I am a 4th Generation Denver Native, receiving my undergraduate degree in Aerospace Science! I went back to MSU Denver (Go Roadrunners!) to obtain my MSW so that I could work in hospice, I love traveling, and always love coming home to my Home Colorado. I am passionate about hospice and love fostering relationships with…
My journey to social work has been inspired by a number of life events, but the most important reason is to honor my grandpa Max Van Valkenburg. Known in the workplace as a force to be reckoned with, as a grandpa he revealed a different side of love and patience. He consistently encouraged his three…
Sometimes I think I’m a social worker because my aunt taught me from childhood that everyone can make a difference. Other times I think it’s because my born pessimist father told me I couldn’t do anything to make the world a better place and I took that as a dare! In the end, it comes…
Social work for me was an obvious path due to my love for people and relationships. Along the way, I fell in love with medical social work and specifically, end of life conversations with patients and their families. I eventually transitioned to hospice social work once I experienced the beautiful vulnerability and innate strength of…
Dear Healthcare Providers and Community Partners, We at Namaste Home Health and Hospice want to update you on our COVID-19 practices so that you have peace of mind as you continue to collaborate with us to provide life changing care. We know you share our concerns about this issue and want to assure you that…
My Grandma was a strong-willed, independent and passionate human being. She loved her family unconditionally. At almost 99 years old she lived alone and cared for herself. I would pop in and check on her and she would reassure me of her independence and ability to care for herself. I remember looking at a blood…
Written By : Jackie Zinkgraf When you or a loved one is faced with a terminal illness it feels like the world is sinking beneath your feet. It seems like nothing is going right and no one is there to help. You feel a plethora of feelings surface, both emotionally and physically. Hospice is something…
Written by Trish Gwaltney My husband, who heard just this week of the death of two of his friends, said “I’m sad. Everyone I know is dying.” “Welcome to my world,” I told him. “Because that is my life on a daily basis.” “But they’re just your patients,” he said. “Your work. And besides. It’s different. You’re a hospice…
Eight years ago today my Dad died on service with Namaste Hospice. Each moment that led to his last physical moment on this earth has directed my career path. Each day I get up and go to work to do a job that I am passionate about. A job where I can change people’s lives;…
