An inspirational discussion on the importance of end-of-life planning.
Hear from speakers who are experts in advance care planning. Learn more about available community resources and reflect on what is meaningful to you and your loved ones.
This event is free and open to the public, with lunch provided.
Speakers
James VanKirk, MD
Medical Director, Valley Health Palliative Care Service
Dr. VanKirk has extensive experience with palliative care, hospice, goals of care discussions, advance care planning and medical ethics. He is committed to professional and community education regarding these topics. Dr. VanKirk is board-certified in internal medicine and hospice & palliative medicine.
Anna Havron, MDiv.
The Rev. Anna Havron is a Lutheran parish pastor who has also served as a hospice chaplain with Blue Ridge Care. She previously worked as a healthcare researcher and a professional organizer. She lives in Winchester, with her husband and two very spoiled house cats. She enjoys bird-watching, hiking, and drawing; and sometimes does all three together.
Courtney McCalley, M.S.Ed, CT
Grief Counselor, Blue Ridge Care
As a Blue Ridge Care grief support counselor since 2019, Courtney has worked with individuals ages 5-102 grieving the death of a loved one. She has been a counselor since 2006, working in home-based, school, and clinical environments. Courtney is certified in thanatology (the study of death, dying, and bereavement) through the Association for Death Education and Counseling. She believes that talking openly about death can help us live more fully.
Susana Calley, LCSW
Director, Blue Ridge Care Center for Hope and Healing
Susana supports a multidisciplinary team of social workers, chaplains, music therapists and grief counselors serving patients and families across the Northern Shenandoah Valley and northwester Virginia. Since joining Blue Ridge Hospice in 2009, Susana has held roles ranging from medical social worker to grief counselor to Manager of Patient and Family Services, culminating in her 2024 appointment as the Center’s first director.
Christina Harris, LMSW, APHSW-C, Clinical Supervisee
Grief Counselor, Blue Ridge Care
As a Grief Support Counselor at Blue Ridge Care with more than nine years of experience working with hospice patients, Christina is passionate about caring for those experiencing grief and loss. She earned her Master of Social Work from Boise State University in 2018, and she is currently under supervision for her clinical social work license. She is certified as an Advanced Palliative Hospice Social Worker (APHSW-C).
Rachel Schwartz, LCSW
Valley Health Palliative Care Services
Rachel has been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Virginia for over 25 years and has advanced certification and training in Hospice & Palliative Social Work. She is also an advance care planning facilitator and instructor.
