Today we say farewell to someone who has made a tremendous impact through her skill as a provider, servant leadership, and unique philosophy. Managing Director Kelly Bastian, with Agape 10-plus years, is closing her Agape chapter to begin another.

Kelly says, “Agape has been the canvas of becoming who I am today.” A Family Nurse Practitioner with a passion for hospice and palliative care, she has been a remarkable provider and example to the Agape team. As a leader and educator, she has shaped the fabric and culture of Agape with her philosophy of care.

“Working with people at the end of life is sacred; our patients are sacred,” she says. “End-of-life work means stepping into people’s lives at the most vulnerable, painful, emotional, sometimes traumatic, times.” She notes that the work demands much. And it gives so much to those who do it each day.

“I feel like I’d like to write a love letter to Agape, to remind them to love their patients and to love one another. To remember that the people we serve are so much more than their illness or symptoms, and to continue to see them holistically. And I’d like them to know that I have tremendous confidence in this team.”

Autumn Rowland, nurse practitioner and current Director of Palliative Services, will step into the role of Managing Director, leading Agape into this next season.

She says, “Every moment, every time we encounter someone in our care, we have to power to choose our approach…every meeting is an opportunity to make an impact. We are so grateful to Kelly for choosing to approach her work with openness, wisdom and a servant’s heart…for modeling and encouraging us to start every day in a spirit of gratitude. Her impact has been deep and wide and resounding, creating vast ripples in the fabric of our universe.