Each coach is a certified nurse practitioner & an Expert in Palliative Care.

Meet Jacklyn Griffin (she/her), Co-Founder and CEO of The Palliative Coach and an oncology nurse practitioner. Jacklyn is a seasoned healthcare professional with a passion for assisting individuals and families facing challenging health circumstances.

Jacklyn holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from Western Michigan University (2005), a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree from Madonna University (2013), and a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree from Vanderbilt University (2018). She is certified as an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP-BC) and an Advanced Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (ACHPN).

Jacklyn's journey into nursing was influenced by her own health challenges. Diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia at the age of 10, she underwent years of treatment and learned early on to value each day. Later in life, she faced the loss of her son Nash, born prematurely during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Nash's passing was a devastating experience that strengthened her empathy for patients receiving difficult news.

Less than a year later, Jacklyn's mother received a stage IV lung cancer diagnosis, placing her in the dual roles of healthcare provider and devoted daughter. Understanding the importance of cherishing each moment with her mother during her illness, these personal experiences have strengthened her commitment to palliative care, inspired by its primary focus on enhancing the quality of life.

Say hello to Kelsey Neely Kurtenbach (she/her), a passionate healthcare professional with a dedication to palliative care and a co-founder of The Palliative Coach. Kelsey brings a wealth of expertise to her role as a palliative care nurse practitioner.

Kelsey earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from Eastern Michigan University, paving the way for her nursing career. Subsequently, she pursued her Master of Science in Nursing degree from South University. Driven by a personal interest in palliative care and a deep understanding of its vital role in patient well-being, she later continued her education with a master’s degree in Palliative Care from the University of Maryland Baltimore. She is certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C) and an Advanced Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (ACHPN).

Kelsey's journey into nursing and nurse practitioner roles was driven by a lifelong passion for helping others. Her career initially led her to the Cardiothoracic Intensive Care Unit (ICU), followed by a brief managerial role. However, she discovered her true calling was at the bedside, prompting her return to school to become a Nurse Practitioner.

Kelsey's passion for palliative care blossomed during her master's degree program when she transitioned to a job in hospice care. While initially new to this field, she discovered her calling in delivering compassionate care to individuals facing serious illnesses. Her experiences in the ICU prompted her to reflect deeply on the essence of quality of life and its significance. Learning about palliative care and hospice transformed her perspective on healthcare and life itself. She decided to make palliative care and hospice her specialties, simultaneously earning her Master's in Palliative Medicine and launching a palliative care program within a large inner-city hospital system in Detroit, MI in 2018.

Introducing Dr. Christopher Brock (he/him), Co-Founder, and Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of The Palliative Coach, as well as an emergency room (ER) physician. Dr. Brock brings his extensive experience to the forefront, offering a unique perspective with the ability to treat "any patient, anywhere, anytime" due to his background in the ER.

Dr. Brock holds a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science degree from Grand Valley State University (2008) and a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (2013). He successfully completed his Emergency Medicine Residency program at St. Mary Mercy Hospital in 2017 and held the position of Chief Academic Resident from 2016 to 2017. Dr. Brock actively contributes to medical education, serving as the Residency Ultrasound Director from 2017 to 2018 and the Residency Simulation Director from 2018 to the present at St. Mary’s. Additionally, he is Board Certified by the American Board of Emergency Medicine. Dr. Brock has been involved with quality improvement initiatives, such as implementing femoral nerve blocks for hip fractures to reduce opiate pain medication use.

Dr. Brock has observed changes in the utilization of telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic and eagerly anticipates extending telemedicine to palliative care, enhancing the accessibility of palliative care services for patients. Working in an ER serving a variety of patients, he recognizes the potential positive impact of palliative care on many of these patients. He seeks to extend compassionate care beyond the confines of traditional healthcare, ensuring accessibility for those facing mobility challenges or lacking local services.

Introducing Melissa Osborne, a caring and committed member of The Palliative Coach family. Melissa is devoted to providing holistic care and unwavering support to individuals and families navigating challenging diagnoses.

From a young age, Melissa knew she wanted to be a nurse, inspired by her mother who worked as a Registered Nurse. Melissa began her nursing career with an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) degree from Advent Health University (2003). After gaining experience working as a nurse in a cardiac intervention unit, she obtained a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, also from Advent Health University (2012). She went on to receive a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree from Georgetown University (2016), graduating with honors. She is certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C).

Melissa brings diverse experience to The Palliative Coach, a valuable asset as no two patients under our care are alike. As a new nurse practitioner, she was accepted into an Emergency Medicine Residency program for Advanced Practice Providers, a term commonly used for nurse practitioners and physician assistants. Having completed this program in 2017, she subsequently worked as a nurse practitioner in the emergency department. Her professional journey also includes roles in gastroenterology, urgent care, occupational health, and primary care, with a particular focus on obesity management. Melissa is accustomed to caring for patients in various healthcare settings, including the inpatient hospital setting, outpatient clinics, and providing virtual telemedicine services.

Melissa's passion for palliative care stems from both professional and personal experiences. Having supported her family members through challenging diagnoses, she understands the importance of providing personalized physical, emotional, and spiritual support.

Jessica’s Bio Coming soon!