The Heartland Centers include a breadth of management, staff expertise, and technical assistance with the competence to support a broad spectrum of strategic workforce and community development programs and services.

Please read below to learn about the Heartland Centers' staff and faculty members. Click here to see the Heartland Centers' organizational chart.

  Email | wrightks@slu.edu
  Phone | 314-977-8120

Dr. Wright is a faculty member in the Saint Louis University School of Public Health (SLUSPH). She is responsible for all HC’ activities including organizational and workforce strategic development operations, advisory functions, and development of strategic alliances, partnerships, and ventures.

Michael Thomas, MPH

Associate Director and Instructor
  Email | thomasmw@slu.edu
  Phone | 314-977-4350

Mr. Thomas is a faculty member in the SLUSPH, and is responsible for expanding HC partnerships and alliances with public health emergency management and first responder agencies and organizations and provides technical assistance to national, state, and local partners.

Alexis Bruce-Staudt, MSW

Manager
  Email | abrucest@slu.edu
  Phone | 314-977-8145

Ms. Bruce-Staudt is responsible for overseeing HC operations, completing grant/contract application processes and reports, coordinating the public health workforce education and training programs and processes, implementing the HC strategic plan.

Scott Nyberg, BA

Senior Interactive Coordinator
  Email | snyberg@slu.edu
  Phone | 314-977-8129

Mr. Nyberg is responsible for development, production and distribution of the technology-mediated education and training programs, products, services and website development. He also oversees the graphic design of printed and electronic materials.

Eileen Legaspi, BA

Learning Management System Coordinator
  Email | elegaspi@slu.edu
  Phone | 314-977-8295

Ms. Legaspi is responsible for the HC LMS, including providing training and technical assistance to users, assisting in course development and management, and providing training in the use of the agency management function.

Sarah Weiner, MPH

Project Coordinator
  Email | sweiner1@slu.edu
  Phone | 314-977-8136

Ms. Weiner is responsible for coordinating all aspects of the National Public Health Leadership Development Network and the national Environmental Public Health Leadership Institute. She also serves as an Evaluation Coordinator for projects sponsored by the HC.

Karen Effinger

Financial Coordinator
  Email | effinger@slu.edu
  Phone | 314-977-8259

Ms. Effinger coordinates the development and management of the HC budgets in collaboration with the HC management staff. She works closely with staff to determine project budgets, and general HC business operations.

Barb Schaefer

Administrative Assistant
  Email | bschaef9@slu.edu
  Phone | 314-977-8162

Ms. Schaefer provides administrative assistance and support including daily operational functions to support the Centers’ administration and staff.

Bonnie Bellacera, BA

Graduate Assistant
  Email | bbellace@slu.edu
  Phone | 314-977-8269

Ms. Bellacera is responsible for assisting with tasks associated with the various projects that fall under the realm of the Heartland Center for Public Health Preparedness and the Emergency Management and Crisis Leadership academic programs."