Meet Our Providers

Kathleen M. LaFavor is a native of Jackson, Neb. She graduated summa cum laude from Briar Cliff University and the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences. She completed her residency at Creighton University Medical Center in Omaha, Neb. in obstetrics and gynecology.
“After my first delivery, I was hooked. I decided that I would rather get up in the middle of the night for a mom and baby that needs me over anything else. The rest is history.” One of the best things about Dr. LaFavor’s job is really getting to know her patients. “I treat them as if they were my mom, sister or friend. It’s fun to run into my patients and see these tiny human beings I helped deliver, grow and develop.”
Dr. LaFavor is a member of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the American Medical Association, former chairperson of Mercy Medical Center’s OB-GYN department, member of Mercy One Credentialing Committee, member of Briar Cliff University Board of Directors, and a member of Holy Cross Parish. In her spare time, Dr. LaFavor and her husband Jeff love to cheer on their three very active boys, Kaleb, Aiden and Noah, in whatever sport is in season, hanging out with their friends and dog, going for walks, taking photography, and reading books.

Mary Schneider is a South Dakota native and earned her undergraduate degree from the University of South Dakota. Dr. Schneider then graduated from the University of South Dakota’s School of Medicine and completed her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Missouri in Kansas City. It was during her third year in med school that Dr. Schneider helped deliver her first baby and knew OB-GYN was her calling. She cried that first time, then got back to work and never looked back. Dr. Schneider joined Siouxland Women’s Healthcare in August of 2001 and has delivered thousands of babies since then. She has experience with all types of birth scenarios, including vaginal deliveries, planned and unplanned C-sections, breech positioning and premature deliveries. Dr. Schneider is married to Dr. Amir Andrawis.

Rena A. Avery, a Sioux City native, graduated summa cum laude from Briar Cliff University and earned her Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine degree from Des Moines University, College of Osteopathic Medicine. She completed her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Creighton University. Dr. Avery is the only NAMS Menopause Society Certified Practitioner in Siouxland. She obtained her certification through The Menopause Society.
“I was born and raised in Sioux City. I attended both Heelan High School and Briar Cliff University. I am very excited to come back home after completing my training. Sioux City is my home, and I couldn’t imagine raising my kids anywhere else.”
Dr. Avery wanted to be a physician from the moment she started her first college job as a phlebotomist. She has three children, Freddy, Willy and Ellie, and enjoys spending time with her family. Dr. Avery is married to Milt Avery.
“Being a mother is the best thing that ever happened to me. I love being a mom! It has taught me patience, understanding and helps me stay grounded. Motherhood also allows me to better relate to my patients because we all experience similar highs and lows of parenthood.”

Danielle J. Hay is a native of Sioux City. She graduated from Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences before completing her residency at Doctors Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. Women’s health has been a passion she’s carried with her since she was an undergrad at Buena Vista University.
“As an OB-GYN, I get to be with women at their strongest and when they are going through life-changing moments like planning families, growing families and menopause.” Dr. Hay prides herself on being a teacher and mentor to others in the medical field and was awarded the Excellence in Teaching Award during her residency. With her patients, she believes each patient and situation is different and approaches care the same way.
“I appreciate women trust me to help them with their health and I work hard to honor that trust.” Dr. Hay loves to spend time with her family, which includes husband Kyle and children Colin, Cadence, Connor, and Covey.

Dr. Ferrell comes from a family of healthcare workers. When she was learning about the different medical specialties she could pursue, the obstetrics/gynecology field stood out to her. "You get to help women through the most beautiful and also the most difficult moments of their lives in meaningful and tangible ways," she says. She also appreciates the balance between surgical and non-surgical work that her job allows, and being able to use her skills and knowledge to support women through significant transitions like adolescence, pregnancy and menopause.
"Women’s health needs have often been underserved, particularly in areas like high-risk pregnancy, access to comprehensive contraception management, pelvic pain, access to care for underserved populations, and the unique needs of women’s bodies at all stages of life."
Dr. Ferrell’s hometown is Rapid City, South Dakota. She and her husband have two kids, two dogs and a cat. Her hobbies include hiking, camping, video games, cooking and reading epic sci-fi and fantasy novels.

Jodi Netley loves helping women through all stages of life. A Sioux City-native, she earned her BSN from Mount Mercy College, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She began her career at Siouxland Women’s Health Care as an RN in 2006 before deciding to take the next step in her healthcare career by graduating summa cum Laude from Briar Cliff University with MSN and Family Health Nurse Practitioner degrees in 2014. She then became a Nurse Practitioner for Siouxland Women’s Health Care in 2016.
“I’ve always enjoyed my career as a nurse, but I wanted to do more to help others,” she says. “I now work with the best physicians, nurses, front-office staff and ultrasound technicians.” When Jodi isn’t helping patients or volunteering with Siouxland Youth Hockey Association, she loves to spend time outdoors camping, fishing and four-wheeling with husband Kevin and their two kids, Hailey and Kaden.

Our Providers