Nurses with a Passion for Healing Choose St. John Health

Jean Meyer, RN, MSN
Senior Vice President of Patient Services and Chief Nursing Officer, St. John Health

Do you remember the reason you first started working in health care? I remember mine. I’ve always been very passionate about working in a faith-based spiritually centered facility, because I truly believe that it makes a huge difference in the care that patients receive. But one encounter, in particular, fueled my mission to heal. It was the day I met a cancer patient through my clinical studies – he changed my life. I was caring for an elderly man who was terminal. Even though he was very frail, he managed to open his eyes, turn to me and say, “Thank you for your care.” Then he asked me to sit with him and pray. So I did. I held his hand and he clutched mine while we prayed. I felt him take his last breath, and a few moments later, he passed on. He had no family, and I was so fortunate to be with him at this vulnerable time in his life. This was the patient experience that jump started my career as an oncology clinical nurse specialist.

I know I’ve chosen a great place to work. Since arriving at St. John Health I continue to be amazed at the passion and compassion that I see lived out every day among our nurses and other clinical staff members. No matter the difficulties or challenges that this health system faces, the collaboration, the partnerships and willingness to always put the patient first, makes me proud to be a part of this health ministry. If you share this Passion for Healing, consider seeking a new and rewarding challenge with St. John Health. Healing starts within the hearts and minds of people, and nowhere is that more evident than here at St. John Health.

Chief Nursing Officers

Maryann Barnes has been Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing officer at St. John Hospital and Medical Center since 2006. Prior to this, she served as Vice President of Clinical Services (2003-2006) and Administrative Director of Surgical Services (1999-2003). Her early career was spent at Harper Hospital, Detroit, where she served as a staff nurse in Neurology and the OR. Before coming to St. John, Maryann was a director of Surgical and Anesthesia Services at several Detroit Medical Center hospitals. She is an advocate of Lean and Six Sigma processes for improving patient satisfaction and quality of care.

Maryann earned her BSN from Michigan State University and MS in Health Services Administration from University Of Detroit Mercy. Her certifications include a Certification in Peri-operative Nursing (since 1983) and a Certification in Nursing Administration (1994-2005). Maryann serves on the State of Michigan Trauma Advisory Committee, and was recognized as a nominee by the Nightingale Award for Nursing Administration, 2003. 

Cindy Gregorich brings more than 20 years of nursing leadership experience to her position as Chief Nursing Officer and Vice President of Patient Services at St. John River District Hospital and St. John North Shores Hospital. She began her career at St. John Hospital and Medical Center as a Critical Care nurse educator. As the clinical manager of the Coronary Intensive Care Unit, she helped open the first Interventional Cardiology unit in the State of Michigan.

Cindy earned her BSN from Mercy College of Detroit, and a MS in Health Administration from Central Michigan University. She is actively committed to promoting community health and accessibility to high-quality health care. She contributes her expertise to several community initiatives and boards including, March of Dimes for Healthier Babies, St. Clair Community College board, Marine City Chamber of Commerce board, and American Heart Association of the Blue Water Area.

Janet Keller joined St. John Health in 2007 as chief nursing officer for Providence Park Hospital in Novi. She began her career as a clinical nurse in Hematology/Oncology and later became a Nurse Manager of the unit. She has nearly 20 years executive nurse experience, most recently spending nine years as Administrative Director/Chief Nurse Executive at William Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, MI. Janet's most recent role includes planning and implementing acuity adaptable care at Providence Park Hospital in Novi.

Janet received her BSN from Madonna University and a Masters of Science in Administration from Central Michigan University. Janet is a 2007 graduate of the The Advisory Board Company Academy Fellowship and has served as a member of the Royal Oak Youth assistance Board of Directors.

Maria Strom has served as Vice President of Patient Services & Operations and Chief Nursing Officer at St. John Macomb-Oakland Hospital since 2002. Prior to joining St. John, she was a nursing site leader at Oakwood Hospital & Medical Center-Dearborn for Women’s and Children’s Acute Care. She began her career as a Pediatric staff nurse. Maria has been actively involved in teaching throughout her career, first as a staff developer in Pediatrics and NICU and later as a Maternal Child Health educator. She served on the adjunct clinical faculty, School of Nursing at Oakland University and later as a professor in the School of Nursing Pediatrics/OB.

Maria earned her BSN from Mercy College of Detroit and a Master of Science in Psych/Mental Health Nursing from the University of Michigan. Maria lends her expertise to many professional organizations including the University of Detroit-Mercy Advisory Board, Shiffa Advisory Board, University of Michigan Community Nurse Leader Advisory Board, and Oakland University School of Nursing Community Board. She was honored as an Athena Award Nominee (2003) and a Nightingale AwardNominee (2000) and is a member of Sigma Theta Tau.