CCMH INTRODUCES NEW SENIOR LIFE SOLUTIONS PROGRAM DIRECTOR

CCMH’s Senior Life Solutions Team is undergoing a bit of a change as Jennie Noakes, RN replaces Erica Wait, RN, BSN who has moved on to further her education —- Please help welcome Jennie.

Hello to all – my name is Jennie Noakes RN, the new Program Director for CCMH’s Senior Life Solution Team. I reside locally on our family farm located in rural St. Clair County, Missouri.

I was born in Long Beach, California and relocated, along with my parents, to Russellville, Arkansas where I graduated from high school and began Pre-vet Medical Studies at Arkansas Tech while working at the local hospital as a Patient Care Tech/CNA. It was at that point I realized I was meant to work with people although I was too stubborn to admit it.

In 2013, I moved to Missouri to be with my husband Matthew “on the farm” and I am so glad that I did, as Missouri truly has my heart! Our farm includes cattle and row crop operations and is where we enjoy our daughter Kaylie 15, who is a sophomore and waitress at a local diner and son Trey 18, who is starting his “grand adventure” with Caterpillar this summer. We also have four dogs to keep us company.

In 2014, because of my passion for people, I decided to return to nursing school – and I wanted to grow in the community that I serve. Early on, I attended Bolivar Technical College to attain my LPN, followed by my ASN at Cox College and am currently enrolled to obtain my BSN through Western Governors University. I honestly did not know how much I enjoyed providing community service outside of the hospital setting until we got more involved in community activities. Matthew and I served a two year term on the Missouri Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee, where not only did we have the opportunity to speak and become involved on a deeper level – sometimes leading discussions locally, but also got to spend time in Washington DC advocating for agriculture and the rural communities around us. It was such a great experience!

Since becoming a nurse, I have had some “great adventures” that include – community mental health, hospice, and of course direct hospital care where it all started for me. I look forward to serving this area, the people in it and being part of the amazing team at CCMH’s Senior Life Solutions.