Our Team

Providing compassionate end-of-life care and making a positive difference
in the lives of our patients, their families and our community.

Leadership

Deborah Horning

LPN, CHPO
Chief Executive Officer

Christine Cruz

Christine Cruz

BSN, RN
Clinical Director

Physicians & Nurse Practitioners

Manish Sahni, MD

Medical Director

Gerald Asin, MD

Physician

Pamela Conn

Adult Nurse Practitioner

Enrique "Rick" Salazar

Nurse Practitioner

Team

Erin

Registered Nurse

I have been a nurse since 2014, and recently got my RN in 2022. My previous jobs were all in long-term care and skilled facilities. I have always loved working with the older population, so joining Hospice Promise only made sense. In my free time I enjoy going on motorcycle rides with my boyfriend. I enjoy spending time with friends and family.

Rose Crist

Rose

Registered Nurse

Hi everyone! I’m Rose, I’ve been a nurse for 5 years, mostly critical care background. I love to spend my free time outside camping, fishing, paddle boarding (really any activity our dogs can join us in, we have 3). I love all dogs but wiener dogs are my favorite. And a fun fact about me: I have Celiac disease, I was just diagnosed this year at the ripe age of 30.

Audra Cusick

Audra

Registered Nurse

I have been a nurse since 1998. I love helping patients and making a difference. I joined Hospice Promise to continue making a positive influence in a new way, helping patients and their families on their journey. I am a wife and mother with three beautiful talented daughters and a rambunctious son.

Dotti

Registered Nurse

I spent over 30 years working in critical care and psych care. I joined Hospice Promise with a strong desire to help provide comfort at end-of-life, and also allow patients to remain as alert as possible so they can be interactive with their family.

I love cats, dogs and people – and I have 5 children, 13 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. I also drive a big truck!

Christine

Christine

Registered Nurse

I have been a Registered Nurse since 1996. I have recently relocated to Arizona from Pennsylvania. Much of my background and experience has been working in long-term care. I joined Hospice Promise with the ardent desire to help provide comfort to patients and their families during the end-of-life process. It brings me much joy to be able to provide support to families and help them feel more at ease with their loved one’s terminal illness. My favorite part of life is being around people I care I love the outdoors and staying active. In my down time, I write poetry as it helps me keep grounded in the realities of everyday life.

Shelley

Licensed Practical Nurse

I grew up here in Arizona and have been an LPN for 45 years with a background of Medical/Surgical and Oncology. I have worked as a Hospice Nurse for 30 years now and have a passion for end-of-life care. I am also a professional musician and play with 2 different bands in the evenings and on weekends.

Rena Meler

Rena

Licensed Practical Nurse

I’ve been a CPN since 2013. I am originally from Minnesota. I moved to Phoenix in 2022. I have a diverse background in healthcare. I have worked in varous fields such as LTC/Skilled Psych, and inpatient hospital (PCU, observation. I have 1 son and 5 animals (2 dogs and 3 cats). In my spare time I enjoy cycling, swimming, and spending time with my son.

Stacey

Licensed Practical Nurse

I am from Buffalo NY and moved to the valley in 2008. I have been a nurse for 27 years. I enjoy caring for seniors and assisting families so they can spend quality time with their loved ones. To see the smiles and sparkle in a seniors eye while spending quality time with there family brings me so much joy.

Meghan Bendix

Meghan

Certified Nursing Assistant

My name is Meghan. I have been working in hospice for a few months. I chose to work for Hospice Promise because I feel End of Life care is one of the most crucial fields. My passion to help people has been shown the most in hospice because it’s all about the warmth and kindness that everyone wants to feel, especially during the end. I like to shop in my free time!

Caitlyn Christman

Caitlyn

Certified Nursing Assistant

I have been a CNA for 2 years but have been in the medical field since I was 18. I love being apart of the team at Hospice Promise knowing that the patients and employees are truly cared for. In my free time I love spending time with family, dogs and reading.

Maria Lopez

Maria

Certified Nursing Assistant

I started my CNA career in 1997, I worked at facilities and then in 2005 I got the privilege of working for Hospice.
I fell in love with hospice and 20 years later I’m still going strong.

Marlene

Marlene

Certified Nursing Assistant, Bilingual

I’ve been a Certified Nursing Assistant since 2001. I’ve joined Hospice Promise and I’m filled with joy to be a part of this amazing team. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, crafting and drawing, taking care of my plants, and collecting antiques.

Laticia

Latisha

Certified Nursing Assistant

I have been in Healthcare field for 20 plus years. I love working with the elderly. I am a proud parent of three children: a 19-year-old daughter and two sons, aged 12 and 11. In my spare time, I love to be with my family.

Mariah Long

Mariah

Certified Nursing Assistant Bilingual

I started working in healthcare at 18 years old, straight out of high school. I’ve worked in MedSurg, Long-term care facilities & fell in love with Hospice. Working in Hospice hasn’t been easy, but I love it. I love being able to provide patients the care they need whether it’s emotional support or physical support. As I am continuing my education in nursing, I’m happy I found my specialty!

Scott Jenson

Scott

Social Worker

I decided to work at Hospice Promise because I wanted to go back to working again as a Hospice Social Worker. I received my Masters Degree in Social work in 2001. I have worked in Case Management roles as a Dialysis Social Worker, Hospice Social Worker and Medical Social Worker in a hospice. I also have extensive experience working with seriously mentally ill adults. I enjoy listening to my favorite singer, Alexander James Rodriguez. I also enjoy watching movies on Netflix and in movie theaters

Mercedes Sloan

Mercedes

Social Worker

My name is Mercedes Sloan I’m a true Arizona Native. I currently have my BSW from Chadron State
College, and | am currently continuing my education to receive Master’s in Social Work. I’m a compassionate, outgoing, and committed young social worker.

Robin

Chaplain

After serving as a congregational pastor for 40 years, I decided to serve as a hospice liaison. In my free time, I’ve traveled to 60 countries all over the globe with a special heart for Africa

Jose

MDiV - Chaplain, Bilingual

I have been a pastor for over 25 years because I love people and I want the very best for them. I have written two books, and I have great relationships with many of our community leaders. At Hospice Promise, every team member cares for our patients as they would for members of their own family. It is so rewarding to see how my coworkers love our patients and always do the best for them.

Shannon Ahner

Shannon

Hospice Liason

I’m originally from Indiana – moved to Arizona 8 years ago. I enjoy paddle boarding in my free time. Spending time with my dogs, Oliver and Cooper. I built a meaningful career in Hospice, finding purpose in helping others while embracing life’s simple joys.

Maryann

Hospice Liaison

I started working in healthcare at 18 years old, straight out of high school. I’ve worked in MedSurg, Long-term care facilities & fell in love with Hospice. Working in Hospice hasn’t been easy, but I love it. I love being able to provide patients the care they need whether it’s emotional support or physical support. As I am continuing my education in nursing, I’m happy I found my specialty!

Leigha L

Leigha

Hospice Liaison

I believe working for Hospice Promise was something that came natural for me. Helping others letting them know they are not alone is what I love to do. In my free time I enjoy singing with my band!

Avivah

Volunteer Coordinator

I have worked with volunteers for many years in theater and animal rescue. People who give their time get back so much more than they give. In the past I have been a Certified Pharmacy Tech. I am thrilled to be part of Hospice Promise and to positively impact the volunteers, patients and their families. In my free time I spoil my 6 pets, volunteer and enjoy water walking.

Nancy

Human Resource Coordinator

I have previously worked as a companion aide and as a nurses’ aide, and I have run my own pet care business. Here at Hospice Promise, I am able to play a part in helping people when they need it most. I also enjoy working with my sister Deborah – the owner of Hospice Promise.

Kelsey

Admissions Manager

I have worked at Hospice Promise since the doors first opened. Our team does an amazing job meeting the needs of our patients and their families. The care we provide warms my heart and makes me proud of where I work.

Amanda Bruno

Amanda

Admissions Coordinator

I’ve worked in healthcare since I was 18. I’m very passionate in helping people and caring for their loved ones. I joined Hospice Promise in June of this year. I love being apart of Hospice Promise and knowing that our patients are truly cared for.

Claudia

Claudia

Receptionist, Bilingual

I have worked in the healthcare industry for over 7 years. I’m passionate in helping people and caring about families. I love being part of the team at Hospice Promise, knowing that our patients are truly cared for. In my free time I love spending time with family and friends. The love for Football is a big part of that!!!