Certified Family Nurse Practitioner

Tonya Robertson, RN, MSN, FNP-BC

Joined: October 2012

“I began my medical career as a CNA in 1988. After graduating with my bachelors in nursing in 1989, I worked in labor and delivery for 18 years.

In 2000, I decided to go back to school to become a nurse practitioner. A week after I registered for classes, my husband was diagnosed with Stage 3 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Over the next year he went through chemo, a stem cell transplant and radiation therapy. He remains in remission from his cancer, but continues to struggle with health issues.

It was in graduate school that I discovered my love and passion for the elderly. In 2007, I graduated and became licensed as a family nurse practitioner. My first position was on the joint reconstruction team at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, eventually transitioning to internal medicine.

I assumed my role here in 2012 and consider it my “God job,” as He led me to the Gentle Shepherd family and it has been a blessing ever since. My love and admiration for the patients who are nearing the end of this life, as well as their families, has blossomed since coming here. I believe that we are brought to hospice to share our love for Christ with everyone we encounter.”

Tonya was born and grew up in Salem, where her children were also raised. She and her husband, Todd, now live in Fincastle. They have two children (Tyler and Tori), a daughter-in-law (Cheyenne), two beautiful granddaughters (Juliet and Aspen) and a dog named Tessie.

Certified Family Nurse Practitioner – Roanoke

Heather Staley, FNP-C

Joined: May 2016

“When I became a nurse, I started working in the hospital setting in cardiac care. Since becoming a nurse practitioner, I have worked in family practice and occupational medicine.

My first experience with hospice was when my mother-in-law passed away in 2009. It was a huge blessing to have knowledgeable healthcare professionals come in and educate the family on the dying process. It was so helpful to have experts help us through that difficult time and tell us what to expect during the different transitions that were coming our way.

In 2016, I unexpectedly met Kim Eckenroth and learned that she had been a hospice nurse for over 20 years at that time. I told her that one day I hoped to work in the hospice or palliative care field. After talking with Kim further, the convinced me that there was no time like the present. I joined Gentle Shepherd within a month! From the very first day, the staff warmly welcomed me into what truly seems like a family.

Hospice is about addressing the spiritual needs of those we serve, as well as the patient’s physical condition. In previous nursing roles, I never felt that it was okay to pray with patients. Here, when they are open to it, we are able to do just that.

Heather lives in Salem with her husband, two children and two dogs that she says are more spoiled than her children! She has found an outlet for her love of gardening as part of a group that started a small community garden at her church, Locust Grove United Methodist. The vision is for it to serve church members, the Boy Scout group that meets there weekly and the surrounding community, as well as to donate produce to the food pantry.

Heather loves to hike and run, even completing the Blue Ridge Marathon in 2017 and 2019. She also enjoys being outside, and growing and arranging flowers.

Certified family Nurse Practitioner – Lynchburg

Cassandra Taylor, RN, MSN, FNP-C

Joined: November 2017

“I have always viewed myself as a nurturing and caring individual. The nursing field has allowed me the opportunity to express this through patient care, staff and community engagement, as well as in my family life.

Hospice care is rewarding because it is an opportunity to provide comfort and support to those confronted with the end of life when compassion is needed the most.”

A highly experienced healthcare professional, Cassandra has been a nurse practitioner more than 20 years. Her role here is to help ensure that our Lynchburg patients who are eligible for hospice services continue to receive the care they need.

A mother of two college-age kids, Cassandra and her husband live in Lynchburg. She loves spending time with her family and her little Yorkie-poo.

Chief Executive Officer

Leana Kail, MSW

Joined: October 2000

“After watching the movie ‘Patch Adams’ in 1998, I wanted to be a social worker in a medical setting. The movie inspired me to provide better than standard/traditional care. I also love to learn new things and there is no end to the things one can learn in the medical field.

When I went to graduate school, I decided to take an elective in psychology called Children and Death. This was the hardest class I took in graduate school by far, but what I learned was invaluable. Little did I know, God was preparing the way for my life work in hospice.

When I joined Gentle Shepherd, I was initially a social worker and I loved the time I spent in homes caring for our sweet patients and their families. I eventually transitioned to an administrative role when the need arose. I now live vicariously through our clinical care team and I thoroughly enjoy filling in for our social workers when needed. It is rewarding to support our staff by helping them give their best to our patients.”

Leana lives in Lynchburg with her husband Joe, three teenage children and two dogs. She enjoys serving her church by loving on the babies in the nursery and occasionally speaking to high school and college classes about the social work profession and the hospice field.

Leana also treasures time spent with her family — taking the older son to UVA sporting events, watching Master Chef Junior with her youngest son and doing anything girly with her daughter.

Executive Director of Administration

Bonnie Davis

Joined: December 1994

“After working in the financial business field for over 10 years, I felt called to something that was more than just a job. I wanted to work for a company that was making a difference in people’s lives by providing for their spiritual needs, not only their medical needs.

When Don and Kim decided to start Gentle Shepherd Hospice, I was given the opportunity to assist them as they established the company. Twenty-five years later, I still feel blessed to be a part of a company that has consistently put Christ first and demonstrates this commitment by showing His love and compassion to our patients and their families, as well as the staff and our families.

It has been rewarding and exciting to see how God has worked in our company over the years. There is no place else I would want to be.”

Bonnie has been with us since the beginning and has been instrumental in our founding and our growth. Outside of work she enjoys running, biking and reading. She also crochets and likes to make hats, blankets and clothing and stuffed animals for kids. Her greatest joy is spending time with her family – her husband, two sons, their wives and her four grandchildren.

Executive Director of Patient Care Services

Carrie Rater

Joined: january 2008

“I set out looking for a practical career where I could work with people in a compassionate way. Initially a business major, I changed to criminal justice and quickly realized neither was for me. My sister was a nurse and encouraged me to give nursing a try. I went all in and I’ve never looked back! As with many areas of my life where I wasn’t exactly sure what I was looking for, God led me to places that I never thought I would be and has blessed me beyond measure.

After several years of shift work as ER nurse, I missed attending church with my family on the weekends and having a “normal” schedule. When I came to Gentle Shepherd Hospice in 2008, I had no idea how much “church” would extend into both my personal and professional life. I asked for one day a week for spiritual development, worship and fellowship, and God gave me seven! Being a part of this ministry and what we do beyond the bedside has changed my life in so many ways. Gentle Shepherd is my second family and I am honored to be a part of this team!”

Carrie and her husband have four kids and three grandkids. She loves spending time with them and making memories. She also enjoys working on their farmhouse, trying her hand at mini farming, camping and traveling. Along with juggling her husband’s busy work schedule in law enforcement and his involvement with an inner city ministry, they operate a small business together.

Director of Staff Development

Stephanie Butler, RN

Joined: March 2009

“I came to Gentle Shepherd after a brief experience with hospice care for my mother. She was so thankful that she could be at home for her last days, enjoying the peaceful sunsets from her porch with no concern about returning to the hospital again.

This really opened my eyes to how many people needlessly die in the hospitals when they could be in a familiar setting at home, receive comfort care and focus on what is truly important to them as they prepare for eternity. Our emphasis on the personal and spiritual aspect of care is what drew me here.”

Stephanie came to us with more than 20 years of nursing experience. She lives with her husband of 32 years in Roanoke County where they have raised three children and are now enjoying grandchildren!

They are blessed to serve at their church, including in the food and children’s ministries, as well as at Camp Eagle near Fincastle. In her spare time, Stephanie loves to garden, cook for others and repurpose furniture.

Director of Quality Improvement

Pam Moysakis, RN

Joined: May 2012

“There was nothing else I ever wanted to do besides being a nurse, following in the footsteps of my mother and grandmother. I started out in pediatrics and eventually became a staff nurse at South Roanoke Nursing Home where I was the director of nursing for many years.

It was there that I became acquainted with Gentle Shepherd and one of their CNAs, Pam Hinkle, who was persistent in trying to recruit me. But having always worked in facilities, I found hospice scary because the nurses are out there all by themselves. When I retired though, I finally decided to check it out. What I discovered about being a hospice nurse surprised me.

It turns out that my fears were totally unfounded, and my part-time retirement gig has been an awesome job! If I have a question or a challenging case, we have nurse practitioners I can call at any time, as well as other nurses who are more than happy to help. Our patients are grateful to have us there and appreciate everything we do to help them and their loved ones. Being a hospice nurse at Gentle Shepherd is so rewarding!”

Pam is one of our most experienced nurses. In addition to patient care, she also oversees our quality improvement program. Pam lives in Roanoke with her husband, Gus, and two cats. In her spare time she enjoys scrapbooking and visiting her grandkids in Pennsylvania.

Hospice Nurse – Lynchburg

Heather Cook, RN, BSN

Joined: November 2019

My prior work experience was in the NeuroTrauma ICU at Roanoke Memorial and the Medical ICU at Lynchburg General where I was a charge nurse and part of the medical emergency team.

I have always believed that I was meant to work in healthcare and was drawn to hospice because I believe everyone deserves to live their last days here on earth comfortable and with dignity. I strive to be the hands and feet of Christ to patients and families during some of the hardest moments of their lives.

My hope is to bring joy, peace and comfort through the care I provide, even if just by being a listening ear, which so many of us need at times. Gentle Shepherd allows me to live out my faith in my work and that is my favorite thing about being here.

Heather lives in Amherst, VA with her husband, her little boy, Levi, and two dogs, Loki and Luna. She enjoys hiking, spending time with her family and traveling.

Hospice Nurse – Roanoke

Donna Mitchell, RN

Joined: March 2016

“Shortly after becoming a nurse in 1996, I specialized as a cardiovascular nurse, eventually worked as a travel nurse for several years. When people ask me how I got into hospice, the truth is that hospice got into me! My father was terminally ill at the time and I believe God knew that this change was what I needed to get through that time in my life.

As a hospice nurse, I’m able to spend more time at the bedside, really getting to know patients and families and earning their trust. It’s important that my patients know that if they are uncomfortable in any way, I will stay with them until we work through the problem – whether it is pain, anxiety or a family member struggling to let go.”

Donna initially joined us a case manager. In early 2019, she became our weekend on-call nurse in Roanoke and helps out taking call some weekday nights as well. Donna was recognized as an Outstanding Nurse in Roanoke by Our Health magazine in June of 2019. The honor is well-deserved!

Originally from North Carolina and a long-time resident of East Tennessee, Donna frequently visits her mom (in NC) and daughter, son and granddaughters (in TN). She met her husband, Joe, in 2013 while on a section hike that passed through Catawba, where he owns the Four Pines hostel. They married in 2016.

When not taking care of our patients, Donna spends her time helping Joe with the hostel and tending to their chickens, ducks, dogs and cats. As a seasoned section hiker, so far Donna has completed 1029 miles of the 2200 mile Appalachian Trail. There’s no doubt that she’ll complete it someday!

Hospice Nurse – Lynchburg

Tammy Pollard, RN, BSN, CHPN

Joined: June 2012

“I never dreamed I would become a hospice nurse, but I do believe I was led here to serve. My nursing career began in 1991 as an LPN. A few years later, I began taking college courses, became a RN and then earned my bachelors in nursing. Recently, I was certified in hospice and palliative care nursing.

For the majority of my career, I worked in the medical surgical field and was also an adjunct clinical instructor at Liberty University and Southside Virginia Community College.

In 2012, I felt the need for a change, which led me to the Gentle Shepherd family. There was quite a learning curve. I will always remember my first patients passing. It had quite an impact on me and in that moment, I knew this was where I needed to be.

To be a part of Gentle Shepherd team is an honor. The compassionate care we provide far surpasses the standard level of care. We work lovingly and diligently to allow someone to die with peace and dignity. We pray with and truly care for our fellow team members, just as we do our patients and their families.”

Tammy was recognized as an Outstanding Nurse in Lynchburg by Our Health magazine in June 2019.

She lives in Forest, Va. with her husband, Rick, and sweet dog Sammy. She has two children – a son, John, and her daughter, Quinn, as well as three grandchildren – Ella, Wyatt, Madelyn and Vivian.

In her spare time, Tammy enjoys soapmaking, camping and traveling with her husband.

Hospice Nurse – Lynchburg

Breana (Bree) Rojas, RN

Joined: September 2015

“When I joined Gentle Shepherd, I had two years of nursing experience in home health and a progressive care unit (which treats hospital patients with critical needs that fall between intensive care and those that can be met on a regular floor).

I was drawn to Gentle Shepherd and hospice when I learned that I could combine two things I love: being used by God and meeting the spiritual and physical needs of others.”

Bree and her husband live in Lynchburg and have two children. She enjoys serving as a board member on Zach Speaks, an organization that supports and provides assistance to families with children that have special needs. Bree has also recently joined the women’s leadership team at Gospel Community Rivermont. She looks forward to the opportunity to grow in community with other women while collectively and individually seeking God.

Hospice Nurse – Roanoke

Penny Springs, RN

Joined: August 2016

“When I came to Gentle Shepherd, I had been in nursing for 16 years as a CNA, LPN and RN. At the time, I was looking for a new nursing experience. Hospice appealed to me because we are able to spend more time with patients at the bedside.

Being a part of someone’s end-of-life experience is especially rewarding. My favorite saying about being a hospice nurse is that “I work in heavens waiting room.” This says so much about what this work means to me. We are there on the front lines, providing comfort for patient and their families and friends, and showing them the love of Christ.”

Penny’s world outside of work revolves around what her family calls the “Springs9,” comprised of Teddy, her husband of 26 years, two sons and a daughter, as well as two daughters-in-law and two granddaughters. Penny also enjoys cooking and reading.

Hospice Nurse – roanoke

Sarah Stump, RN

Joined: September 2018

“Being a nurse is such a blessing. I really enjoy getting to know my patients and their families, and consider it a privilege to offer them my love, support and encouragement.

Gentle Shepherd is the most uplifting, patient-oriented, caring environment that I have ever had the pleasure to work in. I am so proud to be a part of this team!”

Sarah joined us with three years of nursing experience. She was already somewhat part of the Gentle Shepherd family as her mom, Stephanie Butler, also works with us! It’s great to see the next generation carrying on our legacy of quality patient care.

Sarah lives in Troutville with her husband and two boys. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, being outdoors and traveling.

Hospice Nurse

Kristin Waskey, RN, BSN

Joined: June 2013

“From the time I was a little girl, I knew I wanted to be a missionary nurse. I didn’t know exactly what that would look like, but I knew my calling in life was to bring the love of Christ into a medical setting.

My first experience with Gentle Shepherd Hospice was in 2004 when I did clinical training there for nursing school. I remember finishing that and thinking that this was my “dream job,” but thinking there was no way I could be a hospice nurse.

Through a variety of life circumstances, I ended up working on an oncology unit and fell in love with all my patients, but particularly the hospice/palliative care patients on the unit. I loved how, although I was there to help them, enriched my life in so many ways. I knew then that God was calling me to hospice.

In August of 2007, I started working for Gentle Shepherd. I am humbled by the chance to care for such wonderful people and I know beyond a shadow of a doubt, this is where God wanted me to be His “missionary nurse” all along. I am thankful for the opportunity He has given me to be His hands and feet in such a wonderful ministry.”

Kristin lives with her husband and children in Bedford, VA. When not working, she homeschools her eight children and cheers them on at their various sporting events. At her church, she is serves in the nursery and sometimes fills in as a pianist. In addition to her family, Kristin loves coffee, a good book and hymns.

Certified Nursing Assistant – Roanoke

Maryluz Cole, CNA

Joined: September 2017

“My decision to get into nursing was quite personal. I had been working in customer service for some time when my grandmother suddenly and unexpectedly died. I was devastated that I didn’t have a chance to be there for her and became determined to be there for someone else’s grandma.

After taking CNA classes at a local assisted living facility, I started working there, often on the night shift. One night, there were two residents at opposite ends of the hall who were in the process of dying. One had hospice and the other did not. Going back and forth between the two, I was struck by the dramatically different experience the hospice patient had, surrounded by family and attentively cared for. That’s when I became interested in hospice.

Coming to Gentle Shepherd was such a great move for me. I love being able to spend more time with my patients and give them special attention. It feels like what I do really matters now – to the families and to my employer. I thank the Lord every day for bringing me here!”

A New Jersey native with Puerto Rican parents, Maryluz moved to Roanoke in 2008 and became a CNA. She is fluent in Spanish and still has that Jersey girl spunk! Maryluz lives in Roanoke with her husband, son (age 14) and daughter (age 5). When not taking care of her patients, she stays busy with her son’s travel sports and daughter’s dance activities.

Certified Nursing Assistant – Roanoke

Tracy Ritter, CNA, CHPN

Joined: November 2013

“I had been working as a CNA in home care when my father-in-law became sick. That was my introduction to hospice. When I saw how they cared for patients and their families, I knew this was what I wanted to do.

At the time, I had just moved to Virginia and was unfamiliar with hospices in the area. Originally, I contacted a competitor first, before calling Gentle Shepherd. It is such a blessing that I ended up here! I appreciate being able to freely express my faith and love with patients.

I have also witnessed amazing things that Don and Kim do as business owners and how humble they are when serving patients, whether it’s making them soup or shoveling their sidewalks. And they treat their employees just as well.

My favorite thing about working here is that it feels like a family. We all work well together, supporting and helping each other out. At team meetings, we even pray together for our patients and their families and the ongoing staff prayer list helps keep us close.”

Tracy lives with her husband in southwest Roanoke County. She has four college-age kids, two of whom are currently serving on missions in Central and South America.

Travel is a big part of the Ritter family’s life – from taking missions trips to visiting extended family living in various parts of the country.

Tracy stays busy with another part-time job at the Roanoke airport and when not working, you might find her volunteering with a kid’s mountain biking team sponsored by Just The Right Gears or working with the youth at her church.

Certified Nursing Assistant – Roanoke

Pam Hinkle, CNA

Joined: March 2007

“When someone asks me why I became a nurse, I sometimes hesitate to answer because it just doesn’t reflect how I really feel about the work I do. What started as just a job quickly became a calling. I love being a care provider. And in hindsight, I can see that it was God’s plan for me all along.

When my kids got older and I started thinking about going to work, a billboard advertising CNA classes caught my interest. Someone who should have been supportive told me they didn’t believe I could do it and that was just the motivation I needed! Not only did I become a CNA, I have found the work far more rewarding than I ever imagined.

I have been providing care as part of the Gentle Shepherd and Eckenroth extended family since 1980, and am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve the Lord with this wonderful group of people.”

A highly experienced member of our staff, Pam joined our team with nearly 30 years of experience. We were so pleased when she received the Oakey’s Hospice Caregiver award in March of 2018.

Perhaps the best way to introduce Pam comes from a letter we received from the husband of one of her patients after the passing of his wife. He singled Pam out as having earned their “highest admiration and respect” and said her “genuine concern and compassion were exemplary.” He added that she was “one of the few people he had met who sacrificed so much of their time, effort and dedication for the welfare of many.” We couldn’t agree more!

Pam has three grown children. When she’s not taking care of her patients, you can find her rescuing animals and raising chickens at her little homestead on a mountain in Bedford County.

Certified Nursing Assistant – Lynchburg

Gwen Mosebrook, CNA

Joined: April 2011

“I have been a CNA since 1995 and held several jobs that were good learning experiences, but they never seemed to be perfect for me. So eventually I went back to college and obtained an associate degree in medical assisting.

I crossed Gentle Shepherd’s path during a personal situation many years ago. I had the opportunity then to work here, but I wasn’t ready at the time. Years later, in 2011, once again a friend led me to Gentle Shepherd.

I have always been a believer and had a church family, but I am usually behind the scenes when it comes to publicly demonstrating my faith. I believe this is one of the reasons God brought me to Gentle Shepherd. I think He was nudging me to grow spiritually and that has certainly happened here!

I have had many fulfilling jobs in the past, but they didn’t bless me with such unique and rewarding experiences as helping others at a time when they needed it most. Through my day-to-day work with a Christ-centered company, my heart has been opened to really show the love of Jesus to all those I am privileged to meet.

Gwen lives in the beautiful countryside of Campbell County with her husband Bruce and son Stephen, age 16. Her oldest son, Colton, currently resides in Texas with family. She likes to spend her spare time with family and friends, relaxing at cookouts. Gwen also enjoys being an active member of her church.

Chaplain

John Furman, M.Div., PhD

Joined: April 2012

“At the end of life, we are confronted with our mortality and along with that, our spirituality. In conversations with people in my 30 years as a pastor, I’ve encountered misconceptions about salvation. Many people believe that salvation is mainly about church attendance or have been wounded by things that have taken place within churches or organized religious group. It’s important they realize that these misconceptions, and all perceived failings, are alleviated by the grace of the gospel.”

In addition to being one of our chaplains, John serves on staff at Church of the Holy Spirit. He is married to Martha Furman, a licensed professional counselor who also works closely with us to provide grief counseling and lead grief support groups for adults and children. In 2007, with Gentle Shepherd as a founding sponsor, they launched an annual summer camp for grieving youth in grades 3-12. For the past two years, they have traveled to Uganda to provide trauma counseling and pastoral training.

Director of Volunteer Services and Bereavement

Terry Dowdy

Joined: November 2011

“This job here actually represents an opportunity for a second career for me. I worked in accounting for 30 years. I always felt like I wanted to do something different, but didn’t really know what.

Several years ago, when my husband worked here in human resources, I started volunteering and just fell in love with the work I was doing. Three months later, I came on board as the director of volunteers.

This job has been the greatest blessing and has truly changed my life. From the people I work with to the work I get to do, God shows me every day that I am living His purpose for me.

Every day, I am able to pray with our staff, patients, their families and our volunteers. I enjoy connecting with our volunteers with families who can use a helping hand. It’s so rewarding to be a part of such a kind and uplifting team. Kim and Don Eckenroth are so generous and truly incredible to work for and with.”

Terry lives in Roanoke with her husband, Greg, and three greatly adored pugs. She has a son, Jonathan, who lives in Raleigh, NC. Recently, Terry took her first mission trip to the Bahamas with the International Christian Centers for the Deaf (ICCD).

In her spare time, Terry and Greg enjoy kayaking, walking the trails in Roanoke, hiking and traveling.

Hospice Nurse – Roanoke

Pam Casey, LPN

Joined: September 2015

“I started out as an art major, interested in commercial art, but my college didn’t offer that track. So I took a break from school and volunteered through our Mennonite church to spend the next year or so at Elon Home for Children in North Carolina, where I met my husband.

I figured I would be a stay-at-home mom after we married, but my dad insisted that “every woman needs something in her back pocket.” So I decided to become a nurse, working my way through school as a CNA. I came to love geriatrics and worked in long-term care for years before coming here.

Being a hospice nurse has become a calling, a personal ministry. We come into the lives of families when they are most vulnerable and spend a great deal of time supporting them through really difficult times.”

Originally from Ohio, Pam came to us with 31 years of nursing experience. She enjoys spending time with her son, daughter and granddaughter. Her husband, Corwin, has been an ordained minister for 30 years and now serves as pastor at First Baptist Radford where Pam sings in the choir. Pam and Corwin live in Roanoke County with their English Mastiff, Caleb.

Executive Administrator of Operations

Sasha St. Clair, CMA

Joined: December 2005

“After a few years working in a bank setting, I decided I needed to grow professionally. A close family friend recommended Gentle Shepherd Hospice to me. I came for my interview and immediately knew this is what I was missing in my life.

I started at here as an office assistant. Shortly after starting, I wanted a deeper understanding of all the papers I was seeing and a better perspective on what the clinical staff members were talking about when they called.

So I went back to school and became a certified medical assistant, which has helped broaden my medical knowledge. I enjoy being an integral part of the office and operations, and it helps to understand what the nurses are talking about too!”

Sasha lives in Eagle Rock with her husband, Chris and their blended family totaling 4 daughters and their dog, Cynder.

In her spare time, she enjoys exploring new places with her husband and their girls.

Certified Nursing Assistant – Roanoke

Timmea Wolfe, CNA

Joined: September 2017

“A family member went on hospice once, so that’s how I became familiar with the services provided. Since then, it was my goal to work in hospice and I truly love it!

I received my CNA certification through a local home care agency and also worked at the Veteran’s Hospital Care Center. It was there that I met one of Gentle Shepherd’s CNAs and the rest is history!

This is an awesome place to work! It has become more like a family than a job to me. And I love each and every one of my patients.”

Timmea came to us with 10 years of CNA experience. She lives in Southeast Roanoke with her three kids, the oldest of which recently graduated from high school and is attending Eastern Mennonite University. In her free time, Timmea enjoys fishing and couponing, which comes in handy when making blessing baskets to give to those in need.

Hospice Service Representative Team

Mary Bowser

Joined: August 2018

“For many years I prayed that God would lead me to a position with a Christ-centered company. When I decided to take early retirement and seek God’s will for my work life, He opened the door for me here. Every day at Gentle Shepherd Hospice is fulfilling. The ministry is a blessing to me and all those who have been touched by it.

One of the things I love most about working here is that our leadership values prayer as much as I do. It meant so much to me when Kim Eckenroth asked to me manage our staff’s prayer requests, which also covers the families we serve. I email these internally throughout the week and really appreciate that, as a company, we acknowledge the power of prayer and make it a priority.”

Mary lives in Botetourt County with her husband Dan. Their family is growing with the addition of a son-in-law and the engagement of their son.

Mary enjoys serving her church by going on annual mission trips to the Dominican Republic. The 2020 trip will be her tenth. She and her husband are VT graduates of the class of ’88, die-hard Hokies and long-time football season ticket holders. They also enjoy spending time with family and friends at the beach, pool and on the river.

=–Director of Strategic Development and Mission Advancement

Lynette Mull

Joined: March 2018

“I never really knew what I wanted to be when I grew up. I only knew that I wanted to help make the world a better place. And that I wanted to go to college because I actually enjoyed school. How vague and geeky is that?!

In the 10th grade, my English teacher told me that whatever I do for a living should involve writing. So based on that advice, I majored in communication studies at VT and embarked on what would be a very diverse career encompassing: public relations for social service-oriented organizations, marketing communication in healthcare, fundraising for higher education and business development in biomedical/info technology.

Here, in what is an undoubtedly my divinely orchestrated dream job, nearly every aspect of my seemingly random experience is coming into play for His Kingdom. I am blessed beyond measure and honored to do the Lord’s work with such a caring, gifted, hard-working, dedicated and supportive team!”

Lynette grew up in and around Roanoke. After a couple relocations to the West Coast, she has happily settled on her family’s mountain top “homestead” near Blue Ridge, VA, with her long-lost sweetheart and now husband, Bill, and their goofy rescue mutt, Wally.

In addition to strategic planning and communications, Lynette serves on the Gentle Shepherd Center for Development and Mission Advancement team, recently established to oversee our work with international and local missions and ministries.

She is also a founding organizer of Business on Mission Roanoke/New River Valley, a grassroots initiative that brings Christian business owners and leaders together to explore living out our faith in the workplace.

Gentle Shepherd is a hospice serving Roanoke and Lynchburg in Virginia.

Called. Experienced. Valued.

We are called and committed to providing exceptional hospice care in a manner that aligns with Gentle Shepherd’s Christ-centered values and mission. Many of us have been working together as a team for years, and even decades, supporting each other in delivering the highest quality of care to our patients and their families.

executive support team

LEADERSHIP

DIRECTORS

Mission advancement

Nurses

CNAS

SUPPORT SERVICES

referral relations