Meet the Nurse Residency Team
Billings Clinic's Nurse Residency Team consists of experienced Registered Nurses who all have bedside Medical-Surgical care backgrounds. We have a passion for providing quality care to our patients and facilitating learning.
Sherri Zimmerman, MSN, RN
Nurse Residency Program Director
SZimmerman@billingsclinic.org
Office: 406-238-2619
Sherri has been a nurse for almost 40 years. She started her career in healthcare as a CNA in 1982 then went to school to be a LPN then a RN. Sherri’s work passion is supporting the professional development of those in her circle of influence. Her life passion is soaking up the sun in a pool or an ocean. Sherri grew up in Brasil as a missionary kid (MK) and then a preacher's kid (PK) The Amazon River and is where she developed her love of sandy beaches and water. Sherri loves talking (literally) and getting to know those around her. She loves pets, especially of the canine and poodle variety.
Melissa Heppner, MSN, BSN, RN
Nurse Residency Specialist
MHeppner@billingsclinic.org
Office: 406-435-6956
Melissa has worked at Billings Clinic for 12 years, one year as a CNA and 11 as an RN, in Med Surg, Peri Op, and PACU. Melissa obtained her Master's in Nursing Education from the University of Mary, and has served as a clinical instructor for nursing students. Melissa is passionate about the preparation of new nurses, and strives to help them be successful in work and in life. She loves to travel, and traveled to Europe, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Thailand, and is looking forward to one day seeing New Zealand, Scotland, and South America. Melissa enjoys crafts and spending time with her family and friends.
Tracey Labor, BSN, RN
Nurse Residency Nursing Professional Development Practitioner
TLabor@billingsclinic.org
Office: 406-435-6954
Tracey brings 34 years of Nursing experience to the Nurse Residency Department. Tracey started her career at Deaconess Hospital (later Billings Clinic) in 1989 as a Nurse Intern. She obtained her BSN from Montana State University in 1990 and began her nursing journey. Through the years, Tracey has had the opportunity to view nursing from being a floor nurse, clinic nurse, AOD to a nurse leader. Tracey is passionate about education and supporting professional growth in nurses at any stage in their nursing career.
Tracey and her husband, Scott have 3 children, 3 grandchildren, and Bernese Mountain Dog, Broadus. She enjoys reading, camping and spending time with her family and friends.
Heather Landon, BSN, RN
Nurse Residency Nursing Professional Development Practitioner
HLandon@billingsclinic.org
Office: 406-247-6418
Heather started her nursing career in 2010 as a Psychiatric registered nurse and became the Psychiatric educator in 2015.
Heather was nominated and awarded the Nursing Excellence Award in 2016 and Daisy Award in 2023.
In Heather’s free time, she loves to spend time with her husband and 4 kids!
Heather has a passion for education and helping nurses grow.
Emilee Sarkela, MBA
Program Associate
Esarkela@billingsclinic.org
Emilee supports the Nurse Residency Professional Development Practitioners with the administration and scheduling of the Nurse Residency Program. Emilee completed her Master of Business Administration and Bachelor of Business Administration Management at Western Governors University. Emilee also holds an associate degree in human resources. Emilee was born and raised in Montana. Emilee is married and has two children, together they enjoy camping, boating, and exploring.
