providing you and your loved ones with exceptional care in a compassionate and friendly atmosphere. Located in Rapid City, West River Ear, Nose & Throat is known to be the best Medical Clinic in the area. We believe that our patients deserve the best care, and we make an effort to make sure you always feel welcome and at ease.
Whether you’re coming in for a simple checkup or a more complex treatment regimen, our dedicated team of health practitioners has the skills and resources to manage all your health needs. Call (605) 939-7863 to begin your journey to feeling better today!
Dr. Troy Howard MD
OTOLARYNGOLOGIST
Dr. Howard completed his medical degree at the University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine. He then when on to complete his specialty training at Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio.
He is a board certified Ear, Nose and Throat specialist. He has a particular interest in pediatric ENT, adult sinus disease, functional nasal surgery, and thyroid surgery. He and his wife, Rachel, are both Rapid City natives and have five children.
His dream has always been to return to the Black Hills to raise his family and serve this community that he loves so much. When he’s not working, you can find him coaching his son’s baseball team or caddying for his daughters on the golf course.
Dr. Rob Schleiffarth MD
OTOLARYNGOLOGIST
Dr. Rob Schleiffarth received his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Minnesota and completed his residency at the University of Iowa. His specialties include helping people with allergy treatments, sleep apnea, nasal obstruction, and sinus issues. He is an expert in the new Inspire sleep apnea implant and the Vivear procedure for nasal obstruction. He is also a Fellow of The American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy.
Dr. Schleiffarth enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife and two daughters. Among his passions are hiking, camping, and the St. Louis Cardinals.
Dr. Dallin Christensen MD
OTOLARYNGOLOGIST
Dr. Christensen obtained his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Arizona and completed his surgical training in Otolaryngology at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha. He enjoys all areas of ear, nose, and throat surgery, and has particular interests in pediatric otolaryngology, head and neck cancer, sinus problems, ear disease, and hearing loss. He is passionate about working with patients to find the best solution to their specific situation and is thrilled to be practicing in Rapid City.
Dr. Christensen is married and has four kids. Outside of the office, he enjoys fly fishing, college football, board games, and exploring the Black Hills with his wife and kids.
Dr. Skye Lawlor, MD
OTOLARYNGOLOGIST
Dr. Lawlor completed his medical training at the University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine where he met his wife, Kristin. He went on to complete his residency training at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.
He practices comprehensive otolaryngology and has interests in adult sinus disease, ear disease, head and neck cancer and treatment of sleep apnea. He grew up in Rapid City and is excited to return home to provide care to the Black Hills community.
In his free time Dr. Lawlor enjoys mountain biking, rock climbing, and surfing. He and his wife also have a love of roller coasters and visiting theme parks.
Kristi Larson, C-NP
Kristi Larson is a Certified Nurse Practitioner (CNP) and received her masters degree in nursing from Walden University. Prior to that she has worked as a nurse in Rapid City since 2009. Kristi is a Rapid City native and graduated from Rapid City Central High School. Her husband is also from Rapid City. They enjoy spending time with with their two daughters camping, boating, and playing soccer. Helping patients has always been the most rewarding part of her career and she plans to continue doing that with the ENT/allergy patients.
Denise Baragar, C-NP
Denise Baragar was born and raised in Rapid City. Denise is a Certified Nurse Practitioner. She received her MSN from Walden University in Minnesota. Prior to that she had worked as a Registered Nurse in Rapid City since 2018. She enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and her dog Emery. She enjoys reading, hiking, volleyball, traveling, and summer nights. Making a difference in people's lives has always been the most gratifying part when caring for patients. She will continue doing that with ear, nose, throat, and allergy patients.
Dr. Ashley Huerta
Dr. Ashley Huerta earned her Doctor of Audiology degree from the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, Colorado. She has worked in a variety of settings and is excited to be a part of the WRENT team. She is passionate about customizing solutions for individual needs to help both adults and children. Whether the focus is hearing loss, tinnitus or hearing preservation, everyone's journey is different. She believes in an individualized process for each person, focusing on a unique solution to better their quality of life. She is looking forward to helping you along your hearing journey.
Dr. Huerta is certified by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) in Audiology (CCC-A) and is a member of the American Academy of Audiology (AAA).
Dr. Rachel Dunn
Dr. Rachel Dunn completed her Doctor of Audiology degree from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock, Arkansas. She is certified by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) in Audiology (CCC-A) and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Audiology (FAAA).
Dr. Dunn is passionate about helping patients improve their communication and quality of life through a variety of hearing devices including hearing aids and cochlear implants, as well as diagnostics for newborns through geriatrics. She believes each patient has a unique journey and is excited to help you reach your hearing goals.
Before moving to Rapid City to join the WRENT team in 2021, Dr. Dunn worked at a large ENT practice in East Texas. As southerners from big cities, she and her husband quickly fell in love with the Black Hills as they enjoy various outdoor activities such as disc golf, hiking, and snow sports.
ENT and Audiology Hours
Monday-Thursday: 8 AM-5 PM |
Friday: 8 AM-4 PM
Allergy Clinic
Monday-Thursday: 8 AM-4 PM |
Friday: Closed