This first session in our 2018 Spring Enrichment Program "Demystifying Death and Dying" will focus on the discussion of the importance of advanced directives and the conversation. We will include the showing of Peter Saul’s Ted talk: “Let’s Talk About Dying” with a panel discussion regarding how to talk about end of life care choices with individuals and families. Attendees will learn how to facilitate the important discussion of creating Advanced Directives and having the “difficult conversation” for situations beyond the patient, family or health care providers’ control.
We are excited to announce our wonderful panelists:
Terry Melvin, MD, FAAHPM, is currently the Vice President and consulting officer at University Diabetes and Endocrine Consultants. She has an extensive history in palliative and hospice care. She served as the Chief Medical Officer at Hospice of Chattanooga for 26 years.
Amy Boulware, LAP, MSW, has 22 years of experience advocating for and serving elders and their families with honesty, compassion and professionalism. She is a TN Licensed Advanced Practice Social Worker who believes that it is crucial to focus on assisting her clients with staying as independent as possible, while understanding that as people age and needs change. Amy is a nationally sought after speaker on issues of aging and disability and most recently has taught for Southern Adventist University’s Social Work and Nursing graduate schools. She is the chair of both the SAU School of Social Work Advisory Board and the Atlanta Shepherd Center Family and Consumer Advisory Board.
Mary Kay Hiatt, M.Ed., LMSW, ACHP-SW attended graduate school at UTC for Masters in Counseling and Southern University for MSW. She has worked in the Chattanooga area as a Social Worker and Community Advocate for the past 40 years. Currently, she is the Director of Social Services at Hospice of Chattanooga where she has worked for the past 19 years. She is an Advisory Committee Member of the Honoring Choices Tennessee Coalition, Board Member of Catholic Charities, active member of the Tennessee Society of Healthcare Social Workers, Board Member and Officer of the UTC Social Work Community Advisory Board and a Commissioner with the Chattanooga/Hamilton County Regional Planning Commission. She is the proud grandmother of two.