Tribal Health Director: Mark Smit

I currently serve as the Health Director for the NHBP Health Department which has 14 employees. I have a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Native American Studies from Bemidji State University and a Master of Arts in Counseling from Providence Seminary. I am also taking courses in the Masters of Public Administration – Health Care and Non-profit Administration program at Western Michigan University.

I grew up in Plainwell and am married to Nancy (Bush) Smit and have four boys. We lived in Canada for 16 years; eight of those years were spent on the Yellow Quill reserve in central Saskatchewan. After obtaining a M.A. in counseling, I moved to Regina, Saskatchewan and for four years ran Healing Journey Counseling service. Then, in 2000, my family and I moved to Plainwell, becoming employed by NHBP as a Tribal Planner and in 2001 became the Tribal Health Director. I have coached football and other sports involving my four sons, and have served on various boards and community committees.

Contact Information:
Mark Smitt
Tribal Health Director
269-729-4422
mark@nhbp.org

Clinical Social Worker: Chris Sullins, MSW, LMSW, LCSW

My name is Chris Sullins and I’m a Clinical Social Worker at the Pine Creek Health office. I’ve worked in human services for nearly 17 years, but just joined the Health Dept in July, 2007.

In 2004 I was mobilized from private practice and spent 2005 in Iraq as a Captain in an Army Reserve combat stress unit specializing in counseling and Critical Event Debriefing. I came into frequent contact with military units from across the USA, various civilian agencies supporting us, and the people of Iraq.

My wife, our two young daughters, and I greet each day as a blessing. We often spend our time together cooking, coloring, swimming, and watching the wildlife that roam the fields and forest around our country home. Both girls are filled with energy and they love going places, meeting people, and learning new things. My outdoor hobbies include: hiking, running, bicycling, hunting, and tree-farming. I do a lot of reading both on the internet and books. I also like cooking and trying new foods from around the world.

Contact Information:
Chris Sullins
Clinical Social Worker
269-729-4422
chrislcsw@nhbp.org

Clinical Social Worker: Nancy Smit, MA, MSW

Boozho, my name is Nancy Smit and I am a clinical social worker working out of our northern health office in Wyoming, MI. I grew up in Grand Rapids and am the daughter of Henry Bush, Sr. and Leona (Medawis). I have a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Native American Studies from Bemidji State (1984), a Master of Christian Ministries-Marriage and Family Counselling (that’s the way they spell in Canada, eh?) from Briercrest Biblical Seminary in Caronport, Saskatchewan (199), and I received a Masters in Social Work from Western Michigan University April 2004.

I love spending time with my family. I have been married to Mark for almost 26 years and we have four sons, Andy, Chris, Jon, Steve, and our two dogs Rocky & Miss Peeps. I spend many hours of the sidelines cheering my boys on in track, cross-country, wrestling, basketball, soccer and FOOTBALL! (Go Lions!!) We currently live in Plainwell, MI. It has been amazing to see the growth of our tribe and services. It’s been a privilege working with such dedicated health staff and I look forward to continued growth in the future. I look forward to providing individual and families services in the 7 country area.

Contact Information:
Nancy Smit
Clinical Social Worker
269-729-4422
socialw@nhbp.org

Contract Health Specialist: Patty Wesaw

My name is Patty Wesaw and I am the Contract Health Services Coordinator. I began working for the Health Department in April of 2007 as a temporary employee for the Receptionist position in Grand Rapids.

I started training in Contract Health Services in October and have been working out of both the Grand Rapids and Athens offices. I am the daughter of Carl and Kelly Wesaw. I have three beautiful children at home whom I love to spend all of my time with. I look forward to meeting everyone.

Contact Information:
Patty Wesaw
Contract Health Specialist
269-729-4422
Pattyw@nhbp.org

Registered Dietitian: Cheryl Roberts, RD, CDE

My name is Cheryl Roberts. I graduated from Western Michigan University with a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics and completed my internship in the Saginaw area. I am a registered dietitian and certified as a diabetes educator.

Prior to working with NHBP, I worked with the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians in Peshawbestown. I am recently divorced, and have moved “home” to the Grand Haven area. I have two daughters. Hannah is a sophomore at Michigan State University, and is currently studying abroad in Japan. Erica is a senior at Traverse City West Senior High, and plans to study art in college. In my free time, I enjoy reading, knitting, and “working out.”

Contact Information:
Cheryl Roberts
Registered Dietitian
616-249-0159
rdcde@nhbp.org

Community Health Nurse: Lisa Droski, RN, NCTAS

I recently joined the NHBP Health Department as the Community Health Nurse in the Northern area. I graduated from the University of Michigan in 1974 with a B.A. in English. I moved to West Michigan from the Eastern side of the state when I married my husband in 1975. At that time I became interested in Emergency Health Services and was certified as an EMT in 1976. I then taught emergency Health Care to High School students in Cedar Springs.

After the birth of my twins, I decided to go to Nursing School and graduated from GRJC in 1984 as a Registered Nurse. I have worked as a Neonatal Intensive Care nurse, an OB nurse and in various Community and Office positions. I am currently enrolled in MSU’s RN to BSN to MSN program and will be finishing up in about another year. I enjoy helping Tribal members of all ages to achieve their optimum health and wellbeing.

Contact Information:
Lisa Droski
Community Health Nurse
616-249-0159
lisarn@nhbp.org

Registered Nurse/Business Office Specialist: Doreen Weaver

I have been a registered nurse for 13 years. I have spent the majority of my career in the physician’s office which specialized in lung diseases, sleep disorders, critical care, and infectious diseases. I was in charge of all aspects of patient care, performed billing of services, and management of personnel. I have also worked with an organization writing policy and procedure, and updating per standards of care. I am currently writing policy and procedure for the health department. My duties will be expanding to include assisting the business office.

I am the mother and step-mother to five teenagers. They are all actively involved academically and athletically. We spend a great deal of time watching games at the school. Our oldest daughter is away at college with aspirations of becoming a nurse practitioner, and our boy will graduate from high school this spring. I believe in the importance of an education and became a school board member this past year. I love to garden, cook, and canning. I would have to say spending time with our children playing games, and taking vacations are my favorite ways to spend my time.

Contact Information:
Doreen Weaver
Registered Nurse/Business Office Specialist
269-729-4422
dweaver@nhbp.org

Community Health Nurse/Quality Assurances Coordinator: Sue Allen, RN, MS, MA

My original career and first Master’s Degree was in teaching. I graduated from Texas Woman’s University in Denton, Texas and taught health at several Universities in Virginia. I continued with college classes and finally obtained my second Master’s degree in Nursing Administration from Andrews University in Michigan. My nursing experience includes nursing homes, a rehabilitation center, a psychiatric hospital, medical/surgical floors, and operating rooms. I also taught nursing students in Illinois.

After graduating with my MS in Nursing, I worked in management as a nursing manager/administrator. I have managed various types of health care staff in hospitals, education departments, home care, and health departments. I began working for the NHBP tribe in May of 2000. When I started work here, I was the only RN for the entire CHSDA. I enjoy my job very much because I like working with the individual members concerning their Health.

Contact Information:
Sue Allen
Community Health Nurse/Quality Assurances Coordinator
269-729-4422
suern@nhbp.org

Health Educator: Jonathon Gardner

I currently serve as the Health Educator for the NHBP Health Department. I work on the STEPS grant. I received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biomedical Science and exercise Physiology from WMU and a Physical Therapy degree (PTA) from KCC. I am also certified as a rehabilitation specialist through the International Sports Medicine Association and am a Certified Personal Trainer.

I grew up in Battle Creek attending St. Philip where I excelled in football and track earning state level honors in these sports. I am married to Heaven Gardner and we have one boy, who is almost 3 yrs old. My family and I currently reside in Kalamazoo and have for the past 8 years. I have worked for Bronson Hospital’s cardiology department and a Three Rivers area Hospital. In November of 2005, I became the Health Educator for the Huron Potawatomi Health Department.

My current pastimes include: Spending time with my family traveling, I am a huge football fan and enjoy golfing in the summers.

Contact Information:
Jonathon Gardner
Health Educator
269-729-4422
healthed@nhbp.org

RPMS Site Manager/Medical Secretary: Colleen Ford

I am the medical secretary in the Wyoming office. I currently oversee the reporting software known as RPMS, data quality and medical billing. I have been with the NHBP health department for the past 4 years. There has been so much growth and neverending changes over the last few years. It’s great to watch things develop.

My background is in the medical and dental field for the past 20 years and I’ve worked in many aspects of the practice.

I am a mother of 3 and a grandmother of 4. My husband Brad and I enjoy the outdoors and friends. When I find a quiet moment sewing is my source of relaxation. I look forward to another exciting year with NHBP.

Contact Information:
Colleen Ford
RPMS Site Manager/Medical Secretary
616-249-0159

Medical Secretary: Kimberly Christy

Hello, my name is Kimberly Christy. I joined the Health Department in June 2006. I am currently the Medical Secretary, and occasionally handle pharmacy calls for Contract Health. I am a Tribal member. I am the daughter of the late Connie Bole (Mandoka) and Bernie Bole. I went to school in Union City and graduated from Kellogg Community College.

I am married to Randy Christy and have a 9 year old daughter, Holly. I enjoy reading and puzzles. I also attend a lot of sporting events to watch my daughter, and my niece Haley Mandoka, and my nephews Austin, Phillip, and Logan Mandoka.

Contact Information:
Kimberly Christy
Medical Secretary
269-729-4422
hpiadmin@nhbp.org

Community Health Representative: Mike Struwin

I started with the tribe in 2000, as a CHR with a background as a Paramedic and 33 years in Emergency Medical Services. I am certified as a Child Passenger Safety Technician and Injury Prevention Specialist. Over the years with the tribe I have attended training in RPMS data entry, child car seat safety, advanced trauma care, and attended a year long injury Prevention Fellowship Program. I am also a CPR and First Aid Instructor. I have training in Emergency response to tourism thru the National Fire Academy, and I have attended training in advanced cardiac life support as well as completed a pediatric life support program.

During the time I have been working here I have been working with the other health staff to promote the health programs and projects for the tribe. While working on health prevention programs, I have been adding injury prevention along with other health programs, which I feel is just as important in keeping people safe and healthy. In the years to come I hope to promote more on injury prevention to help keep the tribal members safe and healthy.

Contact Information:
Mike Struwin
Community Health Representative
269-729-4422
chr@nhbp.org

Community Health Representative: Pamela Maillet

Hello, my name is Pamela Maillet. I have been employed as the Community Health Representative with the NHBP for almost four years now. Since my hire I have attended CHR training, developed a Home Safety Program, RPMS training, Honoring the Gift of Heart Health Training Program, Childhood Obesity, and also Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia. I have made home visits bringing with me many of the programs that the NHBP has to offer such as Contract Health applications, STEPS Surveys, and Home/Health Surveys (Fire Safety Equipment) and Title VI (Food for the Elders Program). I have transported many of the members to appointments and events and assisted the other professionals with their programs as well.

I have enjoyed working for you and look forward to continuing working together to build a positive future.

Contact Information:
Pamela Maillet
Community Health Representative
616-249-0159
chrgr@nhbp.org

Social Worker/Youth Coordinator: Andrea Bush

I joined the NHBP Health Department’s Northern office in Grand Rapids in 2005 in the position of Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and Youth Coordinator. My job consists of coordinating the events for two youth groups, one in the Southern area and one in the Northern area. The groups comprise of youth ranging in ages 12-17. The focus of the program is to teach youth the 40 Developmental Assets as well as the 7 Grandfather Teachings. The program is in its third year and has grown to over 24 consistent participants. In 2004 I graduated with a BSW from Cornerstone University where I was a member of the women’s basketball team.

I am a member of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi. In College, I spent my internship at Native American Community Services in Grand Rapids. Upon completion of my degree I spent ten months working for a government service organization called AmeriCorps* National Civilian Community Corps. I traveled around the Southeastern United States working with a variety of non-profit organizations.

Contact Information:
Andrea Bush
Social Worker/Youth Coordinator
616-249-0159
bswgr@nhbp.org

Grants Management Assistant: Camie Castaneda

I am the Grants Management Assistant and Receptionist at the NHBP Health Department in Wyoming, Michigan. Since I started in February 2006, I have attended two grant trainings one in South Carolina which was an introduction to Grant Writing and this past February I attended the ANA pre-certified grant training in Mt. Pleasant MI. I completed both trainings and received certificates of completion. I have been working on various grants and learning on the way. Grant writing is a very detailed job, I intend to work hard and stay focused.

I really enjoy working with the NHBP staff and Tribal members. I am also a member of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi Tribe. I am very excited and amazed about all the progress that our tribe has made! I am a new mother I recently had my first child in July her name is Aanzhenii Ashquab Dandridge I love spending time with her and sharing her with family and friends.

Contact Information:
Camie Castaneda
Grants Management Assistant
616-249-0159
grsd@nhbp.org