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Professional Staff

Our staff consists of the best leaders in the industry. We are positive you will be satisfied with their knowledge and skill sets. Take a look at our professional leaders and see for yourself:

Amy Schelkopf Administrator

Amy Schelkopf has been a resident of Sutton for over ten years.  Her husband, Trent, was born and raised in Sutton.  They have four boys all attending Sutton Public Schools.  Amy graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing.  She was previously Director of Operations for a medical review company overseeing hundreds of physicians nationwide, in-house nursing staff, as well as administrative staff.  She also served as Quality Assurance Director, National Sales and Marketing Director, as well as Director of Continuing Medical Education.  She is grateful for the opportunity to serve Sutton Community Home and Hillcrest View Assisted Living residents.

Sophie Carlson, Assistant Administrator

Sophie Carlson, a familiar face in the Sutton community, may greet you on admission time or can be found in the Administrative wing for any questions or concerns.  She attended the University of Nebraska-Omaha and graduated with her Bachelor's Degree in Gerontology in 2019.  Sophie has been employed at SCH for many years within different departments: Dietary, Activities, Social Services and now Administration.  She enjoys meeting and helping residents and their families in any way needed.  If Sophie doesn't know the answer, she will find someone who does.

Christine Messenger Business Office Manager

Chris grew up in Hastings, NE and attended Adam Central. She then attended college at Central Community College in Hastings to receive her associate degree in paralegals. With over 20 years of experience she is excited to bring her experiences to our team.

Elaine Berry, RN, Director of Nursing- coming soon....

Juliann Marburger LPN, MDS/ADON Coordinator

Juliann grew up in Harvard, Nebraska.  As a young girl Juliann found her love with the elderly when she volunteered at her local nursing home as a candy striper.  Juliann graduated from Harvard Public School in 2000. She has worked in LTC most of her career starting off in Laundry, Dietary and Housekeeping before going to school to get her CNA and MA in 2002 and LPN in 2007. Over the years Juliann has worked for Sutton Community Home in different capacities including Charge Nurse, MDS and Infection Prevention.  In November 2021 Juliann returned to Sutton Community Home as MDS Coordinator.

Kelli Griess, RN, Infection Preventionist- coming soon....

Naxiely Ruiz  Social Services Director

Naxiely was born in Mexico City, Mexico. She graduated from Harvard Highschool, she then attended Central Community College for Social Services. She loves caring for the residents like family and has dedicated years serving residents at this home.

Itzul Diaz Activities Director

Itzul was born in Mexico City, Mexico. She graduated from Harvard Highschool. She then attended Central Community College for Social Working. She loves being active with the residents and making sure they are enjoying their stay here!  Itzul started as a CNA and moved into Activities over the years.  She understands the benefit of fun, entertaining activities for each resident's overall wellbeing. 

Dawn Claus, Dietary Manager

Dawn Claus was born in Concordia, KS, and moved to Exeter when she was 5, and was raised and graduated from there.  She and her husband, Don, have one son, Claydon, a senior at Sutton High School.  Dawn attended CCC-Hastings and received her Associate of Applied Science in Dietetics and Food Service Management degree.  She began working at SCH in August and said what she enjoys most working there is "I love the residents and staff and trying to make a positive impact in the facility".  When she's not working, Dawn said she loves to run and spend time with family and friends.

Tessa Fielder, Housekeeping/Maintenance

Tessa Fielder graduated from Sutton High in 1996.  Her husband is Casey Fielder and he works at Dutton Lansing Co in Hastings. She has 2 boys: Dutton and Kaden. Tessa states that she enjoys her job as the housekeeping supervisor. She has a good eye for detail. Tessa started working at Sutton Community Home in 1993 in the kitchen, later as a Certified Nursing Assistant and Medication Aide.  Tessa states that she really loves helping in the facility anywhere needed.  SCH is a great place to work.  

Ruth Christ, Laundry

Ruth moved to Sutton, NE in May of 2000.  Her husband Rollie and her are recent empty nesters and enjoy various hobbies like antiquing.   Ruth started working at Sutton Community Home a few months later after she moved to Sutton and began her journey in Dietary, moving onto Housekeeping, Activities, and Laundry.  What she enjoys most about her job is that the residents are like an extended family to her.  She enjoys visiting with them and hearing about their life experiences as everyone has a special story to share.

Dr. Douglas Althouse, Medical Director

Dr. Althouse is a past high school graduate from Sutton, so many of you may know him.  He is a physician at Kearney County Health Services in Minden, NE.  Dr. Althouse ensures the facility is compliant with regulations according to the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services in addition to State and Federal Regulations. Dr. Althouse works with all of our medical providers and our nursing staff to ensure the highest quality of care is received.

Jolene Griess, PT, MPT, DPT

Jolene Griess, PT, MPT, DPT grew up in rural Fairfield, NE and attended Sandy Creek Jr. Sr. High School.  She attended Hastings College where she was participated in volleyball and basketball.  She graduated with her Bachelors of Science in Biology and then was accepted into the UNMC Physical Therapy program.  She graduated with her Masters of Physical Therapy in 2003, then pursued her Doctorate of Physical Therapy, completed in 2005.  Her physical therapy career has taken her from Des Moines, IA, to Hastings, NE and then home to Sutton, NE since 2004.  In 2006, Jolene opened up Clay County Physical Therapy in Sutton and has loved being part of the Sutton community and getting to know all the wonderful people and history.  With her husband, Jarod Griess, they have 3 children.  Together they enjoy traveling, attending their kids' activities, and golfing. 

Leah Pohlmeier, PharmD, BCACP

Leah Pohlmeier is a pharmacist and is currently working as a consultant pharmacist for Sutton Community Home. She is available to the staff to help with any medication-related problems or questions and is responsible for reviewing each resident’s chart on a monthly basis. Clinical pharmacy and ambulatory care are particular areas of interest. In addition, she works part-time as a retail pharmacist, and she keeps busy with her kids at home.

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