Cynthia Nyquist, RN, MSN
Founder
Cindy’s story begins as one of loss. By the time she was 20 years old, Cindy had already experienced the agonizing deaths from cancer of her mother, aged 30 years old, and some years later, her step-mother, aged 38 years. As was the normal practice at that time, they each spent their last days, dying, alone, in the hospital. Cindy knew that there had to be a better way to care for people with terminal diagnoses, and she was determined to find that better way.
After several years of correspondence with the Founder of the Modern Day Hospice movement in England, Cicely Saunders, Cindy introduced the Philosophy of Hospice to the Upper Peninsula in 1973. Cindy recognized that this philosophy was desperately needed in the U.S. to provide the necessary care to patients and their families diagnosed with a Life-Limiting Disease.
Hospice care became a Life-Long Vocation for Cindy and she has inspired many to join this worthy goal. After establishing the current day Upper Peninsula Hospice in 1973, she also established Lake Superior Hospice in 1979, both being non-profit Hospice programs. Cindy is currently only associated with the Upper Peninsula Hospice and has continued to improve on this program over the years by adding many integral programs such as Palliative Care, Skilled Home Health Care, and Private Duty Services.
Cindy continues to be a local, regional, and national expert and presenter regarding Hospice and Palliative Care. You will still find her meeting personally with families when they are making the decision about whether Hospice and Palliative care is the best choice for them. She regularly shares, with anyone who will listen, that Hospice is about LIVING and PEP (Palliation, Empowerment, and Priorities).
Jeffrey Nyquist, PhD
Executive Director/CEO
Jeff is a graduate of Vanderbilt University with a Doctorate in Experimental and Applied Neuro-Psychology. His doctoral and post-doctoral work developed rehabilitative techniques that restore visual functioning for individuals with profoundly impaired vision. His professional career has been spent tackling difficult and complex problems in vulnerable populations. This focus is now aimed at promoting empowerment within Marquette County's Healthcare Community.
Deborah Aro, BS
Chief Financial Officer
Debbie is a graduate of Michigan Technological University in Business Administration and Accounting. She has nearly 20 years experience in the healthcare finance field and is very proud to be part of this family owned business. She is also very involved with the American Cancer Society, being the chairperson of Marquette County's Relay For Life for over 10 years.
Sharon Fries, RN, BSN
Director of Clinical Services
Sharon graduated from Northern Michigan University in 1979 and has extensive education and training in the health care field. She has worked for over 30 years in the home health and hospice industry across Marquette County and, as a prior owner of a home health agency, holds a wealth of knowledge in the field.
Erika Hefke, RN, BSN, OCN, CHPN
Assistant Director of Clinical Services, Director of Hospice & Palliative Care Services
Erika began her work in the healthcare field 18 years ago as a hospice volunteer. She is a graduate of the University of Michigan with a Bachelors of Science Degree in Nursing and has completed extensive Masters level coursework in Nursing Education through Michigan State University. She holds certifications as an Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN) and as a Hospice and Palliative Care Nurse (CHPN). These credentials are a testimony to Erika's outstanding dedication and commitment to the patients she serves throughout Marquette County."
Martha E. Parks, MA
Director of Office Support Services
Martha has over 35 years of administrative management experience in both the non-profit and public sectors. She has been a consultant to a variety of organizations throughout the state of Michigan and has played a key role in the development of several community coalitions involved in services to youth and adults. She is a graduate of Northern Michigan University, holding a Masters Degree in Counseling.
Karen MacLachlan, RN, MSN
Director of Quality Assessment and Performance Improvement (QAPI)
Karen is a graduate of Northern Michigan University with a Masters Degree in Nursing Administration. She has nearly 40 years of experience in the nursing field with a focus on management and hospital administration. She has brought a vast knowledge of the healthcare field to our Quality Assurance Program.
Linda L. Deans, PN
Director of Private Duty Services
Linda attended St. Joseph's School of Nursing and Michigan Technological University. She is a graduate of Mesa College, San Diego, CA with an Associates Degree in Practical Nursing. In addition to her role as Director of Private Duty, she is most proud of being Captain of our Relay for Life team for the past 7 years.
