Midland Moment Podcast

In this episode of the Midland Moment Podcast, Lamar Leon, Associate Vice President of Human Resources at Midland Care, shares his unique career path from criminal justice into healthcare leadership. He shares insights on the organization’s continued growth, evolving HR strategies, and how Midland Care is prioritizing employee experience to support a thriving, high-performing workforce during rapid expansion.

In this episode of the Midland Moment podcast, host Jeremy Wiltz interviews Vanessa Trobough, the PACE Center Administrator for Kansas City. They discuss Vanessa's journey in home health, the unique PACE model focused on participant-centered care, and Midland Care's growth. Vanessa shares her experiences and insights on the importance of community support and the PACE program's positive impact on families.

In this episode of the Midland Moment podcast, host Jeremy Wiltz sits down with Erick Young, Director of Operations at Midland Care. Erick reflects on his path from the trades to leadership, sharing how Midland Care has grown and the meaningful impact it continues to have across the community. He discusses the importance of teamwork, the values that drive his work, and what motivates him to serve. Erick also highlights his commitment beyond Midland Care, including mentoring youth through sports and his passion for investing in the next generation.

In this episode of Midland Moment, Rachel Mitchell, RN, and Center Administrator for Midland Care PACE in Emporia, talks about her journey from LPN to RN and healthcare leader. Rachel reflects on her rapid growth within Midland Care, her passion for collaborative, team-based care, and the pride she takes in making a daily impact on participants’ lives. 

In this episode of the Midland Moment Podcast, we sit down with Jessica Abitz, Midland Care’s Home Health Director, whose leadership blends clinical expertise, compassion, and a deep commitment to connection. With nearly two decades in nursing—from Medical-Surgical to Labor & Delivery—Jessica shares how her diverse experience shaped her path to home health and why serving patients where they’re most comfortable feels like a natural calling.

In this episode of the Midland Moment Podcast, we sit down with Brady Sorensen, Center Administrator for Topeka PACE, to learn more about his leadership journey and the vital role he plays in supporting participants, families, and staff at Midland Care. Brady shares insights into what drives his passion for serving others, how the PACE program makes a difference in the Topeka community, and the values that guide his work every day. 

Layla Sullivan, Director of the Hospice House at Midland Care, oversees both the Hospice House and Residential Center on the Midland campus. After a few unfulfilling years in the corporate world and with a young family at home, Layla made the bold decision to return to school and earn her nursing degree. She spent several years working in subacute rehabilitation and long-term care before joining Midland in 2022, drawn by an organization whose mission and values truly aligned with her own. 

In this episode, Patrick Mitchell, Director of Marketing for Midland Care and VNA, discusses his career journey, his passion for the organization, and how his wife, Lisa, inspired him to join Midland Care three years ago. Patrick, a Washburn University graduate, oversees three marketing teams promoting home health, hospice, and PACE services in Topeka, Lawrence, and Kansas City.

In this episode of the Midland Moment Podcast, Lea Chaffee shares her journey of serving older adults, a passion that began in high school when she delivered Meals on Wheels in her small town. Now Vice President and Executive Director of the Midland Care PACE Program, Lea reflects on her more than 20 years of experience in aging services and her dedication to making a difference in the lives of older adults through compassionate care. 

 In Episode 12 of the Midland Moment Podcast, Sarah Whitenack, Director of Community Care Hospice in McPherson, Kansas, shares insights about her organization. Founded by Progressive Health Alliance and serving 13 member communities across Central Kansas, Community Care Hospice provides hospice care across six counties, enhancing the quality of life for patients in the region. Midland Care partners with Community Care Hospice by providing essential "back office" support, including billing, strategic leadership, and communications and marketing services. 

Amy McNelly is a financial planning analyst for Midland Care/VNA/Community Care Hospice, where she plays a crucial role in supporting the organization's mission through financial insight and strategic planning. 

Amanda Hawkins is the Director of Community Aide Services at Midland Care and has been with the organization for 13 years, serving in various roles. She recently graduated from the LeadingAge Kansas Center for Leadership, a competitive year-long program focused on developing authentic leadership, advocacy, and driving change. 

Mike Eichten has served as the Board Chair for Midland Care for the past six years and has been a licensed insurance agent in the state of Kansas since 1980. He is also a musician and songwriter and a longtime advocate for living your best life. Mike's lifelong mission is to serve his family, friends, and community. 

John White, a United States Navy Veteran, is the Center Administrator for Midland Care PACE in Lawrence, Kansas. In this role, he coordinates the PACE services available to participants and oversees the center's daily operations, collaborating closely with the Medical, Transportation, and Interdisciplinary teams. Known for his optimism, tireless work ethic, and genuine kindness, John is a highly respected figure in the community. 

Megan Callahan is the weekend on-call care team coordinator at Midland Care, where she has worked for four and a half years in various roles. She is active on social media, discussing Midland Care's important role in our community. In this episode, we talk with her about how her personal and professional experiences have significantly shaped who she is today.

Beth Priddy is a dedicated healthcare professional with a wealth of experience and a passion for making a positive impact. From nursing roles to QAPI RN, her journey at Midland Care showcases her commitment to quality care and community service.

Marcus Clark, a Detroit native and avid Lions fan, works as a grief and loss counselor for Midland. As a third-generation minister, Clark finds fulfillment in serving the community and helping individuals. This episode underscores the significance of compassionate care.

Cheryl McIntosh, the Therapy Coordinator for Midland Care PACE, sat down with us to talk about PACE, physical therapy, and more. This ten-minute interview is a great way to learn more about what PACE is and what it means to its participants, as well as Midland Care.

Interview with Midland Care Director of Clinical Services, Jenny Beaver, about her journey that led to a career in nursing, and the home health and hospice field at Midland.

An interview with Susan Spielman, the Care Access Line (CAL) Coordinator at Midland Care, about why she chose to work for Midland and what about the Midland Care vision keeps her invested in the company.

An interview with Dr. Greg Nelson, a Palliative and Hospice doctor at Midland Care, about his journey to Midland and hospice care.