ATHENA Finalist: Janice Ertl, St. Vincent de Paul

Two words that constantly come up when people describe Janice Ertl are “compassion” and “humility.” Both qualities have served her and our community well. The director of St. Vincent de Paul’s Medical and Dental clinic not only oversees the Valley’s largest clinic serving the working poor, she enriches the lives of those around her with a caring touch and strong sense of purpose.

“I realized the best thing I can do is to try to make some bit of difference in someone’s life,” Ertl says. “Maybe I can make them think a little differently or do something differently that will make them healthier.”

Growing up in Kansas as one of eight children in a household where money was extremely tight, Ertl learned the value of a dollar and the importance of self-sufficiency. After a 12-year career as a critical care nurse, Ertl went back to school, earned a Master’s Degree and helped start the clinic she now runs, a nationally-recognized one serving more than 15,000 patients annually.

Ertl emphasizes education, constantly encouraging young people to complete their GED or to attain degrees and certifications. She’s helping make our community stronger and healthier every day.