About Us
We are a group of physicians and nurse practitioners that provide treatment for the discomfort, symptoms, and stress of dealing with a serious illness. This type of care is also known as palliative care.
Dr. Ghulam Waris, F.A.A.G.M
Dr. Waris is our Chief Medical Officer and has been a Hospice and Palliative Care Certified Specialist with more than 30 years or experience. He graduated with honors and holds certifications in Internal Medicine, Geriatric Medicine, and Hospice and Palliative Medicine. He taught at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, New Rochelle College in New York, Eastern Shore Health Education Center, and Midwestern University and Malcolm-X College. Dr. Waris is currently a teaching instructor at Tidal Health Internal medicine program. He was awarded The Elaine Peterson Award by the Holly Center (2001) and Nominated for Governors Excellence Award State of Maryland, and Physician of the Year by the American Association of Physician Specialists (2007).
Joan Carpenter, PhD, CRNP, ACHPN, FPCN
Dr. Joan Carpenter is an expert in geriatric palliative care, specializing in caring for older adults and their families. She is an Assistant Professor at the University of Maryland School of Nursing, a Health Scientist at the US Department of Veterans Affairs, and a nurse practitioner with Coastal Hospice and Palliative Care. Her practice and research focuses on palliative care interventions to improve the quality of life, reduce symptom burden, and enhance decision making for persons with serious illness and their care partners.
Heather D’Aquila, MSN, CRNP, FNP-C
With over 10 years of dedicated experience in hospice and palliative care, Heather is a passionate nurse practitioner committed to providing outstanding care for patients and their families during life’s most challenging times. Specializing in hospice nursing, she has honed her expertise through various roles, including case management, general inpatient care, and extended services.
Heather holds a Master of Science in Nursing and is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. Throughout her career, Heather has built lasting relationships with patients and families, guiding them through the intricacies of end-of-life care with empathy, respect, and dignity. Her holistic approach integrates physical, emotional, and spiritual needs, ensuring patients receive personalized care tailored to their unique circumstances.
As a dedicated advocate for hospice and palliative care, Heather continues to engage in professional development and community education, promoting awareness and understanding of the importance of compassionate end-of-life care.
Lyndsey Hogue, DNP, MHA, CRNP, FNP-BC
Lyndsey, a proud native of Texas, earned her degree in Health Science from Texas A&M University and a Master’s in Healthcare Administration from Texas A&M Health Science Center. After working in administration, she pursued a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at Barton College and became a nephrology nurse while founding MELT Fitness Studio in Greenville, NC, which she successfully ran for 10 years. Lyndsey later obtained her Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) from Texas Christian University (TCU) and opened her very own primary care facility Hogue Health Primary Care and Weight Management in February 2024. She also works as a Nurse Practitioner in hospice and palliative care. Lyndsey is a loving mother of two toddler boys and wife to an amazing husband from the Eastern Shore. She enjoys gardening, raising food and flowers, and practicing pottery in her free time.
Nancy Stewart
Nancy has been with Coastal Hospice for thirteen years. In her current role, Director of Access and Palliative Care Services, Nancy oversees the Coastal Hospice Access Department, which coordinates hospice referrals and admissions, along with the Coastal Palliative Care Program, which provides palliative care to patients throughout our community. Previously, she was with Vitas Hospice in Delaware. Her background has been in the nonprofit sector as well as in sales and marketing for the medical field, including approximately 7 years in pharmaceutical sales.
In addition to her role as Director of Access and Palliative Care Services, she coordinates the We Honor Veterans Program for our organization. Through this role, she engages staff and community in a variety of ways to help honor our veterans. Nancy plans to be with the agency for the duration of her working career stating, “This is the most impactful and meaningful work she’s ever done.”
Kimberly Sledge-Palmer MAHS, BA
Kimberly is a dedicated healthcare professional with over 20 years of experience, currently serving as a Palliative Coordinator and Palliative Doula. She holds a Master of Arts in Human Services and a Bachelor of Arts in Health and Human Services with a minor in Sociology. Throughout her career, Kimberly has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to patient-centered care, with a strong focus on advocacy, communication, and holistic support.
As an integral member of an interdisciplinary team, she collaborates closely with physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, social workers, chaplains, and other healthcare professionals to ensure that patients facing life-limiting illnesses receive comprehensive, compassionate, and coordinated care. Her expertise in case management allows her to effectively assess patient needs, develop care plans, and facilitate access to appropriate services and resources, ensuring continuity and quality of care.
Patient advocacy remains at the heart of her role; Kimberly ensures that individuals’ voices are heard and respected throughout their healthcare journey. She guides patients and their families through the creation of advance directives, empowering them to make informed decisions about end-of-life care preferences that align with their values and goals.
Additionally, she plays a key role in coordinating and leading family meetings, fostering open communication and shared decision-making in a supportive, empathetic environment. Kimberly’s compassionate approach, combined with her clinical insight and case management skills, makes her a trusted guide and advocate for patients and families navigating the complexities of serious illness.