A High Calling
As the area’s only non-profit hospice and palliative care organization, we employ 90 specialized and highly qualified staff members, each with a heart for service to patients and their family members. Our mission is to provide expert, life-changing healthcare for those living with advanced illnesses.
Through our team’s leadership, we’ve had the honor of caring for more than 10,000 hospice and palliative care patients in the Greenwood, Laurens, Abbeville, Edgefield, McCormick, Newberry, and Saluda Counties since 1981.
Our Mission
Care of the Piedmont is dedicated to enriching the lives of individuals facing advanced illness through our comprehensive services. With a mission centered on this commitment, we strive to provide compassionate care that addresses the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of our patients and their families. Our vision extends beyond traditional care, aiming to pioneer innovative approaches in hospice, palliative care, and grief support. By being a leader in these fields, we aspire to set new standards of excellence, ensuring that every individual receives the highest quality of care tailored to their unique circumstances.
Our Service Area
Meet our Team
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Nancy Hart Wicker, MD
MEDICAL DIRECTOR | HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE CARE
Dr. Wicker has been with Care of the Piedmont since 2016, serving as the Medical Director for Hospice and Palliative Care. She is dedicated to providing compassionate, expert medical care to patients and families navigating serious illness and end-of-life decisions.
Dr. Wicker earned her medical degree from the Medical University of South Carolina in 2010. She completed her residency at Self Regional Healthcare in the Midlands Community Family Medicine program and is board-certified by the American Board of Family Medicine.
She is fellowship-trained in Hospice and Palliative Medicine and earned her board certification in Hospice and Palliative Medicine from the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine in 2021.
Her clinical expertise and compassionate approach ensure holistic care that respects each patient’s goals and dignity.
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Charlene Kish, MHA, RN
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Charlene Kish has served as Chief Executive Officer of Care of the Piedmont since 2022. She brings a wealth of leadership experience and a strong clinical background to her role, guiding the organization’s mission to provide compassionate hospice and palliative care to the community.
Charlene is a licensed Nursing Home Administrator and a Registered Nurse. She earned her Associate’s Degree in Nursing from Butler Community College, her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from Carlow University, and her Master’s Degree in Health Care Administration from Walden University.
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Carrie Murdock, BSN, RN, CHPN
CLINICAL DIRECTOR OF THE HOSPICE HOUSE
Carrie Murdock has served as the Clinical Director of the Hospice House for Care of the Piedmont since 2021. She provides leadership and oversight to ensure high-quality, compassionate care for patients and families in our inpatient hospice facility.
Carrie holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Lander University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Administration from Winthrop University. Her combined clinical and administrative expertise supports the seamless delivery of patient-centered care.
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Meg Giles, BSN, RN, OCN
CLINICAL DIRECTOR OF HOSPICE AT HOME SERVICES
Meg Giles has served as the Clinical Director of Hospice at Home Services for Care of the Piedmont since 2022. She oversees the delivery of compassionate, expert care to patients receiving hospice services in their homes.
Meg earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from the University of South Carolina Upstate. She is a Certified Oncology Nurse (ONC) and holds certification in Chemotherapy and Biotherapy (CBCN), bringing specialized knowledge to support patients with complex care needs.
Palliative Care Team
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Christie Brewster, APRN-BC, ACHPN
PALLIATIVE CARE COORDINATOR
Christie Brewster has been serving as a Nurse Practitioner with Care of the Piedmont since 2012. As Palliative Care Coordinator, she plays a vital role in supporting patients and families facing serious illness by offering expert guidance, symptom management, and compassionate care planning.
Christie is a valued member of the Palliative Care Team and serves as a trusted resource for patients, families, and hospital staff on matters related to palliative and end-of-life care. She became a Certified Advanced Hospice and Palliative Care Nurse (ACHPN) in 2016 and a First Steps ACP (Advance Care Planning) Certified Facilitator in 2018.
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Cokeletta “Kela” Davis, ACNPC-AG
PALLIATIVE CARE NURSE PRACTITIONER
Kela Davis joined Care of the Piedmont as a Nurse Practitioner in 2023 and serves as a key member of the Palliative Care Team. She is dedicated to supporting patients and families facing serious illness by providing expert symptom management, compassionate care, and guidance through complex healthcare decisions.
Kela earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Chamberlain College of Nursing and her Master’s degree as a Nurse Practitioner from Walden University.
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Carmen M. Edwards, FNP-C, FNP-BC
PALLIATIVE CARE NURSE PRACTITIONER
Carmen Edwards has been a Nurse Practitioner with Care of the Piedmont since 2023. As a valued member of the Palliative Care Team, she provides compassionate care, expert symptom management, and support to patients and families navigating serious illness.
Carmen earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Lander University and her Master of Science in Nursing from South University.
Support Staff
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Lori Shaw, LMSW
SOCIAL WORKER
Lori Shaw has been serving patients and families as a Social Worker with Care of the Piedmont since 2020. She brings a compassionate and thoughtful approach to her work, providing emotional support, guidance, and resources to those navigating serious illness and end-of-life care.
Lori earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology from Lander University in 1999 and her Master of Social Work from Simmons University in 2020.
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Jennifer Parler, LMSW
SOCIAL WORKER
Jennifer Parler joined Care of the Piedmont as a Social Worker in 2022. With a deep commitment to supporting patients and families during life’s most vulnerable moments, she provides compassionate guidance, emotional support, and practical resources throughout the hospice journey.
Jennifer earned her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of South Carolina in 1992 and her Master of Social Work in 1995.
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Mary-Stuart Tinkler, LMSW
SOCIAL WORKER
Mary-Stuart Tinkler joined Care of the Piedmont as a Social Worker in 2025. She is dedicated to providing compassionate support and advocacy for patients and families as they navigate the challenges of serious illness and end-of-life care.
Mary-Stuart earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Columbia College in 2017 and her Master of Social Work from the University of South Carolina in 2020.
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Brian Purcell, MPM
CHAPLAIN
Brian Purcell joined Care of the Piedmont as a Chaplain in 2025. With a heart for spiritual care and a commitment to walking alongside patients and families during life’s most sacred moments, Brian offers comfort, presence, and pastoral support throughout the hospice journey.
He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Presbyterian College in 1987, a Master of Sports Science from the United States Sports Academy in 1989, and a Master of Practical Ministry from Erskine Theological Seminary in 2023.
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Andrea Scott
DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
Andrea Scott has been a member of the Care of the Piedmont team since 2004. As Development Director, she oversees fundraising efforts, donor relations, and the Care of the Piedmont Foundation to support the organization’s mission.
Andrea earned her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of South Carolina in 1995.
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Leigh Anne Workman
HOSPICE LIASION
Leigh Anne Workman has served with Care of the Piedmont since 2017. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work from Winthrop University in 2008 and is a Certified Healthcare Sales Professional (CHSP). Her background in social work and healthcare outreach equips her to build strong relationships within the community and with healthcare partners.
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Emily Williams
VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR
Emily Williams joined Care of the Piedmont as Volunteer Coordinator in 2024. In this role, she oversees the recruitment, training, and support of our dedicated volunteers who play a vital part in delivering compassionate care to patients and families.
Emily holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from Lander University.
Timeline of Care of the Piedmont
1981
Hospice of Greenwood accepts first patient
1992
First annual Festival of Trees
1995
Applied to DHEC for a Certificate of Need to operate a home health program to serve the terminally ill
HospiceCare approved as Medicaid provider
1996
More than 30 participants attend the first-ever children’s bereavement camp at Camp Fellowship at Lake Greenwood
1998
Office moves to West Alexander location
2004
Ground breaks for 15-bed Hospice House facility, only the second-ever in the state of South Carolina
2005
Hospice House alone serves 246 patients in the first year of operation
Palliative Care Clinic established as a patient care service between Self Regional Healthcare and HospiceCare
2008
Hospice Store in Greenwood opens
Palliative Care Medical Service forms between Self Regional Healthcare and HospiceCare
2010
Hospice Store in Abbeville opens
2015
Hospice & Palliative Care of the Piedmont builds new Hospice Store in Greenwood, South Carolina
2018
HospiceCare becomes Hospice & Palliative Care of the Piedmont to encompass full spectrum of services
Community Palliative Care Center in the building adjacent to the Hospice Administrative office opens
Hospice Care Foundation of the Piedmont forms
2023
Hospice & Palliative Care of the Piedmont rebrands to Care of the Piedmont
Care of the Piedmont
Board of Directors
Since the start of our organization, Care of the Piedmont has been entrusted by the care and support of a local board, composed of respected and renowned leaders in our community in the civic, corporate and non-profit spheres.
Board of Directors
David Tompkins, Chairperson
Craig White, Vice Chairperson
Lynn Vaughn, Secretary
Laurie Smith, Treasurer
Charlene Kish, Executive Director, Ex-Officio
Paul Bagnoli
Martha Barnette
Al Bell
Wayne Carstens
Jim Fuller, MD
Jennifer Goldman
Lynn Hemphill
JoBeth Hite
Mike Mallon
Linda McDonald
Rhonda McGinnis
John Pillman
JoAnna Sadurski, MD
Teddi Uldrick
Wendi Young
Ruiling Yuan, MD
Refer a Loved One or Patient
Is Hospice or Palliative Care Right for You?
Making decisions about care during a serious illness can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to face it alone.
At Hospice & Palliative Care of the Piedmont, our experienced team is here to walk with you through every step of the journey. Whether you’re exploring comfort-focused care, looking for pain and symptom management, or just need help understanding your options, we’re here to listen and guide you.
Let us help you make the right choice for your care—one that honors your values, your goals, and your life.
Contact us today to speak with a member of our care team.