PERU, Ind. – Mar. 31, 2026 – Two nurse practitioners have recently joined Parkview Physicians Group (PPG) – Family Medicine and are providing care at Parkview’s Peru multi-specialty clinic, 750 N. Broadway Avenue.
Phyllis Ingham and Tara Engel are skilled healthcare providers and knowledgeable resources for patients of all ages. Ingham also sees newborns.
“Both Phyllis and Tara have broad nursing experience with adult and pediatric patients that has prepared them well to care for the health of Miami County residents,” said Deb Potempa, market president, Parkview Health South. “Whether they seek routine care, need help managing chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease, or have questions about symptoms or medications, patients will find expert support from these very capable providers.”
As family nurse practitioners, Ingham and Engel are qualified to conduct patient assessments, order imaging and lab tests and interpret results, diagnose, develop treatment plans, and treat a wide variety of medical conditions. They can also prescribe medications and therapy options; perform well-child, women’s health, occupational health and other physical exams; perform in-office procedures; administer vaccinations; provide patient education and much more.
Phyllis Ingham, FNP-C, MSN, APRN
Ingham earned her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN, Family Practice Nurse Practitioner) degree from McNeese State University in Lake Charles, La. She completed her bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) at Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas.
She holds memberships in the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners, the American Nurses Association and the Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society.
Ingham credits her small-town upbringing and family members’ health experiences with guiding her toward becoming a healthcare provider.
“My family was a loving, caring group of hard-working people who helped everyone in the community,” she said. “But too often, my relatives ignored their health, relying on home remedies to cure illnesses that could have been prevented. More times than not, we had no health insurance or lacked the money for actual care. So many negative outcomes resulted from fear and ignorance. My mother died at 56 from cervical cancer, which could have been treated had she gone for routine Pap smears. My father had a stroke after developing atrial fibrillation.”
“Those experiences play a part in the way I treat each person in my practice,” she continued. “I want every patient to know that I care for them. Each one is special, and their lives are valued. Healthcare has to be a partnership between the provider and the patient. I listen actively and provide education not just on what needs to be done, but also on the rationale behind it. I am excited when my patients feel better, whether due to a medical intervention or a change in lifestyle that promotes better health. My hope is to inspire changes that not only affect the individual, but also promote healthy lifestyles in generations to come.”
Outside of work, Ingham spends time with her elderly father, making sure each day is full of love and laughter for him despite his stroke-related struggles with memory. She also stays in touch daily with her daughter and two young grandsons, who live in Texas.
To schedule an appointment with Phyllis Ingham, click here or call 260-569-2120.
Tara Engel, FNP, MSN, RN
Engel received her post-graduate Family Nurse Practitioner certificate from Carson-Newman University, Jefferson City, Tenn. She earned both her MSN in nursing administration/leadership and her BSN from Western Governors University and an associate’s degree in nursing from Ivy Tech.
Engel holds memberships in the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and the National League for Nursing.
“I was born and raised here, so it means a lot to me to care for the community that helped shape who I am,” said Engel. “Family medicine allows me to provide high-quality care for people across all stages of life, and I value the opportunity to build long-term relationships with patients and their families. I respect their time and strive to make visits productive and straightforward, while still ensuring my patients feel heard and supported. My goal is to combine practical, real-world care with the latest clinical guidelines to achieve the best outcomes.”
Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, especially Sunday afternoons at home relaxing and recharging with her husband, Brett.
To schedule an appointment with Tara Engel, click here or call 260-569-2120.
