Board and Staff

Nicki Kroese - Executive Director

Karen Hefner – Board President and Founder

In 1977, Karen and Kurt Hefner started the Pregnancy Crisis Hotline. While Kurt is working in the pharmacy Karen is kept busy with the merchandising side of the Hallmark business. Karen is active in her church, is an avid tennis player and enjoys her spare time with her grandchildren. She remains vigilant in her work for the unborn and is a driving force behind the growth and success of this ministry.

Molly Arrossa – Secretary

Upon completion of her secondary education degree at Idaho State University, Molly Arrossa and her husband settled in Kimberly. She taught in the Kimberly and Twin Falls School Districts until retirement in 2008. Having a strong belief in the sanctity of life, and being involved in the pro-life community for many years made joining Sage Women’s Center a logical next step in affirming life and protecting women and their unborn children.

Pastor Mark Browne – Member

Pastor Mark Browne and his wife Suze are no strangers to this area having lived here for several years. He is a retired Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S.Army. He has served as Chaplin in the U. S. Army and National Guard, Volunteer Chaplin at Magic Valley Regional Medical Center, now known as St. Luke’s. He is the Pastor of Rock Creek Community Church in Twin Falls.

“My passion in life is helping people connect with God through faith in Christ and live a life fully devoted to Him. I use my whole person in ministry – all that I am – the history of my successes and failures, my understanding of the love of God, and especially my knowledge of the Word of God to move people to a more joyful, purposeful and loving relationship with Jesus Christ.”

Steve Schmid, M.D. – Member

Steve and his wife Kate moved to Twin Falls in 1991 where they raised their family and Steve practiced general surgery. Now retired, Steve has joined the Sage board to assist in our work to save lives from abortion.

Francis “Rusty” Gideon

Rusty comes to Sage following 18 years of dedication to Capstone Ministries including 6 years as Board President. Rusty served the orphaned and poor children in Tijuana, Mexico tirelessly providing help wherever and whenever possible. He studied Engineering Sciences at United States Air Force Academy and retired to Idaho in 2000 after 34 years in the Air Force. He is an active member of St. Edward church and has two grown children and four grandchildren. Rusty’s daughter Courtney was adopted, so he has a personal interest in the mission and values of Sage.

Andrew Gardner

Andy and his wife Katie moved to Twin Falls in 2006, from Eastern Idaho. After previous work-related relocations, they feel very blessed to call Twin Falls home. Andy has been involved in Pro-Life work since 2020 when he felt a strong need to help protect the unborn. He is an active member of the St. Edward’s Pro-Life Committee, serving as Treasurer. Professionally, he has been a manufacturing leader for more than twenty years and is currently the plant manager for large food manufacturer in the Magic Valley.