HUDSON VALLEY HOSPICE - Key Persons
As Lead Nurse Practitioner of Hudson Valley Hospice, Alison fulfills the role of clinical team leader, mentor, and clinician resource. She possesses a wealth of experience as a registered nurse and has previously worked as a hospice volunteer as part of the hospital site evaluation team at the Regional Hospice and Home Care site in Jinotega, Nicaragua.
Alison has a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics, Nutrition and Food Science from the University of California at Berkeley, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Arizona State University and a Master of Science, Family Nurse Practitioner degree from Pace University. She currently resides in Pawling, New York.
Job Titles:
- Certified Family Nurse Practitioner
Amoy is a Certified Family Nurse Practitioner with over 20 years of experience in the healthcare field. She possesses an exceptional track record for patient advocacy, and is currently affiliated with Medelite Medical Group where she manages patients with complex medical and psychosocial needs. Over the course of her career, she has worked in a number of disciplines, including medical/surgical, infection control, rehabilitation and long term care and oncology.
In addition to holding both Bachelor of Arts and Masters of Science Degrees in Nursing from Mount Saint Mary College, Amoy also is also a Doctor of Nursing Practice student at Grand Canyon University. She is an active member of both the American Nurse Practitioners Association and Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society (Mu-Epsilon Chapter) and is constantly seeking out tools to continue her medical education. Currently, she resides in Newburgh, NY.
Job Titles:
- Family Nurse Practitioner
Andria Guzi is a Family Nurse Practitioner with extensive experience working with the adult/geriatric populations in rehabilitation, hospital and private practice settings. She holds Bachelor of Science Degrees in both Professional Studies and Nursing, as well as a Masters of Science Degree from Pace University.
Professionally, she is affiliated with the American Nurses Credentializing Center, American Association of Nurse Practitioners and Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing. Andria currently resides in Hyde Park, NY.
Dr. Jones is Board Certified in Family Medicine, with an additional certification as a Hospice Medical Director. He possesses several years of experience in the fields of both hospice and palliative medicine, and has completed an Adult Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship at the University of Buffalo.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from William Jewell College and a Doctor of Medicine from the American University of the Caribbean. Dr. Jones also has extensive volunteer experience and serves as a highly active and visible member of his community. Currently, he lives in Latham, NY.
Bernadette Ryan is a Nurse Practitioner for Hudson Valley Hospice and Hudson Valley Medical Health Choices. She is an accomplished and energetic individual with a proven track record of achievement in the management of acute and chronic illnesses.
After receiving her Associates Degree in Applied Science from Dutchess Community College, she went on to obtain her Bachelor of Science Degree from SUNY New Paltz, as well as her Master of Science Degree from Mount Saint Mary College.
She has worked at a number of local area hospitals and walk-in clinics, including MidHudson Regional Hospice and CareMount Urgent Care in Fishkill. She is also AANP Certified, a member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners as well as the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing.
Currently, Bernadette resides in Hopewell Junction, NY.
Job Titles:
- Advance Practice Registered Nurse
Charlene is an Advance Practice Registered Nurse, and Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner. She possesses a diverse history of work experience, ranging from the hospital emergency room to the college classroom, and is currently certified to prescribe medicine. After receiving her Associate of Science in Nursing Degree from Dutchess Community College, she went on to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree from Mount Saint Mary College, as well as a Masters of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner from Pace University.
She currently serves as an Adjunct Clinical Nursing Instructor for nursing students at Mount Saint Mary College, and resides in Wallkill, NY with her family.
Dr. Albert Riddle as Hudson Valley Hospice's Chief Medical Officer, is responsible for the leadership, oversight and management of the medical component of hospice care. In addition, he is responsible for the supervision of hospice's medical staff and nurse practitioners, as well as, the coordination of clinical support activities with Hudson Valley Hospice's hospital and nursing home liaison staffs.
Dr. Peter Fish is Board Certified in Internal and Geriatric Medicine and is also Hospice Medical Director Certified. An Army Medical Officer and Flight Surgeon, Dr. Fish served as a physician assistant in the army for 15 years before attending medical school and becoming a physician. He has deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan and served as a medical officer in many natural disasters including Hurricane Katrina and was activated by the Army during the COVID Emergency to provide oversight of medical logistics in New York State and medical oversight of the Javits Center Vaccine site, all while attending to patients (via telemedicine) in over twelve states.
He lectures at St. George's School of Medicine and the Marist College Physicians Assistant Program in Poughkeepsie.
In addition to serving as an integral part of the Hudson Valley Hospice medical team, Dr. Sharad Kothari is currently employed as an Attending Physician at Mehta Medical PC, the Ten Broeck Center for Rehab and Nursing and Regeis Care Center.
He received his Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery from the Dr. Sampurnan and Medical College in Jodhpur, India and completed a Fellowship in Geriatric Medicine at Staten Island University Hospital. Dr. Kouthari currently lives in Bronx, NY.
Dr. Steven Jacobs has worked in the Hudson Valley for nearly three decades as an internist, Medical Director, and geriatrician. Since 1996, he has been affiliated with Saint Francis Hospital, and currently serves as an Associate Clinical Professor at New York Medical College. He is also affiliated with Elant Nursing Home in Fishkill, New York.
Dr. Jacobs received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Biological Studies from SUNY Binghamton, and his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Degree from the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine. He currently resides in New Paltz, New York.
Job Titles:
- Business Technology Consulting
Job Titles:
- Executive Director of the Hospice House
Ingrid Forte is the Executive Director of the Hospice House. Ingrid received her RN from the Englewood Hospital School of Nursing in Englewood, New Jersey in 1992 and has held a variety of clinical and supervisory positions in hospitals and nursing homes first as a staff nurse and later as a nurse manager. She was a Patient Services Coordinator at Hospice, Inc., now known as Hudson Valley Hospice, for four years and has been Hudson Valley Hospice's Senior Director of Patient Services for the past seven years. Ingrid resides in Red Hook, NY.
Job Titles:
- Call Coordinator
- Nurse Practitioner
Jamie Rusek is an On Call Coordinator and Nurse Practitioner for Hudson Valley Hospice and Hudson Valley Medical Health Choices. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree from Grand Canyon University, as well as an Associates of Applied Science in Nursing Degree from Dutchess Community College.
Outside of work, Jamie is passionate about art, and also holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Painting from Temple University, as well as a Master of Professional Studies in Art Therapy from Pratt Institute. She currently resides in Poughkeepsie, NY.
Job Titles:
- Vice President of Patient Services
As Vice President of Patient Services, Jason has oversight of the clinical aspects of Hudson Valley Hospice. He is a graduate of the Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions where he received a Masters of Science in Nursing. He received his undergraduate degree from the State University of NY at Albany. Jason has thirty years of clinical hospice experience, including serving as the Director of Patient Services with Hospice Care in Westchester and Putnam, and as Regional Director for Community Hospice's Columbia/Greene office. In addition to his clinical role, he is the co-chair of the Downstate New York Hospice Veteran's Partnership (HVP), a nationally recognized group that works to provide end of life care to Veterans and give support to their families. He is a member of the Hospice and Palliative Care Nurses Association, and is a Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Nurse. He resides with his wife, Kathy, in Lagrangeville, NY.
Dr. Garcia has been licensed in New York State for the past 31 years, and has served for 28 years uninterrupted at New York Presbyterian Lawrence Hospital as a house physician. As a result of his dedication, in 2018 he was awarded the Physician of the Year Award from NYP/Lawrence Hospital.
After receiving his Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology from New York University, he went on to obtain a Medical Degree from the UAG School of Medicine in Guadalajara, Mexico. Dr. Garcia currently resides in Sherman, CT with his wife Molly where they are active members of the community.
Job Titles:
- Vice President of Mission Quality
As Vice President of Mission Quality, Karen has oversight of the Quality Program to ensure compliance with the professional standards; Hospice Medicare Conditions of Participation (CoPs) standards, federal and state regulations, Joint Commission standards and NYS practice acts. Karen has 16 years of Quality experience in multiple health care settings. Karen received specialized training as a Business Analyst from Duke University and ICD-9 & ICD-10 coding at Dutchess Community College. Karen is a member of AAPC. Karen and her husband Jeremy reside in Dover Plains, NY.
As a nurse practitioner, Lauren supports the hospice philosophy with her contributions to patient and family care, support of the clinical staff through education and guidance, and the support of quality improvement initiatives. Lauren is an experienced nurse practitioner having worked in the areas of cardiology, internal medicine, bariatric surgery, and occupational medicine prior to joining Hudson Valley Hospice in 2018. As an RN she worked for years at Danbury Hospital in the emergency department and previously at Mount Sinai Medical Center in neurology/neurosurgery and in the ALS research clinic.
She started her collegiate education at the University of Florida, where she graduated with a degree in Therapeutic Recreation, and worked in long-term spinal cord and brain injury rehab. While working in that field, she pursued her BSN from Mount Saint Mary College, and then her MSN in Family Nurse Practitioner from Duquesne University, where she graduated from in 2010.
She maintains her national NP certification from the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, is a Certified Medical Examiner from the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, is a Certified Medical Examiner for FMCSA approved commercial motor vehicle drivers, and is pursing a certification as an Advanced Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse.
She resides in southern Dutchess County and enjoys spending her personal time doing activities with her family, traveling and pursing various hobbies.
Dr. Sager not only serves as a Hospice Team Physician for Hudson Valley Hospice, but also for Hudson Valley Medical Health Choices. Additionally, she holds a certification from the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine. Her entire career has been dedicated to ensuring that patients who are at the end of their life receive the best and most compassionate care possible.
She received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology from SUNY Binghamton, as well as a Doctor of Medicine from the SUNY Health Science Center in Syracuse. Dr. Sager currently resides in Highland, NY.
Marsha is a compassionate, quality focused nurse practitioner with experience in outpatient and long-term care for adults and older adults of all socioeconomic backgrounds. She is currently employed by the Federal Bureau of Prisons in Danbury, CT, and holds certifications as an Adult Health Nurse Practitioner, Certified Nurse Practitioner (MA), Advanced Practice RN (TX), and Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner.
She received her undergraduate Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology from Oberlin College, and her Master of Science degree in Nursing from Boston College. Marsha's work has been featured in several publications and she currently lives in Poughkeepsie, NY.
Job Titles:
- Member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners
Nikesha is an RN and Family Nurse Practitioner who is truly devoted to patient advocacy. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from Andrews University, and her Master of Science Degree in Nursing from the University of South Florida.
Prior to joining our team full-time, she worked for our organization as a Weekend Visit RN. She was also previously employed as a Nurse Practitioner at the Saugerties Wellness Center, and as a Nurse Practitioner at the Institute for Family Health in Ellenville, NY.
Nikesha is a member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) and has received several Excellence in Service Awards. Currently, she resides in Lake Katrine, NY.
Job Titles:
- Vice President of Human Resources
Sarah Bakke is the Vice President of Human Resources for Hudson Valley Hospice. She has served in various HR capacities for more than 20 years, most recently at Vassar College, where she was the Assistant Vice President of HR for four years. Sarah has also held various HR management roles at a number of private local firms.
Sarah holds a BS in Management from Bentley College, and currently resides in Poughkeepsie, NY with her family.
Job Titles:
- Chief Financial Officer
- Vice President of Finance
Stephanie Wilson is the Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Finance for Hudson Valley Hospice and Hudson Valley Hospice Foundation. She received a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Manhattan College and an MBA from Mount Saint Mary College.
Ms. Wilson is a knowledgeable finance professional and has held managerial roles at various levels at organizations such as Health Quest, Vassar Brothers, Putnam Hospital and White Plains Hospital. Currently, Stephanie resides in Poughkeepsie, NY.
Job Titles:
- Associate of Science in Nursing
Dina is a compassionate and dedicated Nurse Practitioner who plays a vital role in providing holistic care for patients, caregivers, and family members. Possessing previous volunteer experience at the Rondout Valley Holistic Health Care Community, she understands the importance of healthcare methods that address the mind, body, and spirit of patients.
She received a Bachelor of Science in Psychobiology from SUNY New Paltz, an Associate of Science in Nursing from SUNY Ulster, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Kaplan University and a Masters - Family Nurse Practitioner degree from Pace University.
Dina has a wide range of work experience, including as an RN for hospice prior to becoming an FNP, after which she continued on as a clinician, as well as a primary care provider in a private practice where she practiced conventional and functional medicine. She also works as an End of Life Doula, is fluent in Russian, and is a mural artist in her free time.
Dr. Das received his initial medical education at Odessa State Medical University in the Ukraine, before moving on to participate in medical research and complete his Post Doctoral Research Fellowship at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons.
Dr. Das is currently employed as a Staff Physician at the VA Hudson Valley Health Care System, as well as MidHudson Regional Hospital and also works as a per diem Clinical Physician for the New York State Department of Correctional Services. He is an active member of the American Academy of Family Physicians, and lives in Wappingers Falls, NY
With over a decade of healthcare and hospice experience, Teresa's career spans community, university, hospital system based programs with an average daily census of 400 to 530 patients. She recently served as the Hospice Director of BJC Hospice in St. Louis, Missouri, where she focused on revamping the clinical education, orientation and quality programs, in addition to the hospital liaison team and processes. Prior to that she served as the Hospice Director at Evergreen-Health in Kirkland, Washington, where she focused on the admissions, education, and regulatory compliance programs. Teresa graduated magna cum laude with a BA in Communication and summa cum laude with a BS in Nursing, both from Cleveland State University, and is a member of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society. She has served on several national and state hospice committees, including her current terms on two National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization committees.
Job Titles:
- Vice President of Facilities & Information Technology
As Vice President of Facilities & Information Technology, Tom is responsible for the upkeep, installation and repair of equipment and building structures at our offices in Kingston and Poughkeepsie. He is also responsible for planning our information technology future, as well as the implementation of new systems and maintenance of current systems. Additionally, Tom ensures maximum uptime and stability of all essential systems and networks, while ensuring that training takes place for upgrades and system changes. Tom holds a B.S in Organizational Management from Nyack College, an A.A.S in Computer Networking from the Westchester Business Institute, and an A.A.S in Business Administration from Westchester Community College and has held multiple IT roles at both IBM Global Services and Summit Bank/Fleet Bank. He resides in Poughkeepsie, New York.
Job Titles:
- Certified Family Nurse Practitioner
Tonianne Motta is an ANCC board-certified family nurse practitioner with a passion for teaching and aiding the development of future nurses. She possesses over five years of diverse experience and is currently affiliated with Garnet Health as a hospitalist and palliative care specialist. She also works as a guest lecturer and presenter, and is actively affiliated with several nursing organizations.
Tonianne holds a number of higher education degrees, including an Associate of Science Degree in Biology and Associate of Arts Degree in Psychology from Mendocino College, a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Liberal Studies and a Master of Arts Degree in Adult Education from Sonoma State University, an Associates Degree of Applied Sciences in Nursing from SUNY Orange, a Master of Science Degree in Nursing from Sacred Heart University, and a Doctorate of Nursing Practice Degree in Palliative Care from the Medical University of South Carolina.
She currently resides in New Hampton, NY and enjoys spending time outside of work practicing Reiki therapy.