Our Staff
Stephanie Carter BSN, RN
RN & Co-Owner
I am an Arizona native who grew up just outside of Phoenix and has proudly called this state home my entire life. After graduating from Northern Arizona University in 2008, I began a nursing journey that has now spanned 18 years. Early in my education, I discovered a profound calling for hospice and end-of-life care, a passion that has defined 16 years of my practice. I find deep fulfillment in serving the people of my community and believe in caring for every patient and their family with the same compassion and dedication I would give my own.
Nicole Ralston, NP
NP / Co-Owner
Originally from South Louisiana, I have called Tucson home for the past 25 years. Over my 30-year nursing career, I discovered early on a deep passion for end-of-life care and serving patients during this profound stage of life. I transitioned into hospice work over 18 years ago and was honored with the Daisy Award in 2010. After becoming a Nurse Practitioner in 2015, I earned my Advanced Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (ACHPN) designation in 2016. Today, in addition to fulfilling my lifelong dream of opening my own hospice to serve our community, I am dedicated to becoming an active voice 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
Nevaeh Maravilla, CNA/HHA
Nursing Assistant
I was born and raised in Tucson Arizona, and I have been a Certified Nursing Assistant for 4 years. I have a passion for supporting my patients and their families even when things get hard. I believe in providing quality, compassionate care to my patients and supporting them to maintain their dignity. I strive to create a warm and safe environment where patients can feel valued and respected.
Outside of work, I love spending time with my dogs & cats. Animals have always had a special place in my heart. I also enjoy getting to know and spend time with my patients’ animals, I believe that pets can bring so much comfort, companionship, and joy during these difficult times.
Mary Marsh RN,MSN
It is my pleasure to live & practice in Tucson for 14 years. I attended WA State University, earning a Bachelors & Masters degree in Nursing. I have 30+ years of nursing experience, working in most medical specialty areas. It was clear early on that I prefer to work with and care for persons & families facing life challenging illness and those nearing end of life care. The professionals at Hospice In The Desert are the finest I’ve worked with, and I’m proud to be part of this quality team. I look forward to meeting and getting to know you & your family.
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.
Grace Carter, CNA/HHA
Office Manager
Born & Raised in Tucson AZ, I am a proud team member of Hospice in the Desert. As office manager, I oversee all patient care behind the scenes and maintain our physical office. I am also a Certified Nursing Assistant, and I have a passion for providing patient care and assisting individuals with tasks they may no longer be able to complete on their own. I am currently a Nursing student on my way to a Bachelor’s in Science of Nursing.
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, MSW
Hospice Social Worker
After earning my Bachelor of Social Work from Northern Arizona University, I went on to receive my Master of Social Work in 2025. Since then, I have been working as a Hospice Social Worker, where I am deeply passionate about supporting individuals and their families through the end of their life with compassion and dignity. Born and raised in Tucson, I am especially committed to serving my local community and making a meaningful impact. It is an honor to be part of Hospice in the Desert, where personalized care truly sets the standard.
Lukas Panousos
Volunteer Coordinator
I am new to the healthcare industry, but I am excited to learn and grow with the company. My role at Hospice in the Desert is to provide patients and their families with extra support through volunteers who can provide companionship, comforting presence, respite, and more. I am very grateful to be a part of the Hospice in the Desert team.
