Meet the Team

Olivia Kreipke

Director of Admissions

Olivia Kreipke began her journey as the Admissions Director for Ivory Plains Recovery in August 2023. Hailing from the suburbs of Chicago, Olivia pursued her education at Central College in Pella, Iowa, where she earned a Bachelor of Psychology and CADC. Alongside her husband, she takes pride in being parents to two hound dogs. Their leisure time is often spent outdoors, relishing walks with their canine companions. If not engrossed in family time, Olivia can typically be found tending to her extensive collection of over 50 houseplants, a hobby that blossomed unexpectedly. Responding to market needs, Olivia transitioned into the role of Market Director of Admissions for both Ivory Plains and St. Gregory’s Recovery Centers in April of 2024. She finds immense fulfillment in her role, particularly in offering hope to clients seeking assistance, ensuring they feel supported even before they arrive at the facility. Olivia encourages those struggling with addiction or their loved ones not to hesitate to reach out for help. She firmly believes that while growth and change may be challenging, remaining stagnant in an unsuitable environment is far more agonizing. She extends a welcoming invitation to call, assuring assistance in making the process as accessible and comfortable as possible.

Tessa Prochaska

Human Resources Director

I am Tessa, the Human Resource Director for the Iowa Market. Healthcare has been a rewarding experience in many ways. I have met so many talented individuals who have made such a positive impact in my professional career. I pride myself on being a part of a team that strives to do the best they can do every day, to make a positive impact on the clients we serve daily. I love meeting new people and continuously finding ways to create a positive work environment that our employees thrive in.  I am from Lakefield MN and graduated from Minnesota State University in Mankato. I have a 7-year-old son and 2 dogs, Bella and Bear. I love 90s Country music, gardening, and spending time with family and friends. My motto is, “It’s a good day, to have a good day”!

Andy Menken

Director of Utilization Review

Hi, my name is Andy and I am the Director of Utilization Review for St. Gregory’s and Ivory Plains.  I started at St. Gregory’s in 2016. I left for other opportunities but ultimately came back because of my love for the position. I take pride in helping clients to get their maximum length of stay for our clients and then seeing the transformation clients make from admission to discharge.

I attended the University of Northern Iowa for a BSW and achieved my CADC.

God first in every aspect of my life along with 3 amazing children.  My children are all actively involved in multiple sports, vocal music, band, mock trial, dance team, competitive Olympic weightlifting, and church.

Little Fun Facts – Met a US president, my father, and grandfather are veterans, I’m a former probation officer, my best bench press was 535 lbs., saved a child from drowning when I was in college, two of my best friends played in the NFL and was re-baptized ten years ago which was a life-changing event.

Alexis Thompson

Business Development Director

Meet Alexis, she is our passionate Market Director of Business Development/Community Outreach at St. Gregory Recovery Center. Her journey with St. Gregory’s commenced in 2021, evolving into the role of Market Director in 2023. Over the years, she has witnessed remarkable transformations and progress within the Iowa facilities, which fuels her passion for her work every day. Alexis finds fulfillment in the adage, “You will never work a day in your life when you do something you love,” as it accurately reflects her experience. Despite holding directorial positions in various companies throughout her career, Alexis attests that nothing compares to her current role.

She takes pleasure in engaging with the community, sourcing assistance and resources for individuals, and above all, raising awareness about addiction and mental health. Alexis pursued her education at Upper Iowa University, majoring in Psychology and Business Management, where she crossed paths with her husband. Together, they now nurture two lively boys, two horses, and a basset hound. During her leisure time, Alexis can be found enjoying the company of her family and animals at the barn or exploring trails. Alternatively, she actively represents the Iowa facilities in the community, proudly advocating for the support they provide to the recovery community.

Sammarra Platt-Smith

Business Office Manager

Sammarra is the Business Office Manager for the Iowa market. She commenced her journey in July of 2023 at Ivory Plains before assuming the role of Business Office Manager for the Iowa Market in 2024. A lifelong resident of Iowa, she grew up in a large family on a farm in a secluded area. Married for 30 years, Sammarra and her spouse have raised three daughters and now revel in the joy of five grandchildren, four grand dogs, three grand cats, a grand horse, and a guinea pig.

Her passion lies in witnessing the transformation of clients from arrival to discharge. Each week, she observes individuals evolve and find forgiveness within themselves. Additionally, she finds fulfillment in meeting people and aiding them on their journey to sobriety.

Sammarra attributes her satisfaction to the dedicated and compassionate individuals she works alongside, who consistently extend support and grace to others. Her personal motto encapsulates her belief that “life is a journey.”