Our Team
Heidi Griffith
Executive Director
Heidi first joined The Heart of Hastings Hospice initially as a volunteer several years ago, with a desire to help those in her community. With a background in psychology and palliative care experience, she brings a strong foundation to her role. Heidi provides a warm and welcome face to all, and a sensitivity to those we provide care for; people with terminal illness and their families. Heidi has been a resident of Centre Hastings since childhood and resides here with her children and dogs.
Favourite Quote: "We cannot change the outcome, but we can affect the journey." - Ann Richardson
Random Fact: History’s most successful pirate wasn’t a bearded, eyepatch-wearing man but a woman, the 19th century Chinese pirate Ching Shih.
Pauline Pietschmann
Fundraiser & Awareness Coordinator
Pauline is originally from Centre Hastings. She relocated to Ottawa to attend Algonquin College, for Business Marketing. When she completed her schooling, she moved to Toronto where she worked as a Professional Organizer while raising her two amazing children. In 2019 she decided to come back to her roots. Pauline has been very involved at her children’s schools, both here and in Toronto, acting as a Co-Chair on the parent council. Through this she has gained extensive experience organizing fundraisers and events.
Favourite Quote: “You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending” – C.S. Lewis
Random Fact: Sea otters hold hands when they sleep to keep from drifting apart.
Amy Richardson
Community Hospice Coordinator
Amy was raised, and currently lives, in the Centre Hastings area with her husband and two children. She enjoys being a part of such an amazing team at The Heart of Hastings Hospice. Her experience with the elderly and her education in nursing, brings a great contribution to her roles.
Favourite Quote: “Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.” Søren Kierkegaard
Random Fact: Bees make cute “whoop” sounds when they bump.
Tristan Lindsay
Bereavement Coordinator
Tristan joined the team after two Loyalist College Social Service Worker placements with hospice. It was during this placement that she fell in love not only with the inspirational work of hospice, but with the amazing, caring and compassionate volunteers and staff. Tristan lives in Tweed with her husband of 28 years and 4 beautiful children.
Favourite Quote: "If there is ever a tomorrow when we're not together
There's something that you must always remember
You're braver than you believe
Stronger than you seem
And smarter than you think
But the most important thing if we're ever apart
I'll always be with you."
- Christopher Robin to Winnie the Pooh
Random Fact: "Sleep literally cleans your brain. During slumber, cerebra spinal fluid flushes the brain of harmful proteins and toxins that build up during the day.
Maria Langley
Administrative Assistant
Having experienced the kindness and support of staff/volunteers who tended to her brother in Kelowna, BC, Maria understands how important hospice services are to the community. She considers it an honour to be part of The Heart of Hastings Hospice team, doing so since 2016. Maria spent the previous 7 years in various financial and administrative roles for the RCMP with the last two being as Executive Administrator for their Chief Financial Officer.
Favourite Quote: "Life's too short"
Random Fact: Dogs aren't colorblind but their eyes don't have receptors for red. They see in shades of black and white and also in shades of blue and yellow.
Kaitlyn Erwin
Residential Care Manager
Kaitlyn is well rooted in the community. She has spent her entire life local to the area and has settled here with her husband, son, and fur babies. Her educational background in Nursing and her previous experience in long-term care is where she developed a passion for palliative care. She has been a compassionate and caring resource for clients and their families throughout their hospice journey since 2018.
Favourite Quote: 'Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere"- Albert Einstein
Random Fact: 15 minutes of laughter equals the benefit of 2 hours sleep
Deb Bovay
Volunteer Coordinator
Deb joined our team with 11 years experience, including 6+years in Community Care and 4+years in Hospice settings. Deb feels very fortunate to be part of an amazing team and a rewarding organization where she is able to provide care, compassion and understanding to hospice clients and their families as well as to train and mentor new volunteers.
Favourite Quote: "Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment-until it becomes a memory."
Random Fact: If you type "do a barrel roll" into goggle search, the whole page will spin.
Shaylee Thompson
PSW
Shaylee has been a PSW since 2016, working in homecare, private care, long term care and hospital settings. Currently living in Madoc with her boyfriend and two dogs, Shay has a natural caring and empathetic personality. She wears her heart on her sleeve, ensuring quality care and support.
Favourite Quote: "Even if you are not ready for the day… it can’t always be night."
Random Fact: In space, astronauts cannot cry properly, because there is no gravity, so the tears can’t flow down their faces!
Kathleen Groh
PSW