The cottonwood Hospice Team

We think being small is better than being big, and are proud to highlight our team, not just our executives. This team is not just your nurse or social worker; they're your church member, community leader, room-mom at school, and your neighbor. We value our team as family, and recognize they are the foundation of Cottonwood Hospice.

Chavonn has been the hospice director since 2018. Since this time, she and her team have received multiple awards including most recently as a 2022 Hospice Honors recipient. 

 She and her husband Jeff, met at Hastings College and moved back to his roots in 2012, after completing the accelerated BSN program at Creighton University.  They live on an acreage south of Wymore with their two children, along with their dogs and chickens. She  enjoys spending time with her family, friends, being involved in their community, and being outdoors.  She's originally from Taylor, NE, a small farming and ranching community, in the heart of the Sandhills. Growing up, she swore she'd always come back home to Taylor, the only thing that would keep her away would be that she had found a community that reminded her of that hometown comfort. That is exactly what she found in southeast Nebraska.  When she and her husband moved back, she applied for a home hospice RN position, not being convinced it was what she truly wanted to do, she told herself she would give it a valid try.  She could not believe how quickly she fell in love with this work-this specialty.  She knew Hospice was where she wanted to be, in some capacity, as her forever career.  "Working in hospice has given me the opportunity to feel at home each day.  From visiting with patients, their families and those closest to them, to working with this incredible staff and doing my best to make their days easier-I’m proud to say this is now my home." 

Terri was a labor and delivery nurse for over 25 years and then came to hospice nursing after losing her brother. While her brother was on hospice, she saw the incredible impact that she could make on the patient and families life, drawing her to the service. 

 She is a Jefferson county native where she continues to serve and reside with her husband, Alan, on their farm. They have three daughters. She enjoys spending time with family, camping and especially her grandchildren.

Katie was a transplant to Beatrice in 1988. She moved from a small rural community in northeast Nebraska after marrying her husband, Brian.  She has been with this Hospice program since 2007, and maintains her Hospice and Palliative care Registered Nurse certification.  She remains passionate about the hospice program, its staff, and the community it serves, which is why in 2022 she initiated the conversation to start Cottonwood Hospice. Katie is proud to be part of the nursing team of a small town hospice, and to continue to serve hospice patients and their families at the bedside.

Katie and Brian have three adult married daughters who all reside in the area raising their families. Katie enjoys traveling, being outside doing lawncare and  spending time with her children and grandchildren

Nikki brings a unique perspective to hospice after experiencing loss herself.  "I have felt called into working in grief since losing my brother in 2006. I wanted to pay forward the care provided to myself and my family. The things I love most about my job are getting to focus 1:1 with my patients and their families, helping patients continue to achieve their goals, and helping families navigate a very difficult journey!"

Nikki is a wife, mom of 2 boys and active in her church and boys' school. She was born with a heart for caring and serving others. 

  Kylie was born and raised in Beatrice and continues to reside here raising her two children. Kylie has been a nurse for 15 years. Spending the past 9 years of her nursing career working Acute Care at the Beatrice Hospital. Also working PRN for Cottonwood Hospice since October 2023. Ever since becoming a CNA in 2006, Kylie has had a passion for Hospice Care. No matter what job she worked there was always an opportunity to take part in caring for Hospice patients and it quickly became a part of nursing that she loved. "Working Hospice allows me to use my compassion to make my patient's last days as comfortable and meaningful as possible."  

Val has been a hospice nurse for over 11 years. During this time she has found more than just a job but a true connection with her patients and families. "I love being able to develop relationships with my patients and their families. The favorite part of my job is helping patients to comfortably transfer to their eternal home."  

Val and her husband live in the country where they raised their children. She enjoys spending time with her two sons, a daughter and a daughter in law, in addition to reading, gardening and camping.

Linda joined Cottonwood in November 2024.  She works as an RNCM.  Linda grew up near Martell, NE and spent 21 years in Wyoming.  She returned to Nebraska to be closer to family.  Linda spent the majority of her nursing career in Home Health and Hospice.  “It is such an honor to be part of this wonderful team and to be able provide such a special service to our community.” 

Trish has had a passion for Hospice nursing for over 31 years.

She and her husband Alan are blessed with 3 children and 5 Grandchildren. They enjoy attending grandchildren activities and family time. They also enjoy volunteering at their church.

Melissa began her nursing career in the Army, stationed at Fort Stewart, Georgia. In 2012, she moved to Nebraska and has loved calling the Midwest home ever since. She and her husband, Ben, share a life with their three children.

Throughout her career, Melissa has gained experience in various nursing fields, including emergency medicine, corrections, and acute rehabilitation. Though new to hospice care, she finds deep fulfillment in getting to know patients and their families, helping to bring comfort and ease during their journeys.

 Kayla is a registered nurse who works part time for Cottonwood. She’s been a nurse since 2018. She’s experienced numerous transitions in life while performing in nursing roles including labor/delivery, nursery, medical/surgical and emergency room.
She’s originally from Colorado where she was raised and currently resides in Beatrice with her husband Wade. They are busy with children Baker, Elyse, and Eli along with fur babies June, Cooper, and Penny. She enjoys time with family, travel, fitness, outdoors, and anything that includes animals. 

 Nance Eldridge lives in Beatrice with her two children and has been a valued member of Cottonwood Hospice since July 2022. She started as a PRN hospice nurse and, through dedication and compassion, transitioned to a full-time role, now serving as a nurse and the aide supervisor.

Outside of work, Nance finds joy in baking, reading, and cherishing time with her family. Her passion for caregiving extends beyond her profession, reflecting her warm and thoughtful nature in all she does.

Sara has been a nurse for 21 years, the last 12 of those years have been spent in long term care and short term rehab. Sara joined Cottonwood Hospice in August of 2022. Sara enjoys the relationships that she builds with the patients she cares for. She has always had a passion for hospice care. She is passionate about dignity at end of life and embraces “quality over quantity”. Her passion for hospice care was elevated when her mom passed away in 2020. Sara’s faith in the Lord is very important to her.   Sara married her husband Brandon in 2005 and moved to the family farm southwest of Plymouth. Brandon and Sara have one son, Marshall who is a first grader at Tri-County School. Marshall is their miracle from God! 

 Jhoanna Rohrbaugh is an LPN working in skilled nursing care and managing the assisted living facility at Colonial Acres in Humboldt, Nebraska. She also gives end of life care around southeast Nebraska for Cottonwood Hospice. Her nursing training is from both Pensacola Christian College and Southeast Community College.  Jhoanna loves caring for those in need and volunteers in many community programs and events.
        Jhoanna is married and has four children. She enjoys gardening, cooking, music and cats. She speaks three languages and interacts with the international community. Jhoanna loves to travel and run Marathons. She has visited most of the 50 states as well as many foreign countries.  From riding camels in the Trans-Jordan desert of the middle east to drinking her coffee on her front porch, Jhoanna is someone who embraces life and lives it to the fullest. 

 Stephanie has been care giving since 2002 spending most of her time in home care and hospice. "I have compassion for all people and believe in preserving their dignity and comfort. I always will advocate for the people I care for, including the under-served in our community. I especially enjoy the companionship we are able to provide to our patients. Hospice isn’t just my job, it is my passion!"

Outside of working hours she loves crafting, taking care of her "fur and feather babies," being outdoors and fishing with her husband.

Wendi has been a nurse aide in the Beatrice areas for over 25 years, of which the last 17 have been in home care and hospice.

Duties included are private home health care, home health and hospice.

"I enjoy teaching patients and families and want family/caretakers to feel confident in their ability to care for the patient as well as they can. I could not imagine doing any other profession. So many families stay in my heart! Every day I gain new friends."

Wendi is a single mother of two children. She enjoys spending time with her children and family in the area, and going fishing and swimming in the summer.

Rahchell has been in healthcare for over 20 years, but found her passion to be in hospice patient and families. "The best part of my job is seeing the positive impact that my assistance has in their lives. It is an honor to be able to help patients as they finish their journey of life." 

 Donna McCown has dedicated over 15 years to providing compassionate care in long-term settings and home health and hospice. Donna has been with Cottonwood Hospice since August of 2024. She lives in Diller with her husband, Shawn, and cherishes time with their three daughters and eight grandchildren.
A committed volunteer, Donna has served as an EMT and firefighter for 13 years, embodying her passion for helping others. In her free time, she enjoys crafting, gardening, fishing, and spending time with her beloved pups 

Katie is a dedicated and compassionate CNA with a deep commitment to providing comfort, dignity, and support during life’s final stages, she brings heartfelt empathy to every patient interaction. Katie has worked closely with patients and families to ensure that each individual receives respectful, personalized care tailored to their needs and wishes. Known for a calm and nurturing presence, Katie is devoted to creating a peaceful environment while supporting emotional and physical well-being for patients and their loved ones.  

Amber was raised in Wymore, Nebraska. She always had a love for caring for others. When starting, she was a resident aide at The Kensington in 2007, and grew a love for nursing. After becoming a CNA in 2009 and a medication aide in 2010, she then began to grow a love for caring for hospice patients. “Knowing you’re making patients comfortable at their end of life, is a true blessing.” From working long term care, to in-home health, to assisted living, she loves making a difference with those around her. 

Amber started with Cottonwood Hospice October of 2024. She resides in Fairbury Nebraska where she enjoys her blended family with her spouse and their 5 children. She is very active with her kids and their many activities. 

 "Since 2012, I’ve dedicated my career to supporting others as a direct support staff member at Mosaic. My passion for healthcare and helping people led me to pursue my CNA, which I earned in October 2024. Shortly after, I joined Cottonwood as a PRN hospice aide in November 2024.
Beyond my professional role, I am a full-time mom to two little girls and a baby boy, as well as a proud bonus mom to a teenage son. I find deep fulfillment in the work I do, striving to provide compassionate care and brighten someone's day with kindness and a smile." 

Lori graduated from the University of Nebraska at Kearney with a Bachelor of Social Work and Minor in Gerontology. She has over 30 years of experience in social work and our patients see her heart and soul put into doing what she loves.  Lori also has over 7 years experience in leading Alzheimer's support group, as well as grief support groups.  "As a Hospice Social Worker for over 15 years I continue to be honored to meet people at the most critical time in their lives and provide comfort and emotional support for the patient and their loved ones. Each of us has a story and I am thankful to share them with and for them."

Lori and her husband Mike have lived in Beatrice for over 30 years. She has 3 children and 4 grandchildren.  The couple is active in their local church and enjoys time with family.

Lori graduated from the University of Nebraska at Kearney with a Bachelor of Social Work and Minor in Gerontology. She has over 30 years of experience in social work and our patients see her heart and soul put into doing what she loves.  Lori also has over 7 years experience in leading Alzheimer's support group, as well as grief support groups.  "As a Hospice Social Worker for over 15 years I continue to be honored to meet people at the most critical time in their lives and provide comfort and emotional support for the patient and their loved ones. Each of us has a story and I am thankful to share them with and for them."

Lori and her husband Mike have lived in Beatrice for over 30 years. She has 3 children and 4 grandchildren.  The couple is active in their local church and enjoys time with family.

Kayleigh was born and raised in Beatrice. She attended college at the University of Nebraska-Kearney and obtained a Bachelors degree in Social Work. After graduating her and her spouse, Schuyler, returned to the Beatrice area and she started working in the Hospice field as a Hospice Social Worker. Kayleigh has been to the National Hospice and Palliative Care Conference many times, her most favorite Hospice speaker was Deborah Grassman. Kayleigh enjoys working with patients and helping them advocate for their end of life wishes while working closely with the entire Hospice interdisciplinary team. Kayleigh and her husband have 3 children, they enjoy traveling, spending time with their friends and family boating, and stay busy with their kids activities.

Dr. Paulmeyer is a Board-Certified Internal Medicine physician serving as the Medical Director at Cottonwood Hospice. He continues to see patients in the Internal Medicine Clinic at BCH and serve as Chief Medical Officer for the organization. He graduated from UNMC in 2012 and was accepted into the UNMC Internal Medicine Residency and Primary Care Program, a program with a focus on training the next generation of rural primary care physicians. 

He is an Omaha native but enjoys the focus on family and community in a rural setting.  

Lisa is a Beatrice native.  Her first healthcare job was as a nurse’s aid for BCH at Parkview in the late 1980s.   This sparked the love for caring for others.  Since that time she has worked in all nursing capacities from LPN in 1989,  to her most recent APRN degree in 2015.  She brings with her a vast nursing knowledge ranging from Long Term Care, Acute Care, Labor and Delivery, Surgery as well as being a long time Clinic nurse.  She started serving with the BCH Hospice team in 2019 which she has found to be the most rewarding.  She also currently continues to see patients at the Wymore Medical Clinic.  

She lives on a farm near Washington Kansas with her husband Scott where she enjoys working alongside him.  Her grandchildren are the lights of her life.  In her spare time she enjoys spending time at their cabin, as well as traveling and hiking.

We think being small is better than being big, and are proud to highlight our team, not just our executives. This team is not just your nurse or social worker; their your church member, community leader, room-mom at school, and your neighbor. We value our team as family, and recognize they are the foundation of Cottonwood Hospice.

Anni was born and raised in Beatrice, returning to the community in 2016 to give her family the same small town opportunities that she had growing up. Anni is passionate about serving others and giving back to her community. She graduated from UNMC PA Program in 2011 and continues to see patients at BCH. She has taken on the administrative role at Cottonwood Hospice, undergoing a hospice administrative internship, and Hospice Manager Development Program with the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization 

Anni (Harmon) lives behind her childhood home with her husband and 4 children in Beatrice. They enjoy traveling, being outside and spending time with family and friends. Anni is an active school mom, a board member of the Beatrice Chamber of Commerce, volunteer for the BCH Foundation, and various other organizations in the community. 

 Shoni was born and raised in Beatrice, as was her husband, Rob.  While living in Robinson IL. for 5 years and having their first child, Tyler, they returned to Beatrice in 1995.  In 1997, their daughter, Delaney, was born.  Throughout the kids' younger years, she traveled with Tyler's many sports that he participated in and Delaney's gymnastics and cheer. In 2023 she became a grandma for the first time!! She greatly enjoys going to Montana to visit and get lots of snuggles in. Shoni made a career working for Martin Luther Home, now Mosaic, working there for nearly 30 years.  When the opportunity became available to work for Cottonwood, it was her dream come true!! She had always had a passion for, admired, believed in and found comfort in the services they provide for others.  She also works at the Vet's Club here in Beatrice, is a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and enjoys volunteering for many events that involve veterans.  

Raised in a military family, Shannon developed a deep appreciation for service and community early on. In April 2023, she became part of the Cottonwood family, serving as the Volunteer Coordinator and stepping in as a nurse aide when needed.

"I am deeply passionate about my work," Shannon shares. "I have the privilege of supporting patients by connecting them with volunteers who offer companionship, play games, bring activities, and provide ministry. Our volunteers also lend a hand in the office, assisting with various tasks. When I step into the role of a nurse aide, it’s a humbling experience to interact directly with patients, their families, and loved ones. I take pride in addressing their questions and concerns.

My heart is full, and I have so much love to share with our patients, their families, and my amazing coworkers. Being part of this team is an honor, and I’m proud to contribute to the invaluable services we offer to our community and surrounding areas.”

Shannon and her husband, Jeremy, share their lives with their two sons, finding joy in family, connection, and making a meaningful impact through her work.