Our Staff
Stephanie Carter BSN, RN
Director of Operations / Co-Owner
I am an Arizona native that grew up just outside of Phoenix. In 2008 I graduated from Northern Arizona University and have been practicing nursing for 15 years. While attending nursing school I found my love for hospice and end-of-life care. I believe in caring for patients and families as though they are my own.
Nicole Ralston, NP
Nurse Practitioner / Co-Owner
Although I am originally from south Louisiana, I have lived in Tucson the last 22 years. I have been a nurse for more than 26 years. I realized very early on that I was passionate about end-of-life issues and serving patients in this stage of life. I began my work in hospice 15 years ago and won the Daisy Award in 2010. I became a Nurse Practitioner in 2015 and achieved by Advanced Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (ACHPN) designation in 2016. In addition to fulfilling my goal of opening my own hospice and serving my community, I hope to become increasingly active in hospice advocacy.
Dr. Philip Maharaj-Prasad MD, MBA
Medical Director
I am board certified in family medicine, and have an MBA including a concentration in healthcare. I’ve worked as a hospitalist in Tucson since 2013. I am married with two children.
“Wherever the art of Medicine is loved, there is also a love of Humanity.” — Hippocrates
Undergraduate: U.C. Davis
Medical School: Saint Christopher Iba Mar Diop College of Medicine
MBA: University of Arizona Eller College
Bernadette Melvin MSN, RN
Hospice Nurse
I grew up and attended nursing school in New Mexico in the 70’s and the majority of my nursing career was in NM. I was originally an LPN but enjoyed nursing so much I have since obtained my RN and MSN. It was because of a very close high school friend encouraging me to apply when we graduated high school that I decided to become a nurse. I can’t imagine doing anything else and wouldn’t think of changing my career choice. Although I have worked in many areas of nursing, caring for patients and families has always been my passion.
I am very fortunate to have found a nursing position where I can use my experience and knowledge in helping to meet the needs of terminally ill patients along with their families.
Glenda Gilliam RN
Hospice Nurse
I call myself a “transplanted native” since my family moved from Montana to Phoenix when I was a child. I fell in love with the culture of the southwest and as a result, have worked as a hospital nurse in Arizona and New Mexico most of my life. I believe in the sanctity of life throughout the lifespan; that every person is precious and unique. I treat everyone with this attitude while in my care. It is a rare and wonderful privilege to serve the Tucson community with such an experienced and devoted team.
Shaia McPherson LNA
As a young girl, I would tag along with my mom to work as she worked as a RN and private caregiver. It was in those lighter years of my life that my passion to care for others grew. Throughout the years, I have found a certain love caring for others and showing compassion. I am very happy to be able to share my gifts of compassion and providing excellent care.
Marybeth Racioppi, LCSW
Social Worker
I have nineteen years of Hospice experience in Tucson, applying my prior years of working in outpatient, inpatient and private practice mental health treatment settings in the Boston area. I’ve now joined the Hospice In The Desert team to continue serving the emotional needs of terminally ill patients along with their families facing various stages of grief and loss. Comfort, caring, compassion, and knowledge of end-of-life issues are key to my core values and ethics and being the social worker for Hospice in the Desert.
Elaine Puckett
Chaplain
After receiving my M.Div. from Perkins School of Theology at SMU in Dallas, I served in local church ministry for 10 years in Arlington, TX. In 2016 after moving to southern Arizona, I continued my ministry as a chaplain in a local hospital. Today, as a chaplain with Hospice in the Desert, I have the honor and privilege of being a caring, supportive presence for persons making their final transition. I have the privilege of holding their families in my heart as they walk this difficult – yet precious journey alongside their loved one.
Grace Carter
Office Manager
I was born and raised in Tucson Arizona, I have been serving my community for the past 5 years as an employee of the Pima County Public Library system and I am eager to continue to serve my community here at Hospice in the Desert in a very different but equally as important way. I believe that people deserve comfort and peace and I look forward to making sure we achieve that with all our patients.
Melissa Young
Bereavement Coordinator
I have been a Licensed Professional Counselor in the Tucson community for over 15 years, assisting individuals and their family’s at all stages of life. I learned at a very young age that one of my main roles while on this Earth was to be of service to those moving through the myriad of intricacies involved in end-of-life transitions.
I am committed to providing compassionate and knowledgeable Pre & Post Bereavement support to individuals in the dying process in conjunction with their families and/or caregivers. I am honored to work with in a team whole heartedly invested in providing the best quality of care at this most important time in life…and death.
Briza Dominguez
Volunteer Coordinator
After receiving my BSW at Northern Arizona University, I knew I wanted to work in Hospice and help my community. I am currently in graduate school to obtain my master’s in social work. It’s a pleasure to work alongside Hospice in the Desert. I strongly believe that Hospice Volunteers are important because they can provide companionship and help improve the quality of one’s life.
