Kristen Dean – Chair, Treasurer

Kristen is a Branch Manager at Central Bank of Boone County. Kristen is very active in our local community. She served as past president of Kiwanis, Rotary Club Treasurer, Board member for Fulton Roundabout Beautification Committee, and a member of the Fulton Preschool Board.

George Cox – Vice Chair

George Cox’s connection to Caring Hearts and Hands (CHHC) began through a deeply personal experience. After moving back to Columbia to care for his mother, George searched for compassionate end-of-life care and found CHHC—a place that provided comfort, dignity, and a family-like atmosphere during her final hours. “Everybody in my family who went over there was just so impressed with the atmosphere,” George shared. “It was actually so much nicer than being in the hospital for the level of care given.”

Professionally, George spent many years working as an engineer at 3M before retiring. Inspired by the care his family received, he felt called to give back. George began volunteering at CHHC, helping with housework and facility needs, and later joined the organization’s board. “It’s an opportunity to be involved. It’s a family,” he said. “Everybody’s in there for the right reason.” For George, Caring Hearts and Hands is more than a hospice—it’s a compassionate community. He is passionate about helping the organization grow so its services can reach more families in need and encourages others to get involved, knowing firsthand the difference this care can make.

Amira Nuur – Secretary

Amira Nuur is a medical assistant at Compass Health Network, working in a primary care setting that serves the East Columbia region. She serves as the Secretary here at Caring Hearts and Hands. As a graduate of Rockhurst University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Molecular Biology, she is driven by a passion for healthcare and aspire to pursue a Master’s in Physician Assistant Studies, with the goal of returning to serve in palliative care and related services. Her professional and volunteer experiences with various groups and organizations, both within and outside university, have focused on supporting underserved communities in Missouri. Amira is motivated by these experiences and is committed to leveraging them to become an exceptional healthcare provider in the future.

Dick Otto – Board member

Dick retired from the University after 40 years in various administrative positions.  Dick has served on community organizations including the Boone County Regional Sewer District, the Boone County Historical Society, and the Parish Council and Finance Council of the Newman Center.  Dick and his wife Donna have attended Newman for close to 55 years.  He is the only “non-nurse” on the Nursing Alumni Organization of the Sinclair School of Nursing at MIZZOU and cherishes his recognition as the Distinguished Friend of the School of Nursing some years ago. 

Chance Tacia – Board Member

Chance is a Senior Banker at Bank of America in Columbia, Missouri, where he leverages his corporate finance expertise to deliver tailored financial solutions and ensure regulatory compliance. He holds a degree in Political Science from the University of Missouri-Columbia and has a strong background in managing client accounts, supervising teams, and navigating NFP development. Chance is deeply committed to community service and to Caring Hearts and Hands’ Mission. He is proud to bring his financial acumen to the board and contributing to the organization’s mission of providing compassionate end-of-life care.

Beth Thompson – Advisory Committee Member

Beth is a Chef and Owner of Thompson’s Tables a catering business here in Columbia. She has over 20 years of culinary experience and earned her degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management from the University of Missouri-Columbia. Beth fuels her passion for food by using fresh, local ingredients with a focus on sustainability and nutrition. She enjoys all things related to food and spends her free time volunteering with Rotary, CCUA and CHHC and traveling to the Ozarks to paddle the rivers.

LeAnn Rehard, BSN, RN, NI-BC – Advisory Committee Member

LeAnn is a registered nurse specializing in Nursing Informatics at MU Health Care. She was drawn to the organization given her bedside nursing background in medical oncology at Barnes Jewish Hospital and Boone Hospital Center. Her professional experience with palliative care and personal experience as a home hospice caregiver for a loved one highlighted the need for resources like CHHC and end-of-life care. LeAnn is honored to be a member of this organization and the invaluable support it provides to our community.

Laurie Hines – Advisory Committee Member

Laurie graduated from MU with a law degree, retired from the state government in public policy and regulatory affairs, and is currently the director of the Missouri Kidney Program which is part of the University of Missouri School of Medicine; In that role, she engages with patients that have end-stage renal disease, and health care providers around the state; Co-chair of the Missouri Hospital Association’s Statewide Patient and Family Advisory Council.

Deborah Portell – Volunteer Coordinator

Deborah has a heart for those nearing the end of life and for their loved ones. After experiencing the value of hospice care during the final days of four family members, she was moved to become a hospice volunteer in 2001. The joy and wisdom that come from spending time with those in hospice filled her in ways that are hard to express. CHHC’s social-model concept really speaks to Deborah and she is proud to be a part of the community of volunteers who provide many forms of service to the guests and their loved ones.

Jackie Reed, RN – Co-founder & Emeritus Board Member

Jackie is a Registered Palliative Care Nurse at Boone Hospital with 28 years of nursing experience with previous certifications in CCRN and Gerontology. She has a strong passion for end-of-life care due to personal family losses. She is very proud to be one of the co-founders of Caring Hearts and Hands of Columbia.

Dorreen Rardin, RN – Co-founder & Emeritus Board Member

Co-founder of Caring Hearts and Hands of Columbia. Dorreen is a registered nurse with 47 years’ experience in nursing primarily in intensive care units and Palliative Care. She started the Palliative Care Program at Boone Hospital 20 years ago. Dorreen received the Alumni Nursing of the Year Award from Sinclair School of Nursing for her work in Palliative care in Community and Hospital Settings. In addition, she received the Missouri Hospital Hero Award for her work in palliative care.