Partners In Care is a non-profit community organization dedicated to improving care of the seriously ill
in El Dorado County. We have been serving our community since 2001. The services we offer are the
culmination of the combined efforts of many people and organizations concerned with the knowledge,
access and understanding of supportive programs for patients and their families.
We began our organization with a grant from the California Endowment. These funds allowed Partners In
Care to begin offering services free of charge to our community. Through grants, donations, fund-raising
activities, and revenue from our thrift store, we are able to continue to serve our clients free of charge.
Our core philosophy is to allow the client to lead us in their care. We are not only here to teach our
people about their illness, we are here to learn from them about their experience of their illness. With a
client led team, we offer service and support.
While hospice organizations serve those who are terminally ill, have six months or less to live, and are
no longer seeking aggressive, curative treatments, our program can serve our clients and their families,
regardless of prognosis, treatment, expected outcome, or ability to pay.
Partners In Care Board of Directors represents the community and oversees our efforts to further develop
and refine our program and services to better serve the people of El Dorado County. They also work
tirelessly to develop funding to continue the services of Partners In Care.
Click on contacts above, for referral information.
Nancy Symons, MDiv., Executive Director
Dexter McNamara, MDiv, Chaplain
Elisa Kopitzke, MSW, Social worker/counselor
Carol Sagaser, RN, CHPN, Palliative Care Nurse
Sherellen Gerhart, MD, Medical Director
Linda Owens, RN, Palliative Care Nurse
BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
Joan McCullough, Chairperson, Medical Records Manager, Marshall Medical Center
Lauren Craig, Vice-Chairperson, Attorney
Raelene Herzig, Treasure, Retired Education Analyst, Community Representative
Brian Maloney, Secretary, Attorney
Priscilla Dixon, CLS, Laboratory Information Systems Specialist, Marshall Medical Center
Meredith Koch, RN, Retired Nurse, Community Member
Lynne Moore, BSN, FNP, Community Representative
Cheryl Purgett, MSW, Social Worker, Marshall Medical Center
Ken Stemmle, MD, Internal Medicine, Marshall Family Medical
Jim Hill, Business Development, Inter-County Title Co.
Sherellen Gerhart, M.D., Medical Director, Geriatrician/Palliative Care Specialist
Christy Johnson, Realtor
Cindy Rice, RN, Vice President Clinical Nursing Services, Marshall Medical Center
Linda Baracco, LSP