Caring Career Spotlight: Grace, Volunteer Coordinator

When Grace joined Elara Caring shortly after earning her degree in public health and Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) credential, a career in hospice wasn’t something she had originally envisioned. But as a hospice volunteer coordinator, she found a place where her interests in health education, community engagement and advocacy came together.

“I quickly discovered that hospice care aligned perfectly with both my professional skills and personal passions,” Grace said.

Over the past two years, Grace has built her branch’s hospice volunteer program from the ground up, consistently exceeding volunteer activity goals and developing partnerships with local colleges and universities. These partnerships give students pursuing healthcare careers an opportunity to serve patients and families while learning firsthand about hospice and end-of-life care.

For Grace, education is an important part of the work.

“I have always been interested in topics that are often misunderstood or stigmatized, and once I started, I quickly discovered that hospice care is one of those areas,” she said.

Working with volunteers, particularly younger adults, gives Grace an opportunity to address misconceptions about death, dying and hospice care. She helps volunteers better understand the role hospice plays in supporting patients and families so they can serve with greater knowledge, compassion and confidence.

“Seeing volunteers grow in their understanding, compassion and confidence, and watching our community members gain a clearer picture of what hospice truly offers, is incredibly rewarding,” Grace said.

Her role has also grown beyond volunteer management. Grace collaborates with Elara Caring’s clinical and sales teams to support hospice specialty programs and community outreach, expanding the ways she can use her public health background to educate and advocate.

Looking back, Grace is especially proud of what the volunteer program has created, not only for hospice patients and families today, but for future healthcare professionals.

“Creating opportunities for volunteers to serve, learn and connect with hospice care has not only strengthened our program but has helped foster greater understanding of end-of-life care within our community,” she said. “Knowing that those efforts ultimately benefit patients and families is what reminds me every day why this work matters.”