School of Nursing

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WE CARE Clinic

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Meet the Team

Our team includes family nurse practitioners, a pharmacist, and a medical social worker. A Nurse Patient Advocate oversees a referral process among the team members, as well as referrals to outside medical specialists. Our collaborating physician sees patients with complex health problems and makes determinations for disability benefits as needed.

	Jerrica Ampadu, PhD, RN, CCP Director Dr. Jerrica V. Ampadu is an Associate Professor and Director of the We Care Clinic at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Her research focuses on chronic illness in vulnerable and minority populations and the success of minority and underrepresented students in higher education. She provides chronic disease management to patients and facilitates chronic disease education with nursing students In addition to directing the We Care Clinic, she is also the Director of the Student Nurse Achievement Program(SNAP) as well as the Coordinator for Diversity at the SIUE School of Nursing.
	Dr. Myjal Garner, DNP, APRN, FNP-C Family Nurse Practitioner Dr. Myjal Garner is a certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Assistant Professor in the School of Nursing at SIUE. She has a passion for educating both nursing students and patients to reduce health disparities and promote health equity. She provides preventative care, manages chronic diseases, and provides excellent care for patients at end-of-life. She is an ardent advocate for wellness and health awareness in the community.
	Dr. Chris Lynch, PharmD Clinical Pharmacist Dr. Chris Lynch has been a clinical pharmacist providing care to patients most in need for more than 30 years. He has practiced in Chicago, New Orleans and the St. Louis metro east area. In 2021 he was honored to receive the Illinois Bowl of Hygeia Award for lifetime commitment to public service. Chris and his wife Jenny rescue chihuahuas and enjoy taking them on hikes and camping. Chris' chihuahua Ozzie is a certified therapy dog who sometimes accompanies Chris on home visits for area senior citizens.

	Tierra Smith, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC Family Nurse Practitioner In 2009, Tierra Smith began her career in the medical field. She has experience working in a variety of healthcare settings, including behavioral health, telemetry, hospice, emergency rooms, and hospitals. She takes pleasure in her work and is passionate about helping underrepresented populations.
	Dr. Dani Loftus, DNP, APRN, CPN, FNP-BC Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-BC), Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN) Dani Loftus is a Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-BC) & Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN) who treats people age 2 and up at the SIUE We Care Clinic. Dani earned her Doctorate in Nursing Practice from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in 2019. She also teaches undergraduate and graduate nursing courses at SIUE. Outside of work, Dani enjoys spending time with her family.
	Gayle Ostermiller, MSN, APRN, CPN, FNP-BC Family Nurse Practitioner Mrs. Gayle Ostermiller is a Family Nurse Practitioner and faculty member with the SIUE School of Nursing. She has provides evidence-based care and education to patients at the WE CARE clinic in a primary care setting.