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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 2021 amid the uncertainty of the pandemic. Incredibly, in less than 3 years, the business has flourished, growing from 0 to over 400+ patients and expanding to a service area that spans from Beaver Dam to Green Bay and covers 21 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.

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

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.

Pam from Sequoia

Pam Leplavy, 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!

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

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.

Terry from Sequoia

Terry Maggio, LPN

My name is Terry, and I have been an LPN for 17 years. Being on the team with Sequoia has given me a unique opportunity to share my love of advocating for vulnerable people in their time of need. I believe that mind, body and soul are all integral parts of the health care experience.

I love exploring the benefits of essential oils and their positive impact on body, mind and environment, and going on long rides on the motorcycle with my husband. My four children and 11 grandchildren are the center of my world.

Not pictured:

  • Dr. Katie Gesch, DO, Medical Director
  • Chad Weston Gardner MSW / CAPSW / Co-owner

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!