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Meet The Authors
With over 45 years of combined experience in hospice care, we, Brenda and Nancy, are certified hospice and palliative care nurses deeply committed to enhancing end-of-life care. Our extensive bedside experience and specialized education have established us as experts in our field, inspiring us to create this booklet to meet the growing need for comprehensive end-of-life education and support.
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As dedicated mentors, we passionately educate other nurses, students, and hospice volunteers, fostering a community of care that values both seasoned expertise and fresh perspectives. We believe in the power of an interdisciplinary team to deliver the highest standard of care, and we hold profound respect and admiration for all our colleagues in the hospice community.
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About Odonata Care
"Odonata" is the Latin word for dragonfly, which represents transformation. We chose the dragonfly because dying is transformational. Experience has taught us that we all find our way to death and we do this in the same way we live.
We hold deep compassion and respect for the patient facing end of life and for those who provide love and care for them. We hope this booklet and videos help ease your way on this path.
Brenda and Nancy are both registered nurses with a baccalaureate in nursing science. They are each nationally accredited Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurses (CHPN).
Both have been speakers for the nursing school at Oregon Health Sciences University and regularly speak to and educate committee organizations, volunteers, and caregivers regarding end of life care and process. They serve as mentors and educators for nurses new to hospice care.
Nancy and Brenda have cared for pediatric hospice patients and their families in their region. They are certified ACT (Advanced Communication Training) trainers and educate health care providers how to have end of life conversations.
Brenda Kizzire
RN BSN CHPN
I graduated from the Oregon Institute of Technology in 1988 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and have been certified in Hospice and Palliative Care for over 20 years.
My career in hospice began in rural America during the 1980s, at the inception of hospice care, and expanded to in-home infusion specialization in the early '90s during the AIDS epidemic in urban settings. I have devoted my entire career to end-of-life care at the bedside, including over 20 years in pediatric hospice.
As an educator and mentor, I guide nurses and volunteers new to this field, reflecting on how hospice has evolved over the years. I believe strongly in the need for bedside end-of-life education.
Outside of work, I am passionate about martial arts, teaching self-defense to empower women, and enjoy hiking, cooking, and gardening.
Nancy Heyerman
RN BSN CHPN
I earned my Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Michigan State University in 1976 and have since worked across various hospital settings, from pediatrics to intensive care.
After serving as head nurse in neurology/neurosurgery and cardiac care units, I transitioned into hospice care, where I have spent the past 20 years caring for both pediatric and adult patients. Hospice work has allowed me to leverage my comprehensive nursing experience and personal maturity. I
continually learn, particularly about evolving patient needs at end of life, often from my business partner, Brenda Kizzire. I remain active at the bedside and advocate for hands-on care both locally and nationally.
My hobbies include teaching Argentine Tango, traveling, biking, knitting, and gardening.
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