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Our mission:

We give under-served populations in New Orleans access to healthcare provided by volunteer physicians, nurses, and medical students.

Welcome to
Luke's House

Meet Our Board of Directors

Hellen Ignatiou-Georgiou

President

Helen is a Registered Nurse with 20 years of specialized experience in Psychiatry who brings valuable mental health expertise to Luke's House. She holds an MA in Forensic Psychology, is certified in crisis intervention (CPI certified), and has experience in home health. She has previously volunteered in crisis intervention to 9/11 survivors and families.

Ned Dayna

Board Member

Born and raised in New Orleans, Dayna brings extensive experience as a Social Worker in permanent supportive housing, maternal-child health, and nonprofit healthcare. Currently, as Operations Manager at New Orleans HCH, she is committed to improving healthcare access and the well-being of our community.

Dr. John Brent Wallis, MD

Medical Director

Dr. Wallis brings expert clinical guidance to Luke's House. He is a physician executive with over 15 years experience in healthcare integration and quality. He currently works as the VP of Clinical Integration at Peoples Health. Previously he was medical director for LSU's Med-Peds resident clinic as well as taught at LSU medical school.

Mary Butler

Treasurer

Coming soon.

Laurent LeBien, MHA

Secretary

Laurent has extensive healthcare experience across government, non-profit, and for-profit sectors. He's served as a hospital chaplain, managed healthcare clinics, and has worked as an insurance company contract author. He holds a Master of Health Systems Administration from Tulane and is dedicated to healthcare equity and holistic care.

Courtney Stuckwisch Wong

Board Member

Wendy Rihner

Board Member

Rihner, a longtime educator, taught at Delgado Community College for 30 years before retiring in 2020. She was drawn to Luke’s House in 2018 after hearing an appeal at Rayne Memorial Methodist Church and has been a dedicated supporter ever since. As both a board member and gardener, she is passionate about advancing the clinic’s mission of compassionate care.

Karen Gallegos Diaz

Board Member

A Mexican immigrant and longtime New Orleanian, Karen is a Tulane medical student dedicated to breaking down healthcare barriers for underserved communities. She has first-hand experience with healthcare challenges and is passionate about ensuring others receive care in their native language. She serves as both board member and as a medical student volunteer.

Nelson Trinidad Vives

Board Member

Bio coming soon! 

Emma Ortega

Board Member

Emma is a Peruvian American epidemiologist and PhD student. She is dedicated to advancing health equity. Her research focuses on Latino health outcomes in Louisiana and Peru, reinforcing her commitment to accessible healthcare. As a passionate advocate, she firmly believes in and supports the mission of Luke’s House.

Anne Mueller

Board Member

Coming soon.

Mike Coatney

Board Member

Mike and his wife, Lynn, are members of Rayne Memorial UMC and have supported Luke's House Clinic for many years. Mike has an MBA and is a CPA. After 40 years, he has retired from Acme Truck Line but retains the title of Chairman. He is an active supporter of STAR.NGO and DignityPeriod.Org.

Sarah Stone

Board Member

Originally from Arizona, I fell in love with New Orleans during college and am delighted to call it home again. Growing up in a border state sparked my passion for advocating for immigrant communities. Although my professional background is in capital post-conviction law, I'm thrilled for the opportunity to support communities whose voices often go unheard. Outside work, I enjoy festivals and parades, crafting at home, relaxing with my pets, and watching bad television.

Dr. Patrick Johnson III, MD

Board Member

I completed my residency in internal medicine and pediatrics at LSU-New Orleans and am board-certified in both specialties. Since 2015, I’ve served as a primary care physician and Associate VP of Medical Affairs at Access Health Louisiana, providing care at Belle Chasse Community Health Center. I've volunteered at Luke’s House clinic since my residency, and continue to do so by taking care of patients and by actively serving in the Quality Improvement committee. I have been fortunate enough to witness, for many years, the ways in which Luke's House clinic has directly and positively affected so many patients' lives.

Stephanie Sonnier

Board Member

Stephanie is a Registered Nurse and Assistant Director of Research Services at LSU Health New Orleans. She brings Luke's House extensive expertise in clinical research, strategic planning, financial management, quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and healthcare leadership.

Carolina Gomez

Board Member

Coming soon.

Zaidmara Diaz

Board Member

Coming Soon!

© 2025 by Luke's House Clinic

Call: 504-444-7879  ||  Privacy Policy

2222 Simon Bolivar Ave. New Orleans, Louisiana 70113

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