People

Department of Anesthesiology Featured Member: February 2026

Jena is a Clinical Informaticist within the Department of Anesthesiology, where she has served since February 2024. She holds Epic certifications in both Optime and Anesthesiology.

She earned her bachelor’s degree in health science from Maryville University in St. Louis. Prior to joining the department, Jena spent five years in the Division of Electrophysiology at BJH and three years on the Epic 1 Optime/Anesthesia team.

Outside of work, Jena is a proud mother of three. She is active in her community, volunteering with Cub Scouts, leading hiking adventures, and attending her children’s various sporting events.

My name is Sarah Jaber. I’m an Acute Care NP working mainly in the surgical/trauma ICU & also cover the CTI, 7800 SICU, and EICU. I have been working at Washu for over seven years now and love it, and recently graduated with my doctorate (DNP)! I have one cat and one dog, am currently rehabbing my house, love staying active, and love to travel!

My current goals as a wellness champion would consist of:

1. 1. bringing more attention to physical and mental health

1. 1. Identifying active issues related to our workspace, life, current events, etc.

I am always open for conversation with anyone who wants to talk or reach out!

Department of Anesthesiology Featured Member: February 2025

Sarah has been a critical care nurse practitioner at WashU Medicine for nearly a decade, bringing a wealth of experience from a medical career that began in 2006. Throughout her time at WashU, she has taken on numerous roles, serving as a member of the PIA Safe group, a wellness champion, a WOW committee member, a preceptor, and the founder of the APP Social & Well-Being Committee. While her heart belongs to the Surgical Trauma ICU, she is currently embracing the challenge of learning new skills in the Cardiothoracic ICU.

Outside of work, Sarah loves to travel and stay active—one of her personal goals is to visit all the major national parks. A devoted ice cream lover, she enjoys almost every flavor except plain chocolate. She also cherishes time with her friends, family, boyfriend, two dogs, and cat.

This year brings an exciting new chapter—Sarah is thrilled to welcome a baby girl in March!

Department of Anesthesiology Featured Member: October 2024

Michelle earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Mizzou in 2004 and spent several years working in mental health before returning to school to pursue her BSN. After graduating from UMSL's nursing program in 2008, she began her nursing career at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, first in the Neuro/NSGY ICU (10400) and later in the SICU (8400). She was part of the transition to the new SICU (4400) before deciding to further her education. Michelle is a graduate of Goldfarb’s NP programs, holding an MSN in Adult/Gero NP and a post-MSN in Acute Care Adult/Gero NP. She has worked with various intensivist groups throughout the metro area and joined the department in 2018.

Michelle primarily practices at Memorial Hospital in Belleville, Illinois, where she lives with her husband, son, three dogs, and turtle. Reflecting on her work, she shares, "The best part of my job is serving my community and being part of such a great team at Memorial."

Fun fact: By the time Michelle was in 6th grade, she had lived in six different states: Texas, Indiana, Tennessee, Delaware, Maryland, and Kentucky.

Medical School: Washington University
Internship: Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, Missouri

Medical School: University of Texas at San Antonio