Hospice and Palliative Credentialing Center 2024 Award Winners

Western Reserve Care Solutions is committed to delivering expert care through a team of skilled professionals. Each year, the Hospice and Palliative Credentialing Center (HPCC) announces Certificant of the Year Awards to recognize certificants for their contributions to advancing expert care. We are thrilled to congratulate four staff members who were selected as 2024 Certificants of the Year!

Julie Findley, APRN-CNP, ACHPN, Clinical Director of Patient Services

Julie Findley first came to Hospice of the Western Reserve (HWR) in 2003 as a home care nurse and worked on various teams before returning to school to become a nurse practitioner. She rejoined the organization in 2019 and worked as a Nurse Practitioner. “I was always drawn to hospice care,” says Julie. “I have always been a nurse, even as a recent graduate, who recognized that death and dying can be challenging and I wanted to be there for patients and families.” To receive the ACHPN® of the Year Award, Julie must have demonstrated personified excellence in the professional practice of advanced practice hospice/palliative nursing, made contributions at the advanced practice level in at least one of the following areas of hospice/palliative care: clinical practice, education, or research and provide leadership through mentorship of others in hospice/palliative care. With nearly 30 years in the healthcare field, Julie has actively participated in Hospice of the Western Reserve clinical pathways initiatives, is a member of the HWR Practice Standards Committee, quality improvement projects, and day to day clinical improvements as a part of our Pharmacy Standards Committee. “One of Julie’s most remarkable qualities is her unwavering dedication to professional development and the advancement of nursing practice,” says Robert Anker, Chief Medical Officer, Hospice of the Western Reserve. “She consistently seems opportunities to enhance her knowledge and skills.” To receive the ACHPN® of the Year Award, Julie demonstrated personified excellence in the professional practice of advanced practice hospice/palliative nursing, made contributions at the advanced practice level in at least one of the following areas of hospice/palliative care: clinical practice, education, or research and provide leadership through mentorship of others in hospice/palliative care. “I don’t do the work for the accolades,” says Julie. “This makes me feel appreciated, but it’s the day-to-day interaction with patient and families that is the most rewarding.”

Dianna Leitch, LPN, Mentor Alt Central

After returning to school to be a nurse, Dianna Leitch was working at an assisted living facility when a coworker suggested she explore joining Hospice of the Western Reserve. “I had a lot of misconceptions about hospice, but I felt a calling to work here,” says Dianna. Dianna came to HWR with over 20 years of healthcare experience and has been committed to her profession and hospice and palliative care since 2015. “Dianna is a vital part of our team and our agency’s success,” says Stacey King, Clinical Team Leader, Hospice of the Western Reserve. “Dianna is a self-starter that takes initiative to learn new methods to stay up to date on providing the best, evidence-based nursing care to the patients she serves.” Dianna’s care and compassion for the families and patients she serves do not end at their deaths. Dianna will call and offer condolences to the family and will share memorable visits with the family. Dianna has been referred to as “the calm in this storm” and truly demonstrates that this is not just a job, but her passion. To receive the CHPLN® of the Year Award, Dianna demonstrated excellence in the professional practice of hospice/palliative care, sought out opportunities for advancement of knowledge and experience in hospice/palliative licensed practical/vocational nursing practice, and provided leadership through mentorship of others in hospice/palliative care. “I have a lot of support from my team and everyone takes care of each other,” says Dianna. “I feel very honored to spend time with families, educate them, and ultimately help them through this process.”

Ryann Demshar, STNA, Nursing Assistant Mentor Alt East

Ryann Demshar started working at Hospice of the Western Reserve in 2006 and over the last 15 years, she has strived to enhance patient comfort by providing personal care and going out of her way to assist with life enrichments. Her passion for this work started after her stepmother became ill and within 4 months, she was in hospice care at David Simpson Hospice House. “I saw how much of a difference good people can make in a challenging situation,” says Ryann. “I knew I wanted to work in hospice care after that.” Ryann takes her job seriously and has demonstrated tremendous growth in communication, leadership, organization, teamwork, and problem-solving. She spends time with patients and families to gain an understanding of what is important to them and learn what they need. “The physical care she provides is exceptional,” says Dawn Nickels, Team Leaders, Hospice of the Western Reserve. “The time she spends bedside is beyond compare and she understands the need to truly be present in a patient’s life.”  Ryann shows time and time again that she is willing to go the extra mile, and keeps families and patients at the forefront of every visit. To receive the CHPNA® of the Year Award, Ryann demonstrated excellence in the clinical practice as a hospice/palliative nursing assistant and provided leadership through mentorship of others in hospice/palliative care. “This is such rewarding work and I feel really honored to be selected,” says Ryann. “There are so many amazing people who work here and it’s great to be recognized for just doing a job I love.” 

Jennifer Palmer, MSN, RN, Pediatric Team Leader

Jen Palmer just celebrated 20 years at Hospice of the Western Reserve and in the two decades, she has continuously demonstrated her broad medical knowledge about Pediatric Hospice and Palliative Care. “Sometimes I can’t believe that 20 years have gone by,” says Jen. “When I started my career, I didn’t think I would be in one place for so long, but I love the work I do and the team I work with.” Jen has a unique passion for pediatric hospice and palliative care and remembers the details medical and social history of every child who is in her care.  She advocates for her patients and has great clinical instincts, often taking on challenging cases and helping patients tremendously with symptom management. She pursues opportunities to learn from others across the country, collaborate with her team, and find new ways she can further support the patients in her care. “One of Jennifer’s outstanding qualities is her ability to inspire and motivate her team,” says Michelle R. Miller, Pediatric Social Worker, Hospice of the Western Reserve. “She leads by example, always displaying a high level of professionalism, empathy, and respect for others.” CHPPN® of the Year Award recipients must personify excellence in the professional practice of hospice/palliative pediatric nursing, make contributions in at least one of the following areas of hospice/palliative pediatric care: clinical practice, education, or research, and provide leadership through mentorship of others in hospice/palliative care.  “In the Peds world, most places have whole hospital teams that get recognized for this award,” says Jen. “It is very humbling that I was selected, and I have an amazing team who supports our work.”

More than 1,000 Hospice of the Western Reserve (HWR) employees and 3,000 volunteers live and work side-by-side in the same neighborhoods with our patients and families. Together, we have cared for more than 100,000 Northern Ohioans since our inception. Throughout its 40-year history, Hospice of the Western Reserve has received numerous honors awarded to the agency and staff recognizing outstanding achievements in health and medicine.

Today, Hospice of the Western Reserve has almost 300 employees who have been at the organization for over ten years and nearly 115 employees who have returned to HWR. Long-serving employees unwavering commitment not only inspires their colleagues but also foster a sense of belonging and a shared history that strengthen the foundation of our organization. From support teams to caregivers, each member of the Hospice of the Western Reserve is an indispensable role in providing comfort, dignity, and support to the individuals and families in our care.

Laurie Mason, LISW-S, ACHP-SW, Bereavement Coordinator

Laurie Mason started as a Bereavement Coordinator with the Lorain County Office and has remained in that position for the last twenty-one years. Prior to working at Hospice of the Western Reserve, she was a therapist at a mental health agency, working with adults, children, married couples, and families. Working so closely with children and families in turmoil, Laurie faced formidable challenges in her role and decided it was time to embark on a new path. “My early days at Hospice of the Western Reserve were all about learning and orientation,” says Laurie. “I was seeing clients within the first couple of weeks after starting my position.” In her first few years at HWR, Laurie was in a dual role as a Bereavement Coordinator/Grief Therapist, where she would counsel families of patients and serve as a grief therapist for the bereaved in the community. In just over two decades at the organization, Laurie has covered nearly every office within our service area and has navigated many challenging situations. “I worked with the community of Chardon after the school shooting,” recalls Laurie. “A couple approached me asking if I could explain to their first grader what happened, and I’ll never forget it.” In the weeks that followed, Laurie and her fellow Bereavement Coordinators worked with individuals in the Chardon area to help them understand and process the experience. Today, Laurie continues to work at Hospice of the Western Reserve because she sees impact of an organization that deeply cares about both the community and its employees. “I’ve stayed here because I enjoy the work and the flexibility I have in my role,” says Laura. “It’s allowed me to balance my family and professional life, and it’s made a huge difference for me personally.”

Leona Levine, Team Leader, Lakeshore East

Employee since 1993

When Leona started her career as home care nurse at Hospice of the Western Reserve thirty years ago, the agency operated a little differently. “There were no computers, cell phones or pagers,” recalls Leona. “There was no GPS, so the red map books were our best friends!” In the decades that followed, she has had a front row seat to the evolution of the agency, including her own professional development. Leona began as Registered Nurse, moving into various leadership positions, and transitioned into her current role where she oversees a primary care team of eighteen individuals. “I enjoy all of the people I get to work worth,” says Leona. “I believe in Hospice of the Western Reserve’s mission and values, and I know my team feels the same way.” This past December, Leona graduated with her bachelor’s degree with the support of HWR Tuition Reimbursement program and sees how these programs impact employees and the care they provide. Through tuition reimbursement programs and offering quarterly certification opportunities, HWR invests in professional development to help maintain a vital to a thriving, forward thinking organization. “We have a good, longstanding reputation and a majority of our clinical staff have hospice and palliative care certifications,” says Leona. “We strive on integrity and excellence in care, and that’s what sets us apart.”

Levon Skully, Information Systems Team Leader

Employee since 1996

In 1996, Levon began his career at Hospice of the Western Reserve in the finance office tracking mileage logs as a contracted, temporary position. What was intended to be a week-long position, shaped up to be a twenty-seven-year long career. “This was my first permanent job out of college,” says Levon. “I was doing contract jobs, so I knew what was out there and knew HWR was where I wanted to work.”  In his first days at Hospice of the Western Reserve, it felt like a small business with all the staff fitting into the Lakeshore building. Over time, Levon transitioned from his role in the finance office to a role in data systems. This path led him to his current role, where he oversees Information Systems Education, Projects, and Software Development. “I’ve stayed for our mission and for my coworkers,” says Levon. “We have a great team, and everyone works well together.” Two of Levon’s grandparents were in hospice care at HWR and he has seen firsthand how every team works together to take away the stress and uncertainty that is often associated with end-of-life care. His personal experiences have shaped his immense respect for both clinical and support staff members and knows what it looks like when hospice care is done correctly. “I am always impressed by the growth that I have witnessed during my time here,” says Levon. “I’m eager to see where we go in the future!” 

Jennifer Palmer, Team Leader, Pediatrics

Employee since 2003

In nursing school, Jen Palmers was required to pick a field to specialize in and began her journey in pediatrics. She joined the Hospice of the Western Reserve team from a previous role at Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital where she helped open a floor that was geared towards chronic care patients that needed extended stay at the hospital. During her orientation at HWR, Jen remembers feeling that this is the type of workplace environment that everyone always dreams of. “I thought it was too good to be true,” recalls Jen. “But years later, our team really is like a family.” Jen reflects on how much support she received in her role from the very start, and the lengths to which the entire staff helped her feel comfortable and confident in providing care for our pediatric patients. As the agency began to evolve and grow, a leadership position became available, and Jen utilized this opportunity to demonstrate her skills. “In 2011, I also took on the team leader role for the Go Where Needed (GWN) Team and was in that role for nine years,” says Jen. After twenty years at Hospice of the Western Reserve, Jen still feels that the support of a phenomenal team has made all the difference. “I have a boss that is supportive and open to my ideas,” says Jen. “She has become a mentor to me and helped me become the professional I am today.”   There have been some challenging moments in the past twenty years, Jen shares that there hasn’t been a single moment where she regrets leaving a hospital setting and coming to work for HWR. “I am grateful for each and every patient that I’ve had the opportunity to care for, and I’m thankful for those that I’ve been able to work with along the way.”

Jaimee Fannin, LPN

Employee since 2003

When Jaimee started her career at Stein Hospice twenty years ago, it was a smaller hospice that was quickly growing.  “It was fun to watch the company grow,” says Jaimee. Starting out as a State-tested nursing assistant (STNA), Jaimee received the training and accreditation to transition into a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) role in 2005. She has worked in several disciplines within Stein, including the continuous care team and the scheduling department, where she would become the supervisor. During her tenure, Jaimee started supervising STNAs of administrator on call and triage, but it’s her day-to-day connections with patients and families that has made a longstanding impact on her career.  “I enjoy helping patients and families with whatever is most important to them at the time,” says Jaimee. “And I love working with my team!” In the last two decades, Jaimee has seen the organization grow and evolve and knows the significance of quality care. “I can still remember some of the patients and families from twenty years ago,” recalls Jaimee.  “They are the reason we come back every day.”

Title: Your Support in Action: Love Follows Us Everywhere

By: Aaron and Kelly Harrison

When Aaron’s mom died, we didn’t know what to do. Our son, Lincoln, took it particularly hard. At a time when we were all struggling, the Robertson Bereavement Center team at Hospice of Medina County was there for us. We couldn’t do it alone, and with them on our side, we didn’t have to.

Although his Grandma Harrison had been diagnosed with ovarian cancer before Lincoln was even born – and was receiving treatment throughout much of his life – they always had a special connection.

Shortly after Mom passed, Lincoln struggled to talk about his memories of her. We were especially concerned that he was reluctant to share good feelings. He said he was worried he was always going to be sad because he missed Grandma so much.

From the very first time she met Lincoln, his bereavement counselor JoDee “got” him. She helped him create a memory box for his favorite photos, drawings and thoughts. That project helped him learn to process his feelings. Now he always smiles when he looks through the box. JoDee’s most lasting lesson for Lincoln is one that he reminds us of regularly: “Love follows us everywhere.”

It’s been amazing watching our son heal and grow. We will never be able to thank HMC’s bereavement team enough.

Title: Shining Bright in the Spotlight

In the Spring of 2021, ten years after her sister passed away, Jane Zebris saw that Western Reserve Care Solutions was looking for volunteers. She decided that this was her sign to explore volunteer options for the very same organization that cared for her sister in her final days. Although there are a variety of ways to volunteer with WRCS, Jane felt drawn to the end-of-life doula (EOLD) service and in July of 2021, she completed the training. “My experience has been such a blessing to me,” reflects Jane. “I have so many precious stories and moments.” As an EOLD, Jane sees compassion in every facet of hospice care. “I have had incredibly moving moments with families and their loved ones,” says Jane. “It’s really cemented in my thoughts that this is the way the experience should be.” Jane finds that family members are uncertain and struggle with ways to express their emotions and they appreciate the comfort that she can bring. She finds ways to meet the family where they are, like having them tell stories of their loved ones, sing or join them in prayer. Serving as an EOLD is just one of the ways that Jane volunteers with WRCS. She and other volunteers decorate the Medina Hospice Inpatient Unit for Christmas. She supports Moments to Remember, runs errands for patients, makes phone calls and cards for patients, respite visits, shifts at Life’s Treasures Thrift Shop and represents the agency at WAKR Summit Senior Events. In August, Jane was recognized for these efforts with a LeadingAge Ohio Spotlight Award. This award recognizes an outstanding individual who has made a significant contribution through an innovative program or service that has positively impacted aging services. “I felt so honored to be nominated, there are so many wonderful and deserving volunteers at WRCS,” says Jane. “I am grateful that I can make a difference in someone’s life.” Jane was one of six individuals chosen this year and was nominated with the support of WRCS staff, her fellow volunteers, and a family previously in our care, who wrote a letter on her behalf. “Jane is a true gift to the volunteer team,” notes Jamie Glomb, WRCS Volunteer Services Manager. “I know how much the families and clinical teams appreciate all that she does.” Volunteers like Jane are the driving force behind the work that we do, often working quietly in the background, yet leaving an indelible mark on the lives they touch. In a world where collaboration and community matter more than ever, volunteers remind us that the power to make an impact resides within each of us.

Title: Understanding Medicare/Medicaid

Understanding Medicare/Medicaid is like deciphering a crucial piece of the healthcare puzzle. As you navigate the complex world of medical coverage, Medicare/Medicaid stands as a vital program designed to provide essential health benefits for millions of Americans.

This multifaceted system can seem daunting at first glance, but grasping the ins and outs is essential for securing the healthcare support you or a family member may need. Medicare/Medicaid encompasses various parts, each addressing different aspects of care.  Health and hospice care services are paid for by Medicare, Medicaid, most commercial insurances and privately by the patient/family. Once a diagnosis is given and a patient is determined eligible for hospice care, the hospice benefit can be elected. The hospice benefit pays for all medical care, medications and appropriate treatments that will provide comfort and alleviate symptoms which are related to the diagnosis.

The most important step you can take for yourself and your family in any financial situation is to plan ahead. We urge families to consider their future by completing their Advance Directives to make their healthcare wishes known, but we also encourage patients to consider establishing a Power of Attorney (POA). Different and separate from a Health Care Power of Attorney in your Advance Directives, a POA can step in to make financial and legal decisions for you should you be unable to speak for yourself. Hospice of the Western Reserve has volunteer attorneys available to provide more information at no cost to you. Additionally, our “Courage in Conversation” is a resource document where you will find all the forms and prompts you need to consider initiating these conversations.

Beyond the technicalities’, understanding Medicare/Medicaid will empower you and your loved ones to make sound healthcare decisions.  Whether you're approaching Medicare/Medicaid age or helping a family member navigate the system, knowledge is the key to unlocking its benefits. Hospice of the Western Reserve has a Financial Resource Advocate who is dedicated to providing this information to families throughout Northern Ohio.

At Hospice of the Western Reserve, you can contact a Financial Resource Advocate to make sure you understand what your responsibilities are regarding payment (216.383.2222, ext. 2290) or visit our website at hospicewr.org to explore Financial Assistance, Our Care Promise and additional Medicare/Medicaid resources.

Title: Enhancing Quality of Life: The Crucial Role of Palliative Care

In the realm of healthcare, the concept of palliative care stands as a beacon of support, compassion, and comfort for individuals facing serious illnesses. Its essence transcends the mere alleviation of physical pain, embracing a holistic approach that emphasizes enhancing the overall quality of life for patients and their families. Palliative care plays a pivotal role in transforming the healthcare experience, prioritizing dignity, comfort, and emotional well-being.

Understanding Palliative Care

Palliative care is a specialized form of medical care dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for individuals. Unlike hospice care, which primarily focuses on end-of-life support, palliative care can begin at any stage of an illness, alongside curative treatments. Its comprehensive nature addresses not only physical pain but also emotional, social, and spiritual distress.

Holistic Approach to Care

At its core, palliative care is about recognizing the multifaceted needs of patients and their families. It involves a team of healthcare professionals – including doctors, nurses, social workers, psychologists, and chaplains – collaborating to provide personalized care. This approach encompasses pain management, symptom relief, emotional support, spiritual guidance, and assistance with navigating complex treatment decisions.

Alleviating Pain and Symptoms

One of the fundamental aspects of palliative care is the management of pain and other distressing symptoms. By utilizing a combination of medications, therapies, and interventions, the goal is to alleviate suffering and enhance comfort, allowing individuals to maintain a higher quality of life. This approach empowers patients to engage more fully in life and activities that matter most to them.

Improving Emotional and Mental Well-being

Serious illnesses often bring forth emotional challenges, including anxiety, depression, fear, and stress for both patients and their loved ones. Palliative care provides invaluable emotional support, offering counseling, emotional guidance, and strategies to cope with the psychological impact of the illness. By addressing these concerns, patients can experience a sense of peace and emotional well-being.