Tiffany Scheffler
Executive Director
Tiffany has been with the National Kidney Foundation since August of 2024 as the Executive Director of the Kansas and Western Missouri office. Recently, the Missouri offices merged to create the NKF serving Missouri, Kansas, and Arkansas. Tiffany has nearly 20 years of nonprofit experience and is excited to join in on the important work of the NKF.
Tiffany lives in Kansas City with her husband and daughter and enjoys traveling.
Juliette McCarthy
Program Manager
Juliette joined the National Kidney Foundation in May of 2024 as the Development Coordinator and has recently taken on a promotion as our new Program Manager. Juliette is tasked with executing the Take 5 Monthly Newsletter, volunteer management, Sidney’s Birthday Box, Renal Roundtables, Fellows Symposium, Camp ChiMer and much more. Juliette holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Washington University in St. Louis. Her passion stems from a background of organizing around issues centering equity and believes the NKF’s health equity initiatives are critical to building stronger and healthier communities for all.
Juliette lives in St. Louis, Missouri. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family.
Alexandra Garrick
Collective Impact Director
Alexandra (Alex) Garrick has been with the National Kidney Foundation since October 2011 and has served in several roles; she most recently served as Executive Director Serving Kansas & Western Missouri, and now serves as the Collective Impact Director for the state of Missouri. In this new role, Alex will work with the local state teams and national population health team on initiatives that support kidney disease testing, early identification, and management; and initiatives that advance health equity in kidney disease in the state. Alex holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a Minor in Leadership Studies from Kansas State University and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Kansas. Alex loves spending time with her husband, children, family, friends, and dog. In her spare time, she loves to read and craft.
Directions
Directions to our office:
We are located at 1001 Craig Road Suite 480 Saint Louis, MO 63146-6217, approximately 1 mile from Highway 270 and approximately 2 miles west of Lindbergh Boulevard in the Oaks Building directly off of Craig Road. There's a Dierberg's Shopping Center located across the street.
Volunteer Opportunities
As with other non-profit organizations, volunteers are crucial to our success. Volunteers enable our staff to serve more patients, fund more research and offer more community and professional educational materials and opportunities. For more information about our opportunities please review our Volunteer Handbook or contact Maggie Zysk.
- Office Volunteer: Volunteers will receive a brief on-site training that will occur upon arrival at the office. Activities includes making thank you calls, putting together event and education materials, writing thank you notes and helping with other administrative tasks.
- Event Volunteer: Help us on event day by setting up, breaking down and otherwise helping ensure a successful event. Opportunities are available for our Gala, Walk, Professional Education Conference and the KEEP Healthy public screening program.
- Committee Member: Play a leadership and fundraising role by helping organize one of our four signature events. You will be responsible for attending monthly or bi-monthly meetings to discuss upcoming events/ programs specifics. Committee Members will be expected to work as team, bringing fresh ideas, business connections, sponsors, volunteers and donors that will support the NKF.
- Advisory Board of Directors: Help the National Kidney Foundation advance our mission of awareness, prevention and treatment to those with, and at risk for, kidney disease in Kansas City. Our Directors are expected to introduce the NKF to new community and business leaders, provide insight to our strategic direction and help us achieve our fundraising goals.
Local Board
Jennifer Wessels, MD, MHA, FAAFPBoard Chair
Chief Medical Director, Home State Health
Chief Medical Director, Home State Health
Dr. Jennifer Wessels is a board certified Family Medicine physician and a Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians. She has been an active member of the St. Louis community for over 20 years. She completed her undergraduate and medical school training at St. Louis University, her residency in Family Medicine at Mercy Hospital in St. Louis, and her master's degree in health administration at Webster University. Dr. Wessels is the Chief Medical Officer for Centene's Home State Health Medicaid plan for the state of Missouri. She teaches at St. Louis University School of Medicine in the Department of Family Medicine. Dr. Wessels is passionate about aiding her community and serves as the site physician at many of Missouri's county jails and juvenile detention centers. Prior to her role with Centene, Dr. Wessels served as the Vice President of Medical Practice for SSM Health in St. Louis. She was formerly also the sole physician at BJC Barnes West Primary Care on the campus of Barnes West County Hospital. She lives in St. Louis with her husband and children.
Komla AhlijahSenior Director Data Management & Strategy, Soleo Health
Komla became involved with the National Kidney Foundation after a close family member received a kidney transplant. Komla is also involved in the non-profit organization Toys for Togo which is dedicated to providing a healthy childhood experience to needy children and at-risk youth in Togo, West Africa.
Hosea Bartlett (Bart)Physician Relations Manager – Business Development, SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital
Bart has worked at SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital for 8 years and has worked in the kidney transplant program there for 5 years. Bart builds relationships with community nephrology groups and educates dialysis unit staff and patients about kidney transplantation. Through these efforts, he has seen the burden of kidney disease on our community and has learned the importance of awareness and prevention.
Kelly Rauh BaumerVice President, Specialty Services, SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital
Kelly has experience working with the National Kidney Foundation through SSM Saint Louis University Hospital’s transplant program. She is excited to continue to spread the NKF’s mission to improve the health and well-being of those affected by kidney disease.
Fernanda EstradaCommunications Program Strategist
A native of Mexico City, Fernanda Estrada-Ridaura brings over eight years of experience in Communications, Marketing, Events, and Human Resources. Relocating to St. Louis three years ago, she now serves as the Communications Program Strategist for Reach Strategies. In this position, Fernanda is dedicated to promoting the adoption of Electric Vehicles (EVs) through educational programs, community projects, and events across Missouri and Illinois. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Communications Science from La Salle University and went on to obtain a diploma in Strategic and Corporate Communications, followed by a certification in Storytelling & Leadership. Fernanda is also a participant of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce's "Hispanic Leadership Institute" class of 2021-2022 and the Greater Missouri Leadership Challenge class of 2023.
John FisherDirector of OEM Sales, HVACR Business Unit, Copeland LP
John began his involvement with the NKF Serving Eastern Missouri, Metro East, and Arkansas through his participation in the golf fundraising event. He saw the need for more support and volunteered to join the Board of Directors and the Golf Event Committee. John is active with St. Josephs Institute for the Deaf, United Way, St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, and other local charities.
Karen GaudreaultRegional Vice President, Fresenius Medical Care
Karen Gaudreault is the Regional Vice President at Fresenius Medical Care covering the Mississippi River Valley area. With over 25 years of experience in operational oversight. Karen holds a master’s degree in healthcare administration. When she not working, you can find her husband and her visiting their grandsons in Albuquerque or camping while hanging out with their German Shepard dog.
Keith B. GullerOwner/Director, Essex Industries, Inc.
Keith has served on the National Kidney Foundations Board of Advisors since 2005 and served as the Board Chair from 2012 - 2018. He is actively involved in numerous non-profit organizations and enjoys traveling, golf, astronomy, camping and geology in his free time.
Laurie HinesDirector, Missouri Kidney Program, University of Missouri-Columbia School of Medicine, Living Donor
Laurie retired from state government public policy work after 24 years, to serve as Director of the Missouri Kidney Program. Laurie has a personal and professional commitment to serving persons with kidney disease. Laurie donated a kidney through the paired exchange in 2016 at Barnes Hospital. She donated on behalf of her life partner, Ted, where she ‘found’ her fierce advocacy voice. Laurie graduated from St. Louis University and has a law degree from MU. Laurie serves as co-chair of the Missouri Hospital Association’s Statewide Patient and Family Advisory Council and the MHA Health Equity Committee, and is an ad hoc member of the Governor’s Organ Donor Advisory Council. Laurie and Ted live in Columbia in a unique intentional community called a pocket neighborhood.
Kathy JoslinSVP Human Resources, Bethesda Health Group, Inc.
Kathy’s connection to the National Kidney Foundation began with serving on the golf committee 12 years ago. After serving on the Board of Directors she was exposed to the serious need for more living kidney donors and she decided to altruistically donate her kidney to a co-worker’s husband in August 2019.
Takisha LovelaceVice President, Chief Operating Officer
Ms. Lovelace joined Affinia Healthcare in 2023. As the chief operating officer, she oversees health center operations including: radiology, laboratory, nursing services, quality improvement, information technology, patient scheduling/referrals/navigation, and facilities. Lovelace has served as Executive Director for a large health system in the St. Louis area. In her prior leadership roles, she served as director of operations in a community health organization and a university school of medicine. She has also served as an administrative officer for the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs. Additionally, she is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. Ms. Lovelace works to ensure the most effective organizational operations through program development, process improvement and coordination of processes across functions.
Ms. Lovelace serves on the University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy (UHSP) President's Advisory Council, as well as board membership on Generate Health and Vetbiz. She is an alumni of the 2020-21 Focus St. Louis Leadership St. Louis cohort and a fellow of the 2017-2018 cohort of the St. Louis Business Diversity Initiative (SLBDI).
Ms. Lovelace serves on the University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy (UHSP) President's Advisory Council, as well as board membership on Generate Health and Vetbiz. She is an alumni of the 2020-21 Focus St. Louis Leadership St. Louis cohort and a fellow of the 2017-2018 cohort of the St. Louis Business Diversity Initiative (SLBDI).
Larry McCulleyPresident/CEO, SIHF Healthcare
Larry has two strong connections with kidney disease and the National Kidney Foundation. He has both family members and friends who have donated and received kidneys through transplant. SIHF Healthcare has partnered with the NKF for KEEP Healthy kidney screenings to provide direct education and interventions to address kidney health.
Ira PotterAttorney, Affinity Law Group, LLC
Ira is a kidney donor and serves as a Kidney Advocacy Committee (KAC) member using his personal experience and expertise to inform public-policy makers of kidney related legislation, policies and education.
Cameron SchoeffelSales, Marketing and Entertainment Director, Lodging Hospitality Management
My name is Cameron Schoeffel, I currently serve as a Sales, Marketing and Entertainment Director with Lodging Hospitality Management supporting St. Louis Union Station and Westport Plaza. With 11 years of experience at LHM and 15 years in the industry, I’m dedicated to enhancing our communities throughout St. Louis and developing growth within our properties. Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my family, specifically my wife and 2 young daughters along with golfing, travelling and spending time outdoors!
Martha StipsitsDirector, Transplant Services, Barnes-Jewish Hospital
Martha Stipsits is the Director of Transplant Services for the Washington University and Barnes-Jewish Hospital Transplant Center in St. Louis, Missouri. Martha obtained her nursing degree from Michigan State University in 2000 and her Master’s in Healthcare Administration from Webster University in St. Louis in 2015.
Martha began her nursing career as an officer in the U.S. Army where she gained experience in critical care and nursing leadership. She served for 8 years as a critical care nurse including a 1 year deployment to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Martha transitioned to civilian nursing as a liver transplant coordinator at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and later moved into the Abdominal Organ Transplant Clinical Program Manager role. She has implemented numerous process improvement initiatives and is passionate about teaching others the value of a robust QAPI program.
Martha served as the Administrative Director of Transplant at Augusta University in Georgia and then rejoined the BJH Transplant Team as the Administrative Director in 2020. She is focused on strategic planning, team member growth and development, and initiatives to reduce disparities in access to transplantation.
Martha began her nursing career as an officer in the U.S. Army where she gained experience in critical care and nursing leadership. She served for 8 years as a critical care nurse including a 1 year deployment to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Martha transitioned to civilian nursing as a liver transplant coordinator at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and later moved into the Abdominal Organ Transplant Clinical Program Manager role. She has implemented numerous process improvement initiatives and is passionate about teaching others the value of a robust QAPI program.
Martha served as the Administrative Director of Transplant at Augusta University in Georgia and then rejoined the BJH Transplant Team as the Administrative Director in 2020. She is focused on strategic planning, team member growth and development, and initiatives to reduce disparities in access to transplantation.
Juli Van HookHead of Sponsor Finance Lending, Stifel Bank & Trust
Juli is married with two children that are 12 and 10. She enjoys playing tennis, golf and traveling. She is on the Finance and Audit Committee for the city of Manchester, MO.
Heather WertinProgram Manager, Abdominal Transplant Programs, Barnes-Jewish Hospital
Heather donated one of her kidneys to her sisters’ husband in 2002 and would do it again if she had a spare! Through her lifelong career in the transplant field, she has seen first-hand the transformative impact of transplant in peoples lives. Heather is passionate about transplant and educating patients about the process.