Ala'Di Goodman, RN

Executive Director
Interfaith Minister

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.

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.

Marie Pond, FNP-C, ACHPN 

Nurse Practitioner

Marie began in hospice care in the 1990s. Her experiences cover the spectrum of life from birth until death. She is an Advance Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse, an ELNEC Pediatric Palliative Care trainer, and an ELNEC Critical Care and Core Curriculum trainer. Marie has completed training to become a Certified Pediatric Massage Therapist and Certified Infant Massage Teacher. ​Marie enjoys outdoor activities like camping, fishing, riding Harley Davidson motorcycles, and is also involved in her church's motorcycle ministry. Marie loves hospice for its team approach and supporting what matters to patients and families during their journey at the end of life.

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.

Beyana Grace, RN

Clinical Coordinator
Interfaith Minister

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.

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.

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.

Julie McKee, LPN

CNA Supervisor
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 RN in hospital Rehab and Psychiatry, then in Geriatrics as an RN Case Manager, 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

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.

Laura Rivera

Certified Nursing Assistant

Asistente de enfermería certificada

Laura was born in Nogales, Mexico. Before she started working as a CNA, Laura raised her family at home. She graduated from Pima Community College where she got both her Commercial Driving License and Caregiving Institute Certificate. Laura feels blessed to be able to bring joy to the lives of our patients. Laura loves listening to music. She says that she loves the hospice field because she gets to meet many different kinds of people, and can even become part of their families.

Laura nació en Nogales, México. Antes de comenzar a trabajar como CNA, Laura crió a su familia en casa. Se graduó de Pima Community College, donde obtuvo ambas, Licencia de conducir comercial como el Certificado del Instituto de cuidado. Laura se siente bendecida por poder alegrar la vida de nuestros pacientes. A Laura le encanta escuchar música. Ella dice que le encanta el campo de los cuidados paliativos porque conoce a muchos tipos diferentes de personas e incluso puede convertirse en parte de sus familias.

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 CGTI (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.

Faith Gittins

Licensed Nursing Assistant

Faith is originally from Colorado and moved to Arizona when she was in the 3rd grade. She has been an LNA for 15 years and feels blessed to serve hospice patients and to be able to walk into their homes and give them the best care she can provide. All of her patients look forward to her visits and the special care she provides. Faith says she has never worked for a better hospice company and finds Soulistic Hospice to be extremely loving, organized and truly caring of every patient and employee. Faith has four beautiful daughters and together they enjoy nature, sports, visits with family, and movie nights with popcorn.