A life in the medical field is a calling and requires the guidance of knowledgeable instructors, compassionate professionals and the wisdom that only comes from experience. Our Medical Advisory Council members possess all three of these characteristics and they lead our team through the curriculum needed to train high school students to thrive in institutions of higher learning. Their considerable experience provides a solid foundation for a master plan and we praise God for their dedication and willingness to guide such a timely and vital program.
The Medical Advisory Council
Council Members
Beckie Retzer
Associate Professor
Professor Retzer has clinical experience in medical-surgical, outpatient surgery, IV team, case management, quality management, and long-term care nursing in addition to conducting prior authorization at an insurance company. Her professional memberships include Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society for Nursing, Tennessee Nurses Association, and Tennessee Public Health Association.
In her free time, Professor Retzer enjoys reading mission stories and Adventist history, sewing, doing crafts, being in the outdoors, and spending time with family.
She values the advice found in this Bible verse: “Delight yourself also in the LORD, and He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass” (Psalm 37:4-5, NKJV).
David Manestar
Director of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Currently the Director of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Cumberland Medical Center in Crossville, Tennessee. Formerly managed an off-site physical therapy practice. Growing the clinic from a solo PT to 4 full time staff members and expanding services to include occupational therapy and speech services PRN
Luisa Manesar
Family Practice Physician
Nicole Baker
Registered Nurse
Nicole Baker is an alumnus of Heritage Academy Class of 2009 and went on to receive her nursing degree from Southern Adventist University. She has been working as a Critical Care Registered Nurse for over 10 years and is currently specializing in cardiology. With a passion for the medical field, Nicole is excited about this unique opportunity for the next generation of young people through this program at her alma mater.
Jonathan Castells
Registered Nurse MSN
Jonathan is an alumnus of Heritage Academy, Class of 2002. He went on to receive his baccalaureate and masters degrees in nursing from Southern Adventist University. He has over 18 years of nursing clinical experience in home health, cardiac step down, emergency room, intensive care, clinical education and charge nurse/house supervisor leadership roles. He is excited to be a part of the healing ministry of Jesus Christ, to make man whole. He is a blessed husband and proud father of four. In his spare time Jonathan enjoys hiking, canoeing, camping, gardening and singing in church groups.
Rhina Urdaneta Keyes
Registered Nurse
Andrew Keyes
Family Practice Physician
Becky Ingersoll
Registered Nurse