Expert, Loving Palliative Care & Advanced Illness Management

Ala'Di Goodman, RN

Executive Director
Interfaith Minister
Human-Rights Missionary

Ala'Di was born and raised in Christchurch, New Zealand and received her diploma as a comprehensive registered nurse in 1993. Her nursing experience encompasses a variety of healthcare fields including psychiatric, post-partum, geriatric, orthopedic, rehabilitation, home health, and hospice care. Ala'Di is an educator in her field of expertise to both public and professional audiences. She is intuitive and sensitive to both patients and their loved ones and has dedicated her life to serving humanity. Ala'Di is also a musician and artist and has a love of animals.

TUCSON, AZ, November 17, 2022 – Ala’Di Goodman has been inducted into Marquis Who’s Who. As in all Marquis Who’s Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.
Ms. Goodman is a Registered Nurse and the Executive Director of Soulistic Hospice, a nonprofit institution for which she has worked since 2008. She considers her position a calling – more than just a job – and through it, she provides the highest quality end-of-life care. Ms. Goodman has enjoyed a long tenure with Soulistic Hospice, which has offices in both Tucson and Tubac, Arizona and serves two counties, including as the director of admissions, the director of clinical services, and the director of community outreach. 
A native of New Zealand who immigrated to the United States in 1994, Ms. Goodman received a comprehensive registered nurse diploma at Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology in 1993, a premier institution for nurse training. She also gained valuable experience across various health care disciplines, including psychiatry, women’s health, rehabilitation, and geriatric care, all of which contribute to her holistic approach to serving patients. 
Working with the nonprofit Soulistic Hospice is energizing and motivating for Ms. Goodman; she proudly collaborates with colleagues to deliver superior patient care. Ms. Goodman credits her success to the guidance and support of superb mentors and her commitment to pursuing personal and spiritual growth and service to humanity. Through hospice care and beyond, she is eager to continue tending to patients’ health care and supporting individuals with their broader emotional and psychospiritual needs, and to helping build a sustainable future of unity and global peace. 

About Marquis Who’s Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who’s Who in America®, Marquis Who’s Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Today, Who’s Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. Marquis® publications may be visited at the official Marquis Who’s Who® website at www.marquiswhoswho.com. 

Dr. Nelson Sandoval, MD

Medical Director

Director médico

Dr. Nelson Sandoval, MD graduated from Universidad Autonoma De Guadalajara, Facultad De Medicina and specializes in internal medicine. He has been serving the Tucson community since completing a residency with the Tucson Hospital Medical Education Program. Dr. Sandoval joined the Soulistic team in 2018 and is fluent in Spanish.

Dr. Nelson Sandoval, MD se graduó de la Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara, Facultad De Medicina y se especializa en medicina interna. Ha estado sirviendo a la comunidad de Tucson desde que completó una residencia en el Programa de Educación Médica del Hospital de Tucson. El Dr. Sandoval se unió al equipo de Soulistic en 2018 y habla español con fluidez.

Yvonne Nowak, RN

Clinical Manager

Enfermera de hospicio

Yvonne was born in Tucson, raised in Amado, and currently resides in Sahuarita. She started as a CNA, then worked as a PCT at Flagstaff Medical Center in the ICU and St. Joseph's Hospital. She finished her nursing degree in 2011 and worked at Banner University Medical Center. Yvonne spends her free time reading, crocheting, and doing various family activities with her husband and son.

Yvonne nació en Tucson, se crió en Amado y actualmente reside en Sahuarita. Comenzó como CNA, luego trabajó como PCT en Flagstaff Medical Center en la UCI y en el Hospital St. Joseph. Terminó su título de enfermería en 2011 y trabajó en Banner University Medical Center. Yvonne pasa su tiempo libre leyendo, tejiendo y haciendo varias actividades familiares con su esposo e hijo.

Brian Martinez

VP of Business Development

Vicepresidente de Desarrollo de Negocios

Originally from Southern California, Brian has lived in Tucson for the last 19 years. He’s been in the medical industry approximately 16 years, first as a clinician then in medical marketing. Brian serves as The Vice President of Business Development, he works with the outreach team to help educate the community on hospice services. He is also a liaison between referral sources and families, to make sure every family has the best possible experience and understanding of what hospice services entail. Brian fell in love with hospice when his grandmother received services. Brian’s hobbies revolve around spending time with his family. He enjoys going to the gym and riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle.

Originario del sur de California, Brian ha vivido en Tucson durante los últimos 19 años. Ha estado en la industria médica aproximadamente 16 años, primero como médico clínico y luego en marketing médico. Brian se desempeña como vicepresidente de desarrollo comercial, trabaja con el equipo de divulgación para ayudar a educar a la comunidad sobre los servicios de cuidados paliativos. También es un enlace entre las fuentes de referencia y las familias, para asegurarse de que cada familia tenga la mejor experiencia posible y comprenda lo que implican los servicios de hospicio. Brian se enamoró del hospicio cuando su abuela recibió los servicios. Los pasatiempos de Brian giran en torno a pasar tiempo con su familia. Le gusta ir al gimnasio y andar en su motocicleta Harley Davidson.

Janette Velarde, LPN

Clinical Coordinator

Enfermera de hospicio de

Jenna is from Tucson, Arizona and has been an LPN for 12 years. Prior to joining the Soulistic Hospice team, she spent the majority of her Nursing career working with youth at a Juvenile Detention Center. Jenna also worked at Casa De Los Ninos helping newborns and children in need. It was here that she learned of the Nurtured Heart Approach, which she found life changing. Jenna speaks both Spanish and English, and shares her caring approach with all she serves. She enjoys music, going to concerts, dancing, travelling and spending time with her family.

Jenna es de Tucson, Arizona y ha sido LPN durante 12 años. Antes de unirse al equipo de Soulistic Hospice, pasó la mayor parte de su carrera de Enfermería trabajando con jóvenes en un Centro de Detención Juvenil. Jenna también trabajó en Casa De Los Ninos ayudando a recién nacidos y niños necesitados. Fue aquí donde se enteró del enfoque del corazón nutrido, que le cambió la vida. Jenna habla español e inglés y comparte su enfoque afectuoso con todos los que sirve. Le gusta la música, ir a conciertos, bailar, viajar y pasar tiempo con su familia.

Penelope Getman-Descant, RN

Clinical Educator

Penelope was born in Ohio and has lived in New Orleans and Colorado. She was a massage therapist for 15 years and then had a calling to go into nursing. She became a medical/surgical nurse and a traveling nurse, then landed in Tucson to pursue her calling in hospice. Penelope enjoys the one to one time with this population of patients and their families; she feels it’s an honor to assist with this part of life’s journey. She and her husband enjoy hiking, exploring new places and old favorites, particularly the art, cuisine and people (not to mention the roadside attractions). Penelope has a big love for animals and observing their behaviors, as well as hot springs and aromatherapy.

Cristina Martinez, RN

Compliance Nurse

Coordinadora Clínica

Cristina was born and raised in Tucson. She finds nursing to be a deep spiritual calling, and a part of the reason she is on this earth. Providing care for vulnerable populations is something she holds dear to her heart. Caring for others is very humbling and she loves this work tremendously. In her free time she loves to be with her family, participate in her church's events, cycle, paint, read, do arts and crafts, and loves HIIT exercise too. She is a proud mother of three beautiful boys and wife to an amazing man. She feels very blessed and driven to be part of a team, where your care is the focal point and our utmost priority. 

Cristina nació y se crió en Tucson. Ella encuentra que la enfermería es un llamado espiritual profundo, y parte de la razón por la que está en esta tierra. Brindar atención a poblaciones vulnerables es algo que ella aprecia en su corazón. Cuidar de los demás es un acto de humildad y le encanta este trabajo enormemente. En su tiempo libre le encanta estar con su familia, participar en los eventos de su iglesia, montar en bicicleta, pintar, leer, hacer manualidades y también le encanta el ejercicio HIIT. Ella es una orgullosa madre de tres hermosos niños y esposa de un hombre increíble. Ella se siente muy bendecida y motivada por ser parte de un equipo, donde su cuidado es el punto focal y nuestra máxima prioridad.

Beyana Grace, RN

Clinical Coordinator
Interfaith Minister
Human-Rights Missionary

Beyana graduated with a BSRN from Arizona State University, Tempe in 1980. She has worked in women's health and geriatrics, and did graduate studies in Somatic Psychology/Dance Movement Therapy at Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado. She brings warmth and comfort to those she cares for. Beyana is also a HeartMath instructor and is dedicated to serving others with the utmost respect and compassion. In her life beyond nursing, Beyana enjoys creative dance movement, gardening and spending time with family and friends.

Tarenta Baldeschi

Spiritual Care/Bereavement Coordinator
Interfaith Minister
Human-Rights Missionary

Coordinadora de atención espiritual El ministro interreligioso

Tarenta is originally from Bamberg (Bavaria), Germany and Livorno (Tuscany), Italy. His parents were both WW ll survivors, and his mother was a refugee. These experiences, and also being an immigrant himself, makes his ministry an asset to those who are marginalized. He has experience in stone restoration (churches, castles and old estates), and is a master organic gardener. Tarenta became a student of Native American Traditions and spirituality and was a Liaison to a Native American Elders Council. He has always been an advocate for human rights and environmental issues and became a full-time missionary and an ordained Interfaith Minister in 1996. Tarenta is an avid reader, loves to cook, sings in a choir, and is interested in all cultures. Tarenta is married with 4 children and is very family oriented.

Tarenta es originario de Bamberg (Baviera), Alemania y Livorno (Toscana), Italia. Sus padres fueron ambos sobrevivientes de la Segunda Guerra Mundial y su madre era una refugiada. Estas experiencias, y también ser un inmigrante, hacen de su ministerio un activo para aquellos que están marginados. Tiene experiencia en restauración de piedra (iglesias, castillos y fincas antiguas), y es un maestro jardinero orgánico. Tarenta se convirtió en estudiante de las tradiciones y la espiritualidad de los nativos americanos y fue enlace con un consejo de ancianos nativos americanos. Siempre ha sido un defensor de los derechos humanos y los problemas ambientales y se convirtió en misionero de tiempo completo y ministro interreligioso ordenado en 1996. Tarenta es un ávido lector, le encanta cocinar, canta en un coro y está interesado en todas las culturas. Tarenta está casado, tiene 4 hijos y es muy familiar.

Ah'Nuit Nelson, BS

Spiritual Care/Bereavement Coordinator
Interfaith Minister
Human-Rights Missionary

Ah'Nuit became an ordained minister in 1996 and joined Soulistic Hospice as a Chaplain in 2009, bringing more than three decades of experience in education and volunteer services. He served in the U.S. Army during the revolutionary uprising in the Dominican Republic and has taught Special Education for Children with Behavioral Difficulties. Ah'Nuit has dedicated hundreds of hours in various areas of humanitarian outreach and is sensitive to the needs of others during difficult life transitions. He has an instant camaraderie with patients, especially military veterans and their families.

Karene Bennett, MUP

Spiritual Care/Bereavement Coordinator
Interfaith Minister
Human-Rights Missionary

Coordinadora de Atención Espiritual de La ministra interreligiosa

Karene is committed to helping to make this a better world; one of compassion and humanity. Having a Master's degree in Urban and Regional Planning and over 30 years of experience in dozens of human service programs, Karene's sincere desire to help people, presented him with opportunities in grant-writing, planning, and volunteer coordinating for public, private and non-profit corporations. Karene also spent several years in the Peace Corps, serving in South America, where his bilingual abilities and cultural insights have resurfaced to complement his natural ability to communicate with people in all walks of life.

Karene está comprometida a ayudar a hacer de este un mundo mejor; uno de compasión y humanidad. Con una Maestría en Planificación Urbana y Regional y más de 30 años de experiencia en docenas de programas de servicios humanos, el sincero deseo de Karene de ayudar a las personas le presentó oportunidades para la redacción de subvenciones, la planificación y la coordinación de voluntarios para proyectos públicos, privados y no públicos. corporaciones lucrativas. Karene también pasó varios años en el Cuerpo de Paz, sirviendo en América del Sur, donde sus habilidades bilingües y conocimientos culturales han resurgido para complementar su habilidad natural para comunicarse con personas de todos los ámbitos de la vida.

Julie McKee, LPN

Manager of CNA Services
Community Care Coordinator 

Julie is from St. Louis, Missouri and has lived in Texas, South Carolina, New Mexico and Wyoming. She has worked as an LPN in hospital Rehab and Psychiatry, then in Geriatrics, in Admissions and Marketing. Julie serves as a Community Care Coordinator, ensuring that our patients are happy and have what they need. She is also the CNA supervisor and scheduler. Things that lie close to her heart are family, music, exercise, reading, and spiritual growth. Working in the hospice field is where her heart is, as a nurse.

April Gonzalez, MSW

Social Worker

Trabajadora Social

A native Tucsonan, April has worked in social services for over 15 years, achieving a Master's in Social Work. April provides emotional support to patients and families we at Soulistic serve, as well as helping them with community resources, financial issues, long term care needs, private care-giver needs and residential changes. April enjoys taking long walks with her beloved German Sheppard and going swimming at the local pool.

Originaria de Tucson, April ha trabajado en servicios sociales por más de 15 años, obteniendo una Maestría en Trabajo Social. April brinda apoyo emocional a los pacientes y las familias que atendemos en Soulistic, además de ayudarlos con los recursos comunitarios, problemas financieros, necesidades de atención a largo plazo, necesidades de cuidadores privados y cambios residenciales. April disfruta dar largos paseos con su amado pastor alemán y nadar en la piscina local.

Camille Bonzani, RN

Hospice Nurse

Camille has spent most of her life in Tucson. She has been a Photography-Art Teacher, a Restauranteur, a Working Artist, a Community Coordinator, a Healthcare Worker, and a Hospice caregiver and nurse for 17 years. As an Admissions Nurse, Camille conveys the beautiful possibilities of walking towards the end of life with awareness and love. As an on-call Nurse, Camille also responds to patient and caregiver concerns, questions and difficulties. Camille enjoys gardening, outings to the dog park, dining with friends, and hosting Airbnb guests.

Sylvia Yepiz, LPN

Hospice Nurse

Enfermera de hospicio de

Sylvia is from the border town of Nogales, Arizona and has lived in Santa Cruz County her entire life. Her medical career as an LPN has touched several different facets of nursing, including clinics, home health, geriatrics and prisons. Sylvia is a longstanding member of the Soulistic Hospice team and loves to serve our patients by providing the best care possible. She is bilingual in Spanish and English and fills a valuable role in caring for our Spanish speaking patients and families. In her free time, Sylvia enjoys reading, listening to music, travelling, and being with her family.

Sylvia es de la ciudad fronteriza de Nogales, Arizona y ha vivido en el condado de Santa Cruz toda su vida. Su carrera médica como LPN ha tocado varias facetas diferentes de la enfermería, incluidas las clínicas, la salud en el hogar, la geriatría y las prisiones. Sylvia es un miembro antiguo del equipo de Soulistic Hospice y le encanta servir a nuestros pacientes brindándoles la mejor atención posible. Ella es bilingüe en español e inglés y cumple un papel valioso en el cuidado de nuestros pacientes y familias de habla hispana. En su tiempo libre, Sylvia disfruta leer, escuchar música, viajar y estar con su familia.

Christelle Castiano

Certified Nursing Assistant

Christelle was born in New Mexico and moved to Flagstaff to attend Northern AZ University.  When she was unable to attend her grandfather’s passing, she heard how special hospice care was from her family was and decided that this was where she wanted to serve. Christelle was taught from a young age of the importance of taking care of her elders.  This is an integral part of her Native American culture. She always thinks of, and treats her patients as if they were her own grandparents.  Christelle enjoys reading, as well as going to concerts and Broadway plays in Tucson. She is married and is very committed to her family.

Auneea White

Certified Nursing Assistant
Human-Rights Missionary

Auneea was born and raised in New Zealand and moved to Arizona in 1996. She became a Certified Nursing Assistant in 2009 and immediately felt drawn to hospice care. Prior to becoming a CNA, Auneea had already provided in-home care to elderly people and particularly enjoyed the personal relationships she established with patients and their families. Auneea is always willing to go the extra mile to bring comfort and compassion to others. Auneea is also a gifted artist, and enjoys gardening.

Monica Felix

Certified Nursing Assistant

Asistente de enfermería certificada

Originally from Phoenix, Monica has been caregiving for 14 years. She has a charming, gentle personality. She loves to spend time and talk with Seniors, which turned into the career of caregiving. Before working with Soulistic, Monica worked in a large senior facility in Green Valley. On her time off she loves to spend time with her 2 children.

Originaria de Phoenix, Monica ha sido cuidadora durante 14 años. Tiene una personalidad encantadora y gentil. Le encanta pasar tiempo y hablar con personas mayores, lo que se convirtió en la carrera de cuidadora. Antes de trabajar con Soulistic, Monica trabajó en una gran instalación para personas mayores en Green Valley. En su tiempo libre le encanta pasar tiempo con sus 2 hijos.

Patricia Alegria

Certified Nursing Assistant

Asistente de enfermería certificada

Patricia is from Nogales, Mexico. She came to the USA in 1987. Patricia has been a CNA for 30 years, serving the elderly and at Easterseals Foundation with special needs children. She became a CNA through Pima Community College. Patricia enjoys spending time with her 2 sons and 4 grandchildren. Patricia loves hospice and says, "I give my patients a high quality of care, compassion, as well emotional support for their loved ones.” Her dream is to one day be able to open her own home for those who need care.

Patricia es de Nogales, México. Llegó a los Estados Unidos en 1987. Patricia ha sido CNA durante 30 años, sirviendo a los ancianos y en la Fundación Easterseals con niños con necesidades especiales. Se convirtió en CNA a través de Pima Community College. Patricia disfruta pasar tiempo con sus 2 hijos y 4 nietos. Patricia ama los cuidados paliativos y dice: "Doy a mis pacientes una atención de alta calidad, compasión y apoyo emocional para sus seres queridos". Su sueño es algún día poder abrir su propia casa para quienes necesitan atención.

Maria Sanchez

Certified Nursing Assistant

Asistente de Enfermería Certificada

Maria was born in Mexico, where she once worked as a police officer. When she moved to the USA, she wanted a change of direction, and went to Pima College to become a CNA. Maria is married with 2 grown sons that are both RNs. Maria enjoys going to the gym and loves to read. She is involved in her church and does counseling for the youth in her church. Maria loves to work with hospice patients, and feels it is a special calling to be able to give them love and care.

María nació en México, donde una vez trabajó como oficial de policía. Cuando se mudó a los Estados Unidos, quería un cambio de dirección, y fue a Pima College para convertirse en CNA. María está casada y tiene 2 hijos mayores que son enfermeros registrados. A María le gusta ir al gimnasio y le encanta leer. Está involucrada en su iglesia y asesora a los jóvenes en su María ama trabajar con pacientes de hospicio y siente que es un llamado especial poder brindarles amor y cuidado.

Nydia Meza

Certified Nursing Assistant

Asistente de enfermería certificada

Nydia was born in Mexico. She has been a CNA for twelve years. She is also a licensed Cosmetologist and works at a salon. Nydia enhances our patients' lives by using her all her skills, which includes giving them haircuts, and making them feel good about themselves at this vulnerable time of life. Nydia has a husband and three children at home. She is very involved with her family and loves to cook.

Nydia nació en México. Ha sido CNA durante doce años. También es cosmetóloga licenciada y trabaja en un salón. Nydia mejora la vida de nuestros pacientes al usar todas sus habilidades, lo que incluye cortarles el cabello y hacer que se sientan bien consigo mismos en este momento vulnerable de la vida. Nydia tiene marido y tres hijos en casa. Está muy involucrada con su familia y le encanta cocinar.

Marisela Rivera

Certified Nursing Assistant

Asistente de enfermería certificada

Marisela was born in Mexico. She completed all of her schooling in the US. Marisela was a caregiver for six years before she became a CNA. She takes care of patients in our southern area of Santa Cruz County. Marisela cared for her three children at home before she began caregiving. She enjoys spending time with her family and traveling to new places. Marisela loves to work with hospice patients and she sometimes feels like she is one of the family.

Marisela nació en México. Completó toda su educación en los Estados Unidos. Marisela fue cuidadora durante seis años antes de convertirse en CNA. Ella atiende a pacientes en nuestra zona sur del condado de Santa Cruz. Marisela cuidó a sus tres hijos en casa antes de comenzar a ser cuidadora. Le gusta pasar tiempo con su familia y viajar a lugares nuevos. A Marisela le encanta trabajar con pacientes de cuidados paliativos y, a veces, se siente como parte de la familia.

Lorena Chavez

Licensed Nursing Assistant

Asistente de enfermería licenciada

Lorena went to Pima Community College to become a Medical Assistant and LNA, where she discovered her passion for geriatrics. Lorena has 10 years’ experience with Hospice, and has been in the medical field for 30 years. She has worked in a variety of areas, from restorative therapy to owning her own Assisted Living Home. Lorena has a love and passion for hospice and feels that it was God's calling to her. Lorena says that her patients are one of her greatest teachers and motivators. She loves to listen, sing, dance and have positive interactions with her patients, leaving them with a smile.

Lorena fue al Pima Community College para convertirse en asistente médica y LNA, donde descubrió su pasión por la geriatría. Lorena tiene 10 años de experiencia con Hospice y ha estado en el campo médico durante 30 años. Ha trabajado en una variedad de áreas, desde terapia restaurativa hasta ser dueña de su propio Hogar de Vida Asistida. Lorena siente amor y pasión por el hospicio y siente que fue el llamado de Dios para ella. Lorena dice que sus pacientes son uno de sus mayores maestros y motivadores. Le encanta escuchar, cantar, bailar y tener interacciones positivas con sus pacientes, dejándolos con una sonrisa.

Diana Lopez

Licensed Nursing Assistant

Asistente de enfermería licenciada

Diana has been a caregiver in Nogales, AZ. She graduated from Nogales High School, then went to Caregiver Training Institute and got her LNA. When not serving our patients, Diana enjoys reading, writing, sports, art, and music. She loves to take her daughter to swimming and ballet classes, travelling with her husband, and helping take care of her mother.

Diana ha sido cuidadora en Nogales, AZ. Se graduó de Nogales High School, luego fue al CGTI (Instituto de Capacitación de Cuidadores) y obtuvo su LNA. Cuando no atiende a nuestros pacientes, Diana disfruta de la lectura, la escritura, los deportes, el arte y la música. Le encanta llevar a su hija a clases de natación y ballet, viajar con su esposo y ayudar a cuidar a su madre.