Our Team
John Knecht, M.D.
Hospice Medical Director
Dr John Knecht is a Palliative Certified Hospice Medical Director at Allegiance Hospice. His commitment lies in upholding the highest standards of medical care for patients navigating their end-of-life journey. With a focus on compassionate, patient-centered palliative care, he leads the medical team in delivering personalized treatments that honor the dignity and preferences of each individual and their families. His approach integrates evidence-based medicine with a holistic understanding of patient needs, ensuring a balanced emphasis on physical comfort, emotional support, and spiritual well-being. By fostering a collaborative and supportive environment among our healthcare professionals, he strives to advance our mission of providing exceptional care and support, making a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve at Allegiance Hospice.
Ranjish Pillai
Executive Director
As the Executive Director of Allegiance Hospice, he is deeply committed to leading with compassion, integrity, and excellence in the field of hospice care. With a background in multiple avenues of Healthcare he is focused on providing high-quality care, he strives to ensure that every patient and their family receives support, dignity, and respect in their journey. He believes in leadership driven by a passion for innovation in care delivery, a dedication to staff development, and a steadfast belief in the importance of community engagement. He is proud to lead the Allegiance Hospice team, continue to set standards in compassionate end-of-life care, making a profound difference in Hospice Industry.
Jacquelyn Stewart, R.N.
Director of Clinical Services
Jacquelyn Stewart is the Director of Clinical Services at Allegiance Hospice. She has an extensive background in the Hospice & Long Term Care industry. She is dedicated to ensure the highest standards of palliative care through evidence-based practices and a compassionate, patient-centered approach. Her mission is to lead the clinical team with a focus on excellence, empathy, and continuous improvement, ensuring that every individual in our care receives personalized support tailored to their needs and preferences. With a strong commitment to professional development and interdisciplinary collaboration, she is aimed to foster an environment where innovation in care delivery is embraced, and the well-being of patients and their families is prioritized above all. At Allegiance Hospice, we are committed to making every moment count for those we serve, guided by our core values of dignity, respect, and quality of life.
Michael Ferraro, M.B.A.
Director of Sales & Business Development
Michael Ferraro is the Director of Business Development at Allegiance Hospice. His primary goal is to strategically expand our reach and impact within the community, ensuring that every individual in need has access to compassionate and quality end-of-life care. He leverages his expertise in market analysis, partnership building, and healthcare trends to drive growth and sustainability for our hospice services. His approach is grounded in a deep understanding of the unique needs of patients and their families, fostering collaborations that enhance our service offerings and improve patient care. Through innovative strategies and a commitment to our hospice’s mission, I am dedicated to not only growing our presence but also enhancing the quality and accessibility of palliative care in our community.
A Team Approach to Comfort and Support
At Allegiance Hospice, we believe that every individual facing end-of-life deserves compassionate care that addresses their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. Our interdisciplinary team is dedicated to providing holistic support to patients and their families, ensuring comfort, dignity, and peace during this sensitive time. Here’s a closer look at the various disciplines involved in our comprehensive approach to hospice care:
- Medical Director and Physicians:
- Our medical director and team of physicians oversee the patient’s medical care, providing expertise in pain and symptom management.
- They collaborate with the patient’s primary care physician and specialists to ensure continuity of care and address any medical concerns.
- Nurse Practitioners:
- Our Nurse Practitioners conduct assessments and face-to-face visits to ensure the continued eligibility for hospice.
- They collaborate with the patient’s primary care physician and hospice care team to address any medical concerns.
- Registered Nurses (RNs) and Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVNs):
- Our skilled registered nurses are the backbone of our hospice care team. They provide expert medical care, including administering medications, managing symptoms, and assessing the patient’s condition.
- RNs also offer education and support to patients and families, guiding them through the hospice process with compassion and empathy.
- Our skilled licensed vocational nurses assist the nurse case managers in ensuring that the care is delivered. They provide assistance with wound care, follow-up visits, medication education, and providing education about hospice philosophy and end-of-life care.
- Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs):
- Certified nursing assistants provide hands-on assistance with personal care tasks, such as bathing, grooming, toileting, and transferring.
- They play a crucial role in ensuring the patient’s comfort and dignity, helping them maintain their independence to the greatest extent possible.
- Social Workers:
- Our compassionate social workers offer emotional support and practical assistance to patients and families.
- They provide counseling, resources, and assistance with advance care planning, helping families navigate the complex emotions and decisions that arise during end-of-life care.
- Chaplains or Spiritual Counselors:
- Our chaplains or spiritual counselors provide spiritual care and support to patients and families of all faith backgrounds.
- They offer comfort, guidance, and religious or spiritual rituals according to the patient’s beliefs, promoting peace and spiritual well-being.
- Bereavement Counselors:
- Our bereavement counselors provide support to families before and after the patient’s passing, helping them navigate the grieving process.
- They offer individual counseling, support groups, and resources to cope with loss and honor the memory of their loved one.
- Volunteers:
- Our dedicated volunteers offer companionship, respite care, and practical assistance to patients and families.
- They provide a listening ear, run errands, read to patients, and offer comfort through their presence, enhancing the quality of life for those in hospice care.
Our Contracted Services
At Allegiance Hospice, we understand that providing exceptional end-of-life care requires a collaborative approach that extends beyond our core team. That’s why we partner with trusted service providers to ensure that our patients receive comprehensive, holistic care that meets their unique needs. Here’s a closer look at the contracted services involved in the care we provide:
Pharmacy Services:
- We work with reputable pharmacies to ensure timely access to medications prescribed for pain management, symptom control, and comfort.
- Our pharmacy partners provide specialized expertise in hospice medications and work closely with our clinical team to coordinate deliveries and address any medication-related concerns.
Medical Equipment and Supplies:
- We partner with durable medical equipment (DME) suppliers to provide essential equipment and supplies that enhance the comfort and safety of our patients.
- From hospital beds and wheelchairs to oxygen tanks and wound care supplies, our DME partners ensure that patients have access to the equipment they need to remain comfortable at home.
Therapy Services:
- We collaborate with licensed therapy providers to offer physical, occupational, and speech therapy services to our patients.
- Therapy services help improve mobility, strength, function, speech, and swallowing, enhancing quality of life and promoting independence for patients receiving hospice care.
Nutrition and Dietary Support:
- Our contracted nutritionists and dietitians provide expert guidance on dietary needs and nutrition for patients with specific health conditions or dietary restrictions.
- They work closely with our clinical team to develop personalized nutrition plans that support overall well-being and symptom management.
Hospice House Facilities:
- For patients who require more intensive care or symptom management, we have partnerships with hospice house facilities.
- These facilities offer a peaceful and supportive environment where patients can receive round-the-clock care from experienced hospice staff, surrounded by their loved ones.
Transportation Services:
- We partner with transportation companies to offer non-emergency medical transportation for patients who require assistance getting to medical appointments or hospice-related visits.
- These transportation services ensure that patients can access the care they need, whether it’s at home, in a hospice facility, or at a medical facility.
A Unified Network of Support:
At Allegiance Hospice, our contracted services are an integral part of our commitment to providing comprehensive, compassionate care to our patients and their families. By partnering with trusted providers, we ensure that every aspect of our patients’ care is coordinated, seamless, and tailored to their individual needs. Together, we strive to create a supportive and comforting environment where patients can live their final days with dignity, peace, and comfort.
