McLaren Northern Michigan
McLaren Northern Michigan Nursing Leadership

At McLaren Northern Michigan Since 1999

Jennifer Woods joined McLaren Northern Michigan in July 1999. During her tenure, she has held increasingly more advanced leadership roles, including Nurse Manager for Ambulatory Care, Endoscopy, PACU, and Radiology Nursing.

In 2010, Jennifer was named Senior Director of Acute Care Services, and was promoted to Chief Nursing Officer in February 2012. As Chief Nursing Officer, Jennifer oversees all nursing operations for the hospital, guiding all areas of patient care to ensure clinical excellence.

Jennifer received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Ohio State University and graduated with her Master of Science in Nursing from Walden University in 2011. Throughout her career she has been a staff nurse,Team Leader, Clinical Supervisor, and Nurse Manager. Her clinical background includes Neurosurgical ICU, Radiology, UroSurgery Clinic, and Endoscopy.

Jennifer is a member of the Senior Executive Team with accountability for Acute Patient Care Services. This includes Staffing/SWAT and Transport, Behavioral Services, Women & Children’s, Emergency Department, Renal, Intensive Care Unit, Cardiovascular Unit, Medical/Surgical Unit, Orthopedics, Neurology, and Oncology.

At McLaren Northern Michigan Since 1999

Shari Schult is responsible for key clinical areas including Pharmacy, Lab, Neurosciences, Infectious Diseases, Diabetic and Nutrition Center, Radiology, Environmental Services, Facilities, Bio Med, Outpatient Therapies, Oncology, Endocrinology Clinic, and all clinical operations for the McLaren Northern Michigan Cheboygan Campus. Shari is also one of the leads for the new building project at McLaren Northern Michigan.

Shari has nearly 20 years of health care leadership experience, including service as Chief Executive Officer of the former Cheboygan Memorial Hospital. She was integral to the successful integration of the former hospital into McLaren Northern Michigan, and maintains an active role in the Cheboygan community.

She serves on community boards including the Cheboygan Economic Development Group and Cheboygan County JR. Golf Academy Foundation Board.

Shari is a Registered Nurse, holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Phoenix, and a Master’s degree in Nursing specializing in leadership and management from Walden University.

At McLaren Northern Michigan Since 2018

Tia Fettig is the Clinical Nurse Manager of the McLaren Norther Michigan Emergency Department. This includes both the Petoskey and Cheboygan campuses. Prior to joining McLaren Northern Michigan, Tia served as Nursing Supervisor of the Butterworth Emergency Department in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Her career roles have included Emergency Department staff nurse, Team Leader, and Nursing Supervisor. Tia has her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Grand Valley State University and is a Certified Emergency Nurse. Tia grew up in Northern Michigan, graduating from Petoskey High School. Her first experience with the health care profession was as a volunteer in the Petoskey Emergency Department. This experience sparked her love for nursing and emergency medicine. She is proud to work with a team of committed professionals that provide excellent care to the Northern Michigan community.

At McLaren Northern Michigan Since 2013

Janis Bishop joined McLaren Northern Michigan leadership team in 2013 as the Clinical Nurse Manager for Level 2 North. McLaren Northern Michigan implemented the AACN/Vizient Nurse Residency Program (NRP) in 2017, with Janis assuming the Transition to Practice Manager role for the NRP. Janis brings to McLaren Northern Michigan her passion and advocacy for nursing with an extensive background in Critical Care and Neurosurgery. She received American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) board certification as a Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) upon completion of graduate studies at the University of Detroit Mercy in 2011.

The Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) is the first new graduate program in nursing since the nurse practitioner was introduced many years ago. This role evolved after the AACN convened a task force to identify ways to improve the quality of patient care and determine how to prepare nurses with the skills and competencies needed to thrive in the current and future health care system. Janis promotes a culture of safety that includes a healthy work environment.

She engages others in its achievement, embracing transformational nursing leadership that includes concepts of Emotional Intelligence to create, communicate, and share a vision for reshaping the future of nursing to enhance the motivation, morale, and performance of staff throughout the organization.

At McLaren Northern Michigan Since 1990

Stephanie is a Registered Nurse with 28 years of experience at McLaren Northern Michigan Hospital, several years as a direct care nurse and Team Leader. She has been a long-time member of the Professional Development Council, served as the unit educator, member of the skin blitz team, and actively supported several organizational initiatives. Stephanie is actively pursuing the role of the Clinical Nurse Manager and a Master’s degree in Nursing Leadership.

Stephanie is passionate about the nursing profession, fully engaged and connected with her team. She understands the value of team building and making personal connections. Her leadership style is very nurturing and supportive. “It takes a village. Nursing and health care is evolving so rapidly, it requires a solid team effort, constant personal growth, and a willingness to engage in life-long learning.” She finds immense joy in supporting and facilitating the growth and development of her team.

Stephanie embraces life. Work-life balance is essential. She is intuitive, fun loving, and enjoys a bit of humor. Her personal interests include yoga, gardening, quilting, camping, and volunteer work. She values time spent with family (including her 4-legged fur babies) and friends.

At McLaren Northern Michigan Since 2012

Marla Clark provides oversight for Michigan Heart & Vascular Specialists including Diagnostic Imaging, Cardiac Cath Lab, Perfusion Services, and Cardiac/Pulmonary Rehabilitation. A nurse for over 30 years, Marla received her nursing degree from Butterworth Hospital School of Nursing in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She continued her education with a BSN from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, MSN from Grand Valley State University in Allendale, and Doctorate of Nursing Practice Degree from Rush University in Chicago.

“I believe that learning is a life-long process, and my day is not complete without learning at least one thing new,” she explains.

“I am most proud of my two adult children, whom everyday are pursuing their own dreams. One as an entrepreneur in antiques and the other in health care management.”

At McLaren Northern Michigan Since 2014

Gretchen Lamarche joined McLaren Northern Michigan in 2014 as a Nurse Clinician/Stemi Coordinator for the Cardiac Cath Lab. Gretchen and her family moved from Royal Oak, Michigan where she spent 7 years working for William Beaumont Hospital in the Cardiac Cath Lab. “We moved to northern Michigan looking for a better quality of life for our daughter. The Petoskey area is such a beautiful place to raise a family”. In April of 2017 Gretchen assumed the role Clinical Nurse Manager for the Cardiac Cath Lab. “Our staff takes pride in their work and care about our patients; it is an honor and pleasure to work with such talented staff and providers”.

For 26 years Gretchen has been a nurse who prides herself in best practice. In 1989 she graduated from Hillsdale College with a BA in English and then went on to Nursing School after volunteering in the hospital for several years. In 1996 she obtained her BSN from Aurora University and has never looked back. “Being a nurse is a privilege and honor and so is being a manager to so many talented professionals”. Gretchen likens her management and leadership style to a quote by Colin Powell: “Leadership is solving problems. The day soldiers stop bringing you their problems is the day you have stopped leading them. They have either lost confidence that you can help or concluded you do not care. Either case is a failure of leadership.”

Shelly Germain joined McLaren Northern Michigan in 1990. Since that time Shelly has performed in a variety of roles starting as a Patient Care Technician, Staff Nurse, Clinical Supervisor, and Clinical Nurse Manager. Shelly received her Associate Degree in Nursing from North Central Michigan College in Petoskey, MI and continued her education through Michigan State University where she completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Shelly is also a Certified Nurse Manager and Leader (CNML) through the American Organization of Nurse Executives. She brings fifteen plus years of leadership experience and almost thirty years of nursing experience to her unit.

As a Clinical Nurse Manager, Shelly understands the needs of her patients and her nursing staff. She understands that a high level of morale produces positive patient outcomes.

At McLaren Northern Michigan Since 1998

Tamara (Tami) Hightower's role has evolved from a phlebotomist, a patient care technician, to the Clinical Nurse Manager for Level 3. She received her associate degree in nursing from North Central Michigan College in 2000. She attended Spring Arbor University and completed her BSN in 2013.

Tami recognizes the importance of teamwork and a positive and happy work environment. Her practice embodies active listening and following through on staff concerns. Tami’s open door policy allows her to function as a role model, educator, and a coach to encourage excellence in her team.

Tami’s nurturing and supportive managerial style empowers her staff to better serve their patients with a team approach. She instills confidence by including her team in decision making that has an impact on the unit. She has the ability to empathize with her staff’s individual challenges and concerns while supporting their growth as valued colleagues. She has provided guidance and developed competent nurses for the critical care units, understanding growing nurses from within best supports the organizational structure of McLaren Northern Michigan.

At McLaren Northern Michigan Since 2008

Patricia Dalliare has been working as an Infection Prevention Nurse since 2001. She has maintained a Board Certification in Infection Prevention and Control and Epidemiology since 2005. She is active in both the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Michigan Society for Infection Prevention. Networking with others in her field and mentoring new Infection Preventionist is part of our professional standards. Patricia takes pride in sharing her knowledge, policies and experiences because no Infection Prevention Nurse has “Seen it All.”

Patricia received her Associate in Nursing in 1996 and finished her Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from University of Michigan Flint in 2012.

Infection Prevention is at the heart of all we do in health care and the very basis of safety and quality. Most health care acquired infections are preventable and it is her role to assist colleagues in collaboration to attain zero health care acquired infections using evidence based practices and the latest research and literature.

At McLaren Northern Michigan Since 1983

Toni Moriarty-Smith is a Registered Nurse with 25 years experience, eight years as a directcare nurse in pediatrics, and 18 years in nursing leadership. Toni has a passion for nursing and the integration of theory and evidence-based practice at the point of care. She also believes that both quality and caring are essential components of nursing that can only be achieved through effective partnering with both colleagues and patients.

Toni is very excited about her role as Magnet®/CPM Coordinator, as it provides her with the opportunity to interact with nurses at all levels and to support professional and clinical practice. Through the coordination of the McLaren Northern Michigan Magnet Journey and the revitalization of the Clinical Practice Model, Toni collaborates with all members of the health care team to support ongoing professional growth, nursing research, evidence-based practice, and nursing autonomy. Toni promotes the “structure-process-outcome” model of quality improvement and the development of effective relationships. She believes that knowing the story and individualizing the care is the cornerstone to clinical excellence. She also believes that intentional and effective partnerships are necessary to achieve high quality outcomes regardless if it is in the boardroom or at the bedside.

Toni’s goal for ANCC Magnet® Accreditation in 2010 reflected a cultural transformation. Magnet status is a prestigious designation that illustrates the organization’s commitment to the components of Magnet: transformational leadership, structural empowerment, exemplary professional practice, new knowledge, and empirical outcomes.

Donna Rudy is the Director of Surgical Services at McLaren Northern Michigan. Prior to joining McLaren Northern Michigan, Donna served as Director of Perioperative Departments at Providence Medford Medical Center in Oregon and Metro Health in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Her career roles have included staff nurse, clinical specialist in the cardiovascular and neurology areas, surgical educator, manager of surgical short stay and PACU.

Donna has a Master of Science in Natural Health with an emphasis on "Caring for the Care Givers."

At McLaren Northern Michigan Since 1996

At McLaren Northern Michigan Since 2004

Ross has been a Registered Nurse since 2004. Seven years as a direct care nurse in Critical Care and Seven years in nursing leadership. Ross is passionate about professional nursing and engaging direct care nurses in evidence-based decision making. He has a participative management style and encourages open communication and innovative ideas to improve care. With Ross’s critical care background he understands the importance of specialty care. He acknowledges the uniqueness of the care delivered to cardiac populations and supports the staff in proactive care management to ensure high quality outcomes. Ross is always up for a challenge and encourages others to continually grow. He shares knowledge and skills acquired through his diverse experiences, and empower nurses to be their best; individually and as a team. He continually supports professional development and career advancement by working one-on-one with staff.

Ross is the ideal nursing manager for nurses with a passion for their profession.

At McLaren Northern Michigan Since 2015

Karri is a Registered Nurse with 20 years’ of experience; 18 years of direct care in nursing in Obstetrics, Pediatrics, Neonatal Intensive Care, and Direct Admit. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Ohio University, and is currently achieving her Masters of Science in Nursing from Walden University. Karri has a passion of Women and Children’s healthcare and strives to engage physicians and nurses in evidence-based practices. Her management style is to collectively bring new evidence-based practice to the bedside through team engagement, and understands how this impacts the patients in Women and Children’s. She acknowledges the uniqueness of the care delivered to both Obstetric and Pediatric populations and supports the staff in proactive care management to ensure high quality outcomes. Karri is always of for a challenge and encourages others to engage, and grow. She shares knowledge and skills acquired through her diverse experiences and empowers nurses to be the best; individually and as a team.

At McLaren Northern Michigan Since 1988

At McLaren Northern Michigan since 1988, Kathi has worked in a variety of nursing roles in various departments including Oncology, ICU, House Supervisor, and Emergency Department Clinical Nurse Manager. Kathi currently managers House Supervision, Nursing Resource Center, IV Therapy, Transport, and the Call Center.

She is currently the liaison with Gift of Life Michigan. "I am passionate about organ and tissue donation," she expresses. "Organ and tissue donation offers families a small ray of light during a catastrophic event."

Kathi received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Spring Arbor University in 2014 and a Master's Degree in Nursing in 2018 through Walden University.

A resident of northern Michigan since the early 1980s, she explains "I am very lucky that my seven grandchildren are being raised in our beautiful north country and I can work with an engaged team to provide quality patient centered care."

At McLaren Northern Michigan Since 2017

Jodi Wade is the Clinical Nurse Manager for the Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit at McLaren Northern Michigan. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing form Nazareth College in Kalamazoo, MI. Prior to joining McLaren Northern Michigan, Jodi had worked for a Magnet Hospital downstate as a Clinical Nursing Director for a 38-bed Medical Surgical Unit, including a Total Joint Unit and an outpatient Oncology & Hematology Unit for over thirteen years. She is a dedicated health care professional with a love and passion for nursing.

At McLaren Northern Michigan Since 2004

Rochelle has worked in a variety of capacities at McLaren Northern Michigan. Formerly the Director of Renal and Rehabilitation, her focus now is entirely on hemodialysis where Rochelle and her team recently achieved a CMS 5-Star rating for quality; the highest possible rating available for dialysis clinics. “The ever-changing regulations in hemodialysis is the perfect setting for someone like me to utilize my nursing leadership skills because it demands a keen focus on quality, safety, innovation, and teamwork. The practice environment is both clinically and technically complex, so if you thrive on fast-paced, dialysis could be a rewarding place to practice nursing.” Rochelle received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from The University of Toledo in 1994 and a Master of Science in Nursing degree from Walden University in 2017. She has maintained certification as a Rehabilitation Registered Nurse (CRRN) from the Rehabilitation Certification Board and is a member of American Nephrology Nurses Association (ANNA). Recent accomplishments include the development of a hemodialysis sepsis assessment screen that has been recognized by Midwest Kidney Network #11 and is posted on their website. Her abstract describing this tool and its beneficial effects in lowering blood stream infection rates in dialysis was accepted by ANNA as a poster presentation at the 2018 National Symposium in Las Vegas, NV. “My career at McLaren Northern Michigan has been both challenging and rewarding and when I reflect on my tenure here, I will be forever grateful for the resources McLaren has provided me to develop into the professional nurse I have become”.