Join us for a free, community-wide conference designed to increase understanding of hospice and palliative care. Nursing students, healthcare professionals, and the public are invited to explore how these fields support patients and families through serious illness and end-of-life care. Presentations will cover the transition from palliative to hospice care, bedside caregiving, family support, and holistic approaches that honor dignity, comfort, and compassion. Hear from physicians, nurses, chaplains, and community leaders who bring professional expertise and personal perspective to this important conversation. The conference will be held at TTU School of Nursing, 9 am-12. Friday Oct 24th, 2025. Auditorium.
The auditorium will be open at 8:30 am, and the first presentation will begin promptly at 9 am.
Brittany Gaw, BSN, RN
A graduate of Tennessee Tech’s Whitson-Hester School of Nursing, Brittany has five years of hospice experience in roles ranging from case management to admissions. Having also cared for her grandmother on hospice, she brings both professional expertise and personal compassion to her role as Hospice Care Consultant.
Sarah Hawn, RN, CHPN
Sarah Hawn is a Registered Nurse and Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse with more than a decade of clinical experience. As Executive Director of Gentiva Hospice in Cookeville, she draws on her background as a case manager and patient care leader to guide compassionate, high-quality care for patients and families throughout their hospice journey.
Dr. Keith Hill
Dr. Hill is a former hospice director with Gentiva and has served as an attending physician at Cookeville Regional Medical Center. With extensive experience in end-of-life and home health care, he offers insight into how medical providers guide patients and families through transitions of care.
Dr. Jim Meadows
Dr. Meadows, board-certified in family and palliative medicine, has led hospice and palliative programs at local, regional, and national levels. He has served as medical director for hospital-based and oncology palliative care programs, co-founded Narus Health, and now leads MyChiefMD, a company advancing palliative services in rural communities. A past chair of the Tennessee Hospice Organization, he continues to advocate for healthcare innovation and access for seriously ill patients.
Dr. Jayden Gracie
Dr. Gracie is a radiation oncologist with VUMC; specializing in symptom management, treatment toxicity reduction, and patient experience. With training in advanced radiation therapies and a background in narrative medicine, she integrates clinical expertise with compassion to improve quality of life for patients facing serious illness. She will speak on pain management strategies for patients.
Dwight Henry
A former Cookeville mayor, state legislator, and longtime radio host, Dwight Henry found his calling as a hospice chaplain after returning to school later in life. He now serves families with compassion and faith, helping them navigate both practical and deeply personal needs during life’s most difficult times.
TTU Students, please talk to your professors about benefits associated with attending this conference.
Presentations will be ongoing throughout the conference. Participants are encouraged to come by for any/all presentations as schedule allows. It is fine to attend a few, and then leave if you have to.
Click here for the event HospicePR-2025
Click here for the Hospice Conference 2025 – poster – 10-25d