
08/22/2025
At Gentiva, we're proud to have an incredible team of nurses, social workers, aides, and support staff who bring comfort, dignity, and compassion to every patient and family we serve.
This week, we're spotlighting Kelsey Embry, Social Worker-MSW.
We asked Kelsey a few questions to help you get to know the heart behind the care:
✨Why did you choose to work in hospice care? " I came to hospice from dialysis social work so to some extent I was already in the swing of working with those who are chronically ill. During my time with Gentiva I've come to deeply value the importance of being present during life's most vulnerable and meaningful moments. I realize hospice is not for everyone but I consider myself lucky to get to walk alongside someone at the end of their journey. Just like bringing a baby into the world requires a tribe of support, I believe leaving the earth also requires that tribe."
✨What's one thing you've learned from your patients or their families? "I've learned that all families have their own strengths and challenges to overcome. I love getting to get to know each patient and their family, they remind me to slow down and treasure connection with my own loved ones."
✨What does compassionate care mean to you? "Compassionate care means treating each person I encounter in my workday with kindness and respect. It is doing my best to listen without judgement, honoring each person's unique life journey, and showing up with empathy even when I can't fix everything that is happening."
✨What brings you joy outside of work? "Outside of work, I love to travel (I've been to all 50 states!) I love spending time with my husband-Luke and our 2 year old daughter-Maeve. She is the light of my life and helps me to grow and change in the best ways. I like reading memoirs and biographies and listening to a variety of podcasts. I've been doing yoga for several years now and it really helps to refill my cup so I can be at my best for others."
Stay tuned each week as we introduce more of the amazing people who make our mission possible.