Our People

Lesley joined Hopewell House in April 2022, bringing strong experience as a manager in hospice care and social services. She was attracted by Hopewell’s community orientation, nonprofit status and desire to serve those with limited options for end-of-life care. Lesley is a Portland native and earned her masters of social work from Portland State University and her bachelors in sociology from Willamette University. When not working, Lesley enjoys spending time with her husband, her two children and their basset hound.

Emma is passionate about community-created ceremonies and rituals to honor death/life’s transitions. Emma lives on her off-grid permaculture farm outside of Portland and loves writing about the places where ecology meets mysticism. She is also a musician and committed member of the Mevlevi Order of America, a tradition that continues the ancient practice of the whirling dervishes.

Nancy joined Hopewell House to be a part of a compassionate team that will make a difference in the lives of those around her. When not at work, Nancy might be found reading, eating, or hiking. Nancy also loves to travel.

Melissa came to Hopewell House in 2023 to join the nursing team before transitioning into the role of Health Services Director. Melissa has a background in rehabilitation nursing as well as community-based nursing in home health and long-term care settings. Melissa developed a passion around quality end-of-life care and promotion of honest conversations about death and dying early in her nursing career and is honored to be a part of the transformative model of care that Hopewell House provides. Melissa brings leadership skills from advocacy work in health care policy and in the nonprofit sector. Outside of work, Melissa enjoys spending time with her blended family, enjoying the beauty and culture of the Pacific Northwest, and traveling when time allows.

Tom has had a knack for fixing things since he was a little kid. Taking things apart and figuring out how they fit back together is a hobby and a job. He has worked in maintenance in health care setting for more than twenty years. When Tom is not at work, he likes to be camping in the mountains or taking a very long walk on the beach.

Amy is passionate about disability justice, scritching cats, backpacking, and trying new art mediums. 

Regena comes to Hopewell House with 15+ years experience within human services and education. Her most recent work experiences include co-owning and managing an adult care home and working as a resident services coordinator with a local non-profit. Regena views her work with Hopewell House as “a calling” and takes great pride in and loves promoting Hopewell House and meeting with families and learning the life story of each resident. Regena is an avid volunteer within the Foundational Black American, immigrant and refugee communities.

Rose says that her years as an RN at Hopewell from 2007-11 are dear to her heart, and the House kept her in its circle as a supporter until it reopened and this position arrived. Her spiritual life, love of the outdoors, and commitment to being a part of a global slipstream of goodness feeds her daily and creates the foundation of her life. When not at the House, she is with family and friends – hiking, making good food and finding places of beauty and quiet.

Susan Prior is passionate about end-of-life care and options and is excited to have this incredible opportunity to work with the Hopewell House community as Director of Development. In 2007, she joined Compassion & Choices as their national events manager, producing fundraising events in targeted cities nationwide.  In 2015, she was promoted to national philanthropy officer. Susan brings extensive experience building meaningful, long-lasting relationships with supporters and advocates. When not working, Susan enjoys tending to her flower garden, fostering talking circles, beading jewelry, hiking and practicing yoga.

Honey loves to create beautiful, delicious food to feed heart and soul. She has owned a food cart and was inspired to write a Haiku about joining the Hopewell House community:

Hopewell springs anew
Wind, rain, snow, sun, moon, sleet, storm
Love, care, gentle, warmth

Katie began as a classical musician, playing in orchestras and earning a doctorate in viola performance. Katie has also earned certification in nonprofit and arts in health management. When not at work, Katie delights in spending time with their young son, being outdoors, cooking, composing music meditations, making art, and performing with local ensembles.

Debra joined Hopewell House to learn more (from the best) about hospice and end-of-life care, so that she can better assist, support, educate, and create opportunities for others to do the same. She’s eager to see what we, together, will create here at Hopewell House.