Christian Hospital - Diabetes Institute - Meet the Staff - Meet the Diabetes Educators;Dietitians and Diabetes Specialists of the Christian Hospital Diabetes Institute in St. Louis;Missouri

Our certified diabetes educators have completed a minimum of 1,000 hours of diabetes teaching, have received 75 hours of continuing education and have passed a national exam.

Theresa Linck, RN Certified Diabetes Educator Theresa received her bachelor's degree from Maryville University. She began her nursing career in 1995, and has experience in podiatry, triage nursing, internal medicine and clinical research. As our outpatient education program coordinator, Theresa teaches patients and family members how to manage diabetes, and promotes public awareness about the disease.	"Weight loss can reduce your risk of diabetes and heart disease. If diabetes runs in your family, see your doctor regularly, eat healthy, exercise and reduce your stress."

Michelle Preston, RD, LD Program Manager Registered Dietitian Certified Diabetes Educator Michelle is a graduate of the Coordinated Program in Dietetics at the University of Missouri-Columbia. Her background is in clinical dietetics and outpatient counseling on diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, obesity, food allergies and eating disorders. She teaches nutrition management and makes community presentations.	"Balance and moderation are the keys to healthy eating. Eat balanced meals containing all the food groups, and reduce your portion size!"

Shu Jane Yu, RD, LD Certified Diabetes Educator Shu Jane Yu has worked with Christian Hospital for more than 30 years. She has been a certified diabetes educator since 1990, and the lead dietitian for the Food and Nutrition Department since 2000. Shu Jane also manages the Clinical Dietitian Department.	"I enjoy teaching patients how to eat right to manage their diabetes, and seeing the difference it can make in their health."

Mary Overstreet, RN, BSN Program Director Mary brings years of nursing experience to the Diabetes Institute, including critical care, emergency medicine, managed care and hospital case management. She knows how important it is for patients to make and sustain life changes to manage their condition.	"I'm proud we provide free screenings so people can identify the disease."



Shanna Brueckner, BS Mobile Unit Coordinator Shanna has worked in corporate wellness since 1999, and has educated thousands of people about their health and the importance of disease prevention through behavior changes. Shanna teaches people about diabetes, and screens for the disease on the Mobile Unit.	Shanna received her bachelor's degree in health management and health promotion.

Toni Easley, RN, BSN Certified Diabetes Educator Toni began working at Christian Hospital while in nursing school. She educates patients and their families about diabetes, and especially enjoys hearing success stories from class participants and support group members.	Toni's health tip: "Take the stairs!"

Shirley Covington, BS Mobile Unit Coordinator Shirley's health care career began in 1981 in the field of Family Practice. Ten years later, she joined BJC HealthCare in the Corporate Health Division. Today Shirley promotes diabetes awareness and education with blood sugar screenings at our Mobile Unit.	Shirley received her bachelor's degree in health management and health promotion.

John Largent, BGS Mobile Unit Coordinator John began his career at the former Christian Hospital NorthWest in 1973. He later assisted with physician recruitment for several BJC hospitals. Today he promotes diabetes awareness and education with blood sugar screenings on the Diabetes Mobile Unit.	John received his bachelor's degree in general business studies.