Joanna Herrera

Now a Labor & Delivery nurse at St. John’s Health, Joanna Herrera’s journey to her career milestone has been supported by St. John’s Health Foundation in a diversity of ways. Joanna’s connection with St. John’s Health is lengthy; her mother served as the hospital’s lead housekeeper from 1995 until 2015. Joanna herself began work on the housekeeping team in 2000.

Surrounded by the engaged and supportive staff at St. John’s Health, Joanna soon realized that she wanted to pursue medicine. Soon after her graduation from high school in 2004, she earned her CNA certificate and began work in the Primary Care Unit. Her drive to achieve a nursing degree was strong, and St. John’s Health Foundation offered the perfect partnership to help her reach her aspirations.

“If I hadn’t received scholarship funding from St. John’s Health Foundation, I would have had to seek out other programs or resources,” Joanna reflects. Thanks to the Foundation’s generosity and commitment to investing in keeping healthcare excellent and connected to the Jackson Hole community, Joanna was able to earn her RN degree from Central Wyoming College in 2022.

As a Labor and Delivery nurse, Joanna loves serving her community, and treasures the relationships that enhance every aspect of her job. These relationships and excellence in care are deeply dependent on St. John’s Health remaining an independent hospital, she says. “Without independence, I’m afraid we would lose our high-quality leadership and the way that our voices always feel very heard.”

A big thank you to the Brinson Foundation for being the lead supporter of our Nurse Education Fund for over a decade. Their shared vision with our Foundation has meant that numerous St. John’s Health nurses like Joanna have been able to pursue their professional goals.