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Our Team
Meet Our Death Educators
Glen Burkholder
Infant & Pregnancy Loss Doula Certificate Program, Pre & Perinatal Hospice, Death Doula Certificate Program, Our Babies, Our Grief
Glen is a co-founder of Home Hospice Association and has been a funeral director since 1986. Originally from the Niagara Region, he moved to Toronto in 2012. He is a member of the Niagara District Funeral Service Association and currently sits on the Board of Directors of the Toronto District Funeral Directors Inc. and the Ontario Funeral Service Association. In February 2023, Glen joined the team of McKersie & Early Funeral Home in Milton, Ontario.
Glen is especially passionate about HHA’s continued education and training mission, and is deeply involved in the development and facilitation of the Death Doula and Infant and Pregnancy Loss Doula certificate programs.
A proud father of two, Glen is committed to family and community. He has volunteered with Daval Hospice, Stamford Lions Club, Big Brothers Association of Niagara Falls, Niagara Falls Historical Museum Cemetery Tours, Niagara Falls Block Parent Association and the Knights of Columbus. Glen also enjoys getting his hands dirty with home repairs and renovations, and some of his favorite things to do include photography, the outdoors and enjoying a country drive on his motorcycle.
Glen is a co-founder of Home Hospice Association and has been a funeral director since 1986. Originally from the Niagara Region, he moved to Toronto in 2012. He is a member of the Niagara District Funeral Service Association and currently sits on the Board of Directors of the Toronto District Funeral Directors Inc. and the Ontario Funeral Service Association. In February 2023, Glen joined the team of McKersie & Early Funeral Home in Milton, Ontario.
Glen is especially passionate about HHA’s continued education and training mission, and is deeply involved in the development and facilitation of the Death Doula and Infant and Pregnancy Loss Doula certificate programs.
A proud father of two, Glen is committed to family and community. He has volunteered with Daval Hospice, Stamford Lions Club, Big Brothers Association of Niagara Falls, Niagara Falls Historical Museum Cemetery Tours, Niagara Falls Block Parent Association and the Knights of Columbus. Glen also enjoys getting his hands dirty with home repairs and renovations, and some of his favorite things to do include photography, the outdoors and enjoying a country drive on his motorcycle.
Lisa Bonneville
Death Doula Certificate Program, MAiD and the Death Doula, Parents & Guardians Death Cafe, General Death Cafe
Lisa is a death doula and hospice and bereavement counsellor, as well as a facilitator for HHA’s Death Doula and MAiD and the Death Doula Certificate Programs. She believes that communication plays a huge role in preparing for end-of-life as well as the grief that follows. She’ll talk to anyone, anywhere, anytime about dying, death and everything in between.
Most of Lisa’s experience is in residential hospice but she has also worked in long-term care, funeral homes and had the privilege of caring for palliative Catholic Nuns. Many people have had a hand in supporting and guiding her along the way to where she is today, and she does her best to pass on this wisdom and knowledge in her own teaching.
Lisa is a death doula and hospice and bereavement counsellor, as well as a facilitator for HHA’s Death Doula and MAiD and the Death Doula Certificate Programs. She believes that communication plays a huge role in preparing for end-of-life as well as the grief that follows. She’ll talk to anyone, anywhere, anytime about dying, death and everything in between.
Most of Lisa’s experience is in residential hospice but she has also worked in long-term care, funeral homes and had the privilege of caring for palliative Catholic Nuns. Many people have had a hand in supporting and guiding her along the way to where she is today, and she does her best to pass on this wisdom and knowledge in her own teaching.
Cari Ferguson, RP (Qualifying)
Infant & Pregnancy Loss Support Program, Death Doula Certificate Program
Cari is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) working in clinical practice in Toronto. She holds a Master of Psychospiritual Studies (MPS) degree and completed a certificate in thanatology. Cari oversees HHA’s professional development programs and serves as the death doula and infant and pregnancy loss support candidate advisor. Cari is a passionate death and grief educator whose work is centred primarily around education, awareness, grief counselling, and spiritual care. She is dedicated to embracing and normalizing the difficult conversations we need to have about dying, death, grief, and caring for those on a grief journey. You can learn more about her at www.strongwinds.ca and https://cwcp.ca/clinician/cari-ferguson/
Cari is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) working in clinical practice in Toronto. She holds a Master of Psychospiritual Studies (MPS) degree and completed a certificate in thanatology. Cari oversees HHA’s professional development programs and serves as the death doula and infant and pregnancy loss support candidate advisor. Cari is a passionate death and grief educator whose work is centred primarily around education, awareness, grief counselling, and spiritual care. She is dedicated to embracing and normalizing the difficult conversations we need to have about dying, death, grief, and caring for those on a grief journey. You can learn more about her at www.strongwinds.ca and https://cwcp.ca/clinician/cari-ferguson/
Robyn Ferrier
Death Doula Certificate Program, MAiD, and the Death Doula
As an end of life doula certified with HHA, Robyn uses her spiritual direction and grief educator training to support individuals and their caregivers through all aspects of this sacred season. Robyn creates and provides safe space to explore what dying can look like, exploring wants and desires, ritual and celebration, navigating family relationships and, when appropriate, allowing space to discuss Medical Assistance in Dying - all within or without a faith context. It is her belief that no one should have to walk their end of life journey alone.
Robyn meets in person with clients in the Guelph-Waterloo area, virtually with international and long distance clients, volunteers with Bridge C-14 (www.bridgec14.org) and can be found at www.robynferrier.com.
As an end of life doula certified with HHA, Robyn uses her spiritual direction and grief educator training to support individuals and their caregivers through all aspects of this sacred season. Robyn creates and provides safe space to explore what dying can look like, exploring wants and desires, ritual and celebration, navigating family relationships and, when appropriate, allowing space to discuss Medical Assistance in Dying - all within or without a faith context. It is her belief that no one should have to walk their end of life journey alone.
Robyn meets in person with clients in the Guelph-Waterloo area, virtually with international and long distance clients, volunteers with Bridge C-14 (www.bridgec14.org) and can be found at www.robynferrier.com.
Kayla Moryoussef
End-of-Life Care in Long Term Care (LTC Four-Point Plan), Spoonie Death Cafe
Kayla has been a death and grief worker since 2012. In 2018, she was trained and certified as a Death Doula through Home Hospice Association, where she now trains and teaches others. She works in Toronto (and everywhere - virtually!). She started her private practice, GoodDeath.ca in 2019.
Kayla believes in access to equitable end-of-life care as a universal human right, and is committed to supporting & cultivating communities equipped to better care for their dying.
Kayla has been a death and grief worker since 2012. In 2018, she was trained and certified as a Death Doula through Home Hospice Association, where she now trains and teaches others. She works in Toronto (and everywhere - virtually!). She started her private practice, GoodDeath.ca in 2019.
Kayla believes in access to equitable end-of-life care as a universal human right, and is committed to supporting & cultivating communities equipped to better care for their dying.
Molly Hockin
Molly is a Registered Midwife in Ontario, practicing in the GTA. With her experience and passion for working with clients through perinatal loss and abortion, particularly through a home-centered midwifery model of care, Molly brings a wealth of knowledge to HHA as our Termination Subject Matter Expert. She also teaches the section on abortion for HHA’s Infant and Pregnancy Loss Doula training.
Julie Anne Mauno
Infant & Pregnancy Loss Doula Certificate Program
Julie-Anne is a Registered Perinatal Support Worker (PNSW), a faculty member for the PNSW program at Mohawk College, an Infant and Pregnancy Loss Doula (IPLD) and a Social Work student. She helped create HHA’s Our Babies, Our Grief and is part of HHA’s Death Education team for the Infant and Pregnancy Loss Doula Certificate program.
She lives and works in Northeastern Ontario and is passionate about providing perinatal support to families, including infant and pregnancy loss support. Her interests include trauma-informed care, anti-oppressive practice, decolonization, perinatal grief support, and postpartum mental health and well-being.
Julie-Anne is a Registered Perinatal Support Worker (PNSW), a faculty member for the PNSW program at Mohawk College, an Infant and Pregnancy Loss Doula (IPLD) and a Social Work student. She helped create HHA’s Our Babies, Our Grief and is part of HHA’s Death Education team for the Infant and Pregnancy Loss Doula Certificate program.
She lives and works in Northeastern Ontario and is passionate about providing perinatal support to families, including infant and pregnancy loss support. Her interests include trauma-informed care, anti-oppressive practice, decolonization, perinatal grief support, and postpartum mental health and well-being.
Bianca Zimperi
Death Doula Certificate Program, Advanced Care Planning Subject Matter Expert
Bianca is a lawyer and member of the Hamilton Law Association. She is also a writer and certified life & wellness coach, and the creator of the online platform @good.grieving. In her work, she hopes to educate society on providing better support to grievers while also inspiring grievers to learn to live alongside their grief. As HHA’s Advanced Care Planning Expert, Bianca is a guest speaker for the Death Doula Certificate Program. She also participates in HHA's "What would you do" nights.
Bianca is a lawyer and member of the Hamilton Law Association. She is also a writer and certified life & wellness coach, and the creator of the online platform @good.grieving. In her work, she hopes to educate society on providing better support to grievers while also inspiring grievers to learn to live alongside their grief. As HHA’s Advanced Care Planning Expert, Bianca is a guest speaker for the Death Doula Certificate Program. She also participates in HHA's "What would you do" nights.
Meet Our Facilitators
Maleah Bajich
Death Cafés
Maleah Bajich brings over two decades of experience in the healing arts. As a Certified HHA Death Doula, Reiki Master Teacher, Massage Therapist, and Ritual Practitioner, she walks beside others as a compassionate guide through life’s most tender thresholds. Known as a Death Walker, Maleah offers presence, space, and support—whether you are navigating loss, seeking spiritual connection, or simply yearning to reconnect with meaning. Her services include Massage, Reiki, Healing Touch, and Personalized Rituals. She is also the host of The Deep Dive Into Death podcast, exploring death with honesty and reverence.
Select online services available.
Meet Our Leadership
Jordan Cleland
Facilitator Coordinator
Jordan is a death doula, breath guide, social worker, and researcher who finds great joy in supporting people on their unique life paths. In both her professional and personal pursuits, she nurtures authentic connections and navigates through experiences with intention.Her practice is person-centered, rooted in knowing that people have the answers they seek within themselves, and she offers tools to support the revealing of those answers together. Her most poignant daily contemplation is that she too will die; and so, she asks how to live life in alignment with what’s important to her. She works with lightness and a deep humility for every individual's journey of life and death.
Jordan is a death doula, breath guide, social worker, and researcher who finds great joy in supporting people on their unique life paths. In both her professional and personal pursuits, she nurtures authentic connections and navigates through experiences with intention.Her practice is person-centered, rooted in knowing that people have the answers they seek within themselves, and she offers tools to support the revealing of those answers together. Her most poignant daily contemplation is that she too will die; and so, she asks how to live life in alignment with what’s important to her. She works with lightness and a deep humility for every individual's journey of life and death.
Cari Ferguson
Infant & Pregnancy Loss Support Program, Death Doula Certificate Program
Cari is a mental health clinician. She recently completed a Master of Psychospiritual Studies (MPS) degree and holds a certificate in thanatology. Outside of her clinical work, Cari oversees HHA’s professional development programs and serves as the death doula and infant and pregnancy loss support candidate advisor. Cari is a passionate death and grief educator whose work is centred primarily around education, awareness, grief counselling, and spiritual care. She is dedicated to embracing and normalizing the difficult conversations we need to have about dying, death, grief, and caring for those on a grief journey. You can learn more about her at www.strongwinds.ca.
Cari is a mental health clinician. She recently completed a Master of Psychospiritual Studies (MPS) degree and holds a certificate in thanatology. Outside of her clinical work, Cari oversees HHA’s professional development programs and serves as the death doula and infant and pregnancy loss support candidate advisor. Cari is a passionate death and grief educator whose work is centred primarily around education, awareness, grief counselling, and spiritual care. She is dedicated to embracing and normalizing the difficult conversations we need to have about dying, death, grief, and caring for those on a grief journey. You can learn more about her at www.strongwinds.ca.
Precilla Garcia
Intern Coordinator
With her passion for fostering learning opportunities and community engagement, Precilla coordinates our student placement program at HHA. From liaising with colleges to conducting interviews to providing comprehensive onboarding and guidance, Precilla ensures that our interns embark on their HHA journey with confidence and enthusiasm.
While her primary focus revolves around internship coordination, Precilla wears many hats at HHA. She also manages our LinkedIn profile and plays a pivotal role in promoting our Free Education initiatives. Precilla's expertise in graphic design and video production, coupled with her keen interest in analytics, makes her an especially popular member of our team and a great asset to our marketing efforts.
Beyond her role at HHA, Precilla does freelance marketing and works with kids as an early childhood educator, embodying her unwavering commitment to nurturing growth and learning in every facet of her life.
With her passion for fostering learning opportunities and community engagement, Precilla coordinates our student placement program at HHA. From liaising with colleges to conducting interviews to providing comprehensive onboarding and guidance, Precilla ensures that our interns embark on their HHA journey with confidence and enthusiasm.
While her primary focus revolves around internship coordination, Precilla wears many hats at HHA. She also manages our LinkedIn profile and plays a pivotal role in promoting our Free Education initiatives. Precilla's expertise in graphic design and video production, coupled with her keen interest in analytics, makes her an especially popular member of our team and a great asset to our marketing efforts.
Beyond her role at HHA, Precilla does freelance marketing and works with kids as an early childhood educator, embodying her unwavering commitment to nurturing growth and learning in every facet of her life.
Jen Gillean
Pathway Coordinator
As HHA’s Pathway Coordinator Jen is responsible for organizing the frontline care component of our programs and partnerships. She’s also one of our dedicated facilitators leading the Our Babies, Our Grief Progressive Healing Groups for those who’ve experienced infant or pregnancy loss. Jen is an HHA-trained Infant & Pregnancy Loss Doula and co-facilitates the free peer-based support group, Birth Trauma Ottawa. You can also find her doing great things on Instagram & TikTok @inthemomentwithjen.
As a Certified BFW Childbirth Mentor and a Birth & Bereavement Doula, she’s drawn to working with people going through challenging fertility- and birthing-related experiences, especially having to do with grief, trauma and/or persistent pelvic pain. A lot of her work helps folks in learning self-regulation practices to ease discomfort.
As HHA’s Pathway Coordinator Jen is responsible for organizing the frontline care component of our programs and partnerships. She’s also one of our dedicated facilitators leading the Our Babies, Our Grief Progressive Healing Groups for those who’ve experienced infant or pregnancy loss. Jen is an HHA-trained Infant & Pregnancy Loss Doula and co-facilitates the free peer-based support group, Birth Trauma Ottawa. You can also find her doing great things on Instagram & TikTok @inthemomentwithjen.
As a Certified BFW Childbirth Mentor and a Birth & Bereavement Doula, she’s drawn to working with people going through challenging fertility- and birthing-related experiences, especially having to do with grief, trauma and/or persistent pelvic pain. A lot of her work helps folks in learning self-regulation practices to ease discomfort.
Pam Keetch
Bello Project Program Manager & Volunteer Engagement Team
Pam is an advocate for animal welfare and has volunteered extensively with dog rescue services.
In the fall of 2017, she was inspired by the work of the Bello Project in providing unique home-based hospice and support services for pet owners, and joined Home Hospice Association.
In addition to coordinating our volunteers and managing the Bello Project, Pam sits on HHA’s Board of Directors and is the Chapter Champion for the Eastern Ontario Region.
Pam is an advocate for animal welfare and has volunteered extensively with dog rescue services.
In the fall of 2017, she was inspired by the work of the Bello Project in providing unique home-based hospice and support services for pet owners, and joined Home Hospice Association.
In addition to coordinating our volunteers and managing the Bello Project, Pam sits on HHA’s Board of Directors and is the Chapter Champion for the Eastern Ontario Region.
Tracey Robertson
HHA Co-Founder & CEO
Driven by a profound commitment to ensuring everyone has access to quality end-of-life care, Tracey co-founded Home Hospice Association with a mission to address two critical questions: If 69% of people wish to die at home, why can’t they? And if 84% lack access to comprehensive hospice care, what can be done about it?
Tracey’s dedication to making a good death possible for everyone began as a volunteer event coordinator at Dr. Bob Kemp Hospice in Hamilton, where she discovered her passion for end-of-life care. After 12 years of raising funds and awareness, including establishing a community hospice association in the Niagara Region, she realized that most communities could not afford residential hospices. This insight, combined with inspiration from national hospice models in the U.S., led her to envision a national, not-for-profit organization for Canada dedicated to providing equitable and compassionate end-of-life care and support. As HHA's first CEO, Tracey serves as the organization’s key ambassador, passionately sharing its vision and mission with communities across the country.
Driven by a profound commitment to ensuring everyone has access to quality end-of-life care, Tracey co-founded Home Hospice Association with a mission to address two critical questions: If 69% of people wish to die at home, why can’t they? And if 84% lack access to comprehensive hospice care, what can be done about it?
Tracey’s dedication to making a good death possible for everyone began as a volunteer event coordinator at Dr. Bob Kemp Hospice in Hamilton, where she discovered her passion for end-of-life care. After 12 years of raising funds and awareness, including establishing a community hospice association in the Niagara Region, she realized that most communities could not afford residential hospices. This insight, combined with inspiration from national hospice models in the U.S., led her to envision a national, not-for-profit organization for Canada dedicated to providing equitable and compassionate end-of-life care and support. As HHA's first CEO, Tracey serves as the organization’s key ambassador, passionately sharing its vision and mission with communities across the country.
Meet Our Core Volunteer Team
Mustafa Khaja
Salesforce Task Specialist
Mustafa is currently a student at Durham College, where he majored in Human Resource Management with Honours. This September, he will begin studying Data Analytics for Business Decision Making. Passionate about technology, science, and business, Mustafa enjoys leading teams through effective collaboration. He is highly valued by his HHA colleagues for both his technical expertise and positive attitude.
Mustafa has contributed to HHA's activities in various ways, including creating donation reports, developing email templates, acknowledging donor contributions, and integrating participant data into Salesforce. He is also responsible for training staff on using OneDrive for volunteer record-keeping, creating and updating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and preparing job descriptions for various roles.
In his spare time, he enjoys watching sports, spending time with friends, and reading.
Mustafa is currently a student at Durham College, where he majored in Human Resource Management with Honours. This September, he will begin studying Data Analytics for Business Decision Making. Passionate about technology, science, and business, Mustafa enjoys leading teams through effective collaboration. He is highly valued by his HHA colleagues for both his technical expertise and positive attitude.
Mustafa has contributed to HHA's activities in various ways, including creating donation reports, developing email templates, acknowledging donor contributions, and integrating participant data into Salesforce. He is also responsible for training staff on using OneDrive for volunteer record-keeping, creating and updating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and preparing job descriptions for various roles.
In his spare time, he enjoys watching sports, spending time with friends, and reading.
Heather Smerek
Program Coordinator for Individuals with Substance Use Issues and Mental Health Needs
Most recently, Heather has worked with Home Hospice Association as the Program Coordinator for Individuals with Substance Use Issues and Mental Health Needs. Previously, she was the Program Coordinator for Older Adults and started as a social service work intern. She has her diploma in Social Service Work for which she earned the Governor General’s Academic Medal for the highest average of all Humber diploma graduates and the Academic Award of Excellence for the highest average of all Humber Social Service Work graduates. Currently, she is completing a Bachelor of Social Science in Addictions and Mental Health. She is committed to client-centered, holistic, and empowering care.
Most recently, Heather has worked with Home Hospice Association as the Program Coordinator for Individuals with Substance Use Issues and Mental Health Needs. Previously, she was the Program Coordinator for Older Adults and started as a social service work intern. She has her diploma in Social Service Work for which she earned the Governor General’s Academic Medal for the highest average of all Humber diploma graduates and the Academic Award of Excellence for the highest average of all Humber Social Service Work graduates. Currently, she is completing a Bachelor of Social Science in Addictions and Mental Health. She is committed to client-centered, holistic, and empowering care.
Taijah Stone
Moonlit Memory Walk Organizing Committee
Taijah's journey with Home Hospice Association (HHA) began as a placement student while completing a Social Service Worker diploma at Humber College. Now, she is a dedicated volunteer for the Moonlit Memory Walk, where she manages event logistics. Drawn to HHA's mission, Taijah chose to volunteer because of the organization's impactful work in providing compassionate end-of-life care.
Taijah's journey with Home Hospice Association (HHA) began as a placement student while completing a Social Service Worker diploma at Humber College. Now, she is a dedicated volunteer for the Moonlit Memory Walk, where she manages event logistics. Drawn to HHA's mission, Taijah chose to volunteer because of the organization's impactful work in providing compassionate end-of-life care.
Nula Tabry
Graphic Designer
Nula is a volunteer graphic designer helping HHA with its various print and digital material needs since 2021. She is dedicated to making sure that each design piece contains the key information to deliver the desired message clearly while maintaining the brand integrity. Nula believes in the importance of HHA’s initiatives to support people who are facing death along with their loved ones by offering resources that are sensitive to the individual's cultural, spiritual, or financial needs.
Nula is a volunteer graphic designer helping HHA with its various print and digital material needs since 2021. She is dedicated to making sure that each design piece contains the key information to deliver the desired message clearly while maintaining the brand integrity. Nula believes in the importance of HHA’s initiatives to support people who are facing death along with their loved ones by offering resources that are sensitive to the individual's cultural, spiritual, or financial needs.
Queen Uwadia
Moonlit Memory Walk Organizing Committee
Death was a topic that Queen found difficult to discuss, as it was considered taboo in her family. This lack of open conversation led to a lifelong curiosity about this mysterious phenomenon. Despite this, no one in her surroundings wanted to have frank and open discussions about death. To seek answers, Queen pursued a Bachelor's degree in Biomedical Science, gaining experience in primary care clinics, hospitals, and hospice care. Although she learned a great deal, Queen continued to question her next steps in healthcare. This journey led her to discover Home Hospice Association (HHA), whose mission resonated deeply with her. The roles of Death Doula and the Moonlit Memory Walk fundraiser particularly stood out. Queen has since joined the Moonlit Memory Walk as a volunteer to better understand the organization's mission and explore how she can contribute to this important work.
Death was a topic that Queen found difficult to discuss, as it was considered taboo in her family. This lack of open conversation led to a lifelong curiosity about this mysterious phenomenon. Despite this, no one in her surroundings wanted to have frank and open discussions about death. To seek answers, Queen pursued a Bachelor's degree in Biomedical Science, gaining experience in primary care clinics, hospitals, and hospice care. Although she learned a great deal, Queen continued to question her next steps in healthcare. This journey led her to discover Home Hospice Association (HHA), whose mission resonated deeply with her. The roles of Death Doula and the Moonlit Memory Walk fundraiser particularly stood out. Queen has since joined the Moonlit Memory Walk as a volunteer to better understand the organization's mission and explore how she can contribute to this important work.
Meet Our Interns
As a small, grassroots charity, we rely on the dedication and contributions of interns to move the goals of our organization forward. Our two internship tracks - the Social Justice Internship and the Business Management Internship - give us the opportunity to work alongside people committed to developing their skills while furthering our mission of ensuring that every person has access to quality end-of-life care.
Spotlight on Precilla
Professional Readiness & Internship Success Coach
At Home Hospice Association (HHA), we believe that every internship should be a launchpad for meaningful growth — both personally and professionally. That’s why we’re proud to introduce Precilla, who plays a pivotal role in making the HHA intern experience one of the most supportive and empowering in the nonprofit sector.
As our Professional Readiness & Internship Success Coach, Precilla leads the way in helping interns gain the skills needed to thrive in today’s remote work environment. She brings compassion, encouragement, and a commitment to helping each intern build real-world skills that last far beyond their time with us.
Precilla’s Leadership at a Glance:
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Guides new interns through thoughtful onboarding, setting the tone for success from day one
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Teaches core skills for working independently, taking initiative, and solving problems creatively
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Helps interns understand responsibility, accountability, and the professional expectations of the nonprofit sector
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Coaches interns in developing strong communication habits, self-management, and project tracking
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Supports interns in growing their confidence and readiness for the next step in their careers
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Through her leadership, HHA interns don't just complete tasks — they become changemakers who contribute meaningfully to our mission of compassionate end-of-life care.
Whether you’re joining us for a 2-day-per-week placement or an intensive 4-day-per-week experience, Precilla is here to support your journey every step of the way. Her mentorship ensures that every intern leaves HHA not just with experience — but with the tools to lead, wherever their path takes them next.
Want to gain valuable experience under Precilla’s guidance?
Explore our current internship opportunities and join a community that believes in your potential!
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