JANIE METSKER

Janie has been a breast nurse navigator since 2009, supporting and navigating patients with all stages of breast cancer. Her personal diagnosis of breast cancer in 2001 changed the trajectory of her nursing career from Labor and Delivery to breast cancer navigation. Since 2017, she has been the clinical coordinator and nurse navigator at Saint Luke’s Koontz Center for Advanced Breast Cancer in Kansas City, Missouri. The Koontz Center, launched in 2016, is dedicated solely to the treatment of MBC. She leads the Koontz Center Forum, an MBC education/support group. In addition, she has been involved in numerous MBC industry-sponsored projects and focus groups.

Janie coordinates and facilitates two annual MBC retreats, one for couples and one for singles with a support person. The Journey of Courage and Hope Retreats are her passion. The retreats help patients and their loved ones explore topics relating to relationships, fear, coping, grief and loss. It is very important for people living with MBC to have the knowledge and tools to leave a legacy for their loved ones. During the retreats, participants can begin exploring legacy activities allowing them to prepare for the future with hope.

Janie loves traveling to beautiful places in their RV named, “Dusty Roads.” She especially loves to visit National Parks and enjoys hiking and campfire cooking. She is married to Nathan and has three adult children and four grandchildren and has gone on many trips with them exploring the U.S.