Wait, you’re not a chaplain?

It’s probably time to address the elephant in the room.

Over the past couple of weeks, the most common question I’ve received from colleagues in hospice and elder care has been: “Wait… you’re not a chaplain anymore?”

After more than a decade as a hospice chaplain, I understand the confusion. But honestly, the story tracks more than people might realize.

Over the years, I’ve learned a few things about myself.

First, I’m pretty good at being present with people in difficult moments. I’ve sat with countless patients and families as they received devastating news. I’ve learned how to remain calm in chaos, to listen well, and to serve as a person of peace when life feels like it’s falling apart.

Second, when I genuinely believe in something, I can’t stop talking about it.

That’s been true of my faith, occasionally my politics (don’t worry, not today), and for the past ten years, hospice care.

Ironically, I always considered myself a terrible salesman. But I eventually realized that wasn’t entirely true. I simply struggled whenever I viewed something as “sales” instead of service.

From a young age, I sensed I was called to serve older adults and people in need of care. As a kid, I loved sitting at my grandparents’ feet listening to their stories. In seminary, while many future pastors pursued youth ministry, I consistently found myself drawn toward caring for people three or four times my age.

As a military chaplain, I gravitated toward retirees and veterans. Then in 2011, I launched a business serving older adults in need of care. I had no idea what I was doing at the time — I just knew I couldn’t shake the feeling that this was the work I was created to do.

Eventually, that path led me into hospice.

Over the last decade, I’ve become deeply convinced of the value hospice and palliative care provide to patients and families. I’ve seen firsthand how life-changing timely hospice support can be. In many cases, people received the care they desperately needed because someone they trusted helped them understand what hospice really is.

That realization changed something for me.

I loved serving as a chaplain. It’s sacred work, and I’ll always value those years. But I also realized my calling was bigger than one role or title.

I’m not driven by quotas or sales metrics. My passion is helping people receive the absolute best end-of-life care possible — and helping families navigate some of life’s hardest moments with clarity, dignity, and support.

I’m incredibly grateful to Affinity Care of Pittsburgh for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to advocate for hospice care in a new way.

If you, your family, or your organization ever have questions about hospice or palliative care, I’d genuinely be honored to help however I can.