Hospice appoints former Arc director to be new leader

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 January 2017 at 3:06 pm
Kellie Spychalski

Kellie Spychalski

ALBION – The former leader of the Arc of Orleans County has been picked to be the new leader of Hospice of Orleans. Kellie Spychalski will lead Hospice following the retirement of Mary Anne Fischer, who worked with Hospice since 1992, leading the organization since its infancy in Orleans County.

Spychalski was director of the Arc of Orleans before taking the director’s job for the Arc’s counterpart in Niagara County, Opportunities Unlimited. She worked 21 years for the Arc of Orleans, including two years as executive director.

The Hospice position gives Spychalski the chance to work much closer to her home in Holley.

Hospice announced Spychalski’s hiring today.

“I am honored and excited to have been selected to serve as the CEO for the Hospice of Orleans County,” Spychalski said in a statement. “I wholeheartedly believe that people should be empowered to make their own health care decisions including end of life care. Hospice of Orleans is a wonderful organization which provides outstanding care and support to people faced with life-limiting illness and their loved ones.

“My family and several of our close friends have seen first-hand the impact that Hospice has on families during some of the most challenging times in their lives. I look forward to working with the Board of Directors, staff, donors, community partners and the many caring and dedicated volunteers who make Hospice such a great organization and true asset to our community.”

The Hospice Board of Directors selected Spychalski after review of her education and experience which includes a MS in Health Care Administration, BS in Organizational Management from Roberts Wesleyan College, an AAS in Human Services from GCC, as well as a 30-year career in the field of human services in roles ranging from direct hands-on care to Corporate Compliance to Executive Director, most recently working with The Arc of Orleans County and Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara.

Spychalski also serves in the community through the Holley Board of Education in Holley as well as Orleans Community Health board of directors.

She lives in Holley with her husband Ron and is mother to 2 grown sons.

“I am excited about working together to continue to meet the needs of Orleans County residents and expand services and opportunities which enhance people’s quality of life,” she said. “Together we will build on the many successes Hospice has experienced over the past 25 years.”

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