Meet Jana

Jana is an All-Star member at MVP Crahen where she enjoys getting her daily exercise while connecting with members and team members. As the Executive Director at the American Heart Association (AHA), however, Jana’s commitment to wellness extends far beyond the walls of MVP. 

As someone who has dedicated her career to raising awareness for cardiovascular health, Jana Siminski knows the importance of a lifestyle and routine that promotes wellness.  Jana and her husband first joined MVP for the court time for her husband and daughter to play tennis.  Over time, it became more than just a place for tennis – it became a highlight of her daily routine.  “It’s a great group of people, and the routine creates connections.  It’s fun to see the same people every day,” she shared. 

Jana loves being part of the 5:00 a.m. crowd, where you can find her taking BODYPUMP, core or yoga classes, using the sauna, or on the treadmill. “The convenience of MVP Crahen is unmatched. It allows for a routine where I don’t have to factor in the weather. I just jump on and go!” She said.  

Jana’s active routine at MVP is a natural complement to her professional role at the AHA. At AHA, Jana works on critical initiatives, including CPR education, cardiac emergency response plans, and advocating for policies that promote heart health. “Since the AHA’s founding in 1924, deaths from cardiovascular diseases have been cut in half,” she shared proudly. “Yet, there are still so many more lives to save.” 

For Jana, the most rewarding part of her work is the connections she builds within the community and the tangible impact of the AHA’s mission. She recounted a powerful story about a long-time volunteer who recognized she was having a heart attack because she remembered a speaker at an AHA event. “Because she knew the signs and advocated for herself, she got the care she needed,” Jana said. “Stories like this are why this work is so important.” 

 This February, MVP is partnering with the AHA for a month-long focus on cardiovascular health, offering education, events, and opportunities to get involved.  Jana and her team will also be providing hands-only CPR demos at MVP, empowering members with life-saving skills. 

“Hands-only CPR can double or triple the chances of survival,” Jana emphasized. “Seventy percent of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests happen at home, so we encourage at least one person in every household to learn. If you ever need to use it, it might be on someone you love.” 

We’re honored to have members like Jana who inspire us through their dedication to wellness and making a difference. Her commitment to creating a healthier future is a reminder of the power of connection, community, and heart. As Jana passionately puts it, “We want to change a nation of bystanders into a nation of lifesavers!”