Meet our Staff, Medical Director and Board of Directors
Debbie Geist - Executive Director
Debbie joined Life Network in 2003 and became the Executive Director in June of 2010. She has been married to her wonderful husband since 1973 and together they have two sons and five beautiful grandchildren. She is a member of First Baptist Church in Columbia, Illinois where she actively volunteers in many areas.
Julie Stuart, RN - Nurse Manager
Julie joined the Staff of Life Network in June, 2018, as the Nurse Manager. She has been an Obstetrics and Pediatrics nurse since 1983. Julie and her husband, Mark, have 4 children and 4 beautiful grandchildren. She attends Life Community Church in Columbia, IL.
Michelle Schweiger, RN - Director of Client Services
Michelle originally joined Life Network in January 2005 and served as Nurse Manager for over 13 years and Director of Client Services for approximately 8 years. Michelle was called away in May 2018 for one year. She returned to Life Network in July 2019 to serve as Satellite Manager of the Red Bud center and then back to Client Services Director. Michelle was married to John in 1993 and they have two children. She is a member of St. Agatha Catholic Church in New Athens.
Georgia Hutchinson - Financial Administrative Assistant
Georgia joined the staff of Life Network in October, 2015, as Financial Administrative Assistant. In addition, she assists in planning and coordination of fundraisers, donor relations and maintains the Center's website and Facebook page. Georgia and her husband have one son and attend Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Columbia, IL.
Peggy Buettner, Satellite Manager
Peggy joined the Life Network staff in February, 2022 as the Receptionist/Educator. She now serves as our Satellite Manager in our Red Bud office. She and her husband, Don, have been married since 1978 and have 3 children and 2 grandsons. They attend Life Community Church in Columbia, IL.
Medical Director
Joe Cangas, MD, FAAP
Dr. Joe is from Dallas City, IL and currently owns a pediatric practice in Monroe County, IL and St. Louis, MO. He is married to Zoe and they have 3 beautiful children. After high school, Dr. Joe served in the Army and then attended Southeastern Community College, Western Illinois University and the University College of Medicine. He completed his pediatric residency at the University of Missouri in 2004.
Dr. Joe and his family attend Connect Church in Fenton, MO. He is an avid college sports and St. Louis Cardinals fan. He is a member of Crestwood/Sunset Hills and South County Kiwanis Clubs. He served on the Life Network of Southern Illinois Board of Directors for 4 years before accepting the position of Medical Director in 2017. His love for the ministry and medical expertise allow us to bring new and improved medical services that best benefit our clients.
Board of Directors
Jack Turner, Chair