Kathy joined Heart ‘n Home in December of 2018. She is the mother of 5 children and grandmother to 4 grandchildren. She comes predominantly from the hospital acute care areas. Having worked and managed the Emergency, Medical Surgical, Pediatric, Oncology/Infusion Care and Risk and Quality Management Departments. In addition, she has taught many years the LVN/RN programs for Merced, College in California. Her outpatient experiences have been in home health and cardiac rehabilitation.
Dr. Greene was raised in Tennessee, the oldest of five children. He attended both the University of Tennessee and Arizona State University, where he graduated. He obtained a B.S. degree in zoology graduating Summa Cum Laude and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa. He also obtained a dental degree at the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry in Memphis, Tennessee, graduating first in his class. He was residency trained at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, Texas, in anesthesia and oral and maxillofacial surgery. He completed his medical degree at the same institution. His general surgery residency was in Dallas, Texas, at Methodist Medical Center. He was fellowship trained in plastic and reconstructive surgery at Northeastern Ohio University College of Medicine in Akron, Ohio.
Dr. Greene practiced as a board certified plastic surgeon in San Antonio, Texas, for 21 years. He recently retired and moved to Bend, Oregon, in 2018.
Since that time, he has become involved in tutoring elementary school students in Bend. He is also involved with End of Life Choices Oregon, and is intimately familiar with the struggles and challenges that patients face at the end of life. He believes that everyone deserves care and respect during this trying period.
Dr. Greene and his wife, Melissa, have three children and two grandchildren. They are involved in hiking, backpacking, skiing, golf, mountain biking and music.
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.
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!”
Coming soon
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.
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!”
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.
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.”
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.”
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.
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.
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
Garrett Price, MASF, MSCC, LPC, 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 since 2009. Garrett has a Master Degree in Spiritual Formation/Professional Counseling as well as a Master Degree of Science in Human Services/Clinical Counseling. Garrett is a Licensed Professional Counselor and is certified as a Spiritual Director. Garrett created the Spiritual Care Program at Heart ‘n Home by combining classical pastoral and 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, he 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 is trained in person-centered counseling, acceptance and commitment therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, and inducing after death communication. Garrett uses his training to design education for clinical staff, direct the Medical Social Services Department, and provide counseling services to patients, bereaved, and the community.
When asked to tell others about what it is he does he shares, “I want to be a friend to your 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.”
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.”
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.
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.”
Coming soon…
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.”
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.”
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.
Pat Clarke 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.”
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.”
Coming soon
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.”
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.”
