Betty Williams, BSN, RN
Betty received her BSN from Oregon Health and Science University, and has worked for Heart of Hospice since 2007. Her nursing experience includes cardiology, kidney, urology, ophthalmology, and plastic surgery patient care as well as home health and hemodialysis nursing. Working with Heart of Hospice gives her the satisfaction of helping families and patients through a difficult time, maximizing their level of comfort by teaching, emotional support, and compassion. She came to work for Heart of Hospice due to her respect and admiration for Jodi, our Executive Director and Co-Founder.
Betty’s hobbies include reading, knitting, gardening, and playing with her wonder dog, Jak.
“Remember no matter where you go, there you are.”
Gail Suzuki, RN
Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, Gail attended multiple colleges, including the East L.A. Junior College and the World Campus Afloat for two semesters, sponsored by Chapman College. She got her Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology from California State University in Dominguez Hills.
Gail worked for the Trade Wind Tours of Hawaii, and worked for the Thai International Airways in Dallas, Texas for 21 years, which allowed her to travel and experience the world. She was swept away to Hood River to be with her husband, Cliff, who was in search of some wind to pursue his hobby, windsurfing. Gail attended nursing school at Columbia Gorge Community College, graduating in 2007 with an Associate Degree in Nursing. She graduated from an online program in the fall of 2009 with a Bachelor’s Degree in nursing. She previously worked at the Hood River Care Center. During her nursing preceptorship she worked with hospice, and found that she loved the holistic care it provides. She likes working for Heart of Hospice because of the one-on-one care, people, and the philosophy of the organization.
Living in Hood River with her husband, Gail has two Great Danes and four cats. Her husband grows organic garlic. Gail’s hobbies consist of reading, watching movies and TV, eating, trying different things, and traveling.
Hilary Fill, BSN, RN
Hilary received a BA in 1998 at the University of California in Santa Cruz and her BSN at Linfield College in 2008. Prior to coming to Heart of Hospice in 2011 Hilary worked in oncology and worked with many people entering into hospice and palliative care. The thing she likes most about hospice work is the holistic approach, the patients and their stories, and bringing care back to the home.
The loves of her life are her husband and daughter. She enjoys spending time with her family, exploring with her daughter, gardening, reading, hiking/snowshoeing, and surfing–no windsurfing yet.
Pamela Gaspar, BSN, RN
Pam grew up in a small town in northern Wisconsin, (Minocqua) and received her BSN at University of Wisconsin in 2000. She had a study abroad term in Winchester England at King Alfred’s College in 1997.
Pam worked in Med/Surg Unit at Meriter Hospital in Madison before coming to Oregon in 2002. While at OHSU in Portland she worked in the Abdominal Transplant/Surgical Specialties Unit, the Diagnostic Imaging unit, and completed a Peri-Operative Internship Program at Doernbecher Children’s Hospital.
Her partner, Blayne, is a Fish Habitat Biologist and he took a position in Hood River in 2010. Their dog, Carter, is a rescue dog. He’s six years old and is a goofy looking mix between Sharpei and Red Heeler. They all greatly enjoy taking advantage of all the beautiful, outdoor recreation available in the Gorge area.
“All I can say about life is… Oh God, enjoy it!” —Bob Newhart
Julie Van Bysteren, BSN, RN
Julie received her BSN at Linfield College in 2002 and joined Heart of Hospice in 2011.
Although Julie has worked in a variety of environments including: acute care, med/surg., in-patient rehab, and long-term care, she has always had a desire to be a Hospice nurse—to have the privilege to be part of the second most significant event in life.
Julie and her husband have been married for 11 years and have six children. She enjoys reading and spending time with her family.
“If He brings you to it, He will bring you through it.”
Laura Dunn, RN
Laura received her nursing degree at Columbia Gorge Community College, and has worked for Heart of Hospice since 2007. She loves building relationships and helping to put others at ease through her work. A chance encounter at a time of desired and needed change brought her to Heart of Hospice.
Laura’s hobbies include photography, music, her children, and their activities. She is married and has five children, all girls!
“Do not go where the path may lead … go instead where there is no path, and leave a trail.”
Leigh Stratton, RN
Leigh has been a part of the Heart of Hospice team since January 2010. Growing up in Government Camp, Oregon, she began a career in Resort Management, living in Las Vegas and on a small island outside of Georgia. Craving a career change, she moved back to Oregon, obtaining her Nursing degree from Columbia Gorge Community College. Her previous job as a nurse was at the Veteran’s Home as the wound treatment nurse. Leigh came to Heart of Hospice because she “loves the personal one-on-one care and being able to spend the time that is necessary with the patient”.
She lives with her boyfriend in Hood River, and has a nephew who is the light of her life.
Her philosophy in life can be summed up by a quote by Mark Twain, “Dance like no one is watching. Sing like no one is listening. Love like you’ve never been hurt and live like it’s heaven on Earth.”
Merilee Webster, BSN, RN
Merilee has been an RN for over 38 years. She graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno, has worked in Home Health and Hospice for over ten years, and previously worked on an Indian Reservation. She loves working with Heart of Hospice as part of the team with patients, their families, and other caregivers to ensure we give the best care we can.
Merilee’s hobbies include reading, taking her dog for hikes, snowshoeing, and cross country skiing. She is married with two grown children.
“Life is too short – take each day and make it the best you can.”
Natascha Stolhand, BSN, RN
Natascha received her RN from Columbia Gorge Community College and her BSN from Chamberlin College of Nursing in 2010. Natascha had been working for a nursing home, and met Heart of Hospice nurses while working there. Those nurses kept telling her that nursing didn’t have to be the disappointment it had become, and that a heavenly life existed through working for Heart of Hospice. She thought that this would be a dream job for her, applied, and now believes that she is in heaven!
Natascha’s hobbies include hiking, gardening, walking, jogging, camping, and having fun with friends and family. She is married and has two sons.
“Every day is a gift; however, there are some days I would like to take my gift to the exchange counter!”
Penalo Carlson, RN
Penalo started her nursing career as an LPN medication aide at the Oregon Veteran’s Home (OVH) while continuing her education at Columbia Gorge Community College. She completed the RN program in 2008 with an Associates of Applied Science and then worked as a charge nurse at OVH until joining Heart of Hospice in the fall of 2011.
It was during her preceptorship here at Heart of Hospice that she first felt drawn to end-of-life care and nursing. “It’s a joy to spend time with someone who is reaching the end of their life. Being able to contribute to their comfort, as well as their families comfort, during a very important and difficult time in their lives is a gift.”
Penalo is married, has three grandchildren, and enjoys yoga, running, hiking, camping, and cross-stitching.
“Reach for the moon, if you miss you will still land among the stars!”