Namaste was founded in 1998 by a group of hospice professionals. These professionals had the goal of providing excellent hospice care to the underserved. Since then, we have provided care to people who live under bridges and those who have no funding or insurance. Namaste has continued to find other ways to support those who…
There are many misconceptions about hospice. It is often misunderstood and this results in hospice services being underutilized. The word “hospice” was derived from the Latin word hospes, which means both “guest” and “host.” Dating back to the 11th century, the concept of hospice referred to a place of hospitality for not only travelers and…
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…
