Meet Our Team
Ujjwala Dheeriya, MD - Physician
Sites: Hunt Cancer Center, Care Coordination Center
Board Certifications:
- Hospice and Palliative Care
- Internal Medicine
- Internal Medicine with Focus on Hospital Medicine
- Pediatrics
Education:
- Bachelor of Arts in Biology, Smith College
- Doctor of Medicine, University of Virginia School of Medicine
- Internship and Residency in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics at Baystate
Medical Center, Tufts University
Interest in Palliative Care: I am dedicated to optimizing quality of life for my patients through building
compassionate relationships with them and their family.
Hobbies: I raise service dogs and enjoy cooking, listening to audiobooks, attending
concerts with my husband and spending time with my two teenage sons.
Ann Chae, MSW, LCSW, ACHP-SW - Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Sites: Hunt Cancer Center, Care Coordination Center
Specialization:
- Oncology
- Medical Social Work
- Palliative and Hospice Social Work
Education:
- Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Asian American Studies, University of
California, Santa Barbara
- Master of Social Work, University of Southern California
Interest in Palliative Care: I became interested in Palliative Care because I have experienced firsthand
the struggle of a family member suffering from a serious illness. Palliative
care was never offered to us and we had to navigate next steps alone.
It was a very difficult process and I wish we had experts helping us with
next steps and educating us with the disease process. The second reason
I have an interest in Palliative Care is that I have always found it rewarding
to be able to help patients with serious illnesses develop goals of care
and lead these difficult conversations. I see Palliative Care as a road
map for someone with a serious illness. This roadmap would provide family
with tools, support and education to increase quality of life and decrease
stress on the family.
Hobbies: Traveling, cooking and spending time with my family.
Other Languages Spoken: Korean
Christina Hanisch, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, NP-C - Nurse Practitioner
Sites: Home-Based
Specialization/Certifications:
- Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
- Board Certified in Family Nurse Practitioner
- Certified Family Nurse Practitioner
- Hospice and Palliative Medicine
Education:
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing, University of Irvine
- Master of Science in Nursing, Northern Arizona University
Interest in Palliative Care: Provide alternate treatment, support and care for chronically ill patients
who wish to focus more on quality of life.
Hobbies: Volunteering at the animal shelter, running half-marathons, watching Disney
movies, trying new restaurants/foods, spending time with family and loved ones.
Other Languages Spoken: American Sign Language
Mary Hersh, PhD, RN, FPCN, CHPN - Coordinator, Inpatient Palliative Care
Sites: Inpatient
Specialization:
- Hospice and Palliative Care Nursing
- Fellow of Palliative Care Nursing
Education:
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing, California State University, Northridge
- Master of Science in Nursing, University of California, Los Angeles
- Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing, University of California, Los Angeles
Interest in Palliative Care: I am interested in many facets related to Palliative Care. For example,
in my clinical role, I love being with patients and families and always
try to improve some aspect of their illness experiences. In my teaching
role, I enjoy sharing my knowledge with staff and especially enjoy developing
professional growth in other nurses interested in this specialty. Lastly,
I have enjoyed conducting nursing research focused on nursing presence,
empathy and therapeutic communication.
Hobbies: Gardening, writing, being with my family
Danielle Cosgrove, RN, CHPN - Registered Nurse
Sites: Inpatient
Specialization/Certifications:
- Hospice and Palliative Care Nurse
Interest in Palliative Care: I chose to work in Palliative Care because it is an honor to provide guidance,
comfort and support to patients and their families dealing with serious illness.
Hobbies: I enjoy gardening, baking and exercise.
Rebecca Rodgers, MSN, RN, PCCN - Registered Nurse
Sites: Inpatient
Specialization/Certifications:
- Progressive Care Certified Nurse
Education:
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles
- Master of Science in Nursing, University of California, Los Angeles
- Post Masters for Family Nurse Practitioner, California State University,
Long Beach
Interest in Palliative Care: Often times, illness can lead to a sense of vulnerability and powerlessness.
Through Palliative Care, we can help patients regain some semblance of
control and empowerment through addressing their goals of care and what
is important to them. It is a privilege to be part of a team that accompanies
our patients on their journeys, one step at a time, providing information,
empathy and support.
Hobbies: One of the many things I have learned through working in Palliative Care
is to cherish every moment we have. Some of my hobbies include pool and
open water swimming, hiking, baking and spending quality time with my family.
Other Languages Spoken: American Sign Language
Trevor Vandercapellen, RN, BSN, CAPC - Lead Registered Nurse
Sites: Home-Based
Education:
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Mount Saint Mary's University
Interest in Palliative Care: I believe in quality of life for all. Life is full of choices, and I want
to help people make the best choice for themselves so each person can
live their best life.
Hobbies: My two biggest hobbies are music and soccer. I play guitar and was raised
in a family where music was a constant in our lives. I am also a diehard
LAFC supporter and club member.
Other Languages Spoken: Spanish
Stella Okoro, RN
Sites: Home-Based
Education:
- University of Nigeria, School of Nursing
Interest in Palliative Care: To provide comfort to patients struggling with serious diseases.
Hobbies: Traveling, taking pictures, having quality time with my family and friends,
loves children.
Other Languages Spoken: Igbo
Stephanie Rojas, MSW, LCSW - Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Sites: Home-Based
Education:
- California State University, Long Beach
- Master of Social Work, San Diego State University
Interest in Palliative Care: I've worked in Home Health for Torrance Memorial for 6 years now, prior
to this I worked in hospice, and palliative brings the best of both programs
together: symptom management, emphasis on quality of life, honoring patient's
wishes for their medical care, strong support for patients and caregivers
from a core team, and patients are able to continue to see all of their
medical providers.
Hobbies: Trying new foods, traveling.
Other Languages Spoken: Spanish
Vivian Lee, LCSW - Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Sites: Home-Based
Specialization:
- Certified Employee Assistance Professional
Education:
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
- Master of Social Work, University of Southern California
Interest in Palliative Care: My intention is to provide assistance, support and education for individuals
and their families who are coping with long term illness.
Hobbies: Enjoying family time, trying new recipes, sewing clothes for my little nephew!
Other Languages Spoken: Spanish
Kelie Tabangay, LCSW - Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Sites: Home-Based
Specialization:
- Certified Grief Recovery Specialist
Education:
- University of California, Berkeley
- Master of Social Work, University of Michigan
Interest in Palliative Care: I want to help patients and families relieve some stress as they cope
with a serious illness by helping them navigate through the available
community resources and providing them with emotional support.
Hobbies: Indoor cycling and binge-watching Friends.
Other Languages Spoken: Conversational Mandarin
Reverend Jan Lee - Chaplain and Spiritual Care Provider
Sites: Inpatient
Specialization:
- Ordained minister from the American Baptist Churches of the USA (ABCUSA)
- Provisional certification with the Association of Professional Chaplains
Education:
- Bachelor of Arts, University of California, Santa Cruz
- Masters of Divinity from Fuller Theological Seminary
Interest in Palliative Care: I belong to and practice the Christian faith, but love and serve people
of all backgrounds, faiths and traditions. My interest with Palliative
Care stems out of my background working as a hospice chaplain and realizing
how little I know or understand about this area of patient care. I’m
eager and curious to learn from and collaborate with the team here at
Torrance Memorial.
Hobbies: My hobbies include learning to sing and play songs on my ukulele, watching
my son’s basketball games, and reading old books I never finished.
Other Languages Spoken: Conversational Spanish