Meet the Providers

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Kelli Gunn is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Founder/Owner of Dakota Premier Medical Clinic. She earned her Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP) from Nebraska Methodist College, Omaha, and has dedicated her career to providing primary care and family medicine for patients of all ages. A Rapid City native, Kelli is passionate about offering quality healthcare to her community, a commitment that inspired her to open her own practice in November 2023.

Dr. Gunn is an active member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and the Nurse Practitioner Association of South Dakota, where she serves on the Board of Directors as Member-At-Large. She is also a proud member of Sigma Theta Tau Nursing Honor Society, serving on the Board and as Chair of the Member Involvement Committee for the Tau Tau Chapter.

Her clinical focus is on creating a supportive, compassionate environment while empowering patients to take an active role in their own health and well-being. She is committed to equipping individuals with the knowledge and tools they need to confidently navigate their health journey and recognizes the importance of individualized care. Kelli enjoys caring for patients across the lifespan, with clinical interests in preventive health, chronic disease management, women’s health, weight management, and mental health. 

Outside of work, Kelli is a proud mom of two energetic boys. You’ll often find her volunteering at their school events or cheering them on—sometimes coaching—from the sidelines. She enjoys biking in the summertime and skiing during the winter.

Rachel Paulsen, FNP-C, is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. She brings 19 years of nursing experience, including more than 6 years practicing as a Nurse Practitioner in family medicine, internal medicine, and urgent care. 

Rachel earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of South Dakota in 2007 and worked as a Registered Nurse for 12 years across diverse clinical settings. In 2019, she completed her Master of Science in Nursing at Walden University, graduating with highest honors. She is a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success, the Golden Key International Honour Society, and several other academic organizations recognizing her commitment to excellence.

Her clinical focus is on delivering compassionate, evidence-based care while building lasting patient relationships. She emphasizes prevention, education, and collaboration to support long-term wellness. Rachel is especially passionate about weight management, integrating functional and traditional medicine, nutrition, exercise, and medications to optimize health. She also offers pain management through lifestyle strategies, medications, and injections. In the near future, she will expand her services to include Botox and dermal fillers. 

Outside of work, Rachel enjoys weightlifting, staying active in her community, and spending time with her family.