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ABOUT SEQUOIA

Our Mission

OUR MISSION

Sequoia aims to provide every patient with a tailored and unique clinical experience, meeting each patient where they are in an effort to help them work toward the best version of themselves.

Our Vision

OUR VISION

Create a world with the best medical and psychological care available to all we meet, wherever they may breathe.

Our History

OUR HISTORY

Sequoia Integrative Medical Services was founded in 2020 by Dr. Mary Kate Friess DNP, FNP-BC, Jennifer Vanden Heuvel, and Chad Weston Gardner MSW/CAPSW. These three visionaries had a dream and a mission of serving our aging population as best they could. Boom — Sequoia was founded, offering in-person and Telehealth medical and psychological services in assisted living facilities.
Mary Kate, Jen, and Chad wanted to offer more comprehensive and individualized care to those aging in place. Many barriers exist that limit aging adults from receiving adequate medical care. Transportation. Resources. Weather. Physical limitations. Even fear.

Sequoia opened its physical headquarters in Kaukauna in 2020 amid the uncertainty of the pandemic. Incredibly, in less than 4 years, the business has flourished, growing from 0 to over 600+ active patients and expanding to a service area that spans from Beaver Dam to Green Bay and covers 50+ different communities. Much of the success that this business has experienced can be attributed to the dedicated team made up of nurse practitioners, RN’s, and LPN’s, who provide patients and families with peace of mind that medical care doesn’t need to be inconvenient.

The SEQUOIA TEAM

Meet the compassionate and dedicated Sequoia team. We are a group of experienced medical professionals who are here to support and uplift you or your loved one in their journey. With a shared commitment to providing exceptional care, we are ready to lend a helping hand, a listening ear, and a warm smile. Trust us to be your companions on this path, dedicated to enhancing the well-being and quality of life for each individual we serve. Let us be your trusted partners in elder care, ensuring comfort, dignity, and personalized support every step of the way.

Mary Kate from Sequoia

Dr. Mary Kate Friess DNP, FNP-BC

Director of Clinical Operations & Co-Owner

Dr. Mary Kate is a board-certified family nurse practitioner with over 30 years of experience in a variety of health care settings. Caring for the underserved and vulnerable is truly one of Mary Kate’s great passions, which is why, after a long career in health care and nursing education, Mary Kate partnered to found Sequoia Integrative Medical Services in 2020. After three successful years, Sequoia continues to positively impact patients in multiple locations.

In her free time, Mary Kate loves being with her two beloved children, her family and her friends. Traveling, hiking, gardening and speaking French creates joie de vivre.

Jen from Sequoia

Jennifer Vanden Heuvel

Director of Administration & Co-Owner

Jen has had the pleasure for over twelve years of working both clinical and administrative in geriatric healthcare, as a caregiver and as various administrative roles. She’s worked in nursing home, assisted living and hospice settings. Jen takes pride in creating and maintaining relationships with our providers, business associates, facility directors, vendors, and all who make Sequoia a functioning entity. 

The maturing population is important to her because quality of life should be a priority until we reach our resting place. Jen’s happy place is exploring the ocean’s shelled shores and soaking up the warm weather. Salt life, running, and music hold her heart.

Pam from Sequoia

Pam Leplavy, Lead Clinical RN

Hello! My name is Pam and I have been a registered nurse specializing in geriatric and mental health since 2010. I was fortunate enough to be Sequoia’s first nurse, and so proud of the growth, success, and team that is now in place. I love my job and my work family…along with all the patients, families, and facility partners I come in contact with. Like they say… It is truly not a job if you love what you do.

In my non-working hours, I prefer to be a homebody or spend time with my two grandchildren, Beckham and Chandler. I live in the Appleton area and would love to get to know you and your families!

Allison from Sequoia

Allison Rutten, APNP, FNP-BC

I am a family nurse practitioner. I recently graduated from Concordia University Wisconsin and am board-certified by the ANCC. I am born and raised in the Green Bay, WI area, and have been practicing in health care since 2009 in various roles.

Throughout my career, I have been dedicated to providing patients across the lifespan the right care at the right time, primarily working in skilled nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, and home health. It has become increasingly apparent to me that these three areas of healthcare have some of the highest disparities and I am looking to positively change this.

Katelyn from Sequoia

Katelyn Wery, LPN

Clinical Supervisor & Director of Admissions

Katelyn is an LPN with over 15 years of experience in healthcare.  over the course of her career, she has transitioned through several moving parts of healthcare.  She is dedicated to providing the best care and being the best advocate for her patients.

She has earned the role of Clinical Supervisor where she mentors her peers and continues to promote best nurse practices for patients.  Katelyn holds a degree in practical nursing from Northeast Wisconsin Technical College.  She lives with her husband and three sons in De Pere.

Paige from Sequoia

Paige Maurina, RN

Paige has been in the medical field since she was 16. She earned her nursing degree from Northeastern Wisconsin Technical College. Her role includes daily triaging of patient needs, monitoring treatment, and providing patient medical care. Believing we all need an advocate in life and in health, Paige does her job with great care and attention. She has specific experience with dementia and Alzheimer’s, as well as a passion for psychiatric care/mental health for all ages.

Paige spends her free time roller-skating on the state trails and acrobatic strength training. She uses her passion for science and health to further improve her body and mind. She is also a natural comedian and always provides a refreshing reminder of just how important it is to laugh!

Heather from Sequoia

Heather Aland, LPN, Head Triage

I have been in the healthcare field for 19 years. I was born and raised in Kenosha County, Wisconsin, and I moved to the Green Bay Area 13 years ago to pursue my nursing dreams. I graduated from NWTC in 2015 as an LPN.

Starting at a very early age, I’ve had a burning desire to help others. I became a CNA as soon as I could. I spent my younger years working in group homes, TBI hospitals, and in home health. Since becoming a LPN, I have focused on our aging population and their quality of life and care. I set out each day looking for opportunities to make someone’s day better.

With Sequoia, we work closely as a team, making each interaction a priority. From Triage, Telehealth and in-person visits, our team is dedicated to you every step of the way.

Stephany at Sequoia

Stephany Grenzer, LPN Triage

I have over 22 years of experience working in healthcare as a caregiver and an LPN.  I am dedicated to providing care with compassion and empathy.  My goal is to build new relationships, inspire hope in patients’ healthcare journeys, help families find comfort in our healthcare team, and continue to expand in my career development.  I live by the quote, “When you have a dream, you’ve got to grab it and never let go.”

When not at work, you can find me with my husband of 21 years, my daughter who is 18, and son who is 13.  Much of my time is spent with a basketball and a court of some sort with my children.  My hobbies are camping, hiking, sports, and spending time with family.   
 
Cassie at Sequoia

Cassie Holmes, RN

Hi! I’m Cassie, and I’m a Registered Nurse with Sequoia. From a very young age, I knew I would take the path of a career in healthcare.

I started working for an in-home care company at the age of 17, became a CNA, and finished my BSN. I am a strong advocate for the mental health population, and my strengths definitely show when working with patients with mental illnesses. I have a soft spot for Geri-psych, as well as dementia. I do this job because it’s my passion, and I truly believe that the patients deserve to have someone watching out for them who cares for them like they’re part of their own family. You get that with Sequoia.

When I’m not working, you can find me hiking, working out at the gym, reading a book, learning more about my reptiles or hanging out on the couch with my 3 dogs!

Teal at Sequoia

Teal Calaway, MSN, APNP, FNP-C

Hi, my name is Teal Calaway, and I am a family nurse practitioner.  I have been in healthcare since I can remember.  I started as a CNA in 2013 and worked my way up to a family nurse practitioner in 2021.  I am board-certified by the AANP.

I have always had a passion for helping others, and this job allows me to continue to help others every day.  As a family nurse practitioner, it is my goal to help every patient to optimize their physical and mental health to achieve the highest quality of life across all lifespans.

In my personal time, I love spending time with my family and friends.  Being a mother and watching my two children grow is my greatest pleasure.  We enjoy traveling, exploring, and staying home!

Mackenzie at Sequoia

Mackenzie, RN

Hi! My name is Mackenzie, and I am a Registered Nurse with over 10 years of experience working in healthcare. 

With a background rooted in a passion for healthcare, my focus is on providing diligent patient care.  Sequoia offers an opportunity for me to apply my skills and contribute to a compassionate healthcare team.  My goal is to build meaningful connections with patients, support their health journeys, and continue to develop professionally in this unique environment.

In my personal time, I love spending time with my two children and fiancé.  You can often find us camping at our happy place in Door County. 

 

Haley at Sequoia

Haley DeCero, APNP, FNP-BC

Hi, I’m Haley!  I’ve been a nurse for 13 years.  I most recently graduated in 2020 with my masters as a family nurse practitioner. 

The majority of my nursing career has been in various senior living roles and working with the geriatric population. I whole-heartedly enjoy working as a nurse and couldn’t imagine doing anything else.

I enjoy spending time with my family – my husband, our two toddlers, and our dog. I love going out to eat, trying new foods and drinks, and traveling as much as we can.

  
Natalie Banda, APNP, FNP-BC

Natalie Banda, APNP, FNP-BC

Natalie is a Family Nurse Practitioner who has a passion for caring for her patients and for learning. She started her nursing career as a CNA working in nursing homes around her community. She completed the Accelerated BSN program at UW-Oshkosh. Working in various settings, such as long-term care, hospitals,  and in-home health, gave her many opportunities for knowledge and growth as a RN. She obtained her MSN in 2022 through Marian University. She hopes to soon continue on in her education with a certification or doctorate in psychiatric-mental health.

In her free time, Natalie enjoys the fresh air of outside activities, running/exercising, and spending time with her husband and four children.

Not pictured:

  • Dr. Katie Gesch, DO, Medical Director
  • Chad Weston Gardner MSW / CAPSW / Co-owner
  • Luella Krautkramer, Administrative Project Manager

DO YOU HAVE INSURANCE QUESTIONS?

LET US HELP!

What does my insurance cover?  Do I qualify for a better policy?  Can I use my policy for Sequoia’s services?

Jan Bosin, Licensed Independent Insurance Agent

Jan Bosin

Licensed Independent Insurance Agent

Sometimes we get asked if our services qualify for insurance, and the answer is, YES!

Jan Bosin specializes in Medicare and Health Insurance. We are excited to have Jan join our team. We want to be sure that when our clinical staff is asked questions regarding a patient’s health insurance, we can refer to a specialist who can confidently address those concerns.
Please contact Jan if you have any questions about what you or your loved one may qualify for!

Sequoia accepts Medicaid, Medicare, as well as private insurance. We are dedicated to working with your insurance to find the best care for you at a reasonable cost!

Call or text: 920.585.1538
Email: jab6453@live.com

SEQUOIA CAREERS

Click below for each position's job description & qualifications.

Interested in working at Sequoia?
We are always taking applications!

see us around!