2013 Conference Registration

Hospice Team

The Hospice Team Every patient and his or her family are provided their very own hospice team. They consists of:

Physicians

Dr. Larry Skendzel, MD
Medical Director

Dr. Skendzel completed his undergraduate studies at University of Notre Dame in 1986. He earned his medical degree from Wayne State University in 1990 and completed his residency at Marquette General Hospital in 1993. Dr. Skendzel has been in hospice care for 12 years. He has worked for Jacobetti Home for Veterans in Marquette. He also worked for Family Care Doctors in Marquette. Dr. Skendzel is a member of the American Academy of Family Medicine, the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Care, and the American Academy of Geriatrics. Dr. Skendzel says that hospice care chose him. He believes that the challenge of working with a team to improve quality of life never ends. Outside of work Dr. Skendzel enjoys reading, New Orleans and soul music, biking, and playing with his three kids, ages 13, 12, and 10.

Dr. Stuart Johnson, DO
Associate Medical Director

Dr. Johnson attended Northern Michigan University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry in 1994. He earned his medical degree from the College of Osteopathic Medicine at Michigan State University in 2000. In 2001 he completed an internship at Mercy General Hospital in Muskegon, MI. He completed his residency at the Marquette Family Medicine Residency Program in 2003. Dr. Johnson has been a primary physician for patients receiving hospice care since 2002. He joined the team here at LSH in 2010. Dr. Johnson also works for the Marquette Family Medicine Residency Program where he has been the Program Director since 2011. Before that he was the program's Osteopathic Director since 2003. He is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, the American Osteopathic Association, the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians, the American Academy of Family Physicians, and the Boy Scouts of America. As a family physician, some of Dr. Johnson's most rewarding experiences have been at the polar ends of life. From helping a mother to be and her family prepare for the birth, to helping an individual and their family as they prepare for death, both mortalities have been very powerful on him. Dr. Johnson sees the end of life interactions important for patients, their families, the community, and is where he values spending his time as a physician. In his free time, Dr. Johnson enjoys spending time with his family, home improvement projects, and biking.

Dr. Jennifer Dehlin, MD
Associate Medical Director

Dr. Dehlin is originally from Houghton, MI where she attended Michigan Technological University and graduated in 2001 with a Bachelor's of Science in Bio-Medical Engineering. She attended the University of Michigan Medical School and moved to Marquette in 2005 with her husband Christopher. Dr. Dehlin participated in the Family Medicine Residency Program through Marquette General Hospital she currently practices Family Medicine, including obstetrics and geriatrics, at Marquette General Family Medicine - Lakewood in Harvey. When it comes to Hospice care, Dr. Dehlin believes in the multidisciplinary team approach to care and the focus on helping patients feel well and providing support to the whole family. In her spare time Dr. Dehlin is busy engaging in family fun with her son Sam and daughter Stella.

Dr. Dan Mazzuchi
Volunteer

Dan graduated from George Washington University in Washington, D.C. with a Doctor of Medicine Degree. He also earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from Holy Cross College in Worchester, MA. Dan has been working in hospice care for 12 years. Over his career, Dan has worked at many places including Michigan State University, UP Health Education Corporation, and at a private practice. He is part of Northern Michigan University's Pre Meds program and a member of St. Peter's Cathedral. Dan is continually amazed at the goodness of people, both families and hospice staff, who give themselves up to care for loved ones at the end of their lives. He believes it is a privilege to work with these people. In his free time, Dan enjoys golfing, reading, and cooking.

Administration

Carol Carr
CEO

Carol brings 12 years of non-profit experience to the position, including positions with Omega House in Houghton, MI and the Northern Michigan University Foundation. She received a BA in Communications and Political Science from Western Washington University and has completed a certificate in Fundraising Management from The Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University. Carr currently serves as an Advisory Board member for the DeVos Museum at Northern Michigan University and is a volunteer with the Sandy Knoll School Association. She is a native of Marquette and currently lives in Marquette with her husband and two children.

Sam Matani
Director of Finance

Sam Matani graduated from Loyola University - Maryland with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting. Starting from his hometown in Baltimore, Sam has worked in many different parts of the country both as a consultant and an employee for a variety of home care agencies. He has a total of nearly 20 years in hospice finance and accounting and has served as controller or chief financial officer for both public, private, for-profit and not-for profit agencies. Sam chose to work in hospice because being part of a caring organization is personally and professionally rewarding. In his spare time Sam enjoys reading, dining, playing chess and being a spectator of many sports. Sam and his wife have recently relocated to Marquette along with their two cats.

Samantha Collins
Director of Volunteers & Outreach

Samantha graduated from Northern Michigan University in 2010 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Entertainment and Sports Promotion (Public Relations) and Communication Studies. She loves working for a non-profit organization and enjoys that the organization puts patients first. Before joining LSH, Samantha worked for Northern Initiatives as a Marketing Assistant and at NMU as the Varsity Sports Promotions Manager. She also was an intern for the Detroit Red Wings for their Public Relations Department during their Stanley Cup winning season of 2007-2008. Samantha serves on the Board of Directors for the YMCA of Marquette County, the planning committee for Camp STAR and the Upper Peninsula Children's Bereavement Network and owns her own lifestyle photography business. Outside of work she is interested in crafts, photography, hockey, history, traveling and playing with her rescue dog Gus.

Angela Salmi
Office Manager

Angela is a 2006 graduate of Northern Michigan University where earned an Associates in Business with a Major in Office Information Systems. Angela previously worked for Upper Great Lakes Vascular and Michigan State University College of Human Medicine Upper Peninsula Region and as a private duty respite caregiver. Angela enjoys cooking, baking, home improvement projects, exploring the U.P and spending time with family. After working for several years as a respite caregiver Angela saw the importance and value in end of life care which lead her to work for LSH.

Bethany Beurhly
Office Assistant

Bethany is a recent graduate from Northern Michigan University with a degree in Entertainment and Sports Promotion. Bethany previously worked at The Munising News and interned with a non-profit called The First Tee. In her free time she enjoys reading, biking, snowshoeing and spending time with her family and friends. Bethany chose hospice because she enjoys working for non-profits, she also enjoys being part of a team that will do anything to make sure patients and families have a well-planned end of life journey.

Tina LaValley
Student Assistant

Tina is currently a student at Northern Michigan University; she is going into her senior year pursing a degree in Public Relations. Tina grew up in Marquette and is a graduate of Marquette Senior High. She works directly with the volunteer program and also helps with outreach and marketing. In her spare time Tina enjoys hiking, fishing, camping, beach volleyball and hanging out with her dog Chewy. She says that hospice care is something very important that more people in the community should take time to learn about, "get to know hospice before you need it".

Clinical Team

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Nadine Reller, RN
Director of Clinical Services

Nadine attended Hibbing Community College and graduated in 1994, she went on to Lake Superior State University to pursue her BSN in nursing. Currently she is pursing a masters degree at Walden University, she will be graduating this spring. Nadine has an interest in palliative and end of life care, working in hospice care allows her to focus on the patient and practice the art of caring. Previously Nadine worked in the critical care unit at Marquette General; she has a background in surgical services as a director and was also a coordinator for the bariatric and metabolic institute at MGH. Outside of work Nadine is a member of the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, she also enjoys baking, walking and spending time with her daughters.

Lynn Montgomery, RN
Clinical Manager

Lynn attended Wayne State University and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing in 1986. She has been with LSH for two years. Before joining LSH, Lynn worked with at Woman's Health Associates with Dr. Licia Raymond for 10 years. She also worked at the Mayo Clinic for 2 years. Lynn heard about hospice care in nursing school and thought she would "never" want to do that. Time, life experiences and her family members' deaths are what made Lynn feel the need to see what hospice nursing was all about. When approached about hospice nursing, she was surprised that she was no longer thinking "never". Hospice nursing has truly enriched Lynn's life. Lynn's hobbies include gardening, biking, fitness, reading, and cooking/baking.

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Becky Shauver, RN BSN OCN CHPN
Education Specialist

Becky attended Michigan State University and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing in 1993. She has been working in hospice care for 7 years and says that hospice care chose her. Before joining LSH, she worked as an oncology nurse for Marquette General Hospital, Ingham Regional Hospital in Lansing, MI. and at Lansing General Hospital. Becky's certifications include End of Life Nursing Education (ELNEC), Palliative Care Education and Practice (PCEP), Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN), and Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Nurse (CHPN). She is a member of the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS), the Hospice and Palliative Care Nursing Association (HPNA) and the PCEP.

Tiffany Johnson, LBSW
Social Worker

Tiffany attended Northern Michigan University where she earned a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work. Currently she is pursuing a Master's Degree in Social Work from Michigan State University and expects to graduate in 2013. Tiffany has been with LSH for 4 years, she was an intern for a year before being offered a paid position. She chose hospice care because she enjoys being a part of a team, which focuses on providing compassion, dignity, and respect to families and individuals who are terminally ill. Tiffany's hobbies include reading, walking, and spending time with her family and friends.

Deb McDonnell, LMSW
Social Worker

Deb graduated from the Michigan State University in 1998 with a Masters Degree in Social Work. Before earning her masters degree, she received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Medicine (certified Physician's Assistant) from Mercy College of Detroit in 1980. She also received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Zoology from University of Michigan in 1977. Deb has been in hospice care for 14 years. Before coming to LSH, she worked for Mid Michigan Home Care/Hospice in Midland, MI. Deb is a member of the National Academy of Certified Social Workers (NASW) and has her ACSW credentials from NASW. She chose hospice care after studying death and dying at MSU and volunteering as a hospice volunteer during her first year at MSU. Outside of work, Deb enjoys gourmet cooking, gardening, music, reading, and hiking.

Eva Kauppila, LMSW
Social Worker

Eva attended Lewis and Clark College and Northern Michigan University for her undergraduate degree. She then went on to the University of Michigan to earn her Master's in Social Work. Eva previously worked at the Women's Center in Ann Arbor, MI, a Mental Health/Substance Abuse Therapist and in a Public School as a Clinical School Social Worker. This will be Eva's first position in hospice care but not her first encounter; she has also been a hospice volunteer in the past. Eva decided to work in hospice because she actively reflects on death as a means to live more fully and believes that there are many beautiful gifts that people can learn from the process of letting go. In her free time she enjoys spending time outside, skiing, running, cooking and spending time with friends. Eva also practices yoga and meditates daily; she is committed to the practice of mindfulness.

Paula Bur
Grief Counselor

Paula is a 1993 graduate of Northern Michigan University. After graduating she started her graduate studies at Michigan State University. She is currently back to pursuing her Masters of Social work from MSU and plans to earn her degree in May 2013. She also has a degree in Cosmetology. Paula has been in hospice care as a family and an employee for 17 years. Before joining LSH, she was a hairdresser and worked at Bernina Sewing Store. Paula's mother was in hospice care and the people at Lake Superior Hospice Association were so amazing she knew right then she wanted to be involved with hospice care someday. Outside of work, Paula spends her limited free time with her husband, her kids, and her graduate studies.

Christy Maki, RN, CHPN
Nurse

Christy is a graduate from Northern Michigan University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing. She also attended Iowa State University and Iowa Community College. She has been with LSH for 10 years and in hospice for 14 years. She also spent 9 years in medical surgery and another 4 in home health care. In addition to LSH, Christy has also worked at Marquette General Home Health, UP Home Health and Hospice, Bell Hospital, St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa, and Great Falls Hospital. Hospice care sparked Christy's interest while filling in for a hospice nurse who was on vacation and she has been a hospice nurse ever since. Christy is involved in the Lake Superior Christian Church of Marquette, the United Kennel Club, and the American Kennel Club. In her spare time she enjoys raising, training, and showing standard poodles. She also enjoys gardening, photography, hiking, camping, fishing, and stained glass.

Jessica Shull, RN
Nurse

Jessica graduated in 2000 from the University of Alaska Anchorage with a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing. She started working at LSH in January and before worked for Alaska Urological Associates and Women's Health Associates. She chose hospice care because she feels it's important to provide support to families at a very difficult time. She is the "Queen Bee" for the Superior Beekeeping Club. When not at work, Jessica enjoys gardening, camping, swimming, and geocaching.

Kelly Dauphinais, RN
Nurse

Kelly is a 2011 graduate from Benedictine University in Lisle, IL with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. She also has a LPN degree from Northern Michigan University and an ADN degree from Bay De Noc Community College. Kelly is new to hospice care and to LSH. Before joining our team, she worked in the ICU and CCU at Marquette General Hospital and the ICU at Elmhurst Memorial Hospital in Elmhurst, IL. Kelly is a member of the National Nursing Society and Sigma Theta Tau. She chose hospice care to be able to assist people to live their days at home based on their individual goals. Outside of work, Kelly enjoys 4-wheeling, snowmobiling, camping and spending time with her family and friends.

Glenda Christian, RN
Nurse

Glenda earned her degree as a BSN at Northern Michigan University in 2006. She has worked in hospice for over 9 years now and is part of the LSH team as well. Glenda previously worked for U.P. Home Health and Hospice, Marquette General, Tendercare in Munising, Arcadia and the Marquette County Care Facility. In her free time she enjoys gardening, reading, bird watching, quilting/sewing/stitching, puzzles/ games and is a member of the Marquette Choral Society.

Carol Blashill, RN
Nurse

Carol graduated from Northern Arizona State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing in 2010. She previously worked at Yuma Regional Medical Center as a medical surge in the oncology department. Carol was drawn to work in hospice care because she feels the work is rewarding and enjoys helping patients and their families during such an important time in their life. In her spare time she enjoys biking and kayaking!

Kayla Peltin, RN
Nurse

Kayla graduated from Grand Valley Sate University in 2006 and received her associates in nursing at Bay De Noc in 2010. Kayla's decided to work with hospice because she wanted to connect herself with a team and work in an environment that is patient and family centered. She also values the interdisciplinary approach that hospice takes in order to help meet the needs of patients and families. Previously Kayla has worked at Bay Cliff Health Camp, the Mid Peninsula Schools in Rock, MI and St.Francis Hospital in Escanaba. Outside of work Kayla is part of the Sirvientes De Cristo mission group and St. Thomas Church. In her free time she enjoys camping, traveling, reading, volunteering and spending time with her 2 dogs.

Spiritual Care Team

Chuck Tooman
Chaplain

Chuck is a graduate of Manchester College, in North Manchester, IN. with a Bachelor of Science degree and Ball State University, in Muncie, IN. with a Masters degree. He also has done additional graduate work at Mennonite Biblical Seminary and Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary at Northwestern University, in Evanston, IL. He was ordained through Church of Our Savior and American Evangelical Association. Chuck's experiences range from college and university teaching to campus ministry. He also has been involved in church planning and development, 25 years of committed and compassionate parish ministry, and ten years of very compassionate and capable hospice ministry. Chuck is a two-time cancer survivor who is also involved in American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. When asked why he chose hospice, he replied, "Hospice chose me". He is the author of four books, the latest of which is Richness in Christ. Outside of work, Chuck really enjoys spending time with family, especially his 14 grandchildren. Chuck's other hobbies and interests include reading, writing, walking, biking, hiking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, Bible studies, coffee get-togethers, mission projects, and chatting with friends.

Barb Tooman
Chaplain

Barb is a graduate of the University of Michigan School of Nursing and has held a various RN and administrative positions in nursing. These positions include the University of Michigan Medical Center in Ann Arbor, Nursing Instructor at Purdue University North Central, and Staff Education and Development Instructor at LaPorte Hospital in LaPorte, IN. Barb managed and was head nurse at LaPorte Rehab, Inc., a privately owned Cardiac Rehabilitation Clinic, for 3 years. She served as a critical care and cardiac cath lab nurse at Marquette General Hospital for 7 years. Barb also spent 4 years as the Executive Director of Care Clinic in Marquette where she supervised the transition of the pregnancy center from a social service agency into a medical module to help women facing unplanned pregnancies. Barb is also a graduate of, and was ordained into ministry by, Christian Leadership Institute. She has served in the capacities of worship leader, church elder, and church planter. Barb has been with LSH for almost 4 years as part of the Spiritual Care Team. When asked why she chose hospice care, she replied, "I did not choose hospice care, I was called to it." In her free time, Barb enjoys spending time with her children and her 14 grandchildren, knitting, reading, walking, hiking, and cross-country skiing.

Home Health Aides

Debra Beyer, CHPNA
Home Health Aide

Deb is a 1983 graduate of Ishpeming High School. She has been in hospice care of 5 years. Before coming to LSH, Deb worked for various nursing homes and home health in both Michigan and Wisconsin. She chose hospice care because it is very rewarding to have the honor to take care of people and their families during a patient's end of life. Outside of work, Deb enjoys fishing, hunting, shooting pool, and throwing horseshoes.

Sara Park
Home Health Aide

Bio coming soon.

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Sue Ninnis
Home Health Aide

Sue is a 1988 graduate of Marquette Senior High School. She has been in hospice care for about 10 years. Before joining LSH, Sue worked for Norlite Nursing Home, Northern Home Nursing, UP Home Health and Hospice, and also did some private home care. Sue started working hospice care while working home health care and then grew to really love it and has been working in hospice care ever since.

Carley Leanes, CHPNA
Home Health Aide

Carley graduated from Northern Michigan University in 2001 with a degree in Health Information Processing. She is currently enrolled at Bay de Noc Community College pursuing her nursing degree. Carley has been working in hospice care for 6 years. Carley is currently working here at LSH and also at Marquette General Hospital. She chose hospice care to make a difference in peoples lives. Out side of work Carley enjoys running and spending time with her family and friends.

Brenda Argall
Home Health Aide

Brenda has been familiar with Marquette for a while now, she worked for the Mather Nursing Center, UP Home Health and Hospice and the Marquette County Humane Society in the past. She has been working at LSH for 2 years now and has been a great asset to the team. In her free time she enjoys gardening, camping, fishing, four-wheeling and taking care of her mini farm. Brenda chose hospice because she believes in what it stands for and believes that hospice is very important.

Palliative Care

Kate LaBeau, RN CHPN
Palliative Care Nurse

Kate is a Northern Michigan University Graduate, with a degree in biology and chemistry; she also received an associate's degree from Bay College in Nursing. Kate has worked with the St. Francis Hospital, Bay College, Eusti's Middle School, and East Forsyth High School. In her free time she enjoys gardening, cooking, recreation activities and traveling.