Meet Our Leaders & Current Residents

Meet the residency director and coordinator of the Essentia Health-St. Joseph's Medical Center Pharmacy Practice Residency Program and get to know our current resident.

John Grygelko, PharmD, BCPS

Residency Program Director, Essentia Health Pharmacy Services

Email John Grygelko.

John Grygelko received his Doctor of Pharmacy (2013) from the University of Minnesota-Duluth. After graduation, he completed his PGY-1 Acute Care Residency at Essentia Health St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth, MN. Following his residency, he worked at Sanford Bemidji Medical Center for several years. During this time, he obtained his BCPS and advanced in the pharmacy profession through engagement in the local MSHP chapter and by precepting pharmacy students. He then moved to Brainerd in 2017, became the residency program coordinator in 2019, and became the residency program director in 2022.

His primary practice is in intensive care and general medicine. He serves as a preceptor for the residents in the general medicine and behavioral health rotations. His interest in individualized patient care drew him to obtain a pharmacogenomics certificate through ASHP in 2019.

John grew up in Greenfield, Minnesota. In his free time, he enjoys reading insightful books, exercising, and enjoying the outdoors. He cherishes spending time with his wife, his wonderful children and his yellow lab.

Chenise Meyer, PharmD

Residency Program Coordinator, Essentia Health Pharmacy Services

Email Chenise Meyer.

Chenise Meyer completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, and the University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez, before receiving her Doctor of Pharmacy in 2017 from the University of Iowa. After graduation, she completed the PGY-1 Residency Program here at Essentia Health - St. Joseph's Medical Center. She enjoyed the area, the hospital, and her colleagues so much, she stayed on as a staff pharmacist. After residency, Chenise had the opportunity to complete an ambulatory care pilot project, demonstrating the utility an ambulatory care pharmacist would bring to the Brainerd Lakes Area; and we now have two!

Her primary practice is in intensive care and general medicine, but she is working mostly evenings for the time-being for her family life. Chenise serves as the residency preceptor for orientation and the longitudinal staffing and drug information rotations.

Chenise grew up in Le Center, Minnesota. In her free time, she likes to read, watch movies, and enjoy the plentiful outdoor activities offered in the Brainerd Lakes Area. Most of all, she appreciates time with her husband, two daughters, and two dogs.

Kirsten Olson, PharmD

Pharmacist Resident, St. Joseph's Medical Center

Email Kirsten Olson

Kirsten Olson is originally from Buffalo, MN, and received her Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of Minnesota-Duluth in 2024. Her professional interests include internal medicine and cardiology. Kirsten graduated from pharmacy school in the Leadership Emphasis Area, and enjoys collaborating and learning from the excellent pharmacy team at St. Joseph’s Medical Center to serve the Brainerd Lakes community.

In her spare time, Kirsten likes to travel, cook, and spend time with friends and family. She especially enjoys swimming and paddle boarding at the lake during the summertime in rural Minnesota.

Riley Larson-Adams, PharmD

Pharmacist Resident, St. Joseph's Medical Center

Email Riley Larson-Adams

Riley is originally from Hawley, MN, and received her Doctor of Pharmacy from South Dakota State University in 2024. Her professional interests include internal medicine, cardiology, critical care, and emergency medicine. During pharmacy school, Riley interned at both Essentia Health – Fargo and The Avera Heart Hospital of South Dakota.

In her spare time, Riley likes spending time with her family and in the summer, going to the lake and golfing. She also enjoys watching all sports, specifically Minnesota sports teams, and teaching her Australian Shepherd puppy new tricks. Riley’s dream bucket list item is to compete on the show, The Amazing Race, one day. She is excited to serve the patients of the Brainerd Lakes Area and be back with the Essentia Family!