Caring for our community

Get to know some of our caregivers who volunteer outside of their careers at CMH

As a community health care organization, Columbia Memorial Hospital is committed to giving back to the community we serve. In our small region, bumping into friends and neighbors at our hospital and clinics is more than likely. That’s why I firmly believe it’s essential that we are present in our community in our off-hours.

Many of CMH’s administrative leaders and caregivers are dedicated volunteers throughout the local area. I am consistently impressed with their efforts to support the community in their free time. It is gratifying to see the impact our organization makes on the lives of those living in and visiting our area, both at work and beyond.

I am delighted to work with such a diverse group of professionals who are passionate and driven in supporting this community.

— Erik Thorsen, CEO

Sianna Fenstermacher
Job title: Respiratory Therapist
Volunteer title: Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) with
Clatsop CASA
Why do you volunteer? “As a CASA, I am assigned to a child in foster care and get to learn all about their situation. Since I am a legal party of their care, I attend all of the court hearings, as well as family visitations, and make visits to their foster homes, as well. I love to be helpful, and seeing a need for this position that fits my passion seemed perfect!”

Noelle McClure
Job title: Administrative Assistant, Quality
Volunteer titles: Clatsop County Animal Shelter and Clatsop Animal Assistance Volunteer; 2020-2022 Astoria Visual Arts (AVA)
Board President
Why do you volunteer? “Cats make me happy! It is such a great way to have more cats in my life and to help them as they wait to find their forever homes. Helping out with the cats is the highlight of my week!

The arts are such an important part of Astoria. AVA does an impressive job of putting together interesting exhibitions and supporting artists through residencies and other activities.”

Tim Janchar, MD
Job title: Physician, Emergency
Volunteer title: 2020-2022 Astoria Visual Arts Board Vice President
Why do you volunteer? “AVA is much more than an art gallery. It has a mission of bringing diversity and innovation to the community, not just through exhibitions alone, but through educational programs, artist residencies and community outreach. I had my first art show there in 2019 and have been involved ever since.”

Mark Kujala
Job title: Director, CMH Foundation
Volunteer title: Clatsop County Commissioner, former Warrenton Mayor
Why do you volunteer? “I was always interested in public policy growing up. I first got interested in volunteering by attending public meetings and providing testimony. I’ve been fortunate enough to be elected a total of six times by the voters in Warrenton and Clatsop County. I’m very humbled and grateful that I’m able to represent them.”

Astronemis Ray
Job title: Medical Assistant, Endocrinology
Volunteer title: Lower Columbia Preservation Society Board Member; Clatsop County 4-H Association Board Member; Clatsop County 4-H Leader and Volunteer
Why do you volunteer? “I have been volunteering in this community since I was 14 years old. ... Throughout my time volunteering, I have learned valuable skills, met people who inspired me and have been given the opportunity to connect with my community.”

Maritza Casarrubias-Sanchez
Job title: Nurse, Emergency
Volunteer title: Astoria School District Board Director
Why do you volunteer? “I want to impact the lives of the children in the community. I want to represent the diversity that is underserved and underrepresented.

The youth in our community are the future of our community. What better way to improve the community than by helping create and develop strong individuals who would like to stay here?”

Zac Patterson
Job title: Customer Care Representative
Volunteer title: Astoria Youth Football Coach
Why do you volunteer? “Jeanette Schacher (Medical Group director) reached out to me asking if I’d be willing to take over the head coach position (I previously coached in 2019). I quickly accepted the offer.

“I played the sport for 10 years and have found a love for coaching since graduating high school. It is very rewarding when the kids are smiling and having fun competing on game days after working hard throughout the week. I wouldn’t trade in the memories I’ve made with this organization for anything.”

Leadership in action

CMH’s leadership team is involved in many community organizations.

Erik Thorsen, CEO
- Astoria Regatta Past President and Board of Directors Member

Nicole Williams, COO
- Clatsop County Childcare Advisory Committee Member
- Clatsop Community College Board of Education Member

Dr. Christopher Strear, CMO
- Clatsop Community College Health Occupation Advisory Board Member

Judy Geiger, Vice President of Patient Care Services
- Clatsop Community College Nursing Advisory Committee Member
- Clatsop County National Alliance on Mental Illness Board Member

Christopher Laman, Vice President of Strategy
- Clatsop County Vaccine Task Force Member
- Clatsop Community College Foundation Board Member

Jarrod Karnofski, Vice President of Ancillary and Support Services
- City of Astoria Homelessness Solutions Task Force Member
- Volunteer Certified Athletic Trainer with Ilwaco and Naselle Schools