Elisabeth Smith, MBA

Elisabeth is a seasoned finance professional with an MBA and a distinguished career spanning several prominent nonprofit organizations. Her expertise encompasses a wide range of accounting and financial management responsibilities, including budgeting, financial reporting, and risk management.

Throughout her career, Elisabeth has demonstrated a deep commitment to serving the community. Notably, she has a particular interest in end-of-life issues, with a focus on hospice care and compassionate end-of-life options. This passion was further exemplified by her service as Treasurer for the Hemlock Society of San Diego, where she played a crucial role in managing the organization's finances and supporting its mission.

Elisabeth's unique blend of financial acumen and dedication to improving end-of-life care makes her a valuable asset to any organization seeking a compassionate and experienced finance leader.

As a hospice social worker, Mel has worked with hundreds of patients and their families, providing emotional support, connection to community resources, and education on advance directives, long term care planning, and end of life care. 

Mel has served as an adjunct professor for Kaplan and Purdue Universities, has trained Big Brothers and Sisters, foster and adoptive parents, and presented a variety of talks and trainings to community partners over the last 25 years. 

Mel's passion lies in helping individuals feel empowered to make the choices and decisions which serve their highest and best good and to know they are not alone. 

Mel has a Masters in Social Work, a Bachelor's in Sociology, and a minor in Religious Studies. Mel is pursuing certification in Pastoral Thanatology with the American Institute of Health Care Professionals and is studying to become a Licensed Unity Teacher. 

Trish Yancey, CSE, LUT

Trish Yancey is the Senior Minister at Unity of Sebring Life Enrichment Centre. Thrilled to serve this amazing, thriving community, Trish strives to embrace and embody Unity’s philosophy of practical spirituality. As a speaker she is informal and relatable, often including props and tangible examples of Spirit found in everyday objects and situations. Sundays and classes are filled with serious opportunities for growth and learning, always delivered with a relaxed and enjoyable twist. In her role as spiritual counselor, she is honored to help people discover the answers they hold within, and to witness the growth they experience as they navigate through challenges.

A staff writer for Daily Word Magazine and many of Unity’s Worldwide publications, Trish has also published three books designed to help families explore the Unity Movement’s history and philosophies together; The Five Come Alive! Bringing Unity’s Five Principles to Life for “Kids” of All Ages, The Heart of Prayer, and Unity: The His- and Her-story.

She is eager to bring her experience in pastoral care, organizational dynamics, life management, and the written word to the Hospice Help Network’s community, very much looking forward to learning and growing together as we move through our shared sacred journeys.

Stephanie Couch, MSW

Stephanie is a hospice medical social worker serving Highlands County, Florida. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Social Work from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and a Master of Science in Social Work from Spalding University. A registered LCSW intern, she anticipates full licensure soon. Stephanie has extensive experience in social work, including ten years in child welfare in Tennessee and eight years in hospice care. She is passionate about supporting patients and families and brings a wealth of experience to her work. 

Jeremiah Lambright, MDiv

Jeremiah brings to the board a wealth of experience in spiritual care and a deep commitment to end-of-life support. His journey in this field began with a profound personal experience caring for his mother-in-law during her final months in home hospice, an experience that illuminated the critical needs of both patients and their families. This experience inspired a career transition from ten years in local church ministry to interfaith chaplaincy. He is currently eligible for board certification, having completed four units of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) and two and a half years of clinical hospital experience. Jeremiah holds a Master of Divinity from Claremont School of Theology, specializing in spiritual formation. He is dedicated to providing compassionate and respectful support to individuals and families navigating the end-of-life journey, grounded in a deep belief in the inherent dignity of all life.