New spiritual care director selected by Franciscan St. Francis Health

INDIANAPOLIS – Marilyn Williams, BCC, has been appointed director of Spiritual Care at Franciscan St. Francis Health.

Williams joined St. Francis Health this month from St. Mary’s Health in Evansville, where she served as director of pastoral care for three years. She previously served as a chaplain for a Catholic hospital in Tennessee and completed her Clinical Professional Education (chaplaincy training) in Omaha, Neb. 

Prior to becoming a chaplain she worked in cancer research and healthcare management.  In one of her roles she was involved in the development of a curriculum in integrative and holistic medicine for physicians. 

Williams said her calling to pastoral care was a natural extension of her spiritual journey.

“One thing I love is hearing the stories people have,” Williams said. “It’s such a privilege as chaplain to have the opportunity to not only hear the stories but also be with people in a special way in their most vulnerable times of life – illness, dying, birth – just to be a service and show the love and compassion of Christ in those times.”

Williams has a master’s in theological studies from Spring Hill College in Mobile, Ala., a master of science in hospital and health services administration from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and is board certified by The National Association of Catholic Chaplains.

She is an oblate for Sacred Heart Monastery in Cullman, Ala..  Oblates are Christian individuals who have associated themselves with a Benedictine community in order to enrich their Christian way of life. Oblates seek God and shape their lives by following, as permitted by their station or lifestyle within the world, the Rule of St. Benedict for the monastic way of life based on the Christian scriptures.

“We are very happy to have Marilyn Williams join our St. Francis family,” said Sister Marlene Shapley, vice president of Mission Services. “She comes with many years of Spiritual Care experience and management expertise. We welcome Marilyn to lead us into the future of what is most important—Mission and our Spiritual direction.”

Send in the Clown

Liam is more focused on the gift bags outside his
room than he is on the arrival of his visitor

Ronald McDonald paid a visit to the youngsters in our pediatrics unit Dec. 17. McDonald’s Restaurants of Central Indiana have been spreading cheer this holiday season through the Joy of Giving.

Each child received special gifts as the playful Ronald interacted with them, their parents and hospital staff. Here are some images from the visit.

Five-year-old Avah was just being admitted to the unit and laughs as Ronald
demonstrates his squeaky outfit. For the record, she doesn't have a boyfriend
 and is not in high school yet, she revealed under intense questioning from her visitor!

Ronald, Avah and her mother Sherri, are joined by local McDonald’s
Owner/Operator Pete Wojtowicz, who provided and helped deliver gifts to the youngsters.

Lennon checks out the race track while Ronald ponders the cars. 

THUMBS UP: Ronald strikes a pose with Sister Martha Ann, Lori Warner
(director of Women and Children's Services), Jennifer Naessens
(pediatrics manager) and Dena Powell (marketing and community relations coordinator).

New chief operating officer takes reins of Franciscan VNS

INDIANAPOLIS – Beth A. Keultjes has been named vice president and chief operating officer of Home Health and Hospice for Franciscan VNS. 

Keultjes brings with her many years of experience in the health care field as well as an earnest interest in developing cost-effective home health care programs that are in line with the new Accountable Care Organization efficiencies.

She replaces John Pipas, who will retire as president of Franciscan VNS, which partnered with Franciscan St. Francis Health in 2011.

For the past three years, Keultjes has worked at Cassopolis Family Clinic, where she has overseen the development of a new facility, led a major capital campaign, and managed the organization’s efforts to become a patient centered medical home.  Keultjes has spent more than 20 years leading home health and hospice organizations. 

Notably, when Keultjes worked for Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center in South Bend, the organization acquired a Visiting Nurse Association and was responsible for combining the two programs into a very successful integrated home care operation. 

Keultjes received her undergraduate degree in business administration from Indiana University and her master’s degree in administration from the University of Notre Dame.

She is a member of the American College of Health Care Executives and past president of the Northern Indiana Alzheimer’s Association.

Visiting Nurse Service at St. Francis was incorporated in 1913 and is a non-profit United Way agency.  VNS at St. Francis is committed to providing quality, cost-effective, healthcare and family programs in the community. 

New manager for Central Scheduling selected

INDIANAPOLIS – Jennifer Davenport has been appointed manager for Central Scheduling at Franciscan St. Francis Health.

She most previously served as manager of the Physician Office Navigator program, where she supervised the operations of 12 Navigator sites within Franciscan Physician Network.

Davenport, an Indianapolis resident, studied journalism at Ball State University and earned her certification in phlebotomy at Med Tech College in Greenwood. 

Coping with holiday stress hinges on personal, realistic approach

INDIANAPOLIS – As the holiday tune resonates with the message that it’s the most wonderful time of the year, for many it’s a time of stress, grief over the loss of a loved one, or grappling with the rough economic times.

“There are many healthy ways to cope with issues many of us face during the holidays,” said Kerry Minnis, licensed clinical social worker at Franciscan St. Francis Health, offering several tips:

Stress Overload

·         Simplify. Cut your “to-do” list. Delegate and get help.

·         Make choices that are good for you and your family.

·         Remember, time management is self-management. Teaching others to respect your time and having realistic goals are helpful.

Grieving

·         Develop new traditions. Reaffirm your spirituality. Focus on family.

·         Examine your holiday rituals and traditions. Keep those that are enjoyable and meaningful. Create new rituals that fit your current lifestyle.

·         Reach out to others and share in the true meaning of the holiday.

Hard Time Economy

·         Avoid gift-giving frenzies. Use alternative gifts if money is a problem. Those may include something you can make or a card with the offer to provide a task or chore.

·         Focusing on the original meaning of the holiday can help overcome guilt associated with the inability to buy the gifts we would like.

Francis St. Francis Outpatient Behavioral Health Services offers a variety of services and programs throughout the year. Click here to learn more.