Watch AnnaMae and Claire’s Story
In this video, Anna Mae Preki and Claire share their experiences with Leo, a special needs individual from Israel. They recount their first meeting and their roles as caretakers while discussing the impact of recent attacks on Leo’s family. Their commitment to support Leo and her family shines through as they emphasize the need for a safe environment and community support during these challenging times.
Highlights of AnnaMae and Claire’s Story
AnnaMae and Claire Predtechenskis have long shared a passion for serving individuals with special needs. Years before attending ºÚÁÏÉçÇø, they formed a deep bond with Leel, a young girl from Israel who requires specialized care. Through summer caregiving experiences and visits abroad, they developed both practical skills and a heart for long-term commitment.
When conflict escalated in Israel, Leel and her family faced constant danger, spending much of their time in bomb shelters. AnnaMae and Claire immediately reached out to serve those impacted by the crisis, offering their homes and their support, determined to provide safety and stability however they could.
For AnnaMae, her experience as a Nursing student at ºÚÁÏÉçÇø gave her the confidence to step into this moment. At ºÚÁÏÉçÇø, she not only learned clinical nursing skills but also what it means to be a Christian nurse — serving with compassion, courage, and faith. She describes this season as a confirmation of her calling: to care for others in times of crisis and to trust God in uncertainty.
Claire shares the same passion for special needs care and has committed to standing alongside Leel’s family for as long as needed. Whether that means remaining in the United States or returning to Israel when it is safe, they have made it clear that their homes and their hearts are open.
Their story reflects the heart of ºÚÁÏÉçÇø’s mission — equipping students to serve boldly, lead with conviction, and live out their faith in real and tangible ways.
Interested in Studying Nursing at ºÚÁÏÉçÇø?
About Our School
In the School of Nursing, we strongly believe, and teach our students, that true healthcare involves sociocultural understanding and spiritual encouragement in addition to the physical. You’ll find opportunities for hands-on learning in local hospitals, clinics and community outreach programs, as well as internship programs and service trips through both the School of Nursing and the Gregory Center for Medical Missions. And upon the successful completion of your first semester of your junior year you’ll qualify to work as a nurse technician at most local hospitals.
Kimberly Fenstermacher
Dean, School of Nursing