Heather Farmer, RN, BSN, CHPN

Director of Quality Assurance

Heather has enjoyed working for Gentle Shepherd Hospice since 2003, where she has worked in the areas of marketing, patient care, and quality improvement. She has a passion for providing compassionate and competent clinical care and helping her colleagues develop this same attitude.

Prior to coming to Gentle Shepherd Hospice, she worked in skilled home health care. It was there that she discovered her passion for helping people in the home environment.

She received a BSN from the University of North Carolina in Greensboro in 1989. In 2007, she became a Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Nurse.

She and her husband Keith love watching their sons grow into young men. In her free time she spends many hours going to sports games, recitals, and church activities.

Kim Eckenroth, RN, MSN, CHPN

Vice President for Patient Care Services

Kim’s background as a nurse includes earning a Master’s Degree in Nursing Administration from Andrews University. Her experience includes; medical surgical nursing, discharge planning, long term care, community health education and Assistant Professor at Radford University School of Nursing. Kim is nationally board certified as a Hospice Palliative Nurse.

Stephanie Butler, RN

Director of Staff Development / Training

Stephanie is a lifelong resident of the Roanoke area, is married, and has three children. Her hobbies include raised-bed gardening, trying new recipes, and spending time with friends and family.

Working at Gentle Shepherd Hospice for three years, she facilitates the orientation process for new employees, provides ongoing staff support & training, and oversees our comprehensive documentation system.

Stephanie feels privileged and blessed to work with such a dedicated and skilled group of professionals!

Leana Kail

Executive Director for Operations

Leana serves as the Director of Operations for Gentle Shepherd Hospice, where she has worked for the past 13 years. Her educational background is in social work, earning a bachelor’s degree from Longwood University and a master’s degree from Radford University. Previous to hospice, her work experience spans all ages, from pregnancy and baby care, youth, and the geriatric population.

Leana lives in the Lynchburg area with her husband and three children. She enjoys spending time with her family, shopping, reading, and staying active.

Carrie Rater, RN

Director of Nursing Services

Carrie has been a registered nurse for almost 12 years with experience in long term care and ER. She has been with Gentle Shepherd Hospice for 4 years.

She has 4 children, ranging in age from 16 to 2, and is happily married to her husband Jeff who is a sergeant with the Lynchburg Police Department. She enjoys traveling and camping with her family and is an active member of Thomas Terrace Baptist Church.

She has been a Christian for most of her life, but never feels as fulfilled as she does when serving others.  Carrie embraces the opportunity to minister to someone in hospice care, and loves what she does.

We do too!

Director of Admissions / Volunteers

Director of Support Services

Director of Nursing Services

Director of Information Technology