Mercy Research Leadership

Mercy Research Senior Leadership

JoAnne Levy, JD – Vice President

JoAnne has led Mercy Research since 2016, spearheading the consolidation of community health research support across the health ministry into a unified not-for-profit entity characterized by high standards of standardization and compliance. Her career at Mercy includes significant leadership roles at ROi, a Top 10 healthcare supply chain organization, as well as in Mercy’s corporate operations. Prior to joining Mercy, JoAnne spent 16 years with Covidien/Mallinckrodt, where she was involved in global logistics, international and market development, and sales and marketing support. JoAnne began her career in private legal practice and then in legal roles at Mallinckrodt. JoAnne earned her undergraduate, law and MBA degrees – all with honors – from Washington University in St. Louis. Her achievements include receiving the 2019 Leader of Distinction in Health Management award from the YWCA, the 2017 Healthcare Accomplishment Recognition Award from the Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association – St. Louis Chapter, and the 2016 St. Louis Business Journal’s Top 25 Most Influential Businesswomen Award.

Kelle Laws, RN – Executive Director

Kelle joined Mercy Research in May 2017, where she provides leadership support to both the clinical and business operations teams. Before her current role, she held various positions at ROi, Mercy’s supply chain organization, culminating in her role as executive director of medical devices contracting and clinical support. Kelle also brings nine years of experience in supply standardization consulting with Cardinal Health, along with several years in nursing leadership and staffing, with a focus on surgical services. She earned her BA from Washington University in St. Louis, a nursing diploma from Barnes-Jewish College of Nursing, and a graduate degree in nursing with a focus on education from the University of Phoenix.

Jana Dock, CPA – Director of Business Operations

Jana joined Mercy Research in January 2018, bringing a wealth of experience from her long tenure with Mercy. She began her career at Mercy in December 2001 in clinic finance in Springfield, and later transitioned to clinic administration where she supported financial analysis. For nearly 11 years prior to her role in Mercy Research, Jana managed the Springfield finance hub. She holds a BS in accounting from Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, MO, and is a Certified Public Accountant.

Michelle Bryant – Director of Regulatory Operations and Quality Assurance

Michelle began her tenure at Mercy in October 2016 as a research regulatory coordinator, subsequently advancing to the role of manager of regulatory operations. Her background prior to joining Mercy Research includes extensive experience in research study coordination, quality assurance, and behavioral health care services. Michelle holds a BS in health sciences from Truman State University and a master’s in public health with a focus on epidemiology and biostatistics from Washington University in St. Louis. Additionally, she is certified in health care compliance by the Healthcare Compliance Association.

Amy Taylor – Director of Clinical Research, Non-Oncology

Amy joined Mercy in May 2011, starting in emergency medical services before transitioning to research in 2015. With clinical coordinator experience in cardiology, endocrinology, ophthalmology, and pain management, she became a clinical manager in Mercy Research’s Central region. Amy has served as a member, chair, and now sponsor of the Mercy Research Mission Team. She holds a BS in cell and molecular biology, with minors in chemistry and psychology, from Missouri State University, and an Executive MBA with honors from Quantic School of Business and Technology. In 2023, Amy was honored with Springfield's Values in Action Award for exemplifying Mercy's core values through her outstanding actions and behaviors.

Laurie Nightengale, MD - Director of Clinical Research, Oncology

Laurie joined Mercy Research in October 2022, bringing over 14 years of extensive research experience. Her background includes managing Phase II-IV clinical trials, developing and expanding multiple biorepositories, and creating translational research protocols. She has also managed several mRNA vaccine trials and developed protocols for investigator-initiated research trials. Laurie holds a BS in exercise science/kinesiology from Kansas State University, a master’s of science in international public health and development law from Tulane University School of Law, and a medical degree from All Saints University School of Medicine.

Vicky Wheelock, RN – Research Marketing Manager 

Vicky has been associated with the Mercy system for 40 years. She has served in various nursing roles focused on oncology, gastroenterology, case management and research for 21 years. She has held several leadership roles as the GI lab manager, acting head nurse of the oncology floor and director of clinical non-cancer research. Vicky has a BS in nursing from Maryville University.

Mercy Research Physician Council

Carla Kurkjian, MD – Mercy Oncology - Oklahoma City

With a medical degree from University of Oklahoma and fellowship in hematology/oncology, Dr. Kurkjian did a drug development fellowship at the National Cancer Institute. Dr. Kurkjian joined Mercy in September 2016 as vice president of oncology services for the West Communities. She maintains a clinical practice at Mercy Oklahoma City with a focus on gastrointestinal malignancies, where our Mercy Research team has enjoyed supporting her active clinical research activities. She also holds a master’s degree in business administration from the Stanford University Graduate School of Business. Dr. Kurkjian serves as Mercy Research medical director, representing Mercy's Oklahoma Region.

Gregory Ledger, MD – Mercy Endocrinology - Springfield

With a medical degree from Indiana University School of Medicine and a fellowship at Mayo Clinic, Dr. Ledger does research in metabolic bone disease and osteoporosis. Dr. Ledger has 24 years of experience practicing general endocrinology with an interest in metabolic bone disease. He is currently the Mercy Research medical director for Mercy’s Missouri Southwest Region.

Farid Sadaka, MD - Mercy Critical Care - St. Louis

With a medical degree from the American University of Beirut, Dr. Sadaka trained in critical care and internal medicine at St. Louis University (SLU) and joined Mercy in 2006. In addition to serving as Program Director for SLU’s Critical Care Fellowship Program, Dr. Sadaka has held several leadership positions at Mercy, including Director of our Neuro-Trauma ICU and Program Director of our Neurocritical Care Fellowship Program. He currently serves as Mercy's Critical Care Medicine Department Chair. Actively engaged in advancing medical knowledge through critical care research, Dr. Sadaka has contributed to nearly 150 publications and participated in 30 research trials. He acts as the medical director for Mercy Research in Mercy’s Missouri East Region.