Hospice Team

Hospice focuses on the quality of life and draws upon the expertise of physicians, clergy, nurses, counselors, social workers, home health aides, trained volunteers and therapists. The philosophy of hospice is reflected through the beliefs that dying is part of living and that dying persons and their families have physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs as well as a right to make decisions related to the meeting of those needs.

Ronald D. Crock, M.D.
Medical Director of Mercy Hospice

Anne Poleon, RN, BSN
Director of Mercy Hospice and Homecare

A native of Akeley, Pa., Anne Poleon came to Canton, Ohio, in 1973 and began her career at Mercy Medical Center. She is a registered respiratory therapist, registered nurse and holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Walsh University. Poleon has been associated with Mercy Hospice since 1997 and has over 38 years of healthcare experience. Before serving as director of Mercy Hospice and Homecare, Poleon worked as a staff nurse, respiratory therapist, coordinator of pulmonary rehabilitation, manager of respiratory care, and clinical manager for homecare and durable medical equipment.

Thoughts About Hospice
“Dealing with loss is difficult. Hospice has given me the knowledge and strength to better deal with loss and to see the end of life as an opportunity for growth.”

Personal Testimony
“I have been very fortunate to work with people who are passionate about the work they do and the difference they make in the lives of those we serve. I am so honored and privileged to be a part of hospice and the extraordinary health system founded by the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine.”

Karin Mouser, RN, BSN
Manager

Karin Mouser, RN, has a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Malone University and associate degree from Kent State University. Born at Mercy Medical center, she was raised in the neighboring community of Bolivar. Mouser has been with Mercy since 2006 and joined Mercy Hospice in 2010.

In the nursing community since 1991, Mouser has worked as a medical/surgical staff nurse, intensive care nurse, homecare nurse and manager of a skilled facility before serving in her current position.

Thoughts About Hospice
“We have to concern ourselves with the quality of life as well as its length.”
Dame Cicely Saunders.

“Hospice encompasses this idea on a physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual level. Death is an intimidating yet sacred part of an individual’s life. Hospice should be embraced to allow a peaceful, complete, and poignant death. It allows the professionally trained to concern over the details while patients, families and loved ones can benefit from the precious time that remains.”

Personal Testimony
“On a personal level, I have had several loved ones choose hospice care. It was a heartwarming experience, and to put into words the reward my family had is impossible. The experience was instrumental in my personal growth and maturity on many levels. On a professional level, I have had the opportunity to work with some of the most intense and loving professionals I have ever encountered in my career. To have the understanding that, as a team, we all have the patient as our priority clears the way for exceptional and outstanding care. I am grateful for this opportunity.”

Kathy Lombardi, RN, CHPN
Clinical Manager

Kathleen Lombardi is a registered nurse with certification status in hospice and palliative care. A native of the Canton area, she has been at Mercy caring for hospice patients since 1993.

Personal Testimony
“For the past 18 years, hospice has enriched my life both professionally and personally. Our patients and families have taught me what it truly means to live while you are dying. To be with a patient and their family as they experience the end of life is a privilege. The experience, support, and dedication of the Mercy Hospice team is brought to each individual family with respect and care. I am grateful to be working with such a dedicated group of individuals.”

Susan Workman
Coordinator of Mercy Hospice Volunteers

Denise Proffitt
Secretary

A native of Alliance, Ohio, Denise Proffitt now resides in Louisville. Proffitt has been with Mercy since 1986 and with Mercy Hospice since 1998. She holds an associate degree from Stark State College. Proffitt is active with veteran organizations and spends her spare time volunteering to help veterans and their families.

Personal Testimony
“It is a pleasure working with such compassionate and professional people. Being a part of the Mercy Hospice team allows me to play a small part in the lives of our patients and their families.”

Donna Indovina
Aide & Scheduler for Mercy Hospice and Homecare

Donna Indovina is certified in hospice and palliative care. A native of Canton, Ohio, Indovina has been associated with Mercy Hospice since 1985. She studied in London, England, at St. Christopher’s Hospice. During this unique opportunity, Indovina met Dame Cicely Saunders, the founder of hospice and the international hospice concept.

Personal Experience With Hospice
“Being in hospice for so long, I have taken care of many patients and families. I have memories of many patients in recent and past that are fresh in my mind. I often become close with patients and families. I have cared for children and people from all walks of life. I enjoy taking care of patients at the end of their life.”

Personal Testimony
“I enjoy caring for hospice patients. I feel like I am helping them and their families during a very personal time in their lives. I used hospice for my mother, and it wasn’t until that time that my family knew what I did everyday. I believe in the hospice philosophy.”

Edda Sedon
Social Service Coordinator for Mercy Hospice, Homecare and Palliative Care

Sedon has a bachelor’s degree from The University of Findlay and a master’s degree in social service administration with health field concentration from Case Western Reserve University. A native of Napoleon, Ohio, Sedon came to Canton in 2001 and has been with Mercy Medical Center since 2006.

Sedon has prior experience as a social worker at Lorain and Summit Counties Children Services and Roselane Health Center before assuming her current position with Mercy Hospice.

Thoughts About Hospice
“Each patient and family is a unique experience for me. It is difficult to put into words the many experiences I have had while providing care to our patients. I just know that my life has been enriched by the lessons many patients and families have taught me over the years. I can’t imagine doing anything else.”

Personal Testimony
“It is truly a privilege to assist patients and families during a profoundly personal time in their lives. I am comforted by the fact that we have such dedicated staff who all have the goal of providing the best care to our patients and their families spiritually, physically, and emotionally.”

Sister Frances Wood
Chaplain

A native of Amherst, Ohio, Sister came to Mercy in 2006 to serve Mercy Hospice patients and their families. She received her Bachelor of Science in Advanced Studies in Religious Education from Notre Dame Institute, along with her Pontifical Diploma in Catechetics. Before joining Mercy Hospice, she was a science and religion teacher for Junior High School students.

Thoughts About Hospice
“I feel blessed to be able to minister to such courageous people as our patients, their families and caregivers. I am privileged to work with nurses and aides who serve our patients with such dedication and compassion.”

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