This presentation covers what hospice services are available and the history of hospice care including the modern hospice movement, myths about hospice, frequently asked questions, the role of the hospice interdisciplinary team, and the services provided by hospice that are covered by Medicare.
How do you tell when a patient could benefit from hospice services? This presentation will discuss hospice appropriateness and the tools available for clinical and non-clinical staff.
This presentation explains the basics of hospice services, who and what is paid, and benefits of collaborating with hospice providers in providing end-of-life care.
Assisted living staff members are experts in long-term care and hospice team members are experts in end-of-life care. This presentation explains how the partnership between hospice
This presentation covers hospice and the MDS. It explains the ways hospice benefits a facility and also how to identify a hospice appropriate resident by the MDS.
Doing a pain assessment on an individual that is cognitive and able to communicate is one thing, but how do we gather this information from residents with cognitive impairment? This presentation will explain how to recognize signs of pain and innovative ways of pain med delivery.
Providing care at the end-of-life requires skill and commitment. This presentation provides an overview of the philosophy of end-of-life care. It includes the philosophies of palliative, hospice, and long-term care. It also identifies issues that hinder or facilitate the provision of end-of-life care in nursing homes.
What I appreciate most about Heart ‘n Home is that they keep me and other area churches informed. They provide information that allows me to help families in crisis and grief. This helps these families to make better end-of-life decisions.
Pastor Bill
Pastor Bill Sunrise Christian Church
The growing alliance between religious and health communities represents one of the best solutions to the social and human problems that divide our nation.
Virginia Schiaffino
Director of National Federation of Interfaith Caregivers
Duy Trinh is a Nurse Practitioner at Heart ‘n Home Hospice & Palliative Care. He joined the Heart ‘n Home family in March 2018. He completes routine and emergency recertification visits on each patient entering their third benefit period or beyond (including admissions and transfers). He works in collaboration with Medical Directors and IDT members for clinical and psycho-social interventions. In his current role, he also acts as a resource to nursing staff. He also assists with diagnosis, treatment, and management of multiple co–morbidities contributing to terminal illness. In the meantime, he is very active in the community. He volunteers as a Nurse Practitioner at the Friendship Clinic, where he diagnoses and manages a variety of illness including chronic and mental health conditions for underserved population of Downtown Boise. He interacts and refers with other medical professionals to promote maintenance of chronic health condition management.
Mr. Trinh earned his Master of Science from Bowie State University School through the Family Nurse Practitioner Program in 2016. He received his Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Frostburg University in 2014, and his Associate Degree in Nursing in 2012 from Hagerstown Community College. He achieved his Diploma in Nursing in 2008 from Kaplan College in California. He is also certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Program.
He believes, “Nurses are there when the last breath is taken and nurses are there when the first breath is taken. Although it is more enjoyable to celebrate the birth, it is just as important to comfort in death.” Stated by Christine Bell. Mr. Trinh’s other hobbies include cooking, reading, biking, camping, and fishing. He enjoys his life in Idaho with his two awesome sons and lovely father.
Coming soon…
His youngest son lives in Albany, Oregon, the other two, including one who is a hospice chaplain, lives in California. He shares, “I enjoy short trips and look forward to all the splendors the Northwest has to offer. I am delighted to resume hospice participation after relocating to Central Oregon a year ago, where I served in hospice for almost four years. Though outsiders view hospice service as a likely medical and emotional burden, I consider it an honor and a privilege and find it invigorating. I also provide urgent care and occupational medicine care when not serving hospice patients and families.”
Dr. Ward is the Hospice Physician for the Meridian office at Heart ‘n Home Hospice & Palliative Care. He joined the Heart ‘n Home team in November 2017. Dr. Ward completed his Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience while at Brigham Young University. Then attended medical school in Iowa at Des Moines University and following that completed his family medicine residency with UC Davis in Redding, California. Dr. Ward is a Board-Certified Family Physician. He’s originally from Idaho, but grew up in Covington, Washington. Moved back “home” to the Treasure Valley almost five years ago. He says his wife and three little girls love it and they plan on staying.
Dr. Ward shares, “I enjoy all things health or fitness related such as, triathlons, golf, weight training, racquetball, enormous Seattle Mariners baseball fan, coaching daughters basketball and softball teams, snow skiing with my daughters, traveling to scuba dive spots with my wife. My favorite dive was last year with a large group of sharks in the Bahamas.
He also says, “I’ve been drawn to hospice since my first exposure while a medical resident a few years ago. I believe that the end of life should be treated with the same care, compassion, and love as the beginning.”
Dr. Tina Busby is the Hospice Physician for both the Bend and La Pine Heart ‘n Home Hospice & Palliative Care. She has been with Heart ‘n Home since September 2016; however, her involvement with the hospice movement began in 1986 as a Volunteer for Hospice of the Palouse in Moscow, Idaho. She has been an advocate for hospice in her practice and the tremendous support it provides patients and their families. She has worked in rural, small town, and inner city settings providing broad spectrum family medicine for the last 13 years for Mosaic Medical. Two years ago she became the sole primary care provider for Harriman Health Care which is an embedded primary care clinic operated by Mosaic Medical, a federally qualified health care system at Deschutes County Behavorial Health, seeing a panel of patients for primary care with severe persistent mental illness.
Dr. Busby grew up on a farm outside of Cottonwood, Idaho. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Bacteriology from the University of Idaho in 1989. She worked several years as a research assistant in a molecular genetics laboratory prior to starting medical school at University of Washington as an Idaho WWAMI student. She graduated from University of Washington School of Medicine in 199 and completed her family medicine residency at Bayfront Medical Center, an inner city teaching hospital in St. Petersburg, Fla., in 1998.
Katie Shevlin is the Director of Outreach for Heart ‘n Home Hospice & Palliative Care. She joined the team in January 2017. In this role, Katie is responsible for the overall management of the Sales Department. She will help recruit, hire, train, and evaluate new Outreach Coordinators company wide; she will be participating in community hospice activities and will continue to lead a team in providing end-of-life education to our communities.
Katie has 12 years of healthcare related sales and management experience. She obtained her bachelor’s in business/marketing from University of Idaho in 2001 and her MBA from Northwest Nazarene University in 2012.
“Hospice outreach is extremely rewarding and wonderful. Our team provides education daily to referral partners in the community, helping to spread the gift of hospice to more and more patients and families. It definitely can be challenging work, but with the most challenging work comes the most reward. I feel so blessed to work for such a supportive, compassionate, and family-oriented company.”
Zac Friberg joined the Heart ‘n Home team in May 2014. He earned his RN BSN in 2007 from Northwest Nazarene University. He has a true passion for hospice care and inspires others in their passion for learning how to provide excellent hospice care. Zac has a desire to continually improve hospice care and strives for excellence in his education role, while helping Nurses keep focused on “doing what is best for the patient … every day, every time.”
With an extensive background in hospice, trauma recovery, telemetry and critical care, outpatient surgery/recovery room, Zac approaches patient care and education with competence and confidence, and considers it a privilege to help Heart ‘n Home Nurses do the same. In his years serving in hospice he has experience as an On-call Nurse, Case Manager, teaching classes and providing coaching to other Nurses.
Zac enjoys developing new educational material and content to prepare Nurses to be their best. He has a caring heart for others and is passionate about building meaningful relationships with patients and coworkers, in the community, and with his wonderful family. Zac has enjoyed being a part of the Heart ‘n Home ‘family’ that is nationally recognized as a Top 100 Best Places to Work in America.
“In hospice we have the incredible privilege to help people in what is often the most difficult season of their lives. I believe this opportunity to serve in a holistic way is such a blessing for all involved, and it is amazing how much we receive ourselves when we are focused on giving and serving. It is truly an honor to serve our company and the patients we care for, knowing we can make a difference that lasts beyond this life.”
Angel Orlando Torres, MBA, is the Director of Compliance & Quality Improvement at Heart ‘n Home Hospice & Palliative Care. Angel joined the team in November 2017. In his role, he works closely with Executive Directors and Senior Leadership creating a culture of compliance that will generate a legendary program to protect Heart ‘n Home patients and employees. Angel was born in 1964 in Quito, Ecuador where he became a Medical Doctor in August 1989. He practiced medicine in Quito, Ecuador at a Family Practice and also in Oncology. In August 1991, he moved to Utah where he attended BYU so he could improve his English skills. He then began working quality control in the Cardiology Department in Provo, UT. Angel then turned his attention to Medicare regulations and state and federal rules regarding healthcare. In 1994, he started running a Quality Improvement Program for home health and hospice agencies. Angel saw a need to improve his education and in 2003 he received his degree as a Master of Business Administration with honors from the University of Phoenix. Now with a business degree and medical background he continues helping healthcare businesses in Utah as a healthcare consultant and administrator for home health, hospice, and assisting living agencies. Angel believes that quality is never an accident; it is always the result of an intelligent effort.
Angel says, “I LOVE hospice! I love helping people and educating others.”
Chase Stice is the Director of IT and has been with Heart ‘n Home since 2010. Leaving for a period of time to obtain his Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Information Technology (CIT) from Brigham Young University – Idaho in 2013. He has also been Security+ certified. Chase manages the development of IT members by providing coaching support to increase support efficiency and skills.
“IT is a great place to be as things are ever changing and challenging. Our team loves taking these challenges and reaching new heights within Heart ‘n Home. We love the chance to work with our fellow employees to help make everyone confident with their technology.”
Ryan Leonard, MSW/MA/O Psychology is the Executive Director of the La Grande office at Heart ‘n Home Hospice & Palliative Care. He joined our team in June 2015. As Executive Director, his focus will be in management and supervision of nursing service, social services, spiritual care services, community outreach and volunteer program. He will also be involved in recruitment, hiring, and training. His professional career path is a mix of clinical and business experiences. While Ryan was getting his bachelor’s degree in social work, he engaged in doing therapy with troubled teens with the goal of helping them overcome the challenges that were holding them back. These therapeutic skills transferred well when Ryan went on to get his master’s degree in social work, where he found himself working at a residential treatment facility doing therapy with struggling youth. Ryan then went on to get his second master’s degree in the field of industrial organizational psychology. Using this degree Ryan has done organizational consulting in the fields of team performance, leadership, employee development, and program evaluation. However, he began to feel that his career path did not offer enough purpose and fulfillment for him.
Ryan looks forward to serving the La Grande community in many different ways, but mostly by ensuring that the highest quality of services and support are offered to patients and their families.
Bree Jaynes is the Executive Director for the Emmett office of Heart ‘n Home Hospice & Palliative Care. She joined the company in April 2013. Bree started at Heart ‘n Home as an Outreach Coordinator at the Meridian and Caldwell locations. In 2014, she became the Outreach Coach, working with all eight offices to mentor and guide each Outreach Coordinator to build meaningful relationships within their communities. Bree loves being a leader in a company that has strong values and a positive culture. Bree has a Master’s in Business and a Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration.
“Hospice is a gift … I feel tremendously blessed to bring this gift to those in need within our communities. Being a part of the Heart ‘n Home family has made me a better person both personally and professionally. Every day I wake up feeling privileged for the opportunity to work for an organization that affirms life every day … every time.”
Billy Gehm is the Executive Director for the Bend office at Heart ‘n Home Hospice & Palliative Care. He joined the team in 2014 as an Outreach Coordinator. As Executive Director, his focus will be in management and supervision of nursing service, social services, spiritual care services, community outreach and volunteer program. He will also be involved in recruitment, hiring, and training.
Gehm has been promoted from his most recent position as Outreach Coach. “My family and I love the opportunity to serve Central Oregon. I believe that excellent care at the end of life is the right of every person. My mission is to educate and empower our team in Bend, so that they can bring that excellent care to everyone who needs it. Hospice providers have the special privilege and honor of providing care and support to patients and their families at one of the most critical times of their lives.”
Shawna Stallcop, MSN, FNP, is a Nurse Practitioner for both the Bend and La Pine offices of Heart’n Home Hospice & Palliative Care. She joined our team in April of 2015. Shawna grew up on the West Coast including California, New Mexico, Washington, and Hawaii. After marrying her high school sweetheart, Brian, and several moves throughout the Midwest and East Coast, they finally returned to Washington State and then to Bend, Oregon where she worked at a family practice in La Pine for many years. During that time, she and her husband adopted two children, who are now ages 12 and 9.
In 1986, Shawna completed a Bachelor of Journalism from the University of Missouri in Columbia, Missouri, but quickly decided that healthcare was where she wanted to be instead. She became interested in healthcare after spending some of her childhood helping her brother after multiple surgeries needed for birth defects. She also became an avid reader of the Merck Manual at age 9 when her uncle, a doctor, sent the book to her father as a gift.
In 1994, she completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, and then completed her Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner from Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Washington, in 1998. After graduation, Shawna worked in family practice clinics in Washington State, then she and her husband moved to Bend, Oregon, where she worked in cardiology, then returned to family practice for many years in La Pine, a medically underserved population. She worked most of those years with Dr. Lisa Steffey, who is now the Associate Medical Director for the Bend and La Pine Heart ‘n Home offices.
“I heard about the opportunity to work for Heart ‘n Home when Jim, Bend Executive Director, came up to my husband after he gave a presentation about “Helping Your Parents Age with Dignity” and asked him what I was up to. I had never worked for a hospice, but I remembered my grandmother with whom I was very close. As she neared her end of life, she was helped by hospice. My aunt spoke highly about the hospice nurses who took care of my grandma, and how they educated my aunt and uncle to understand the signs and symptoms that told them she was approaching death.
“Every day, working for Heart ‘n Home adds to my education as a hospice healthcare provider. This education is not just from co-workers and continuing education required for my license, but from the patients and their families. They are an inspiration to me and I hope to grow with that and be a help and inspiration for them as well.”
Pat McCallister, FNP-C is a Nurse Practitioner at Heart ‘n Home Hospice & Palliative Care. She is a Certified Nurse Midwife and Certified Family Nurse Practitioner licensed in South Carolina, Florida, and Idaho, with Oregon pending.
“I have had multiple experiences as a advanced Nurse Practitioner including private practice, community health centers, rural health care, and now a new challenge for hospice and palliative care. I have enjoyed all areas of practice including hospice and palliative care.”
Kelleen Fakenbridge, MSN, APRN-BC, FNP is the Nurse Practitioner for both Baker City and La Grande offices of Heart ‘n Home. She joined our team in August of 2015.
Kelleen has a variety of nursing experience including acute hospital, home health, skilled nursing, case management, sports medicine and rehabilitation, family practice, and of course hospice.
She has been in the nursing field for 23 years and has been a Nurse Practitioner for 10 years. Her nursing bachelors degree is from Boise State University and her masters in nursing is from Western University of Health Sciences.
She has served as President of the Idaho Nurses Association and the Idaho Nursing Foundation, as well as serving as a delegate to the American Nurses Association.
She and her husband live in beautiful Haines, Oregon, where they enjoy outdoor activities. She has two children and one granddaughter. Her nursing love is geriatric care and she feels honored to assist with hospice patients.
“Increasing the quality of patients’ lives and assisting with facilitating a peaceful and comfortable death is the highest form of nursing care. It is incredibly rewarding to work with the compassionate staff of Heart ‘n Home and with hospice patients.”
Dr. Julie K. Gunther is the Designated Medical Director for our Meridian office. She is board certified in family medicine and hospice and palliative medicine. She is an Idaho-native and graduated from Boise High School, Harvard University, and the University of Washington, School of Medicine. She completed her medical training in rural Indiana and moved back to Boise in 2009 with her two children, dogs, and loving husband.
Dr. Gunther worked for a large healthcare system from 2009 to 2015. From 2011 to 2015 she served as the associate medical director for St. Luke’s Hospice. She is a passionate, patient advocate and believes in dignity, integrity, and transparency in healthcare.
In addition to her passion for hospice, Dr. Gunther is a physician entrepreneur and a ‘direct primary care physician.’ She owns her own practice in downtown Boise called “sparkMD” and provides low-cost, cash-based care directly to her patients.
Dr. Gunther believes in the resilience of the human spirit. She says: “Our culture has a lot of work to do around the end of life. Caring for patients at the end of their lives has very deep meaning. I am moved by the authenticity of this transition and hope to empower patients and families to use this time to grow and have therapeutic closure.”
Dr. Timothy P. Hodges is the Designated Medical Director for the Meridian office. Dr. Hodges joined the Heart ‘n Home team April of 2014.
He is a Board Certified Family Physician, and has past certification in Hospice and Palliative Medicine. He is a graduate of Western University of the Health Sciences/College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific and served his Internship and Residency at the US Naval Hospital in Jacksonville, Florida. He is an active member and Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians and is licensed to practice medicine in both Idaho and Oregon.
Dr. Hodges has been a hospice medical director since 1996 for several hospices in the area. He is also in private Family Practice in Meridian.
Tonia Atkins is the Executive Director of the Fruitland office at Heart ‘n Home Hospice & Palliative Care. She joined the team in June 2009 after having spent 10 years in healthcare community. As Executive Director, her focus will be in management and supervision of nursing service, social services, spiritual care services, community outreach and volunteer program. She will also be involved in recruitment, hiring, and training.
“I am very passionate about advocating for hospice. I believe that everyone deserves to access their hospice benefit. By providing education to the community about what hospice can do for you and your family during the end of life journey, we are bringing hospice to more and more people each year. This education changes lives every day and I am proud to be a hospice advocate in all of the communities we serve. As Executive Director, I hope to bring hospice to more families in need by supporting our team in providing legendary service to our community … every day, every time. My goal is to provide continued education to the Fruitland and surrounding communities about the wonderful gift hospice can give to those in need.”
As Executive Director, Tonia hopes to bring hospice to more families in need by supporting the Fruitland team in providing legendary service to their community … every day, every time. Tonia’s goal is to provide continued education to the Fruitland community about the wonderful gift hospice can give to those in need.
Sarah Poe is the Director of Volunteer Services at Heart ‘n Home Hospice & Palliative Care. She joined the team in January of 2015 and is proud to work with the Volunteer Coordinators and Executive Directors in each office as she guides the Volunteer Services branch, which is a critical part of the legendary, community-invested care we provide at Heart ‘n Home.
Sarah studied English Literature at the College of Idaho for 5 years before finishing programs as a Grant Specialist and Certified Prevention Specialist through the Idaho Department of Education and Oregon Health Authority. Her background in community organizing, health services, and education brings a new approach to hospice volunteer services.
Sarah explains her passion for Heart ‘n Home like this, “Our Volunteer Services model puts spirit first, follows with skill and science, then initiates action through the Heart ‘n Home holistic team that cares for patients as whole, complex human beings. We meet patients where they are, literally and symbolically, and include the people who love and care for them. Through Volunteer Services, this also means actively including the community by educating and incorporating neighbors in our respectful, reverent work.
We start with spirit first: our Volunteers serve because they want to cultivate compassion in a meaningful way and make a difference in the world around them. Second, we focus on skill and science. Our Volunteers go through extensive screening and training to become a part of our interdisciplinary team. Our program teaches practical, deeply humane skills on how to care for others at end of life. Heart ‘n Home is the school of hospice, recognized not only across the nation, but across the small towns and cities we serve. In this way, we are enriching and influencing the very way we live and die in our culture. Finally, the Volunteer Services puts our spirit and science into action, by giving thousands of hours every year in a variety of ways that impacts the hospice experience for our patients and families.
Volunteers are people just like you, reading this. Anyone who has a passion to serve those at the end of their lives and to the grieving should volunteer. Anyone who wants to learn to be a mindful presence and develop deeper compassion should volunteer. Anyone who wants to make sure our community is knit together enough that we know how to care for each other at critical times should volunteer. Volunteers are just everyday people who are brave enough to be the person they would want caring for them and their loved ones. You can volunteer by making phone calls, preparing mailers, making deliveries, providing companionship to patients or the bereaved, providing a professional service, singing in a Comfort Choir, organizing youth projects, and in many, many other ways. Go to our Volunteer Now page to start your journey as part of our team.”
Marshall Johnson is the Executive Director of the Caldwell office at Heart ‘n Home Hospice & Palliative Care. As Executive Director, his focus will be in management and supervision of nursing service, social services, spiritual care services, community outreach and volunteer program. He will also be involved in recruitment, hiring, and training. He joined the Heart ‘n Home team in February 2013 as the Director of Compliance/Quality Improvement. Before coming to Heart ‘n Home, he was partner in a local plumbing company, gaining 10 years of experience in the trade and construction industries. His previous experience includes tasks such as reading and understanding code (city, state and federal) and working with state inspectors. As well as creating and developing policy and implementing procedures. Initiating monthly staff meetings, employee trainings, etc.
“I have had family members on hospice care and have seen first-hand what hospice can do for patients and families. I believe that it strengthens family relationships, comforts, and affirms the life of the individual going through the end-of-life process. I have gained a stronger understanding of end-of-life care. I am excited for my opportunity to contribute to the Heart ‘n Home team.”
Jana Mitchell, RN, BSN, CHPN, has been with Heart ‘n Home since 2010. She came to Heart ‘n Home with 6 years of hospice and home health experience and several years of experience within a community hospital.
Jana has been involved in providing direct patient care, providing case management, supervising out-patient services, managing supply and equipment utilization, providing preceptorship of students and new employees, and managing multiple Performance Improvement Projects. She served at Heart ‘n Home as a Case Manager and as the Nurse Educator before promoting to the Director of Nurse Education.
“From a medical perspective, I love hospice because it is the truest form of nursing. It is prevention of illness, management of disease processes and management of symptoms. I feel honored each day to provide education to a team of nurses that strive for excellence. At Heart ‘n Home, patient care is always at the forefront. It is my privilege to assist our nurses as they master hospice care.”
“From a human perspective, I love hospice care because of the effect it has on the communities we serve. Our nurses not only provide nursing care, they provide compassion. They touch the lives of those who are dying and those who surround them because of how they value every life.”
Garrett Price, MASF, CPC, CSD is the Senior Vice President of Education at Heart ‘n Home Hospice & Palliative Care. He has provided spiritual care and counseling to patients and families for five years. Garrett has a Masters in Spiritual Formation and Professional Counseling and is certified as a pastoral counselor and spiritual director. Garrett created the Spiritual Care Program at Heart ‘n Home by combining classical pastoral/spiritual care with person centered psychology to create the person centered spiritual care model.
Garrett entered the helping field after the death of his son. Through his own suffering, Garrett learned that it is a certain type of relationship which helps people to heal from loss and woundedness; a relationship which focuses on understanding, accepting, and being with the person who is suffering. In such a relationship a person is able to draw upon their own resilience and internal resources for coping. Garrett uses his counseling training and persons-centered focus to lead the meridian team.
“When asked to tell another about what it is that I do I tell them: I want to be a friend to yours soul, to help you feel safe enough to talk about the hole in your soul and then to discover how healing can come through it.”
Devin Collins is the Director of Finance for Heart ‘n Home Hospice & Palliative Care and has been with the company since June 2013. He received a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Brigham Young University-Idaho and a Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) from Boise State University. Devin has experience auditing businesses and automating work processes.
“In the Finance Department, we ensure Heart ‘n Home is in a financial position to care for as many patients as possible. It is my privilege to work with the wonderful staff that find purpose and joy in helping patients.”
Adam Stice is the Senior Vice President of Human Resources and Volunteer Services at Heart ‘n Home. He joined the team in 2005 working in our Finance Department, he then filled different roles within Outreach and Social Services Departments. He then promoted to Director of Human Resources and after many years as a Director, accepted the Senior Vice President role he is currently in. Adam graduated from Eastern Oregon University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, minoring in Spanish. He has also been certified through George Washington University in human resource management and graduated from the Disney Institute of Healthcare Management. Adam has developed or contributed to these areas for Heart ‘n Home:
Adam shares, “I have lived half of my life in the world of helping people at the end of life. To this day, I feel humbled and grateful to have been a part of the hospice movement and taking care of people with terminal illnesses. It has been wonderful to be involved in the lives of hundreds, even thousands, who have needed support for their emotional, physical, and spiritual needs during their end-of-life journey. Although traditional schooling has its place, my most valued lessons have been with the volunteer hours given, patients that I have served personally, the wonderful employees that have cared for each patient so diligently, and my mother who ignited my passion for hospice care. To bring balance to my professional life, I love to spend time with my beautiful wife and four children. We are involved in all outdoor and sporting activities. Between my wife and I, we volunteer for our church and community up to 40 hours per week. This too has been a wonderful way to build relationships with our friends and neighbors.”
Valerie Potter, RN, BSN, is the Executive Director for the Baker City office at Heart ‘n Home Hospice & Palliative Care. Valerie joined the team in December 2012. As Executive Director, her focus will be in management and supervision of nursing service, social services, spiritual care services, community outreach, and the volunteer program. She will also be involved in recruitment, hiring, and training. She graduated from nursing school in 1996 and is currently licensed in Idaho and Washington and will soon be in Oregon as well. As Executive Director, her focus will be in management and supervision of nursing service, social services, and spiritual care services. She will be involved in recruitment, hiring, and training in cooperation with the Senior Vice President of Clinical Operations.
As the Executive Director, “I look forward to working with such a truly dedicated company and outstanding team in Baker City and La Grande.” Valerie has had the opportunity to work in many areas of nursing throughout her career including: mental health, maternal-child health, holistic nutrition, reproductive health, and nursing education in the Peace Corps Nepal. For me, hospice is about being present in a very important time of life. I have had the honor to be with my loved ones and hope to be of service to others during this time.”
Jim Smith is the Executive Director of the Bend office for Heart ‘n Home Hospice & Palliative Care. Jim has been with the Heart ‘n Home team since December 2012. He began his hospice career as a social worker in Bend and La Pine through home health. When the hospice program became Medicare Certified he moved on over and has continued for 25 years as a social worker and 17 years as an executive director (15 years owning and operating Newberry Hospice of La Pine). He brings a vast knowledge of hospice operations and regulation knowhow and has a pulse on the local community.
In addition to hospice duties Jim has maintained a limited counseling practice, he is a Licensed Professional Counselor, and assists his wife in managing her Physical Therapy practice. “My goal is to further educate our community on the gifts that hospice brings to patients, families, and the community. I look forward to meeting and serving many more in the community.”
Diana Hergenrader, RN, is the Executive Director for the La Pine office at Heart ‘n Home Hospice & Palliative Care. As Executive Director, her focus will be in management and supervision of nursing service, social services, spiritual care services, community outreach, and the volunteer program. Diana joined the team in May 2013 as La Pine’s Clinical Director. She graduated from nursing school in 1989 and is currently licensed in Oregon. Diana strives to build teamwork within the La Pine office and asks her team to develop individualized end-of-life care plans for each one of our patients.
“As the Executive Director, I look forward to working with such a truly dedicated team of healthcare providers. La Pine’s team thinks of themselves as neighbors taking care of neighbors.” Diana has had the opportunity to work in many areas of nursing throughout her career including, hospital (med/surg, hospice, and post-partum), health clinics for all ages, extra training in asthma and allergies, chronic pain programs, mental health, and several years working with Medicare Advantage insurance companies and Part D. Hospice is my passion. I am honored to be called into a most sacred and vulnerable time in peoples’ lives. I find joy in participating in deeply meaningful conversations with the dying and sharing with others the grand wisdom I am gifted by my hospice patients. I have witnessed and wholeheartedly learned that healing is absolutely possible while dying.”
Dr. Conklin is the Hospice Physician for the La Grande office at Heart ‘n Home Hospice & Palliative Care. He was born in Delaware, but was raised in Wasilla, Alaska and parts of Western Oregon. After graduating from Oregon City High School, he enlisted in the Army and became an infantry soldier. Dr. Conklin later served a two-year mission, returned honorably, and then began attending school at Brigham Young University. He later transferred to Southern Utah University where he met his wife, Missy. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, as well as receiving the Distinguished Graduate Award in the BYU ROTC Program.
In the Army, Dr. Conklin was commissioned and sent to Fort Rucker, Alabama where he became an Officer Rotary Wing Pilot. He was initially a Scout Kiowa Warrior Pilot, but completed advanced training as an Attack Platoon Leader where he flew Apache Helicopters. He then decided to continue his education and attend medical school at American University of the Caribbean, followed by a three year residency in Family Medicine at Providence Hospital Southfield in Michigan. Upon graduation he returned to Oregon to practice medicine. Dr. Conklin is a Diplomat of Family Medicine and is Board Certified in Family Medicine. He is also a Rural Clinical Professor for Oregon Health Science University.
Dr. Conklin says he enjoys teaching patients how to care for themselves and to understand the nature and importance of healthy lifestyles. He and his wife, Missy, have eight children. Some of his hobbies include hunting, fishing, and he is a lover of science fiction/fantasy.
Camille Evans, MSW is the Executive Director of the Emmett office at Heart ‘n Home Hospice & Palliative Care, where she has been providing Medical Social Services to patients and families for the past 3 years. Camille has a Masters in Social Work and is certified in mediation. The Social Work Program she attended had a rural focus where she learned about the challenges and benefits to social services in a small community. Camille also has additional training in grief counseling and childrens’ grief.
“The other day a family member asked me how I could do this job. He asked doesn’t a little piece of you go with each patient? I explained that it can be difficult because we come to care about each of our patients, but the gifts we receive by being with families and patients during such an intimate and private time far outweigh the challenges. I have seen people go through such difficult times and come out on the other side of the experience stronger. I have learned that we have the capacity to make it through the things we never thought we could. As I drove away I thought about all the patients I have served and the many lessons they have taught me. I decided that a piece of me does not go with each patient but each patient adds to the person I am becoming. I learn about life, love, and myself as I work to serve every one of our patients whether this is hands on or through supporting other staff. So to me the opportunity to work in hospice is an amazing gift. As families open their homes and hearts you can’t help but feel the overwhelming power of their life, and feel a sense of awe as we walk beside them in this final journey.”
Ashley Holaday-Copeland is the Senior Vice President of Operations for Heart ‘n Home. She joined the team in 2006 as an Outreach Coordinator, promoting through the years. In her role, she will oversee operations throughout all Heart ‘n Home locations, focusing on the referral process and customer service.
Prior to coming to Heart ‘n Home, Ashley was an Administrator for an Assisted Living Facility in Ontario, OR and has also been a medical assistant for a Family Practice Physician. Ashley also served on the board for Idaho Quality of Life Coalition, formally known as the Idaho End of Life Coalition and is an advocate for access to hospice care.
After losing her husband to cancer and utilizing hospice care, Ashley realized how life changing the experience of hospice can be. “Having Heart ‘n Home in our home was life changing. It made a miserable situation bearable and helped our family walk through what ultimately would be the hardest thing we will ever have to do. I don’t know what we would have ever done without the support and love from the staff in our home.”
Ashley continues to educate families and providers on access to hospice care and looks forward to providing legendary hospice care in our community.
Annie Estvold, LCSW is the Executive Director of the Caldwell office at Heart ‘n Home Hospice & Palliative Care. Annie started with Heart ‘n Home in 2013 as a Medical Social Worker providing care to patients and families. Annie received her Masters in Social Work in 2009, followed by her Clinical Social Work License. Annie has worked extensively with children, adults, and geriatrics, and is an advocate for community education on resources available to individuals and families in times of need.
“I am very passionate about hospice care and the support it provides to families. For too long ‘hospice’ has been a bad word in our society. Hospice is a wonderful gift which can allow individuals to close the final chapters of their lives on their own terms, while feeling confident their family members will be supported during and after the dying process. It is my hope to educate our community on how hospice has evolved and how our amazing team can support loved ones and their families.”
As Executive Director, Annie hopes to reach more families in need by supporting her amazing team in providing legendary service, every day, every time.
Allan Perren is the Executive Director of the Emmett office at Heart ‘n Home Hospice & Palliative Care. He joined the team in May 2014 after having spent more than 20 years as a supply chain professional and 10 years as a leader for his church. As Executive Director, his focus will be in management and supervision of nursing service, social services, spiritual care services, community outreach, and the volunteer program.
During his 10 years serving as a leader in his church, Allan helped families and individuals through difficult experiences such as illness and death. His counseling experience as well as experiencing hospice with his own family has been the driving motivation for him to change his career path. Allan graduated from Eastern Oregon University in La Grande, Oregon with a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and History.
“I love helping people. I find tremendous satisfaction in helping people find hope and peace. My wife, Shelley and I look forward to being part of this community and exemplifying the Heart ‘n Home mission of affirming life by providing emotional, physical, and spiritual support to our patients and to those who love and care for them.”
Trenton Jenks, PharmD, CGP is the Senior Vice President of Clinical Services. Trenton joined the Heart ‘n Home team in July 2012. He obtained his Doctor of Pharmacy Degree at Idaho State University in 2006 and worked in the retail setting previous to his current position. In 2015, Trenton became a Board Certified Geriatric Pharmacist (BCGP)and is currently one of nine Idaho pharmacists to be CGP. He hopes to contribute to the vision of “being recognized nationally as a school of hospice and to promote excellence in life and end-of-life care” in the field of pharmacy.
Trenton’s desire for continued learning and increased opportunities to serve patients is evident in the workplace. In May 2013, Trent completed his ASHP Foundation Pain Management and Palliative Care Traineeship by Mary Lynn McPherson, PharmD, BCPS, CDE.
Trenton’s personal experience with loss of loved ones has helped him develop empathy and a desire to help others through this transition. He is passionate about patient care and hopes to contribute to Heart ‘n Home’s success in providing accurate and timely information about medication and drug utilization.
Trenton’s role includes enhancing patient care by monitoring therapeutic outcomes through medication chart reviews, recommending alternative therapies for desired effect, and eliminating medication-induced interactions and complications; attending Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) meetings; serving as a resource for hospice staff; establishing drug therapy protocols; obtaining pharmacy contracts with local pharmacies; and assisting in “affirming life every day, every time” for each patient through compassionate service.
“As Senior Vice President of Clinical Services at Heart ‘n Home I hope to never stop learning. I pledge to always be an advocate for the patient’s best interest and to help affirm their life. I look forward to becoming an expert in hospice/pharmacy and becoming a valuable resource to physicians, staff and the community. I am grateful for the personal growth I have experienced so far with Heart ‘n Home and look forward to serving as a resource for physicians, Heart ‘n Home staff, and our patients and their families during this imperative life event.”
Dr. Josh Leavitt is the Hospice Physician for the Caldwell office, having joined the Heart ‘n Home team in August of 2014. Dr. Leavitt is a board-certified Family Physician and has an outpatient clinic in Ontario, Oregon. He is a Utah native who completed his Family Medicine internship in Boise and residency in Caldwell after medical school in Las Vegas, Nevada.
During the time he and his family were in Idaho for residency training, they fell in love with the Treasure Valley and decided to stay. “We love the beauty of the agricultural region. We found a little piece of Heaven in the Snake River Wine Region near Homedale; we jumped in with both feet and landed on a farm that is a major work in progress, and we have not looked back!”
Dr. Leavitt comes from a family of outdoorsmen and enjoys any type of outdoor adventure. Some favorite adventures have included duck hunting on the Snake River, archery bear hunting in the Boise National Forest, backpacking and fishing in the Frank Church River of no Return Wilderness, sand boarding with family at Bruneau Sand Dunes, and nurturing the upland game population on his farm.
Dr. Tina McGuffey is the Hospice Physician for our Emmett office. She attended Utah State as an undergrad, went to Medical School at the University of Utah, and completed her residency at University of Wyoming in Cheyenne.
Dr. McGuffey was born in Charleston, SC and grew up in Idaho Falls, ID. She is an only child and wanted to be an Astronaut or Veterinarian when she grew up. Her first job was cleaning houses and training horses. She is married and has one son. She loves the city of Emmett because it is a rural area and great for riding. Dr. McGuffey’s hobbies include exercising, horseback riding, and travel.
Since 2008 she has worked in a private clinic providing care for patients of all ages, providing everything from emergency care to obstetric services. In addition she has serves as the Gem County EMS Director. She also works very closely with Walter Knox Memorial Hospital in Emmett to provide education and further access to hospice through collaboration in providing in-patient care.
Dr. McGuffey is very committed to providing hospice care in a rural environment. In 2012, she attended the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine conference and became Board Certified in Hospice and Palliative Medicine.
She believes, “Every person has the right to die in the environment of their choosing and to have their wishes honored with dignity until their last breath. I am honored to be a part of hospice and to have the ability to assist in making that happen.”
Words of wisdom: “Stay on the horse!”
Lisa Steffey, DO, is the Designated Medical Director for the La Pine office at Heart ‘n Home Hospice & Palliative Care. She joined our team August of 2013. She grew up on the North Oregon Coast in a rural community and attended Western Oregon State College in Monmouth receiving a degree in biology. She decided to go into medicine after seeing her grandmother work as a nurse and working in a pharmacy for years while in school. She has been committed to caring for patients in rural areas from the beginning of her practice after living most of her life in small towns.
She got married to her high school sweetheart during college, and then attended medical school at the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific in Pomona, CA graduating in 1993. She went to Cheyenne for residency at the University of Wyoming Family Practice Residency and finished in 1996.
After residency Dr. Steffey, with her family, moved to Lander, WY and worked on the Wind River Indian Reservation with the Northern Arapahoe and Eastern Shoshone Tribes. After several years in Wyoming, she wanted to be closer to her family so they moved to La Pine, OR. She and her husband, Chance, had spent time hunting and fishing in the La Pine area and knew it well.
“After working two years for another medical clinic in La Pine that closed, my husband and I felt like I was there for a reason, and we decided to open our own clinic that eventually became a non-profit, community health center. I worked there until 2010 when my husband had a wonderful opportunity to further his engineering education at the University of Colorado. By that time we could see our mission fulfilled for sustainable healthcare for the community of La Pine and we moved to Longmont, CO.
Recently I moved back to Central Oregon to help care for my family. My younger sister and mother were both diagnosed with cancer and Colorado was just too far away. I am committed to the hospice philosophy with helping people die peacefully at home fulfilling patients end time wishes, and helping families through the process.”
Dr. Daniel Smithson is the Hospice Physician for our Baker City office. He was born and raised in Northern Arizona where he spent most of his life on and around the Navajo and Apache Indian Reservations.
After graduating from Brigham Young University he attended medical school at the University of Southern California. He focused on rural medicine while completing his residency in Grand Junction and Cortez, Colorado and then moved to Oregon in 2000. He is board certified in Family Medicine. He has been a Hospice Medical Director since 2006 and served with the Heart ‘n Home team since 2008.
His professional interests include teaching patients about healthy lifestyles and prevention of disease. He works full-time at St. Luke’s-Eastern Oregon Medical Associates and at the Baker City Hospital. He is a Clinical Professor for the Oregon Health Sciences University and enjoys teaching medical students about rural medicine.
He is married to Elizabeth and is the father of 5 boys. His hobbies include hiking, biking, fishing and flying airplanes.
Dr. Henderson is the Designated Medical Director for our Bend office. She graduated from Oregon Health Sciences University in 2003, and received her training in Family Medicine at the Greater Lawrence Family Health Center in Lawrence, Massachusetts, graduating in 2006. She did her undergraduate studies at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan, earning a major in Biology and a minor in Third World Development. She has always been passionate about the heart of medicine-that is what inspired her to go into medicine in the first place. During her undergraduate training, she was touched by the writer Henri Nowen’s description of the “wounded healer.” With that in mind, she aims to connect with others in a way that honors the possibility that sometimes it is the wounded parts of our selves that deliver the greatest joy or healing in our interaction with others. One of the things she loves most about her work in hospice is that there is space for giving and receiving from practitioner to patient, in a two-way street, along these lines.
Dr. Henderson chose family medicine as her specialty of choice because it seemed to offer the best opportunity for treating the whole patient. She approaches wellness and illness from a holistic perspective, and works to include the patient’s family as an integral part of the care plan. Dr. Henderson practiced family medicine in Oregon for 6 years, before switching to hospice work in July 2013. Her impetus for the change came after investigating the opportunities in hospice, after she kept hearing from a close friend about how much she loved working as a hospice nurse.
In her time off, Dr. Henderson enjoys practicing yoga, taking singing lessons, jogging the beautiful trails in Bend, listening to live music with friends, and best of all, spending time with her sister’s family, including playing with her niece and nephew. She also loves to travel, some of her favorite spots being India, Italy, and Central America. Next on the list is Africa and Thailand. She likes to write and read poetry and prose. Along these lines, here is one of her favorite poems, by William Stafford:
The Way It Is
There’s a thread you follow. It goes among
things that change. But it doesn’t change.
People wonder about what you are pursuing.
You have to explain about the thread.
But it is hard for others to see.
While you hold it you can’t get lost.
Tragedies happen; people get hurt
or die; and you suffer and get old.
Nothing you do can stop time’s unfolding.
You don’t ever let go of the thread.
By William Stafford, from The Way It Is, 1998
Dr. Gering became the Chief Medical Director for Heart ‘n Home Hospice & Palliative Care in 2004. Since that time, he has attended five American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine conferences and is considered an expert in palliative care. Dr. Gering has overseen 2,895 end-of-life patients, managing their pain and symptoms, increasing quality of life. Additionally, he was recognized by the Idaho End-of-Life Coalition as Hospice Physician of the Year in 2010.
Dr. Gering originally moved to Ontario in 1979 at the age of twelve. After completing high school in Ontario, he attended the College of Idaho, graduating Summa Cum Laude, majoring in Zoology, Music, and minoring in Chemistry. He earned his MD degree at Oregon Health Sciences University in 1994. Dr. Gering is also Board Certified in Family Practice with a certificate of added qualification in hospice and palliative care. His intern year was spent in Pueblo, Colorado. He then transferred to Cascades East Family Practice Residency in Klamath Falls, Oregon, graduating in 1996.
Dr. Gering began private practice in Ontario, the summer of 1996. He embraces the “cradle to grave” philosophy of Family Physicians, originally engaging in all aspects of medical care from obstetrics to geriatrics. Earlier in this decade he gave up obstetrics.
Jessica Lzicar is the Executive Assistant to the Corporate Team at Heart ‘n Home and has been with the company since 2010. Her main job duty includes assisting the CEO and Senior Leadership Team with daily operations. Previous to coming to Heart ‘n Home, Jessica had been an Executive Assistant/Special Events Manager for the past seven years. Working for large companies such as Guggenheim Partners, LLC in Santa Monica, CA; Wynn Las Vegas Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, NV; and Big Sky Capital, LLC in Santa Monica, CA.
“I’ve worked for some great companies and Heart ‘n Home has by far been my best experience. I am proud to say that I work for an amazing company that was built by people I know and respect. I love my job and look forward to coming to work everyday!”
Erin Storey, LPN, is the Executive Director of the Meridian office at Heart ‘n Home Hospice & Palliative Care location. As Executive Director, her focus will be in management and supervision of nursing service, social services, spiritual care services, community outreach, and the volunteer program. Erin was previously the Senior Vice President of Clinical Operations as well as the Executive Director at Heart ‘n Home in Caldwell, Idaho. Erin completed her first year of her LPN degree while finishing high school and graduated with her LPN in 2005. Erin has a background in pediatric triage care, medical office management, and skilled nursing facility charge nursing.
Erin has been with Heart ‘n Home since the summer of 2007. She started out as a field nurse and has made over 1400 patient visits. She then took a position as the CNA Coordinator and in 2011 she was promoted from within to the Executive Director. Erin was mentored for several years by the Senior Vice President of Clinical Operations, and was trained one on one for the Executive Director position in Caldwell. Erin strives to build teamwork and asks her staff every day to provide legendary service to all of their patients and families.
“Hospice is my true passion and my calling. It is the one and only place I have ever worked were I feel like I can make a true difference in so many lives. Our work is like a drop in water, it causes a ripple effect that touches many generations. My father died suddenly when I was very young and I never had the chance to say goodbye. It is my passion to help those who are able, say goodbye and cherish every minute with the ones they love, that is the true mission of hospice, to live until you die.”
Tina joined the Heart ‘n Home team in 2005. As Senior VP of Programs, she oversees compliance, quality assurance, and Volunteer Services as well as public relations, branding, advertising, and general program development. In addition to her Level 2 Hospice Manager Certification through NHPCO, Tina has attended multiple national conferences to expand her expertise in end-of-life care, and has presented over 200 educational in-services on hospice and end-of-life care. Tina has a Master of Science degree from Utah State University in International Extension Education. Prior to hospice, her experience included a strong background in program development, youth and adult education, in addition to working with non-profits and volunteer management. She has received national recognition for curriculum development and program implementation.
“My transition from youth programs to hospice was a phenomenal experience. Heart ‘n Home has reaffirmed my passion for life and expanded that passion to encompass quality end-of-life care. I believe in Heart ‘n Home. Every single patient we serve is important. The impact and peace we bring to those in need is something that moves me to be a better person and encourages me to cherish life, every day. I believe we have the BEST employees in the world and we are truly making a difference in our community. I love hospice and feel blessed to be a part of something so amazing.”
Becky Davis, is the Senior Vice President of Operations for Heart ‘n Home and has been with Heart ‘n Home since 2004. Becky has her teaching credentials and ten years prior experience running a business in the medical field.
“I did not think I could have more passion for something other than teaching. I was wrong. As Heart ‘n Home has grown my passion and knowledge of hospice, both the clinical and business aspects have grown. Each day I realize what a privilege it is to serve families and patients who need care as their journey ends. I have talked to hundreds of families about hospice, each with a unique story and need. As a non-clinician I am able to impact patient care by overseeing and advocating electronic medical records and point-of-care charting which provide improved patient care. I have also been able to help Heart ‘n Home learn how to provide Legendary Customer Service at all levels. I am blessed to work with an incredible team of Office Managers and IT staff who dedicate each day to supporting clinical staff in providing amazing hospice care.”
Todd Stice, Owner, Founder and Co-President of Heart ‘n Home has worked in hospice finance since 2004 when Heart ‘n Home started. He has a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Finance. Todd is certified as a Hospice Administrator through the Corridor Group and has been mentored by the nationally recognized finance guru Andrew Reed of MultiView, Inc. and also passed his CFO certification.
“Even though I do not do “patient care,” I still feel hospice is a personal mission of mine. And I hope to always carry the honor of supporting those that care for those patients and their families.”
Kristopher Stice, Founder, Owner, and Co-President of Heart ‘n Home has overseen Human Resources since its inception in 2004. Kris has a BS in Business Administration and a certification in Human Resource Management from George Washington University. He has also completed the Hospice Administrator program through the Corridor Group. Prior to Heart ‘n Home, Kristopher, along with Todd, owned and operated one of the largest pest control and Holiday lighting companies in Eastern Idaho.
“I absolutely LOVE hospice and feel extremely blessed and humbled each day I come to work. Heart ‘n Home has absolutely the BEST staff in the country and I’m very honored to work with each and every one of them.”
Cindy Lee, RN, CHPCA, CHPN, is the Owner and Founder of Heart ‘n Home Hospice & Palliative Care. Cindy has served in hospice since 2000. In 2004, she received her certification as a Hospice and Palliative Care Nurse and has continued to keep that certification current. In 2008, she received her certification as a Hospice and Palliative Care Administrator (CHPCA).
Throughout her hospice career, Cindy has presented over 500 community in-services and attended over 30 national conferences on providing hospice care. She is very passionate about hospice and has presented at local, state, and national levels. Cindy was actively involved with the Policy and Regulatory Committee for the Idaho End of Life Coalition. She has met with Idaho Division of Medicaid on several different occasions in an effort to promote hospice care in Idaho. She was also the Chair for Treasure Valley Nursing Advisory Committee. Cindy is currently a board member for the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization(NHPCO)Rural Task Force Committee; board member for Dollars for Scholars.
Cindy also founded the Heart ‘n Home Foundation in 2005. She has a “do right by the patients every time” philosophy. In 2013, she founded The OpAL Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that helps fund hospice care for individuals that have no financial means of paying.
“I love hospice and the comfort and peace it brings to many patients and their families. I have admitted many, many wonderful patients over the years and I feel that it is our sacred duty to do the right thing by our patients every day, every time. One of my first patients told me, Never forget what a privilege it is to walk someone to the gates of eternity. Martha was a very wise woman and I have a true understanding of what that really means.”
