BOARD OF ADVISORS
Sanctuary feels privileged to have a robust and extremely accomplished Board of Advisors providing guidance and expertise to help further our mission.
MEET THE BOARD:
Heather Bell
Heather Bell, is a seasoned Senior Director of Development and Marketing leader at Community Living, Inc. She has over 23 years of dedicated experience in the not-for-profit sector. As a servant leader and a passionate champion of female professionals, Heather has made significant strides in fostering leadership and innovation within her field.
Her accomplishments include being named the 2022 OneCause Raise Conference Storyteller of the Year and she led her team to become finalists for the 2023 OneCause Raise Conference Innovative Nonprofit of the Year Award. Heather also serves as the President of the ATHENA Leadership Foundation of Saint Charles County, furthering her commitment to empowering women leaders.
As a proud advocate for community service, Heather values building meaningful connections and fostering growth in both her personal and professional life.
When she’s not advancing nonprofit growth or mentoring emerging leaders, Heather enjoys spending time with her husband and two children. She volunteers at her children’s schools, her daughter’s Girl Scout Troop, and cheers on her son from the bleachers.
Why Sanctuary’s Work is Important?
In my 40s I realized I was prioritizing others above myself. As I struggled to find time on my calendar to pencil in time for me, I found myself staring at lab results with my doctor that didn’t reflect the healthy lifestyle I once envisioned for myself.
When women receive support on their health and wellness journey it not only impacts their life it also impacts the health and prosperity of their families and community. Sanctuary is that support partner that will help women reclaim their power!
Jovita Oruwari, MD FACS Breast Surgeon, SSM DePaul
As the medical director of community breast health for SSM DePaul hospital, Dr. Oruwari has been voted one of St Louis Top Docs by her peers every year from 2007 to present and was selected for an excellence in healthcare award by the St. Louis American newspaper. She is passionate about breast cancer education—especially at the rate at which it affects young women and African American women.
Dr. Oruwari completed her undergraduate degree at Rutgers University and earned her medical degree from New Jersey Medical School in Newark, New Jersey. She completed an internship and residency in general surgery at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-University Hospital. During her general surgery residency, she spent a year focused on breast cancer research and further supplemented her training with a breast surgery fellowship at Women and Infants Hospital of Rhode Island- Brown University. She is board certified in general surgery, a fellow of the American College of surgeons, and a member of the American Society of Breast Surgeons. Dr. Oruwari was recruited to join St. Louis Cancer and Breast institute following her fellowship training in 2001.
Dr. Oruwari has founded a luxury home fragrance line and a wellness group. She is the author of the book, Black Girls in White Coats, and serves on the board of the St. Louis Crisis Nursery and Gateway to Hope.
When she isn’t working, she spends time with her husband, Dr. Patrick Oruwari, their large network of friends, and their two adult children. She enjoys cooking, reading, writing, entertaining, traveling, and is an avid runner.
Nicci Roach, Advisor | Educator | Producer
Nicci Roach is a recognized educator and strategist in organizational and leadership development. For the past four years, she has served as Special Assistant to the President at Saint Louis University, leading strategic initiatives and advising leaders on developing comprehensive plans while building sustainable success – turning goals into reality.
Nicci is also the principal of Covenant exCHANGE, llc, founder of CLOUT, and host of Conversations in the Nic of Time, a talk-radio show. She holds advanced degrees in public relations, human resources development, and media communications, along with certificates from Cornell and Harvard. She is completing her doctorate in Higher Education Leadership. Her work thrives at the intersection of people, purpose, and planning.
Dr. Jennifer Wessels, Board-certified Family Medicine Physician
Dr. Jennifer Wessels is a board-certified Family Medicine physician and has been an active part of the St. Louis community for over 20 years. She completed her undergraduate and medical school training at St. Louis University, her residency in family medicine at Mercy Hospital St. Louis, and her Master’s degree in Health Administration from Webster University. Dr. Wessels is the Chief Medical Officer for Home State Health and teacher at St. Louis University School of Medicine. Dr. Wessels is passionate about aiding her community and has served as the site physician for many of Missouri’s county jails and juvenile detention centers. She lives with her husband, son, step-sons, and dachshund in West St. Louis County.
Through our organizational offerings, wellness menu, interior décor services, and personal styling solutions, Sanctuary helps women feel, look, and live better and more intentionally.
Interested in learning more about how you can show up as your highest self in both personal and professional arenas?
