Our People
Medical Director, Supportive Care for Dementia
Dr. Hamilton received board certification in internal medicine, geriatrics and palliative medicine. She is Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Arizona College of Medicine, is Professor of Practice at ASU, oversees HOV’s Supportive Care for Dementia program; and teaches Mindfulness, among other projects. Dr. Hamilton was listed for over 10 years in Phoenix Magazine’s “Best Docs of Phoenix”, and is the recipient of numerous awards, including National Library of Congress’s Local Legend award.
Medical Director, Dementia Care and Education Campus
Dr. Nisal Samarasekera is medical director for the Dementia Care and Education Campus, an innovation of Hospice of the Valley. He received his training at the University of Colorado and is Board Certified in Family Medicine and Hospice and Palliative Medicine. He currently provides care for patients living with all types and stages of dementia. Previously, he was a family practitioner in Glendale, AZ, specializing in comprehensive health care for pediatric and adult patients. He has extensive experience diagnosing and treating illnesses, advising patients on preventative care and providing personalized coaching on maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Dementia Program Director
Dr. Maribeth Gallagher is a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with a Doctoral degree in Nursing. She is a Fellow in the American Academy of Nursing and serves as the director of the Dementia Program at Hospice of the Valley. Dr. Gallagher’s commitment to optimizing dementia care was initially inspired by her own experiences as a family caregiver, sharing the journey with her loved one with dementia from diagnosis to death.
Education Director
Kristen Pierson manages our Supportive Care for Dementia (SCD) program, providing palliative care to thousands of Arizona families who are living with dementia. She also coordinates dementia education in our community to improve wellness and reduce stress among employees and caregivers in the workplace.
Director of Operations
Holly has been with Hospice of the Valley for over 10 years, starting as a CNA and later serving as a nurse at our Lund Home inpatient unit. She was a Home Care team leader for five years before being appointed to her current role.
Adult Day Club Manager
Sara has a true passion for dementia care and knows people can live well with dementia! Her focus is on what club members can do and enjoy, rather than what they may no longer be able to. A caregiver herself, Sara is passionate about working to build support around families so they can continue to provide beautiful care to their loved ones.
Occupational Therapist
Calli Carlson is an occupational therapist experienced in management, education, clinical instruction, cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, lymphedema management and dementia care. She performs home safety evaluations, completes mobility assessments, instructs on appropriate exercise routines, identifies suitable activities for engagement and brainstorms strategies to foster independence in activities of daily living, both on and off The Campus. Callie loves collaborating with families and utilizing meaningful therapies to maximize quality of life.
Dementia Nurse Practitioner
Ashley is a board certified family nurse practitioner, with advanced clinical training in palliative and dementia care. She holds additional national board specialty certifications in holistic nursing, hospice and palliative care, and is also a certified dementia practitioner. She is honored to provide in-home supportive care for persons living with dementia and their family members, as well as serve patients and families at our Dementia Care and Education Campus.
Music Therapist
Amanda Marcum is a board-certified music therapist from Roanoke, Virginia. She loves being able to combine her extensive knowledge and training in music therapy with her passion for serving others. Her personalized approach to connecting with people helps families experience joy, enhance quality of life and nurture their loved ones through all stages of dementia. In addition to providing live music therapy at The Campus, she equips caregivers with the tools and techniques needed to continue music engagement at home.
Campus Team Leader of Assisted Living and Levine Home
Bessie has received numerous awards for her skill and compassion, and will tell you “her heart guided her to nursing.” She is thrilled to use her experience and passion to serve families living with dementia.
Dementia Nurse Practitioner
Belinda Ordonez is a board certified family nurse practitioner providing hospice and palliative care since 2000. Combining her love for geriatrics and dementia care, she helps families find joy and connection along their dementia journey.