Jessica Drecktrah, MHA, MN, RN, Faith Community Nurse
Chief Nursing Officer
Several years ago, Jess served a nursing leadership role as the Director for Evidence Based Programs. Recently, Jess served as Vice President, Life Enrichment for Presbyterian Homes & Services (PHS). At PHS, Jess provided service to 8,000+ senior housing residents with leadership responsibility for the functions of life enrichment, volunteerism, fitness, wellness coordination, wellness nursing and dementia care. Jess has held leadership positions at Target, the YMCA, Allina Health, Ecumen and the University of Minnesota.
Jessica graduated from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, with a dual Bachelor of Arts degree in Health Services Administration and English Literature. She obtained her Master of Healthcare Administration (including Licensed Nursing Home Administrator [LNHA] Certificate) and Master of Nursing degrees from the University Of Minnesota. Over the past two decades, Jess has championed innovative healthcare initiatives within academia, provider settings, fitness and retail.
Her areas of expertise include pioneering strategy, startups, and program development.
Cheryl Lanigan, MA, BSN, PHN, Faith Community Nurse
Program Director, Master Trainer
Cheryl received her BSN from the University of Minnesota and MA (Health and Human Services) from Saint Mary’s University in Winona, MN. She is retired from a greater than 40-year career of providing direct care or administration focused in infant and adult critical care and public health. Cheryl serves as the Faith Community Nurse at Grace University Lutheran Church and is a Stepping On Master Trainer, a Master Trainer for the Living Well suite of programs, and a Leader for Matter of Balance and Powerful Tools for Caregivers.
Carolyn Orttel, RN, BSN, PHN, FCN
Master Trainer
Carolyn Orttel has over 40 years of Gerontological nursing experience, working with older adults in skilled nursing facilities, her church and in the community. She has a passion for helping older adults live a safe and rewarding life. Currently she is working with the Faith Community Nurse Network to provide Evidenced Based Programs for falls prevention and Living Well with Chronic Conditions. She is a certified facilitator and Master Trainer for Stepping On, Living Well with Chronic Conditions and Chronic Pain. Carolyn attended Swedish Hospital School of Nursing in Minneapolis, Minnesota, earning a three-year RN diploma and Bethel University in Arden Hills, Minnesota where she received a BSN degree.
Erin Trobec
Administrative Assistant
Erin serves as the part-time administrative assistant at the FCNN Mahtomedi office. She is also an occupational therapist, and have been working on-call for Presbyterian Homes & Services for 13+ years. Her favorite part of working as a therapist is working with older adults, and helping them achieve their maximum level of safety and independence. She also has a passion for whole person wellness in both my professional and personal life. She lives in Lino Lakes with her husband, Garrett. They have a son, Cullen, who lives and works in Madison, WI, and a daughter, Caitlin, who is a college student at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, MN.
Sondra Weinzierl, RN, BA, MA, Faith Community Nurse
Chair, Education
Sondra received her Bachelor in Nursing degree from Gustavus Adolphus College and her Masters of Arts degree from the University of St. Thomas in Adult Education and Human Resource Development with a Certificate in Training. Her nursing experience includes Medical-Surgical, Neurology, Diabetes Education and Health Promotion and Education. Sondra was the owner of Weinzierl Education Associates for over 25 years and provided workshops, team facilitation, strategic planning and health promotion consultation to a wide variety of organizations in government, health care, education and industry. She has served as an FCN in faith communities in Boston, MA and in Minnesota over the past 11 years. She received her board certification in Faith Community Nursing in 2018.
Sam Sleeman, CVA
Operations Director
She earned her bachelor’s degree in human resource management from Western Michigan University and is a Certified Nonprofit Professional and a Certified Volunteer Administrator. She came to the Network in August 2022 and has nearly 20 years of experience in healthcare and social service organizations in volunteer management, nonprofit leadership, event planning, & program development. Sam is currently trained as A Matter of Balance Coach; as a Powerful Tools for Caregivers Leader; and a Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance Instructor. She oversees daily operations of the FCNN office and is responsible for finances, fund-development, volunteer management, event coordination, marketing, logistics, and constituent relationship management. She is on-site at the community wellness screenings and actively works with the host organization leading up to the event to ensure the event’s success.
