Our Staff
Jennie Schmidt
Executive Director
Jennie joined the Clinic in 2022 after 35+ years working on issues of social justice and equity in the context of the public schools. In her free time, Jennie enjoys being outside, walking and loves using her Spanish and Portuguese skills to welcome and support immigrant communities. This passion led her to the FMC where she assumed the position of Executive Director of the Clinic in March, 2023.
Jennie says: “I hope one day we don’t need free clinics because everyone has access to quality health care. In the meantime, I’m proud to be a part of this amazing institution!”
Cecilia Norris, MD
Medical Director
Hailing from Sioux City, Iowa, Dr. Norris leads a busy life. When she’s not driving her three children to their various activities or walking her dogs, Shelby & Mocha, you might find her volunteering with the Girl Scouts, her church, or local schools. Dr. Norris has been the FMC Medical Director since 2005.
Dr. Norris says: “I think that health care should be a right and that we all have a responsibility to help those in need however our talents allow us to. I am fortunate to be able to do this in an environment that is inclusive, understanding and committed to give patients the best health care we can.”
Marta Lopez Vicente, MD
Physician
Dr. Marta Lopez Vicente is originally from Spain and has lived in the U.S. for 20 years and in Iowa City for almost 10 years with her husband, their 3 kids and our dog. In her spare time she enjoys walking and biking with my family, cooking, reading and doing puzzles.
She has been working at the Free Medical Clinic for over 6 years, first as a volunteer and then as part of the staff.
“It is a joy to work with a wonderful group of people and help provide our patients with the care that everyone deserves. “
Stacy Wilkerson, RN
Director of Clinic Operations
Before becoming the Clinic’s Director of Operations in 2016, Stacy worked as a nurse with Mercy Hospital and Iowa City Hospice. Stacy’s 5 boys keep her busy when she’s not at work!
Stacy says: “The Free Clinic plays an invaluable role in the health of many people in the community. I’m so glad the Clinic is here and that I am able to be a part of this organization.”
Michael Catney, RN, MA
Staff Nurse
Mike worked at the local VA Hospital for 35 years prior to joining FMC in 2007, first as a volunteer, and later as a paid employee. He lives with his wife, and has two grown children. His favorite activities include flying, golfing and traveling. He doesn’t mind doing odd jobs around the house, and occasionally enjoys yard work.
Mike says: “I am proud to be a part of providing the much needed service and care that the Free Clinic gives to those in need.”
Kate Huisman, BA, LPN (she/her)
Staff Nurse
Kate earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Health Promotion, with an emphasis on public health. She is also a Licensed Practical Nurse. Kate lives in Iowa City with her spouse and Boston Terrier. Outside of work, Kate is an avid reader, loves to hike and finds any excuse for a road trip in their mini-RV. Katie joined the FMC in 2022.
Kate says: “I love being a part of the staff at FMC because each day I come to work and am surrounded by a wonderful group of people, working toward the same goal: ensuring members of our community have access to the care they need.”
Bill Riker, PA (retired)
Clinic Assistant
Bill studied Spanish and General Science at the University of Iowa. He then worked as a high school Spanish assistant but returned to the University to become a physician assistant. He has worked as a physician assistant in Milwaukee, West Liberty, at the Free clinic and Proteus. Bill is retired as a physician assistant but continues to work at the Free clinic as an interpreter and clinic assistant since beginning in 2005.
Bill says: “The clinic serves a wonderful group of people. I’m very proud to have worked with the clinic for many years. “
Jane Walker
Bookkeeper
Musically inclined Jane is an Iowa City native. She has been Principal Flutist with Orchestra Iowa since 1973. Jane lives with her husband David (Principal Oboist in Orchestra Iowa), their dog Buddy, and cats Lydia and Angie. Before all the pets, they raised two children, Matthew and Rachel. Jane and David are former co-owners of Eble Music Company in Iowa City, a nationally recognized classical sheet music store. When not performing, Jane is busy making the FMC staff sing by preparing their paychecks. Jane has been the Free Medical and Dental Clinic Bookkeeper since 2012.
Jane says: “I love my job at the Free Clinic.The staff and volunteers are wonderful people, and I am proud to be part of an organization that does such caring work.”
Stanzy Scheetz
Volunteer and Clinic Coordinator
Stanzy graduated with a BA from the University of Iowa and later received a graduate certificate in Public Health. She had worked in various public health settings before landing at the Free Medical Clinic in 2022 where she has happily settled in. In her free time she enjoys painting, making music with friends, and (newly) learning how to play pool. She lives with her wonderful husband and a very dapper cat named Mango.
Stanzy says: “I believe that healthcare is a right and I feel so fortunate to be involved with a clinic whose mission aligns with mine and provides integral services to those who would not otherwise have access.”
Peggy Tucker
Office Coordinator
After graduating from Central College, Peggy moved to California to do a year of service as an AmeriCorps VISTA member. That opened the door to working with underserved people, which has been a large part of her career. Peggy joined FMC in 2022.
In her free time, Peggy likes to work in her garden and snuggle her three big dogs.
Peggy says: “Health care is a fundamental right and should not be based on ability to pay.”
Ellie Hawkshead
Lead Dental Assistant
Ellie grew up in Knoxville, IA and is the oldest of four kids. She went to Kirkwood Community College and obtained her Associates of Applied Science and Dental Assisting in 2014. She has worked in pediatrics and general dentistry since graduating. She now works full time at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry and has been the Lead Dental Assistant at FMC since 2022. In her free time, she enjoys being with friends and family, being outdoors, going to concerts, and walking her sheepadoodle, Lola.
Ellie says: “I work at the Free clinic to provide quality dental care and service to our underserved community members who are unable to receive care elsewhere. Dental care is seen as a luxury by far too many, instead of being a key contributor to our overall health. My service at the Free clinic has been humbling and very rewarding. It has provided me with an opportunity to give back to members of our community. I look forward to continuing to serve my community while working with great staff and our patients as we make a difference in their lives by helping provide access to care for them.”
Yolanda Jimenez
Dental Hygienist since 2017
I graduated from the Kirkwood Dental Hygiene program in 2013. When I was a student in the program, I did some of my clinical notations at FMC and then joined FMC in 2017 as a Dental Hygienist. I enjoy working alongside the people and the patients and am fluent in Spanish. I enjoy spending time with my husband, family and friends. Oh, and in my free time, the mall is my playground!
Yolanda says: “I’m grateful for the opportunity to provide dental hygiene care at the FMC. It’s rewarding to give back to our community.”
Lisa Steigleder
Director of Development & Marketing
Lisa is a graduate of The University of Iowa with a degree in Marketing and joins FMC as the Director of Development and Marketing after a 35+ year career in local media, healthcare and non-profit. In her free time, Lisa enjoys reading, gardening, cooking, hiking and traveling with her husband (especially to see their two grown daughters).
Lisa says: “Connecting donors to increased access to healthcare for the uninsured and underinsured members of our community is a privilege. As one of the country’s oldest standing free medical and dental clinics, the FMC is truly a Johnson County non-profit treasure that makes a difference in people’s lives.”
Current Board Members & Committees:
- Jean Knepper, Chair (Bank Officer, Retired)
- Suzanne Conrad, Vice Chair (Director, Iowa Donor Network)
- Jordan Barret, Treasurer (Treasury Management, Hills Bank)
- Rachel Young, Secretary (Associate Professor, University of Iowa School of Journalism and Mass Communication)
- George Bergus (UIHC Family Medicine Physician)
- Paola Jaramillo Guayara (DEI Coordinator, Johnson County Board of Supervisors)
- Brad Langguth (Hills Bank and Trust)
- Karina Miller (Attorney, Hayek, Moreland, Smith & Bergus, L.L.P.)
- Rohit Nair (Clinical Assistant Professor, University of Iowa College of Dentistry)
- Larry Newman (Assistant Clinical Professor, University of Iowa College of Nursing)
- Mark Patton (Executive Director, Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity, Retired)
- Phil Peterson (Retired Executive VP and CFO Mercy Medical Center)
- Danielle Pettit-Majewski (Director, Johnson County Public Health)
- Mazahir Salih (Executive Director Immigrant Welcome Network of Johnson County)
- Katie Sturgell (Senior Director of Development – University of Iowa Center for Advancement)
