Our Mission
The Texas New Mexico Hospice & Palliative Care Organization (TNMHPO), grounded in hospice philosophy and standards, advocates excellence in services, promotes ethical practices, and fosters education and research. It assists its membership network to provide care that enhances the quality of life for patients and their families experiencing a life-limiting illness.
Who We Are
In the vast landscape of healthcare organizations, Texas New Mexico Hospice & Palliative Care Organization (TNMHPO) stands tall as a trailblazer. We proudly hold the distinction of being the largest and oldest organization in both Texas and New Mexico that directs its entire focus solely towards hospice and palliative care.
While others spread their efforts across various industries, TNMHPO remains steadfastly committed to the hospice and palliative care domain. Our exclusive dedication empowers us to provide you with unparalleled education, support, resources, and insights that transcend the norm.
TNMHPO was founded in 1983 as the Texas Hospice Organization, a 501(c) 3 nonprofit, and is dedicated to promoting and maintaining quality compassionate care for the terminally ill and their families and to provide educational opportunities and assistance to the professionals who serve the terminally ill. In 1995 the New Mexico and Texas Hospice Organizations, recognizing a need for increased cooperation in a rapidly changing health care environment, agreed to a partnership whereby NMHO member hospices would become full members of THO. The joint organization evolved to make it apparent that both organizations were benefiting from the merger and in April, 1998 THO’s bylaws were amended to form one organization representing both states.
Staff
Brandie Baker, CAE
Executive Director
Keith Parker, MBA
Director of Operations
Maxcine Tomlinson
Director of Governmental Relations
Nicole Lucero Coleman, MPA
Membership Director
Board of Directors
Kerry Arp, RN
Three Oaks Hospice (Provider)
2nd Term | Expires 2025
Zaundra Ellis
AXXESS, Dallas (Non-Provider)
1st Term | Expires 2025
Tommie Farrrell, MD, FAAHPM, HMDCB
Hendrick Hospice Care, Abilene (Provider Member)
2nd Term | Expires 2024
Justin Babin
Taos, NM (Provider)
1st Term | Expires 2026
Lorrie Griego
Albuquerque, NM
(Non-Provider)
1st Term | Expires 2024
Demetress Harrell, MS, LBSW
Hospice in the Pines, Lufkin (Provider Member)
2nd Term | Expires 2025
Jose Juarez
La Mision Hospice & Palliative Care (Provider Member)
1st Term | Expires 2026
Rosalind Nelson-Gamblin
Consultant, Austin
(Non-Provider Member)
1st Term | Expires 2026
Jill Schuerman
Schuerman Business Consulting (Non-Provider)
2nd Term | Expires 2024
Steve Sepko
Crest Palliative Care
(Provider Member)
2nd Term | Expires 2024
Heather Veeder, MD
VITAS Healthcare
1st Term | Expires 2023
Board of Directors
- Kerry Arp, RN | Three Oaks Hospice (Provider) | 2nd Term – Expires 2025
- Justin Babin | Taos, NM (Provider) | 1st Term – Expires 2026
- Zaundra Ellis | AXXESS, Dallas (Non-Provider) | 1st Term – Expires 2025
- Tommie Farrell, MD, FAAHOM, HMDCB | Hendricks Hospice Care, Abilene (Provider Member) | Appointed – Expires 2025
- David Dowd | Mansfeld, TX (Provider) | 1st Term – Expires 2027
- Demetress Harrell, MS, LBSW | Hospice in the Pines, Lufkin (Provider Member) | 2nd Term – Expires 2025
- Jose Juarez | La Mision Hospice & Palliative Care (Provider Member) | 1st Term – Expires 2026
- Rosalind Nelson-Gamblin | Consultant, Austin (Non-Provider Member) | 1st Term – Expires 2026
- Jennifer Rangel, JD | Partner at Holland & Knight LLP, Austin (Non-provider) - Appointed- Expires Oct. 2025
- Olivia Rogers, RN, BSN, CHPN, CHPO, MBA | VNA of Texas (provider) | 1st Term - Expires 2027
- Steve Sepko | Crest Palliative Care (Provider Member) | Appointed – Expires 2025
- Heather Veeder, MD | VITAS Healthcare | Appointed – Expires 2025
- Hiedi Wall, RN | HealthCare ConsultLInk (Non-Provider) | 1st Term – Expires 2027
