2022 was a remarkable year of growth and recognition for Carolina Caring, highlighting the exceptional talent and dedication within our organization. From national awards celebrating our compassionate nursing care to strategic leadership appointments that strengthen our mission, our team continued to embody the values that make Carolina Caring a trusted provider of hospice, palliative, and serious illness care across western North Carolina. These achievements reflect not only individual excellence but also our collective commitment to providing world-class care.
Dana Walker, RN, Provides Holistic Care that Inspires
Dana Walker, RN, has been named a “Care as It Should Be” Award Recipient by Teleios Collaborative Network (TCN). As part of this national recognition, she will receive a cash award to use to further her education or celebrate with her team. TCN supports nonprofit serious illness providers across the country with programs and services that allow them to better serve patients and advance their charitable missions.
Dana is a humble leader who is always looking for ways to empower those around her and help them grow in knowledge while developing skills to reach their full potential as caregivers. Her holistic approach to care makes her stand out. While many hospice and palliative care providers are deeply committed to the holistic needs of their patients, she tunes in to the unspoken needs of patients – to be heard and recognized.
Dana’s dedication to her patients is inspiring. She will do almost anything for them, and their happiness is what brings joy in the work she does every day. From dressing up as a superhero or creating an unforgettable fishing trip to creating one more lasting memory, she has a knowing that it may be the final time her patients and families share these precious moments.
She has worked for Carolina Caring for many years, but it didn’t take her long to realize our patients and families needed a reason to smile, to laugh, and just enjoy life’s fun moments. That was when she had the idea to bring the fun to them. “It all started with reindeer ears at Christmas, bunny ears at Easter, and flocking yards with plastic flamingos during the summer,” says Dana. “To see the smiles and hear the laughter truly is the best medicine.”
Her passion for providing care is matched only by her thirst to learn. She consistently collaborates with physicians, social workers and other nurses and nursing aides in order to best deliver comprehensive care. She is always honing her skills to provide excellence in what she does for each patient encounter.
Dana is dedicated to serving people from all walks of life and has developed personal insights about what it means to be truly helpful. She advocates on behalf of caregivers – young and old, rich and poor, as well as family members at any point during the patient’s journey. She cares deeply for each individual person and is thoughtful, both professionally and personally, when interacting with her patients with gives consideration towards cultural sensitivity.
Tammy Jensen Named Chief Financial Officer
Carolina Caring has promoted Tammy Jensen to Chief Financial Officer for Carolina Caring. In her new role, Jensen will oversee the financial initiatives and technological direction of the nonprofit organization, which serves patients who face a serious illness across 12 counties throughout western North Carolina.
“Tammy Jensen is a perfect fit for the position of Chief Financial Officer at Carolina Caring,” says President and CEO Dana Killian. “Her knowledge and wealth of experience will be invaluable as we continue to move forward with our plans for growth and long-term sustainability.”
Jensen is a seasoned professional with more than 18 years of experience at Carolina Caring, and a wealth of knowledge about billing and revenue cycle management. Previously, she served in an accounting role with the regional CPA firm of Davidson, Holland and Whitesell LLC, where she focused on cost-report audits for healthcare organizations across the state of North Carolina.
“I’m honored to work as Chief Financial Officer at Carolina Caring and protect the vital assets of our organization,” says Jensen. “Our core values are what motivate me every day — I’m excited to bring my knowledge and experience to support ongoing growth as serious illness care continues to evolve.”
Ashley Perkins Named Vice President of Carolina Caring’s Hospice Services
Ashley Perkins, MSN, RN, has been promoted to Vice President of Carolina Caring’s Hospice Care Services program. Designed to serve patients who face their last six months of life, the program serves patients across a 12-county area in western North Carolina.
Perkins has more than 20 years of healthcare experience. She previously served as Director of Nursing and Team Leader in home care facilities, as well as continuing care retirement communities. Her background includes infection prevention, wound care and care management. Earlier in her career, she spent 10 years as a case manager and admission nurse for Carolina Caring, formerly Catawba Regional Hospice.
After completing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree at Lees-McRae College in Banner Elk, N.C., Perkins earned a Master’s degree in Nursing Leadership and Management at Western Governors University in Salt Lake City, Utah. She completed a fellowship with LeadingAge North Carolina Leadership Academy and maintains certification as a palliative care and hospice nurse.
“I’m very excited about the opportunity to join Carolina Caring’s leadership team and support its mission to provide world-class care and enhance lives,” says Perkins. “The organization’s core values and dedication to consistently providing exceptional care inspire me to bring my diverse background to support our patients and the community.”
Dr. Virginia Duany named Chief Medical Officer for Carolina Caring
Virginia Duany, D.O, has been promoted to Chief Medical Officer at Carolina Caring. In her new role, she will help ensure the highest quality of medical care is delivered while overseeing daily operations and nurturing the spirit of the nonprofit’s clinical team as the organization continues to rapidly expand.
“We are thrilled that Virginia Duany has accepted the position as Carolina Caring’s Chief Medical Officer,” says President and CEO Dana Killian. “Her knowledge and wealth of experience will be invaluable assets as we continue serving those with serious medical conditions in greater numbers than ever before.”
After receiving her Bachelor of Science degree at Barry University, Dr. Duany completed her medical training at Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine. She is a member of the American Osteopathic Association and American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine.
She chose to pursue hospice and palliative medicine because of its holistic approach to patient care – it offers support to patients medically, emotionally and spiritually, as they face serious illness.
With nearly 15 years of healthcare experience and an expert at developing comprehensive medical plans for patients, Dr. Duany works to ensures every member on the nonprofit’s hospice team is knowledgeable about each patient’s plan of care so they can provide personalized treatment options that best suit their healthcare needs.
“I am humbled and excited to work as Chief Medical Officer at Carolina Caring and support our mission of providing world-class care,” says Dr. Duany, “I’ve always been motivated by the opportunity to improve people’s lives, so leading our healthcare teams as they help our patients navigate their illnesses is rewarding on many levels.”
Carolina Caring’s House Calls Program adds Carrie Mitchell as Nurse Practitioner
Carrie Mitchell, MSN, FNP-C, has joined Carolina Caring House Calls as nurse practitioner. Designed to increase access to routine medical care for patients who are experiencing a serious illness, the House Calls program serves patients living in Cabarrus, Catawba, Cleveland, Gaston, Lincoln, Mecklenburg and Rowan counties with plans to expand the program to additional counties throughout western North Carolina in the coming year.
Mitchell earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and Master of Science degree from Lenoir-Rhyne University. She also earned a post-master’s certificate from University of North Carolina in Wilmington, N.C. and has more than 10 years of healthcare experience in multiple settings, including hospitals and outpatient clinics.
“I love working with patients and their families to help them access the care they need at home,” says Mitchell. “It’s so rewarding when we are able make an impact in someone’s life by providing care in their environment where they are most comfortable.”
Mitchell is a proud wife and mother who believes in delivering quality care to her patients. When she is not working, she enjoys camping and spending time with family and friends.
