Alive Hospice Inc.

Amy Brin, MSN, M.A., PCNS-BC, RN. I attended Vanderbilt University's School of Nursing to receive my master's in nursing with a subspecialty in pediatric palliative care. Prior to coming to Alive Hospice, I worked in community health and pediatric policy development for children and youth with special health care needs. I am a firm believer that laughing loudly burns the most calories, there is nothing better than a Kentucky basketball game, the bottom of a bag of chips comes way too easily and working with children and youth makes you a better person.

Dr. Raefsky is board certified in Medical Oncology as well as Hematology and has been with Tennessee Oncology since 1989. Dr. Raefsky is a Phi Beta Kappa from The Massachusetts Institute of Technology where he graduated with a BS degree in Life Sciences in 1976. He graduated first in his class from Temple University School of Medicine in 1980. He did his internship and residency in internal medicine at Barnes Hospital; a research fellowship in hematology at the National Institutes of Health; and a clinical hematology/oncology fellowship at Washington University in St. Louis. Dr. Raefsky specializes in general oncology and hematology and holds memberships in American College of Physicians, the American Society of Clinical Oncology, and the American Society of Hematology. Dr. Raefsky has been associated with Alive Hospice for over 15 years. He was selected to be included in "Best Doctors in America 2003 2004". Dr. Raefsky sees patients in our Summit Medical Center Office and our McMinnville Office. When not at work, Dr. Raefsky enjoys spending time with his wife and nine dogs.

Karen Cassidy, M.D., MPH. I attended medical school at the University of Florida (Go Gators!). I then went on to Harvard to get a master's in public health policy prior to doing my residency in internal medicine and pediatrics at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. I initially had a solo private practice in Florida but after two years returned to Vanderbilt as an assistant professor in internal medicine and pediatrics. After six years at Vanderbilt and eight years in primary care, I made the transition to palliative and hospice care. I have loved this new phase in my career and feel privileged to care for our patients and their families. When not at work, I'm at the baseball diamond, the pool or Radnor Lake chasing my two children.

Kellye Byrn, RN. I have over 19 years of experience in nursing and have devoted most of my career to pediatrics. My pediatric background is quite diverse. Prior to joining Alive Monarchs, I worked in Murfreesboro at a primary care clinic. I have two very active boys who keep me busy, and I enjoy spending time with them, as well as the rest of my family. I love to take walks with my dog, Elvis, and I have two cats, Priscilla and Vegas. I also enjoy playing softball and I am an avid University of Tennessee football fan.

Nicole Hilliard, MSW, LCSW. I work with adults and children, providing grief support through individual counseling and leading support groups. Prior to moving into the grief counselor role, I held the position of social worker on Alive Hospice's home care teams for 11 years. One of my favorite outlets is hip-hop dancing, though most kids find it easier to believe that I swim with sharks.

Stephanie H. Miller, MTS. I am happily married to Justin and have one "child," a Yorkshire terrier, Misha. I have been with Alive Hospice for the past three years, and recently transitioned to the Alive Monarchs team. My training includes a bachelor's degree from Belmont University, a master's degree from Vanderbilt Divinity School and additional training in pastoral care at the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville. I enjoy laughing loudly, reading, writing, getting out of town, and I LOVE going to the movies (popcorn is a must!).

Steve Reda, MSW, LCSW. I am a licensed clinical social worker who has been working with families, older adults and most recently children for over 10 years. I received my master's degree in social work from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. I'm a Reiki master and have a strong interest in reminiscing and eating lots of candy.

Tiffany Hines, M.D. I completed medical school at South Alabama College of Medicine, then completed the internal medicine and pediatrics residency program at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. I came to Alive Hospice after nine years in private practice (internal medicine and pediatrics). I have been married to my high school sweetheart for 17 years and have three children. I love ice cream, running and scrapbooking. I feel honored to be a pediatrician with Alive, caring for children and their families at a critical time in their lives.

Tisha Longo, MSSW. I received a bachelor's degree from Fordham University in New York City and my master's in social work from UT. Working with children has always been my passion. I taught preschool for a number of years before returning to school to get my master's. I am from Nashville originally, but love to travel and have lived in many places. I also serve as an audio describer for TPAC and enjoy describing Broadway plays for the visually impaired.