Staff Directors
Amy Tobin, R.N., CEO
Amy graduated from University of San Francisco in 1977 with a Bachelors of Science in Nursing and subsequently obtained her Masters Degree in Human Resource and Organizational Development from USF as well in 1987. She has worked in the Acute Care arena since 1980 with experience in Intensive Care, Trauma Nursing, Cancer Care and served at advancing levels of leadership at Valley Medical Center, Community Medical Center, and Kaiser Hospital. Her last 10 years were as Chief Nursing Officer at the Kaiser Medical Center. Most recently Amy has obtained post graduate degree certification as a Caritas Coach which enables her to teach and lead work to inspire and return "Caring" to healthcare today. Amy has been recognized for her work as a nursing leader and was awarded the 2003 RN of the year recognition in Administration by the Central Valley Nursing Leadership Coalition. Amy has served on the Board of Directors for Hinds Hospice since 2006 and truly believes in and will carry on the Mission of Hinds Hospice. Amy is a member of and has served in various leadership roles in Sigma Theta Tau Nursing honor society, the California Association for Nurse Leaders, and the American Association for Nurse Executives. Amy has earned the certification of the national organization for nurse executives in 2010. She has recently joined the National and California Hospice and Palliative Care organization. Amy is married and a mother of 4 adult children. She is honored to be the new CEO of Hinds Hospice. Amy can be reached by calling the Founder's office at (559) 320-0310.
Clinical Directors
Laurie Primavera R.N., Executive Director Clinical Services
Laurie is a graduate of California State University, Fresno nursing program for both baccalaureate and masters in nursing, including certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner. She is an alumnus of the California Health Care Leadership Program. She has served on numerous boards, including an appointment by the County Board of Supervisors to the Community Medical Center Board where she served for four years. She has served as part-time nurse faculty for CSUF and Dominguez Hills State University.
Laurie has extensive leadership experience in outpatient settings, including home health and hospice. In addition, she served as CEO for a local federally qualified health center for seven years. Most recently she is returning from Monterey with five years of administrative oversight for a home health and hospice program. She is excited to be assuming her new position with Hinds Hospice, as she is passionate about end of life care based on her work and personal experience.
Laurie lives in Fresno with her husband. She has cared for her father in her home until recently and has learned a great deal about care giving. She loves family, friends, gardening and walking. She is honored to join the Hinds team!
Laurie has extensive leadership experience in outpatient settings, including home health and hospice. In addition, she served as CEO for a local federally qualified health center for seven years. Most recently she is returning from Monterey with five years of administrative oversight for a home health and hospice program. She is excited to be assuming her new position with Hinds Hospice, as she is passionate about end of life care based on her work and personal experience.
Laurie lives in Fresno with her husband. She has cared for her father in her home until recently and has learned a great deal about care giving. She loves family, friends, gardening and walking. She is honored to join the Hinds team!
Sue S. Yie, M.D., Medical Director
Having received her Doctor of Medicine degree from George Washington University School of Medicine, Dr. Yie completed a Residency in Internal Medicine/Primary Care at Yale Medical School, a Geriatrics Fellowship at Johns Hopkins Medical School, and a Program in Palliative Care Education and Practice at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Yie has served most recently as Attending Physician (Geriatrics Department) at Scripps Clinic in La Jolla, CA; Assistant Clinical Professor at UCSF teaching individual students and residents about end of life care; Assistant Clinical Professor (Department of Medicine) at UCLA Center for East-West Medicine in Santa Monica, CA, Torrance Regional Medical Director at Providence Trinity Care Hospice in Torrance, CA, and lastly as Palliative Care Medical Director at Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center in San Pedro, CA.
Dr. Yie exemplifies her personal philosophy: “As a Geriatrician, end of life care issues naturally became my main interest. My Geriatrics fellowship training did not emphasize pain treatment. I did not want to keep medicating my patients with NSAIDS or Vicodin. I took a long detour in getting the training I was looking for. I completed another fellowship at UCLA Center for East-West Medicine. I learned alternative ways of treating pain, including acupuncture and trigger point injections. After practicing integrative medicine daily for years, I learned that needle is not the panacea. For each pain, there is a story behind it. To learn to treat pain, I learned to listen.”
Dr. Yie exemplifies her personal philosophy: “As a Geriatrician, end of life care issues naturally became my main interest. My Geriatrics fellowship training did not emphasize pain treatment. I did not want to keep medicating my patients with NSAIDS or Vicodin. I took a long detour in getting the training I was looking for. I completed another fellowship at UCLA Center for East-West Medicine. I learned alternative ways of treating pain, including acupuncture and trigger point injections. After practicing integrative medicine daily for years, I learned that needle is not the panacea. For each pain, there is a story behind it. To learn to treat pain, I learned to listen.”
Gregory L. Copeland, D.O., Associate Medical Director
Dr. Greg Copeland is board certified in Family Medicine and Hospice & Palliative Medicine. He currently works as associate medical director for Hinds Hospice. He graduated from Kansas City University of Medicine in 2007 with his osteopathic medical degree and finished his residency training at the University of Kansas Hospital in 2010. He finished his hospice training and board certification for Palliative Medicine in 2012.
He currently works as an attending physician at Peachwood Medical Group in Clovis California, department of Internal Medicine. He also works at Fresno Community Medical Center as faculty for the UCSF Palliative Medicine Fellowship Training program. There he helps with the inpatient service and trains Palliative Medicine fellows. As a hospice physician he performs various duties including pediatric hospice home visits.
Dr Copeland has a passion for medical missions, and serving under-served communities. He has participated in medical missions in Mexico, Latin America, and the Inner City of Kansas City while finishing his residency. He also enjoys spending time with his wife and four children. Practicing medicine gives Dr. Copeland an opportunity to help his patients live well. He enjoys the challenge of guiding his patients through what can often be a difficult stage of life. He understands end-of-life care can be a challenge for many patients and families. Yet he also finds it rewarding, as he seeks to comfort patients not only physically, but also emotionally and spiritually as well.
He currently works as an attending physician at Peachwood Medical Group in Clovis California, department of Internal Medicine. He also works at Fresno Community Medical Center as faculty for the UCSF Palliative Medicine Fellowship Training program. There he helps with the inpatient service and trains Palliative Medicine fellows. As a hospice physician he performs various duties including pediatric hospice home visits.
Dr Copeland has a passion for medical missions, and serving under-served communities. He has participated in medical missions in Mexico, Latin America, and the Inner City of Kansas City while finishing his residency. He also enjoys spending time with his wife and four children. Practicing medicine gives Dr. Copeland an opportunity to help his patients live well. He enjoys the challenge of guiding his patients through what can often be a difficult stage of life. He understands end-of-life care can be a challenge for many patients and families. Yet he also finds it rewarding, as he seeks to comfort patients not only physically, but also emotionally and spiritually as well.
Pam Pytlak, Risk, Legal and Compliance Officer
Pam has been a nurse for 23 years starting her career as a Labor and Delivery Nurse. Pam has an Associate of Science Degree in Nursing from Saddleback College in Mission Viejo, California and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Health Science from Fresno State. She has been with Hinds Hospice for 6 years. Prior to coming to Hinds Hospice Pam spent 15 years at Children's Hospital Central California (CHCC) where the majority of her time was spent as Case Manager for Oncology and Hematology. She was part of the original Palliative Care Committee and became Pediatric ELNEC certified helping to provide education to CHCC staff. Pam started her work at Hinds as the Facility Liaison, Educator, and The Director of the Quality Assessment & Performance Improvement (QAPI) and Compliance. Currently Pam is the Risk, Legal and Compliance Officer. Pam is a member of The American Society for Healthcare Risk Management (ASHRM), and The Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association (HPNA). Pam is married with 3 grown children and 6 grandchildren, she can be reached by calling the Founder’s Office at (559) 320-0310.
Pam Romias, R.N., B.H.S., Senior Director of Hospice Care Services, Fresno and Madera Counties
Pam has been with Hinds Hospice since 1999, first serving as a Case Manager before moving to her current position as Director of Hospice Care Services for Fresno and Madera counties. Pam oversees the daily duties of the clinical and support staff out of the Fresno Outpatient office. She also prepares the monthly on call schedules, schedules new patients with case managers and is responsible for maintaining a staffing level to meet the patient care needs. Pam recruits and hires new departmental staff and assures agency compliance with state licensure requirements and regulations. Pam received her nursing degree from Fresno City College and her BHS in Health Science from Chapman University. Her nursing specialty is Pediatrics. Pam is married and has two grown daughters and a total of six grandchildren. She is a member of both the California State Hospice Association and the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO). Pam can be reached by calling the Fresno Outpatient Office at (559) 317-6013.
Deanne Sayles, R.N.,M.N., C.H.P.N., Director of Quality, Education and Clinical Practice
Deanne joined Hinds Hospice in 2003 and has been a case manager, admission nurse, Director of Patient Care Services, and now the Director of Clinical Development & Education. She designed the hospice orientation system and the clinical competencies for licensed staff and hospice aides. Besides educating new clinical staff and teaching locally in the community, Deanne also serves on two committees for the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization. Deanne is one of the founders and serves as President of the Fresno Sierra Hospice and Palliative Nursing Association Chapter in the Central Valley, and is a Hospice and Palliative Nursing Association Approved Educator- allowing her to formally prepare nurses for board certification in hospice and palliative care. Deanne has her Bachelor's Degree in Nursing from Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois and her Master's Degree in Oncology Nursing from UCLA. She has her certification in hospice and palliative nursing. She is a member of the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS), the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), the Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association (HPNA), California Hospice & Palliative Care Association (CHAPCA), the American Society of Pain Management Nurses and the International Association of Hospice and Palliative Care (IAHPC). Deanne is married and has two sons. She can be reached by calling the Fresno Outpatient office at (559) 317-6009.
Kathy Cromwell, M.S.W., L.C.S.W., CT, Director of Hinds Hospice Center for Grief & Healing and Angel Babies
Kathy started with Hinds Hospice in 2001 as an intern while attending graduate school at CSU, Fresno. In 2003, she was hired as the Director of the Angel Babies program and in 2006 became the Director of the Center for Grief and Loss (renamed Center for Grief and Healing in 2011). She oversees both the Angel Babies program, as well as the Bereavement services provided at the Center for Grief and Healing. She also provides individual, couples and family grief counseling and grief education. Kathy received both her Bachelors and Masters Degree from California State University, Fresno and is certified in Thanatology: Death, Dying and Bereavement. She is on the Advisory Board for Survivors of Suicide and is on faculty at California State University, Fresno. Kathy is a member of the Association for Death Education and Counseling (ADEC), California Hospice and Palliative Care Association and is a member of the California Association of Marriage & Family Therapists. She can be reached by calling the Hinds Hospice Center for Grief and Healing at (559) 248-8579.
Jane Lindberg, L.C.S.W., Palliative Care Coordinator
Jane is a 1988 graduate of CSU Fresno with a B.A. Degree in Spanish and a minor in Chicano Latino Studies. She received her Master’s Degree in Social Work in 1990 and joined the Hinds Hospice Team in October of 1991. She was actively involved in patient care as a social worker for several years until joining the Administrative Team as Director of Psychosocial Services; following that, Jane developed and directed the Center for Grief and Healing while providing grief therapy before becoming the Executive Director of Clinical Services for the past 8 years. Jane is currently developing the Palliative Care Program in her newest role as Palliative Care Coordinator. She considers it a privilege to have been able to participate in growth and new programs as Hinds Hospice continues to meet the needs of our community. Jane is married and has children and grandchildren. She can be reached in in her office at (559)317-6023.
David Silveira, MSW, ACSW, Director of Psychosocial Services, Center for Grief & Healing and Angel Babies – Merced
David joined Hinds Hospice in 1999 as a student intern and was then hired as an MSW after graduating with his Masters Degree in Social Work from CSU, Fresno in 2002. David coordinates all psychosocial/social worker outpatient services as well as the bereavement program for Hinds Hospice in Merced County. He is the Treasurer of the Merced Breakfast Lions club, which he joined in 1992. David and his wife Robin live in Atwater with their two sons. David can be reached by calling the Merced office at (209) 383-3123.
Reverend Lisa Vernon, Director of Spiritual Services
As Director of Spiritual Services, Lisa is responsible for coordinating the chaplain team and providing spiritual care to patients, families and staff of Hinds Hospice. She graduated from San Francisco State University in 1982 and received her M.Div. in 1988 from Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary. She has been with Hinds Hospice for the past 10 years and lives in Fresno with her husband Wil. Lisa can be reached by calling our Fresno Hospice Care Services office at (559) 317-6008.
Cheryl Inman, RN, Director of Inpatient Services
Cheryl is a Registered Nurse who graduated from Methodist Hospital School of Nursing, a hospital based nursing Diploma program, in Lubbock, TX, in 1982 and went on to receive her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from West Texas State University in1983. She recognized a “calling” to Hospice work in the mid 1990s and in1997 Hospice “found” her. Now with fifteen years of Hospice experience, Cheryl has served hospice patients in various capacities. Her experience includes 7 years providing direct patient care in the inpatient setting. She joined Hinds Hospice in January 2004 as a staff nurse in the Hinds Hospice Home. During her time at Hinds Hospice she has also assisted with the set up and implementation of Suncoast, the agency’s electronic documentation system and was instrumental in training Hinds Hospice staff in that system. In September 2009 she returned to her Hospice “roots,” in the inpatient setting, and is currently serving as the Director of Inpatient Services responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Hinds Hospice Home. She participates with the legislative and regulatory committees of the California Hospice and Palliative Care Association; reviewing proposed legislation, helping develop policy and advocating for hospice on issues related to state and federal hospice licensure and certification. Cheryl is proud to be a part of Hinds Hospice. She can be reached by calling the Hinds Hospice Home at (559) 222-0793.
Lori Cherkaski, RN, Clinical Coordinator of Fresno Outpatient
Bio Coming Soon
Administrative Directors
Lilika Stratigos, Director of Human Resources
Lilika joined Hinds Hospice in 2012, initially working as the Senior Human Resources Generalist, before being promoted to the Human Resources Director position. She directs and manages all human resources programs, including benefits, compensation, recruiting, staffing and retention, and implements and enforces a wide range of personnel policies and procedures, including performance management, HR Systems, and employee relations. Workforce development and strategic planning are also key aspects of her role. Lilika holds a BA Degree in Speech Communication, with an emphasis in Interpersonal Communication, from California State University, East Bay, and has worked as an HR professional in many diverse industries, including banking and air express transportation. She may be reached at (559) 317-6033.
Bev Robinson, Director of Finance
Bev joined Hinds Hospice in 2000 as the Director of Finance. She is responsible for all of the financial reporting for the organization, patient billing and accounts payable needs of the agency. Bev graduated from CSU, Fresno with her degree in Business Administration. Bev is in our Administration office and can be reached at (559) 317-6026.
Denny Viloria, Director of Thrift Store Operations
As the Director of Thrift Store Operations, Denny is responsible for managing the operations of all four Hinds Hospice Thrift Stores located in Fresno, Madera, Chowchilla and Sanger. He also oversees all "Cars for Causes" vehicle donations. The primary role of the thrift stores is to help the communities that Hinds Hospice serves by making quality, low-cost goods available to those that may need them and to generate income to help offset our patient care costs. Denny works closely with the Fund Development Department in helping to offset the shortfall in reimbursement revenue compared to patient care costs. Denny has a very creative mind and is always looking for new ways to improve the thrift stores and find new revenue sources in the community. Denny can be reached at (559) 317-6035 or (559) 977-4276.
Samantha Schuh, Director of Fund Development and Communications
Samantha joined the Hinds Hospice Fund Development team in 2003 as a Fund Development Coordinator. In her current role as Director of Fund Development and Communications, Samantha oversees the fundraising activities of the organization in an effort to offset the financial gap between reimbursed revenue and actual patient care costs. She and her team manage donor relations, planned giving, create educational materials, internal and external correspondence, and plan fundraising events, among other activities. Samantha is a graduate of Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo and is a chapter member and former board member of AFP (Association of Fundraising Professionals), Central Valley Chapter. Samantha can be reached at (559) 317-6040.
Lynne Pietz, Director of Major Gifts and Donor Relations
Ms. Pietz joined Hinds Hospice in 2010 after relocating to Fresno, bringing extensive major gift and planned giving experience to supplement the agency's robust special events program. Trained as a healthcare/elder law attorney, Ms. Pietz founded an estate planning/elder law practice in Dayton, Ohio. She subsequently left the practice of law to build The Disability Foundation and The Ohio Community Pooled Trust, part of The Dayton Foundation. After moving to Cleveland, Ohio in 2001, she became Director of Planned Giving for the Northern Ohio Region of the American Cancer Society and then established a consulting business helping nonprofits in Cleveland. Since coming to Hinds Hospice, Ms. Pietz has created and led the Ray of Hope Annual Campaign to raise money for non-reimbursed services. She also established the annual Spirit of Compassion Award honoring end-of-life caregivers. Lynne can be reached at (559) 317-6024.
Stephen Donaghy, Director of Information Technology
Stephen Donaghy joined Hinds Hospice in 2011. He has 25 years of Information Technology background with more than 20 of those years spent in the health care field. He has worked at organizations such as Community Medical Centers, Sequoia Community Health Care Centers and Emanuel Medical Centers and he has has also operated non-profit organizations such as the Central Valley YMCA and Changing Generations Group Homes. After a successful Consulting career Stephen joined Hinds Hospice after his father was a patient at the Hospice Home.
