Personalized care starts with an exceptional team
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We are honored to be part of your journey and committed to providing the compassionate care you deserve.
Simon Mittal, MD, MMM, CHMD
Medical Director
Hospice has been an important part of my personal and professional journey. I am a Board Certified Internal Medicine physician with 30 years of experience and also a Certified Hospice Medical Director. I have been in hospice off and on in my career but over the last 10 years I have been a medical director in hospice.
When I was in the Army, my mother developed breast cancer at age 46 and died when she was 51 years old and my mom and dad opted not to have hospice and I saw the stress and how difficult it was for my whole family. My father had dementia and Parkinson’s disease and we did have hospice and it was amazing the difference for him and our family in terms of less anxiety and worry. People who were caring and involved helped my Dad so much. Although, I have dedicated my career to the care of seniors, the caring by a team of compassionate people at the end of life is an incredibly humbling and amazing honor to share in the journey we share with families and individuals.
Trisha M. Curioz, MHA, MSW, LISW
Executive Director
For the past two decades, I have had the privilege of serving as a medical social worker. Working with hospice patients and their caregivers is not merely a profession, it's a passion. In celebrating life's journey, I have come to understand that every breath matters, whether it marks the beginning of a new chapter or gently concludes a well-lived life. I feel privileged to work with our patients, caregivers, and exceptional team!
Anne Schwemm, MSN, NP-C
Nurse Practitioner
I've been a Nurse Practitioner for 17 years, and my career has taken me through various healthcare settings. I began my journey in the emergency departments in Iowa and Maine before finally settling in Minnesota, which has been my home for the past ten years. During my time as a Nurse Practitioner, I've had the privilege of witnessing the remarkable impact a caring hospice team can have on patients and their families. This experience has touched me both personally and professionally, and it has reaffirmed the value of compassion and support during challenging times.
Ted Jackson
Community Liaison
As the Community Liaison at Lake Valley Hospice, I am committed to providing compassionate support to patients and their families during life’s most challenging moments. With six years of experience guiding families through critical transitions, I recognize the importance of holistic care that honors each person’s unique journey. My approach focuses on building meaningful connections, offering not only practical assistance but also genuine emotional support.
At Lake Valley Hospice, we are dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of those we serve. It is a privilege to walk alongside patients and their loved ones, ensuring they receive the care, compassion, and respect they deserve.
Spencer Moffatt, MDiv, PhD
Chaplain / Bereavement Coordinator
Every person carries a lifetime of experiences, relationships, and memories that shape who they are. And I get to walk alongside individuals and families during moments of reflection, creating spaces where they feel truly seen, heard, and supported. By offering comfort and presence, I strive to bring peace and meaning to life’s most significant moments, honoring the depth and richness of each story along the way.
Judith Mosoti, RN
Clinical Supervisor
I am a hospice nurse with over four years of dedicated service, committed to providing compassionate care to patients in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. I am empathetic, culturally sensitive, and focused on delivering personalized care tailored to individual needs. I thrive in team environments and am always eager to learn.
Cindy Crawford, RN
Registered Nurse
I draw upon my 30+ years of nursing expertise to compassionately guide you and your loved ones through life’s most precious journey.
My extensive experience encompasses oncology, long-term care, supporting trauma survivors, and hospice care, including GIP-level hospice care within a prominent hospital system.
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Dame Cicely Saunders, the founder of hospice, said, “You matter because you are you, and you matter to the last breath of your life.” My mission is to hold you and your loved ones at the center of focus—to create the best possible end-of-life experience while never losing sight of who you are and what is most important to you.
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There can be a lot of anxiety surrounding the decision to enroll in hospice. However, when a person feels well-supported, that anxiety begins to dissipate, and their energy can be dedicated to those precious moments with loved ones—right up to the last breath. I consider it a sacred honor to walk alongside my clients and their families.
Olivia Block, RN
Nurse
I find deep fulfillment working as a hospice nurse, where I can bring both compassion and understanding to patients and families during one of life’s most vulnerable chapters. It's a privilege to provide comfort and advocacy to those nearing the end of life, drawing on past experiences to ensure they feel seen, supported, and valued. My career has also allowed for time spent as nursing management in senior living communities where I honed my ability to connect with residents and families to address complexities of daily living as well as unique needs, further enriching my perspective and skills in providing empathetic care.
Maggie Wallace, RN
Nurse
From the urgency of trauma to the tenderness of hospice, I’ve learned that the greatest medicine is compassion. With five years of experience as a trauma nurse, I now bring my expertise and empathy to hospice care, providing comfort, dignity, and unwavering support to patients and their families during life’s most meaningful moments.
Timothy Muge, RN-BSN
Nurse
Working in healthcare is more than a career—it’s a calling. For over nine years, I have served as a Registered Nurse across diverse settings, including acute care, long-term care, rehabilitation, and hospice. My mission is to support patients and their families through life’s most challenging moments, providing care with respect, dignity, and compassion.
Samantha Colleran, CSW
Social Worker
From working in social work at a nursing home and as a manager at an assisted living facility, I have gained experience in hospice and end-of-life care. I believe that every patient's end-of-life care experience should be tailored to their unique needs and wishes, honoring their dignity and choices. I am committed to ensuring each patient feels valued and understood while providing compassionate support to both the patient and their families. My passion for hospice drives my dedication to working with an exceptional team focused on creating the best person-centered care.
Christa Kletscher, CNA
Certified Nursing Assistant
My name is Sam, and I bring over five years of experience as a Certified Nursing Assistant, recently complemented by earning my Medical Assistant degree. From a young age, I’ve known that my true calling is to care for others. I take great pride in providing compassionate, patient-centered care—especially during the most vulnerable times in a person’s life.
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One of my greatest strengths—and sometimes my greatest challenge—is the depth of care I have for those I support. I believe that every life matters, right up to the very end. To me, hospice care is not just about comfort; it’s about dignity, love, and ensuring that every person is surrounded by compassion in their final moments. I approach my work with the hope that one day, someone will care for me and my loved ones with the same dedication and empathy I bring to every family I serve.
Rhonda Trotter, CNA
Certified Nursing Assistant
I am a Certified Nursing Assistant with over 24 years of experience in healthcare. Throughout my career, I’ve worked in hospitals, long-term care, assisted living, and hospice settings—each deepening my commitment to compassionate care. I take pride in assisting patients with daily living activities, personal hygiene, and mobility in ways that honor their dignity and comfort. I’m dedicated, reliable, and attentive to detail, and I’m passionate about improving the patient experience and being part of a supportive, caring team.
Eva Brown, MT-BC
Music Therapist
As a Board Certified Music Therapist I understand the influence that music has in everyone’s life, and how music can be implemented to help our patients and their loved ones transition through this stage of life. I’ve had the pleasure of working with a hospice organization in California while completing my undergraduate degree, and discovered my passion of working in end-of-life care. With music, we are able to provide comfort, joy, and closure to the patients and their families during a challenging time. I am grateful that I’m able to work with such a dedicated and experienced team to bring the best care to each patient we serve.
Kimber Fournier, NCTMB
Massage Therapist
As a Nationally Certified Massage Therapist with over 30 years of experience, I have had the privilege of working with thousands of individuals across diverse backgrounds and settings. I am a proud member of NCTMB and ABMP, and my passion for healing touch has only deepened over the years.
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Joining this dedicated hospice team is especially meaningful to me, as we all share profound experiences with death and dying. I believe in the power of touch to bring comfort, connection, and peace in life’s final journey. Through gentle touch, a warm smile, and compassionate hands, I am committed to serving the hospice community and fostering meaningful relationships along the way.
Simone Wilson, CNA
Certified Nursing Assistant
I chose to work in hospice because I believe every person deserves dignity, comfort, and compassion at the end of life. For me, hospice care is more than daily tasks—it’s about listening, comforting, and walking alongside patients and families with kindness and support. It’s an honor to serve my community in this way and to be part of a team dedicated to bringing peace and care during life’s most meaningful moments.
Heather Jokinen
Massage Therapist
I am deeply honored to work with patients and their families during one of life’s most transformative journeys. To be invited to hold space and offer comfort to someone in distress, discomfort, or without nearby family is a privilege that reaches far deeper than touch alone.
My desire to provide care and comfort for individuals in medically complex and hospice situations began during my education and early volunteer experiences. Since then, my work as a hospice massage therapist and within skilled nursing facilities has strengthened my calling to serve with compassion and presence for those nearing the end of life.
This calling also led me to become certified as an End-of-Life Doula, where I have honed skills in providing holistic emotional and physical support not only to patients, but also to their families and caregivers. I am grateful to continue sharing this gift in an environment that honors the deep connection of body, mind, and spirit in the work of comfort and healing.
Tara Nepstad, CNA
Certified Nursing Assistant
I am a Certified Nursing Assistant with over 25 years of experience working in Long-Term Care, Transitional Care, Home Care, and Hospice and Palliative Care.
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Through the years as a Nursing Assistant, I’ve had the privilege of caring for, getting to know, and building relationships with numerous patients and their families. I am committed to caring for each individual with compassion and empathy, focusing on their comfort, dignity, and quality of life as they approach the end of their journey. I believe that each patient has their own unique and special end-of-life experience.
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I believe that every end-of-life journey is special, and I am committed to fulfilling each individual’s wishes, needs, and wants in their own unique and meaningful way.
I am honored to be part of a wonderful, compassionate, and caring hospice team.
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Koren Willetts, MDiv
Chaplain
As a hospice chaplain, I bring a wealth of experience and a profound commitment to providing spiritual care to individuals and families navigating the challenging journey of end-of-life care. Equipped with a Master of Divinity degree, my academic foundation has empowered me with the theological insight and spiritual care skills essential for fostering comfort and solace during times of profound transition. Recognizing the unique needs of those under my care, I specialize in integrating pet therapy into my spiritual support services. Understanding the powerful comforting potential that the companionship of animals can offer, I have seamlessly woven this therapeutic modality into my approach.
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In my practice, I firmly believe that each person possesses absolute worth and value, regardless of their circumstances or health status. This core belief forms the foundation of my approach as a hospice chaplain, driving me to create an inclusive and affirming space where individuals are honored for the entirety of their lives. Through a deeply empathetic and person-centered approach, I strive to meet individuals where they are, recognizing the diverse spiritual and emotional landscapes that shape their unique experiences. In honoring the inherent dignity of each person, I seek to provide a source of strength and comfort, facilitating a sense of peace and resolution as they navigate the profound and sacred moments at the end of life.
VOLUNTEERS
Bethany Hutchinson
Volunteer
I have spent many years working with people living with trauma, loss, disability and grief in my role at Mind Body Solutions yoga and am honored to now serve individuals through Lake Valley Hospice. Having witnessed the incredible care provided to my grandmother by hospice at the end of her life, I strive to offer the same compassion, dignity and understanding.
Jason Reeves
Volunteer
After retiring from the United States Army in July 2023 with the rank of Major, connecting with hospice veterans and caregivers has become a profound passion for me. The incredible narratives they share are invaluable treasures that deserve to be passed down to future generations. Their voices and experiences have shaped our nation and must be honored and preserved. My mission is to foster a sense of familiarity and respect for veterans; I am committed to providing them with a compassionate ear that not only listens but truly hears them. Together with my faithful pet companion Lena, we hope to bring moments of happiness and peace.
Sandra Reeves
Volunteer
I am honored to serve as a hospice volunteer. I believe that everyone deserves comfort, dignity, and companionship in their final journey, and I strive to provide that through my time with patients and their families. Whether it's sitting bedside, sharing stories, offering a listening ear, or simply being present, I want to bring warmth and reassurance to those in my care. It is a privilege to support patients and their loved ones during this tender time, and I am grateful for the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in their lives.
Patrick Shelton
Volunteer
Life is a team sport. I believe in lifting each other up, learning from one another, and showing up when it matters most. Hospice holds a special place in my heart. Having lost loved ones, I've witnessed firsthand the profound impact hospice care has on both individuals and those closest to them. It’s a privilege to be part of the Lake Valley Hospice team, supporting the incredible work they do and the people they serve each day.
Angela Verges
Volunteer
I volunteer in hospice care because I believe that every individual deserves companionship, dignity, and respect in all stages of life. I strive to be whatever each individual needs me to be during my time with them, whether that be a comforting presence, a listening ear, or a chatty companion. Nobody should face their final journey alone, and through my role at Lake Valley Hospice, I am honored to provide the community that every person deserves.
Skeelohs
Hello, my name is Skeelohs, the friendly 8-year-old Mini-Golden Doodle with special training from the Pet Partners Therapy Animal Program. My mission is to bring joy and comfort to our wonderful patients and caregivers. When I visit, I pay close attention to their cues and do my best to make them feel better.
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You see, I have a unique talent. I can help ease physical pain by providing a pleasant distraction, and I'm pretty good at calming anxiety too. My ultimate goal is to lift spirits and bring some sunshine to your day!