Our Staff

Get to Know Us a Bit Better

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.

JaNell Rubelt, MSN, APRN, FNP-C

Certified Nurse Practitioner

JaNell Rubelt is a Certified Nurse Practitioner (CNP) received her Master’s Degree in Nursing from Chamberlain College of Nursing out of Downer’s Grove, Illinois. She did her clinical training throughout Rapid City. She has a passion for helping others including those who suffer from an array of ENT issues including allergies. As an allergy sufferer herself, she can understand the dramatic toll this health issue can have in a patient’s life. She comes from a small town in Wyoming and has moved to the Black Hills to pursue her nurse practitioner career. She enjoys spending time with her husband and her two daughters as well as their two dogs.

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.

Ashley Huerta Au.D., CCC-A

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.

Jennifer Dickerson/h2>

Jennifer Dickerson

Jennifer Dickerson is a Certified Nurse Practitioner and completed her Master’s degree in Nursing at South Dakota State University. Her clinical training took place in the Black Hills area. Working as a nurse since 2009, she has experience in various settings and now she is excited to be a part of WRENT. As a US Navy Veteran, she served her country honorably. Now Jennifer enjoys serving patients of all ages with compassionate care and empathy for their ENT and allergy issues. With her husband and two children she enjoys cooking, traveling, hiking, and camping.

Morgan Folchert

Morgan Folchert is a certified nurse practitioner (CNP) and completed her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree at Nebraska Methodist College. Her background as a registered nurse has provided her with experience in a variety of settings such as emergency medicine and post operative care. Morgan was raised in a rural area in western Nebraska and developed a love for the outdoors at a young age. She moved to the Black Hills during her clinical training to nurture her active outdoor lifestyle. She enjoys spending time with her husband and their two dogs. Running, downhill skiing, and hiking are some of her favorite hobbies. Morgan has a passion for helping people navigate their way through struggles with ENT and allergy issues. She greatly enjoys providing individualized care for her patients of all ages.

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